• OnePlus’ Bullets Wireless Z2 are the successor to the OnePlus Bullets Wireless, the brand’s first Bluetooth neckband-style wireless headphones. 
• The Z2 is IP-55 certified for splash and dust resistance. 
• OnePlus has enhanced the sound (over its predecessor) with 12.4 mm dynamic drivers, we found a perceptible improvement in sound quality in our tests
• It offers 30 hours of battery life. The convenient fast charging feature takes it from 0 to 70% in 10 minutes giving you 20 hours of playback. 

At a time when TWS Bluetooth earbuds have become ubiquitous, it’s quite unusual to see a high-profile launch for neckband-style wireless headphones. The Bullets Wireless Z2 were launched alongside the OnePlus 10 Pro. You might think that this form factor is irrelevant but OnePlus clearly has enough evidence to the contrary. For one, a neckband is favoured by many sporty users who find these more convenient for a run without the fear of a bud popping out of their ear. They’re also ready for the rough and tumble. 

Familiar design

There’s not a lot you can do to radically overhaul the design language of neckband-style headphones. OnePlus has altered the shape of the earbuds slightly. The brand calls it an ‘ergonomically curved design’ perfect for all-day wear. OnePlus also claims that these buds have been crafted with an updated skin-friendly silicone material. The buds do feel light and comfortable to wear. I didn’t have them on for more than two hours at a stretch though. We checked out the Magico Black colour variant but it’s the cool Beam Blue colour way that has our attention.

Bang for your buck

Customers at this price point seek value for money, convenience and a dependable battery. The Bullets Wireless Z2 score on all these counts. OnePlus has kitted these buds with 12.4mm drivers. It adds some serious thump to these headphones. They’re designed to please users who like the extra bass, extra treble, extra everything. I found these headphones responded better to EDM or Lounge tracks from my playlist from artistes like Joris Voorn. Any sound verdict on these headphones has to keep the affordable price tag in perspective. 

Bottomline

Audiophiles can pick holes in the sound quality but these headphones are not aimed at someone who’s likely to be sipping a single malt in his den and clinging to the sound quality of every note. They pair in a flash with OnePlus phones. I tried the OnePlus Fast Pairing option on the OnePlus 10 Pro and it works as seamlessly as AirPods hooking up with an iPhone. These buds charge ridiculously fast – 0 to 70% in 10 minutes. I was unable to validate OnePlus’ 30-hour battery life claim during the one week I tested these headphones but the fast charging will more than make up for any shortfall. The OnePlus Bullets Wireless Z2 make a strong case for affordable neckband-style wireless headphones.

The OnePlus Bullets Wireless Z2 wireless headphones are available  in Magico Black and Beam Blue and costs Rs 1,999.