What’s the scoop on the Black Friday offer?
Presently, the OnePlus Nord Buds are available on Amazon at a remarkable discount of 50%, priced at just $30. This marks an all-time low in cost for the company’s budget offering.
Why ZDNET Recommends This Deal:
Having reviewed the OnePlus Nord Buds last year, priced at $39, these earbuds proved to be fantastic, surpassing expectations. Given their performance, my curiosity peaked when OnePlus introduced their successor, the Nord Buds 2.
Despite the increased price at $59, the new earbuds now come equipped with active noise cancellation (ANC) and transparency mode. Additionally, they feature improved audio output, courtesy of the new 12.4mm drivers. In light of these enhancements, the Nord Buds continue to be a highly recommended pair of headphones, especially for budget-conscious consumers. The $59 price tag has prompted contemplation, raising questions about whether spending more on so-called “premium” features has been necessary all along.
To begin with, the Nord Buds 2 come in a more compact charging case this year, although OnePlus assures a commendable 37-hour battery life at maximum capacity. I must confess, when it comes to portability, the cylindrical design of the charging case is not my preferred choice. It’s notably taller than the typical AirPods or Galaxy Buds case, causing a noticeable bulge when placed in most pants and jeans.
However, for at-home listening—arguably the most practical use case with budget-friendly earbuds—the case is something I place on a table and promptly forget once the audio starts playing.
The fit and finish of the Nord Buds 2, I dare say, surpass some of the pricier earbuds I’ve put to the test. Despite being made of plastic, the material imparts a lighter feel when worn, making them well-suited for activities like video conferences, workouts, and casual listening. Additionally, the flat stem on both buds serves as a counterweight to the speakers, ensuring the headphones sit flush against your ears.
In terms of sound quality, the Nord Buds 2 may not outperform a pair of AirPods Pro or Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II—after all, there’s a $200 price gap between those models for a reason. However, the Nord Buds 2 deliver an audio output that surpasses expectations for $59 earbuds.
As is common with lower-end headphones, the Nord Buds prioritize bass, excelling in reproducing low to mid-range frequencies rather than focusing on the clarity and harmony found in the higher audio spectrum. In essence, you’ll be able to hear the vocals and underlying instruments of your favorite songs, but the audio experience may not replicate the sensation of sitting in on a live recording.
This brings me to the final consideration: what defines “premium” in terms of audio features. If you explore product pages from top-tier headphone manufacturers, you’ll often find ANC prominently featured. Although the Nord Buds 2’s ANC may not completely eliminate car honks, it has proven reliable enough to maintain my focus in various situations. There’s something about the hefty price tag of $200 ANC earbuds that just doesn’t seem to add up.