OnePlus Nord Buds 2: Deliver Impressive Noise Cancellation

OnePlus introduced its global launch of the Nord Buds 2 in April, retailing at an affordable $59. Our team had the opportunity to test the gray model for two weeks, and here's our comprehensive review of these new earbuds.

The Nord Buds 2, though priced $20 higher than their predecessors, still manage to be one of the most budget-friendly options in the market. They boast impressive audio quality and an efficient active noise cancellation (ANC) feature. These sleek earbuds are available in both gray and white versions and are equipped with four microphones, a 12.4mm dynamic titanium driver, IP55 water and dust resistance, and an impressive 36-hour battery life.

Design and Comfort:

The Nord Buds 2 sport a stylish appearance with sustainably sourced materials, making them especially appealing to a younger audience. The smooth design is complemented with speckled accents, although they might be mistaken for dust at first glance. The earbuds and the compact, oval-shaped charging case are made of plastic but feel sturdy. They come with three sizes of silicon tips, and despite slightly chubby stems, they fit comfortably in the ears. The IP55 rating ensures resistance to light sweat and rain, making them ideal for use during workouts or outdoor activities. Throughout our two-week trial, the earbuds remained secure during walks and jogs.

Audio Quality and ANC:

Considering their price, the Nord Buds 2 deliver relatively crisp sound quality with clear vocals, soothing treble, and satisfying deep bass. The 12.4mm drivers with titanium coating allow users to enjoy the music without needing to crank up the volume excessively.

Remarkably, the Nord Buds 2 are the first among the Nord product line to offer up to 25dB2 of active noise cancellation. This feature is typically found in more expensive wireless earbuds, making it a significant advantage for these earbuds. The ANC effectively muffles consistent low-frequency sounds and also manages to block some high-pitched frequencies, although not entirely.

However, one surprising drawback is the absence of in-ear detection, meaning the earbuds cannot automatically detect if they are worn or removed.

Battery Life and Controls:

The Nord Buds 2 are powered by a 480mAh battery, providing up to seven hours of usage on a single charge. When combined with the charging case, the total usage extends to 36 hours. However, using ANC reduces the battery life to five hours for the earbuds and 27 hours with the charging case. Fast-charging support allows the earbuds to gain an extra five hours of battery life with just a 10-minute charge. Based on our tests, they can easily support a daily two-hour commute and only require charging once a week.

The built-in controls offer convenience for quick adjustments:

• One tap: Play or pause music
• Double tap: Skip forward
• Triple tap: Skip backward
• Press and hold: Turn noise-canceling on or off

Regrettably, there is no tap control for volume adjustment, and accidental triggers of commands can happen, especially while adjusting the earbuds in the ears. Moreover, switching between devices requires manual reconnection, which adds a level of inconvenience.

Overall, the OnePlus Nord Buds 2 deliver remarkable value at the $59 price point. With their solid audio performance and functional noise cancellation, they are an excellent choice for budget-conscious consumers. However, it's essential to note their lack of in-ear detection and seamless connectivity.

Pros:

• Stylish design
• Lightweight and comfortable fit
• Dust and water resistance
• Impressive audio performance with convincing bass
• Effective noise cancellation for the price
• Long-lasting battery with fast-charging support

Cons:

• Speckled design may appear dusty
• No in-ear detection
• Connectivity issues