OnePlus Buds Z2 Review: Affordable ANC Earbuds with Great Battery Life and Solid Performance
Technical Details
| Model Name | OnePlus Buds Z2 |
|---|---|
| Connectivity Technology | Bluetooth 5.2 |
| Special Feature | 11mm Bass-tuned Dynamic Drivers, 38 Hours of Battery, Flash Charge for 10 minutes, listen for 5 hours, Active Noise Cancellation with Transparency Mode |
| Included Components | User Manual, 1U Warranty & Safety Card, Type-C charging cable, Wireless Charging Case, Eartip |
| Item Weight | 4 Grams |
| Battery Life | 7 Hours |
| Carrying Case Battery Average Life | 38 Hours |
| Product Dimensions | 7.3 x 3.7 x 2.9 cm; 4 g |
| Maximum Operating Distance | 10 Metres |
The OnePlus Buds Z2 are a budget-friendly pair of truly wireless earbuds that deliver solid performance, particularly in the areas of active noise cancellation (ANC) and battery life. Available in a sleek Matte Black finish, these earbuds are designed to offer a balanced mix of quality sound, comfortable fit, and essential features. Here’s a closer look at what makes the OnePlus Buds Z2 a strong contender in the affordable TWS market.
Design and Comfort
The OnePlus Buds Z2 feature an in-ear design that fits snugly and comfortably, making them ideal for everyday use, whether you’re commuting, working out, or just relaxing at home. The matte black finish gives them a premium look, while the smooth, curved design ensures they are easy to carry around, even in tight jeans pockets. The earbuds are stable and stay in place during various activities, making them reliable for both casual and active use.
Sound Quality
Powered by 11mm dynamic drivers, the OnePlus Buds Z2 deliver high-quality sound with bold bass and crisp treble. While the default sound profile is bass-heavy, which may not suit audiophiles looking for a more neutral sound, the earbuds still provide a satisfying audio experience for most users. The Dolby Atmos support and spatial audio add to the immersive experience, making these earbuds a great choice for those who enjoy powerful, bass-driven music.
Active Noise Cancellation
One of the standout features of the OnePlus Buds Z2 is its Active Noise Cancellation. With up to 40 dB noise cancelling capability, the earbuds offer two modes—Faint and Extreme—that can be manually adjusted via the OnePlus mobile app or the HeyMelody app. The ANC performance is impressive for earbuds in this price range, effectively reducing ambient noises like air conditioners, fans, and traffic. Although it may not match the noise cancellation of premium models like the Sony XM4, it is more than adequate for everyday use, especially considering the price point.
Call Quality
The 3-MIC ENC Call Noise Reduction system is designed to improve call quality by reducing wind noise and sharpening voice pickup. While the microphone quality is decent and suitable for calls, it may not be exceptional, but it gets the job done for most casual conversations.
Battery Life
Battery life is another area where the OnePlus Buds Z2 excel. The earbuds offer up to 38 hours of total playtime with the case, and a quick 10-minute flash charge provides up to 5 hours of playback. This long battery life, combined with fast charging, makes the Buds Z2 a reliable option for users who need their earbuds to last through long days without frequent charging.
Ease of Use and Connectivity
Setting up the OnePlus Buds Z2 is a breeze, especially with Google Fast Pair support, which makes connecting to Android devices quick and seamless. The earbuds also have a low-latency **Pro Gaming mode with a latency of just 94ms, making them a good choice for mobile gamers. However, there are a few drawbacks, such as the lack of multi-device connection and the absence of volume controls on the earbuds themselves, which means you’ll need to use your phone or a voice assistant to adjust the volume
Pros:
– Comfortable Fit: Snug and stable fit suitable for various activities.
– Solid ANC: Effective noise cancellation with two adjustable modes.
– Great Battery Life: Up to 38 hours of total playtime with quick charging.
– Good Sound Quality: Powerful bass with support for Dolby Atmos and spatial audio.
– Easy Setup: Quick and easy pairing with Google Fast Pair.
Cons:
– No Volume Controls on Earbuds: Requires using your phone or voice assistant to adjust volume.
– Price: Feels slightly overpriced at ₹5000; better value if purchased under ₹4500.
– No Multi-Device Connection: Limited to single-device connectivity.
– Default Sound Profile: Bass-heavy, which may not appeal to all users.
Final Verdict
The OnePlus Buds Z2 offer an impressive package of features for their price, especially when it comes to sound quality, noise cancellation, and battery life. While there are a few minor drawbacks, such as the lack of on-ear volume controls and multi-device connectivity, these earbuds are a great choice for anyone looking for affordable, high-performance wireless earbuds. If you can snag them for under ₹4500, they are definitely worth considering for everyday use.
