OnePlus Nord Buds 2 launched in India: five ANC earbuds it will compete with

The newly launched OnePlus Nord Buds 2 wireless earbuds are positioned as the company’s mid-premium offering under the Nord branding. These earbuds come packed with advanced features such as Bluetooth 5.3, Dolby Atmos, active noise cancellation (ANC), and OnePlus Fast Pair, offering up to 36 hours of battery life. While the external design of the earbuds is similar to its predecessor, there are some subtle changes in the form of an improved driver and extra microphones for ANC, making the Nord Buds 2 slightly heavier.

At a price of Rs 2,999, the OnePlus Nord Buds 2 earbuds are priced competitively in the market. In this article, we will take a closer look at the five other wireless earbuds that will be vying for the same market space as the OnePlus Nord Buds 2 in India.

Top 5 OnePlus Nord Buds 2 alternatives

Oppo Enco Air 2 Pro

OPPO is renowned for producing high-quality audio equipment, and their Enco Air 2 Pro earbuds are no exception. These earbuds are designed with durable materials, feature 12.4mm dynamic drivers, a secure fit, Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), and are compatible with the HeyMelody app. They also have an IP rating for added protection against water and dust. In addition to the standard ANC modes, the Enco Air 2 Pro has a Transparency mode that allows users to cycle through modes using the HeyMelody app, available on both Android and iOS operating systems.

The Enco Buds Air 2 Pro offers fast charging, an IP54 rating, a low-latency mode of 94ms, and OTA support via the app, among other features. With the ANC turned on, the battery life of these earbuds is approximately three hours, and the case provides an additional three charges. Without ANC, users can expect a battery life of just over four hours.

Pros

• Large dynamic drivers
• Excellent fit
• Quality ANC experience

Cons

• Not-so-great battery life

OPPO Enco Buds Air 2 Pro price: Rs 3,499

Realme Buds Air 3

Realme’s Buds Air TWS series has gained popularity, and the latest addition to the series, the Air 3s, is included in our list. These earbuds are priced below Rs 4,000 and are equipped with 10mm dynamic drivers, active noise cancellation (ANC), transparency mode, IPX5 water resistance, and other advanced features. The Buds Air 3 (review) also supports customization through various apps, making them more user-friendly. What sets these earbuds apart is the inclusion of a transparency mode alongside the standard ANC mode, which is not commonly found in affordable earbuds. The Buds Air 3’s have a good battery life when noise cancellation is enabled. They can last up to 22 hours without the case and up to 30 hours with the case when noise cancellation is disabled.

Pros

• Clean design
• Good battery life
• Decent sound quality
• Good ANC

Cons

• Capacitive touch controls are iffy
• Case can get scratched quite easily

Realme Buds Air 3 price: Rs 3,999

OnePlus Buds Z2

The OnePlus Buds Z2 (review) is the updated version of the popular Buds Z that helped OnePlus establish itself in the market for affordable TWS earbuds. These earbuds have excellent sound quality, long battery life, and a comfortable fit without a high price tag. They are equipped with 11mm dynamic drivers, bass boost, dynamic stereo, Dolby Atmos, panoramic sound, and other features that enhance the listening experience. With a playback time of 4 hours, the OnePlus Buds Z2 can be charged twice with the case, providing adequate battery life. They also support OnePlus’s fast-charging technology and have an IP55 rating for added durability. The earbuds are available in black and white color options.

Pros

• Comfortable, all-day wear design
• IP55 rated
• Powerful ANC
• Multi-device connectivity

Cons

• No EQ in HeyMelody app
• Bass output not the best
• Highs sound lethargic

OnePlus Buds Z2 price: Rs 4,999

JBL Tune 130NC

The JBL Tune 130NC earbuds are among the top options on our list, offering an exceptional audio experience at a reasonable price. These earbuds come with several advanced features, including active noise cancellation (ANC), Smart Ambient with Ambient Aware, Dual Connect, and Talk Through modes. They also support the JBL app, which allows for a wide range of adjustments and customizations to enhance the 10mm driver’s performance. With a battery life of up to 40 hours, these earbuds can run for 32 hours with ANC turned on. They are also IPX4 certified for water and sweat resistance, making them suitable for a wide range of activities.

Pros

• Excellent audio quality
• Long battery life
• App supports customisations

Cons

JBL Tune 130NC price: Rs 4,499

boAt Airdopes 601 ANC

The boAt Airdopes 601 ANC is a well-known TWS earbuds with Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) from an Indian brand. These earbuds have a stem design similar to the Apple AirPods and also provide the option to customize the experience through an app. The Airdopes 601 ANC offer a range of ANC features, making them a suitable option for many customers. They deliver excellent audio quality, a comfortable fit, and a battery life of over 4 hours. Users can also charge them three more times using the case. Overall, the boAt Airdopes 601 ANC is a good value for money ANC TWS earbuds.

Pros

• App support
• Transparency mode
• Snug Fit

Cons

• Touch controls need refinement

Boat Airdopes 601 ANC price: Rs 4,499