OnePlus Buds Pro 2 is an enticing option for audio lover, While it may not be the most budget-friendly choice with a price tag of $179, it still stands as a more affordable alternative compared to the Sony and Bose 2.
Like the new OnePlus 11 smartphone, you can get the Buds Pro 2 in black or green. These earbuds look similar to the original Buds, with a stem that’s short enough not to stick out much. They come with silicone tips in three sizes, so you can find the best fit. The OnePlus app can analyze your ear shape to help you choose the right tip size.
They are really comfortable to wear, even for several hours. They have a transparency mode that lets you hear conversations without taking them out. Once I found the right tips, they stayed in place securely. They’re also splash-resistant like the previous model, so they can handle a bit of rain without any issues.
OnePlus Buds Pro 2 launching in 2023 support Bluetooth 5.3. Like most premium earbuds, they can connect to two devices at once without any issues. However, I noticed something strange when I connected them to my OnePlus 11 before its official launch. Even when I put the buds back in their case, they stayed connected to the phone. This might be a bug that needs fixing, but I haven’t had any problems connecting them to other smartphones.
Hey Melody App
If you’re using a OnePlus smartphone, all the earbud controls are conveniently in the Bluetooth menu. But if you have a different phone, you’ll need to download the Hey Melody app from the Google Play Store.
You can quickly check your earbuds’ battery life (unfortunately, not for the case), adjust noise cancellation modes, and use the EQ for fine-tuning sound. There are also extra features like Golden Sound, Zen Mode Air and Game Mode which is supposed to improve audio and video synchronization. However, I didn’t notice much difference with Game Mode enabled, as synchronization was already good. You can also connect the earbuds to two devices at once with the dual connection feature. Plus, there’s an earbud fit test to ensure they’re comfortable and secure.
you can’t actually customize the touch controls on the OnePlus Buds Pro 2, but fortunately, they work exceptionally well regardless. A quick squeeze on either stem will pause or play your music. A double squeeze allows you to skip forward to the next track, while a triple squeeze takes you back to the previous track. These functions work identically on both the left and right earbuds. Additionally, a long squeeze enables you to swiftly switch between noise cancellation modes and the transparency mode.
Unlike the original OnePlus Buds Pro, I didn’t encounter any issues with the touch controls on this model. I didn’t accidentally activate the controls while simply adjusting the earbuds or performing other actions. My only real complaint is the absence of volume controls, which could have been implemented through touch-sensitive stems, for example.
Audio and NC Quality
The audio quality is excellent, these small earbuds have an 11mm woofer and a 6mm tweeter, giving you a balanced sound. They support common codecs like SBC, AAC, aptX, and LHDC (if your device supports it). Plus, with the Golden Sound feature in the Hey Melody app, you can customize your sound. This feature plays different pitches and you adjust a slider until the noise disappears, then you’ll have your personalized audio profile.
If you have a Snapdragon HN2 smartphone with the latest Snapdragon Sound technology, you’ll also get spatial audio support. And it’s works well with supported content on platforms like YouTube and Disney Plus. The audio moves around as you move your head, giving you a sense of space. Personally, I might not use this feature often but it’s there if you want to try it.
The OnePlus Buds Pro 2 offers 48-decibel noise cancellation, with Smart ENC mode adjusting to noise levels. It also offers personalized ANC, which tailors noise cancellation to the user’s ears. While not as effective as Sony or Bose earbuds, they were effective on noisy tube trains, reducing unpleasant sounds and improving listening experience. The Zen Mode Air feature, a key feature of the original OnePlus Buds Pro, allows users to calm down by pressing and holding one of the earbuds’ stems for four or five seconds. The Summer Seashore sound is particularly enjoyable, but avoid Nighttime Camping if you’ve watched horror movies set in creepy forests.
OnePlus Buds Pro 2 mics are effective for taking calls in noisy environments even in traffic. Despite the occasional uncleared voice due to traffic noise, the earbuds effectively reduce background noise, ensuring clear communication. The microphone performance remains consistent, with some slight improvements.
Battery Life
The OnePlus Buds Pro 2 offers six to seven hours of continuous streaming with noise cancellation on, providing an extra hour or two of use. The compact case, slim and easy to carry, charges the earbuds quickly and can be recharged multiple times. It has a USB-C port for wired charging and supports wireless charging with a Qi-standard wireless pad.
Conclusion
OnePlus Buds Pro 2 provides a solid package and good value although not significantly different from their predecessor. For dependable quality, consider alternatives like the Soundcore Liberty series.
While the OnePlus Buds Pro 2 may not introduce groundbreaking features, provides a solid overall package with good value for money.
