The OnePlus Nord Buds 2R enter the crowded true wireless earbud market with a focus on affordability and powerful bass. But do they deliver on both fronts, or are they just another pair of “me-too” earbuds? Let’s dive in and see.
Sound:
The Nord Buds 2R boast 12.4mm drivers, the largest in their price range. This translates to impressive bass that’s deep and punchy, ideal for bass-heavy genres like hip-hop and EDM. However, some might find the bass overwhelming, especially for other genres. The mids and highs are decent but not exceptional, lacking the crispness and detail found in pricier options.
OnePlus’ BassWave algorithm attempts to balance the sound, but its effectiveness is debatable. The companion app, HeyMelody, offers additional EQ presets, but they don’t offer a dramatic improvement. Overall, the sound quality is good for the price, but audiophiles might be left wanting more.
Design and Comfort:
The Nord Buds 2R sport a sleek and minimalist design with a comfortable fit. They’re lightweight and sit securely in the ears, making them suitable for extended listening sessions. The included ear tips provide a good seal, which helps with passive noise isolation. However, they lack active noise cancellation (ANC), which is a major drawback compared to some competitors.
The charging case is compact and pocketable, with a smooth, pebble-like design. It supports USB-C charging and offers up to 38 hours of total playtime, which is impressive for the price. However, some users might find the case a bit bulky compared to other options.
Features and Functionality:
The Nord Buds 2R offer basic features like touch controls for playback, volume, and call management. They also have an IPX55 water resistance rating, making them sweat and splash-proof. However, they lack advanced features like multipoint connectivity and in-ear detection, which are becoming increasingly common even in budget earbuds.
The biggest selling point for OnePlus users might be the seamless integration with OnePlus phones. The buds offer faster pairing, low latency gaming mode, and access to the Sound Master equalizer for further customization. However, this integration doesn’t extend to other Android devices, which might be a dealbreaker for some users.
Verdict:
The OnePlus Nord Buds 2R offer a compelling package for budget-conscious listeners who prioritize bass-heavy sound. Their comfortable fit, long battery life, and IPX55 water resistance are all pluses. However, the lack of ANC, average sound quality beyond bass, and limited features might be dealbreakers for some. Ultimately, whether the Nord Buds 2R are right for you depends on your priorities and budget. If you’re looking for powerful bass on a tight budget, they’re worth considering. But if you value features like ANC, balanced sound, and wider device compatibility, you might want to look elsewhere.
