There has been a significant rise in the popularity of TWS earbuds these days. Brands are experimenting with new designs and styles to make them look cooler than ever before, along with the addition of new features. However, we can’t overlook the enduring popularity of neckbands, which have always been the preferred alternative for those who aren’t keen on using TWS earbuds.
Neckbands comfortably sit around the neck and, most importantly, they don’t accidentally fall out like TWS earbuds sometimes do. The OnePlus Bullets Wireless Z2 ANC is no exception, boasting a comfortable design, Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), and seamless connectivity. Join us as we take a closer look at what sets this neckband apart.
In this detailed review, I will take you through the exclusive India release of the OnePlus Bullets Wireless Z2 ANC, priced at just INR 2299. This neckband is available in two attractive color options: Boomin Black and Grand Green. OnePlus, a renowned name in the audio industry, has consistently delivered impressive products known for their design and features.
Design
The OnePlus Bullets Wireless Z2 ANC features a basic design, akin to what we commonly see in neckbands. It is constructed with a flexible rubberized texture, making it comfortable to wear around the neck.
I appreciate its build quality, which allows it to withstand mild stretching and strain. As for the left stalk, it houses the controls for volume, playback, and ANC functionality. The plus and minus signs are used to increase and decrease the volume respectively. The middle button, when pressed once, handles play/pause, and when pressed twice or thrice, it skips tracks back and forth.
When the middle button is pressed for a longer duration, it allows you to switch between ANC and non-ANC modes. Additionally, there is a multi-functional button that, when pressed and held, activates pairing mode. When pressed twice, it instantly switches to the previously connected device.
The buttons operate smoothly and provide a satisfying tactile feedback when pressed. This neckband automatically powers off as soon as the earbuds are magnetically attached, eliminating the need to locate a button to turn it off. The magnetic earbuds also ensure that they stay securely in place around your neck. The neckband comes with an IP55 rating, providing protection against accidental splashes and dust.
No strain and comfortable wearing
The earbuds are lightweight and feature a distinctive design that fits comfortably in the ear, causing no strain even after extended periods of use. You won’t need to press them into the ear canal for a secure fit; their design ensures they fit naturally.
I want to emphasize this because it has been the most frustrating aspect of using earbuds and neckbands—when they don’t fit properly or cause discomfort after prolonged use. However, with the OnePlus Bullets Wireless Z2 ANC, I didn’t encounter any such issues.
Features
As soon as you separate the earbuds, they automatically connect to the previously paired device. If you have downloaded the HeyMelody software, it will enhance your experience with various features. Through this app, you can easily enable Noise Cancellation and Transparency mode. It also provides four preset profiles: balanced, bold, Serenade, and Bass. You can save and customize the EQ based on your preferences.
This app also includes a tutorial that guides users through the functionality of the neckband. Additionally, if you ever have trouble locating it in a room, you can simply use the “find my earbuds” function, making it easy to locate even in a cluttered space.
If you are a OnePlus user, there’s no need to download this software as you can easily operate these functions directly from the settings.
Performance
The OnePlus Bullets Wireless Z2 ANC is equipped with 12.4 mm titanium-coated drivers that deliver high-quality sound. It supports SBC and AAC codecs over a Bluetooth 5.2 connection. Now, when it comes to performance, it works exceptionally well in the preset Balanced profile.
As someone who enjoys listening to podcasts and stories that require earbuds to deliver each word and sentence with clarity and bass, I can confidently say that it performs impressively. It provides precise articulation of sound and frequency.
Its impressive and aggressive bass can make you feel awesome at times, although it may leave you wishing for even better. When it comes to songs with intense beats, the bass truly shines, but when it comes to vocals and melodies, it can sometimes overpower the more subtle tunes and voices. I wouldn’t say you can’t adjust it with the Equalizer, but it’s worth noting that it’s especially enjoyable for those who favor beat-driven tracks. For vocal enthusiasts, customizing the Equalizer to your preferences is a must.
In terms of volume, I found I could easily listen to music at a high volume while still keeping it at about half of its maximum capacity. This means you can enjoy loud music, although it’s advisable not to listen at excessively high volumes for extended periods. I noticed a significant reduction in ambient noise when ANC was enabled compared to when it was off, highlighting the effectiveness of its ANC feature. The call quality is also decent.
As for its battery, it is equipped with a 220 mAh battery that takes no more than 15 minutes to fully charge. With ANC enabled, it provided more than 16 hours of usage, while with ANC disabled, it lasted for over 20 hours – quite impressive.
Conclusion
Overall, it’s lightweight, comfortable, and packed with impressive features, all within an attractive price range. It has a distinctive way of delivering sound with customizable bass, making it ideal for songs with powerful beats. Additionally, it offers a range of features that can be conveniently accessed through an app on the device.
While I’m not a gamer or particularly passionate about gaming, the absence of a low latency mode doesn’t concern me. However, for gaming enthusiasts, it’s important to note that this feature is not available. Additionally, it does not support LDAC or aptX audio codecs.
So I would say it is best for
High-beat music.
Up to 20 hours of battery life.
Active Noise Cancellation feature.
Flexible, durable, and IP55-rated body.
Cons
No latency mode.
Lack of LDAC or aptX codec.
Equalizers need to be customized for vocal music.
So at this price range, I think the Pros make it worth considering whenever it comes to a good, durable neckband.
