OnePlus Nord Buds 2: A Solid Wireless Earbud Option for Everyday Use

OnePlus has recently introduced the Nord Buds 2 in the Nepali market, priced at NPR 6,199. After spending over a week with these true wireless earbuds, here’s a detailed look at their performance across audio quality, battery life, and overall usability.

The Nord Buds 2 sports a familiar flat stem design, similar to its predecessor, available in Thunder Grey and Lighting White. While the design may not appeal to everyone, the earbuds boast a matte-finish charging case that resists fingerprints. Despite being plastic-based, the build feels decent, and the earbuds carry an IP55 rating for dust and splash resistance.

Pairing the earbuds requires the HeyMelody app, available for both Android and iOS devices. A simple press of the pairing button on the back of the case initiates the process. OnePlus phone users benefit from seamless Fast Pair connectivity, though the app remains essential for software updates, EQ adjustments, and customization.

Audio performance stands out with 12.4mm titanium-coated drivers supporting SBC and AAC codecs. The sound profile is well-balanced, with bass that enhances music without overpowering mids and highs. Vocal clarity is strong, and users can further tailor the audio through the HeyMelody app. Active Noise Cancellation effectively reduces ambient noise by up to 25dB, with additional transparency and normal modes available for different listening scenarios.

In gaming mode, latency is reduced, although noticeable delays persist in titles like PUBG, making it suitable for casual gaming rather than competitive play. Call quality is satisfactory in quiet environments thanks to a dual-mic setup, but in noisy settings, using a phone’s microphone may yield better results.

Battery life is among the highlights, offering around 6 to 7 hours of playback at 50% volume without ANC, dropping to roughly 4 hours with noise cancellation enabled. A quick 10-minute charge provides approximately 4 to 5 hours of use, ensuring users won’t face frequent recharging.

Priced at NPR 6,199, the Nord Buds 2 provides strong value with its balanced audio, effective ANC, and excellent battery life. However, it is slightly overpriced compared to its INR 3000 price tag in India (approximately NPR 4800). Additional features such as in-ear detection and Google Fast Pair support would have elevated the experience further.