OnePlus Nord Buds 2 Review: A Budget ANC Earphone That Delivers
OnePlus has built a reputation for delivering value-packed products, and the Nord line especially caters to budget-conscious consumers. While their smartphones offer great features at competitive prices, the recent launch of the OnePlus Nord Buds 2 shows that this philosophy extends to their audio offerings as well. Priced at Rs. 2,999, these earbuds boast significant upgrades over their predecessor, including the much-anticipated addition of active noise cancellation (ANC). But does the Nord Buds 2 deliver on its promise of improved sound quality, battery life, and connectivity? Let’s find out.
Design and Features: A Familiar yet Refined Look
If you’re familiar with OnePlus’ product design, the Nord Buds 2 will feel comfortable and familiar. While not as feature-packed as their more expensive counterparts, like the OnePlus Buds Pro 2, these earbuds still offer a unique and well-considered design.
The 4.7g earbuds feel light and comfortable, providing a secure in-canal fit that ensures a good noise isolating seal. The outer surface of the earbuds has a slightly smoother finish than its predecessor, making it easier to operate the customizable tap controls. The 37.5g charging case boasts a more curved and pocketable design, featuring a USB Type-C port for charging, a pairing button (which can be easily missed), and a front indicator light.
The Nord Buds 2 are available in two colors – white and grey, both sporting a unique spotted pattern on the earbuds and case. While initially appearing like dust or paint splatters, this design element grows on you. The package includes three pairs of silicone ear tips and a USB Type-A to Type-C charging cable.
App and Specifications: A Simple Yet Effective Setup
Unlike some OnePlus and Oppo headsets that integrate settings into the smartphone’s Bluetooth menu, the Nord Buds 2 relies on the HeyMelody app for customizing its features. However, it’s important to note that the Android version of the app is the only one that currently detects and supports the Nord Buds 2; the iOS version doesn’t work.
The app offers a straightforward interface for managing the limited but significant features of the Nord Buds 2:
- ANC and Transparency Mode: Seamless switching between these modes is possible.
- Equalizer Presets: Access to a selection of pre-set audio profiles to fine-tune your listening experience.
- BassWave Mode: Boosts the bass for a more powerful, punchy audio profile.
- Game Mode: Low latency for a more responsive gaming experience.
- Customizable Tap Controls: Personalize how you use the tap controls on either earbud.
- Battery Information: View battery level separately for each earbud and the charging case.
- Firmware Updates: Keep your headset up-to-date with the latest software.
The touch controls are quite comprehensive, offering control over playback, voice assistant activation, and Game mode. You can also cycle between ANC and transparency modes and switch between two paired devices quickly. While multipoint connectivity is missing, the quick-switching feature allows for seamless transitions between devices.
In terms of specifications, the Nord Buds 2 packs in solid features despite its budget-friendly price:
- 12.4mm Dynamic Drivers: Deliver a punchy and detailed sound experience.
- Frequency Response Range: 20-20,000Hz, catering to a wide range of audio frequencies.
- Sensitivity Rating: 111dB, making it a loud and powerful earphone.
- Two Microphones per Earbud: Support for clear voice calls and ANC functionality.
- Bluetooth 5.3: Provides stable, reliable connectivity with support for SBC and AAC codecs.
- OnePlus Fast Pair and Dolby Atmos: Supported on select OnePlus smartphones.
Performance and Battery Life: An Upgrade Worth Experiencing
The OnePlus Nord Buds 2 sets itself apart from previous Nord earphones by making significant leaps in sound quality and battery life. And while previous Nord earbuds haven’t been known for their exceptional audio performance, the Nord Buds 2 offers a notable improvement, particularly with the addition of ANC.
The signature sound of the Nord Buds 2 is reminiscent of its predecessor. It boasts a punchy, aggressive, and bass-heavy sound profile, but this time, it’s accompanied by a decent level of detail. The addition of ANC enhances the overall sound experience, enabling a more refined audio presentation.
Listening to "Anpanman" by BTS, the Nord Buds 2 delivered a powerful audio experience right from the start. The bass hits hard, with reverberations extending impressively far. While this is a familiar characteristic of the original Nord Buds, the significant difference lies in how the mid-range and highs manage to keep pace. The intricate rhythm and synth elements of the track were easily discernable, showcasing a well-balanced sound profile.
Switching to the faster-paced and rhythmic "I Could Be The One" by Avicii, the Nord Buds 2 effortlessly kept up with the track’s dynamic shifts, delivering an immersive and cohesive soundscape, even at high volume levels. This level of detail and clarity is unusual for affordable true wireless headsets. While the bass remains the dominant element, it doesn’t overshadow the rest of the frequency range, allowing you to enjoy the nuances of the music.
The Nord Buds 2 boasts a 111dB sensitivity rating, significantly higher than the average 100dB found in many true wireless earphones. This higher rating translates to a louder listening experience, particularly useful for noisy environments like outdoor or commuting settings. While optimal sound quality is achieved at around 60% volume, the earbuds maintain a surprisingly good performance even at lower and more comfortable levels.
The ANC feature on the Nord Buds 2 is fairly basic and limited in its capabilities, a common limitation with budget audio products. It doesn’t offer significant noise reduction on its own, and the vacuum effect can be misleading. However, it does manage to improve the listening experience, especially at moderate volume levels, making it easier to enjoy music or dialogue in videos.
With no customization options for the ANC, the transparency mode felt a bit unnecessary, as it amplified outside sounds excessively, making it tiresome after a few seconds. For conversational needs, pausing the audio or simply taking off the earbuds proved to be more convenient.
The Nord Buds 2 houses a 41mAh battery in each earbud and a 480mAh battery in the charging case, offering impressive battery life. With ANC enabled and set at between 50-60% volume, the earbuds deliver almost five hours of mixed use. The charging case provides over four full additional charges, totaling 25 hours of battery life per charge cycle, demonstrating a significant improvement over its predecessor.
The fast charging feature is another welcome addition, with a 10-minute charge offering approximately 5 hours of listening time. The call quality is decent indoors and passable for short calls outdoors, while the connectivity remains stable at distances of up to 4 meters.
Verdict: A Budget Champion with Room to Grow
The concept of true wireless earphones with ANC for under Rs. 3,000 is not unheard of, but few brands have successfully delivered on the promise. The OnePlus Nord Buds 2 stands out, offering a well-rounded package at a compelling price point. While the bass-heavy sound signature might not appeal to everyone, particularly those who prefer less aggressive sound profiles, it remains a significant strength, especially for electronic and popular music genres.
While options from brands like Oppo and Realme offer strong contenders in this price range, the OnePlus Nord Buds 2 shines with its completeness and a satisfying listening experience. The lack of app support on iOS is the only notable drawback, but it doesn’t significantly deter the appealing proposition of these earbuds.
The Nord Buds 2 presents a compelling argument for budget-conscious consumers seeking a reliable, feature-rich pair of earbuds. While there is always room for improvement, particularly with the ANC feature, the OnePlus Nord Buds 2 sets a new standard in the budget segment, showcasing the potential to deliver a premium listening experience at an affordable price.
