Category: Earbuds

Sennheiser Accentum True Wireless Earbuds Review

Over All Rating 3.5/5

PROS 👍

  • Good Audio quality
  • Good ANC and Ambient Sound quality
  • Easy to pair

CONS 👎

  • Need better Mic
  • No option to Locate your Earbuds

Sennheiser has consistently delivered aesthetically pleasing devices that offer reliable performance without breaking the bank. Now, with the launch of the Accentum True Wireless, the brand is expanding its ambition into providing budget-friendlier earbuds. Priced at INR 12999, the Accentum TW has all the features and elements it needs to perform as a good earpiece. However, what truly sets it apart is its advanced Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) capability, which promises to provide an immersive and uninterrupted listening experience.

Senheisser Accentum True Wireless Earbuds features Active Noise Cancellation(ANC) along with Dedicated Smart Control App.

Design & Build

The Sennheiser Accentum True Wireless is a compact pair of true wireless earphones. They are sleek and good-looking, featuring the Sennheiser logo on both the earbuds and the front of the charging case. The earbuds have a compact design without an earpiece stem, fitting snugly in your ears. The earpieces are lightweight, making them comfortable to wear.

Talking about the charging case, the lid snaps closed with a magnetic seal. Even if it accidentally opens, the earbuds are firmly magnetically latched, reducing the risk of a runaway earbud. Unfortunately, there’s no way to track the Accentum True Wireless if you misplace it under the sofa or in a purse. The Smart Control app is not helpful unless you are using the earbuds.

Unlike many other true wireless earbuds, the Accentum TW case doesn’t have a physical or touch-sensitive button for pairing. Instead, you need to place the earbuds in your ears and press both touch-capacitive buttons for 3 seconds to pair them. However, it’s easy to pair, and you can pair multiple devices, which can be managed using the app. The earbuds support multi-device pairing, allowing you to switch between two devices, such as your phone and laptop, seamlessly thanks to the latest Bluetooth v5.3 technology.

The charging case also uses a USB-C port, which is the standard for many TWS. Additionally, the Accentum True Wireless earbuds can be charged wirelessly, providing added convenience when placing them on a charger.

Buttons and Customization

The Accentum True Wireless earbuds offer extensive customization options. Each earbud can perform four different actions using single, double, triple, and long-press clicks. These actions include play/pause, track skip/back, call answer/end, ANC/HearThrough mode on/off, volume control, and activating the voice assistant. If you’re not satisfied with the default actions, the Smart Control app’s Touch controls section allows for a high level of customization. You can choose the action you want, assign it to a specific button-press sequence, and select which earbud will trigger it. You can even assign different actions based on whether you are listening to music or on a phone call. This added level of customization enhances the already excellent control scheme.

Call Quality

Sennheiser has a long history of making Bluetooth headsets with excellent call quality, but the Accentum True Wireless earbuds were a bit disappointing. The dual-mic array on the earbuds struggled to pick up my voice in noisy environments such as train stations or when walking near busy roads. Callers found it difficult to hear me clearly. However, in a completely silent environment, the caller was able to hear my voice clearly. I wouldn’t recommend using these earbuds for calls in noisy environments.

Battery

Sennheiser claims that the Accentum True Wireless earbuds can last for 7.5-hours on a full charge without using ANC. In our testing, we found that running the earbuds continuously on maximum volume resulted in just under 7-hours of use, so medium volume levels should get you an extra 30 minutes. When ANC is on, Sennheiser says the battery life will drop to 5.5 hours. This 8-hour battery life is good, especially when compared to the AirPods Pro, which lasts just 5 hours with ANC off, but it’s not as long-lasting as some other companies’ products.

The charging case can provide just under three full recharges, giving you a total usage time of about 28-hours between plug-ins. Additionally, with the fast-charge feature, just 15 minutes of charging time can give you an hour’s worth of use.

ANC

Active noise cancellation is a feature that is becoming more common in true wireless earbuds. It can be found in Sony earbuds, Apple’s AirPods Pro, and even in more affordable options like the OnePlus Buds 3. The Accentum True Wireless earbuds also come with ANC capability, which enhances the feeling of isolation and creates a quieter sound environment for your audio. While it does a good job of reducing low-frequency sounds, it may not eliminate as many as the best ANC earbuds. Additionally, if the ANC mode doesn’t provide the calmness you desire, the Smart Control app offers a variety of background soundscapes to help block out unwanted noises. These can be turned off or on, or set to Anti Wind mode.

Verdict

The Sennheiser Accentum True Wireless earbuds offer great value for under INR 14000, and that’s their main selling point. Despite their small size, they are very comfortable, and with ANC, they are an excellent choice for anyone looking for high-performance true wireless earbuds. They may not be the best choice for audiophiles, as Sennheiser has other options for that market. However, if you are looking for a more reasonably priced pair of true wireless earbuds, they are definitely worth considering.

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Nu Republic Cyberstud Spin Review: TWS & Fidget Spinner Combo

Over All Rating 3/5

PROS 👍

  • Battery Life
  • Innovative Design
  • Clear and Balanced Sound

CONS 👎

  • Bass Output
  • Connectivity

Nu Republic has introduced an intriguing new contender in the True Wireless Stereo (TWS) market: the Cyberstud Spin. This product isn’t just about delivering high-quality sound; it merges entertainment and practicality with a fidget spinner built into the case. Promising up to 70 hours of playback, the Cyberstud Spin seems like a revolutionary product. But does it live up to its promises?

Let's take a closer look of Nu Republic Cyberstud Spin

What’s in the Box?

Cracking open the retail box, you’ll find the TWS cum Fidget Spinner, some extra ear tips, and a USB-C charging cable. But the star of the show is undeniably the design. The Cyberstud Spin comes encased in a unique 360° fidget spinner case. It’s plastic with metal gliders, giving it a robust feel. At first glance, it might be mistaken for a high-tech toy rather than a TWS case. Opening the gliders with that satisfying swoosh sound is half the fun! Pop them open to reveal the earbuds snugly tucked inside.

Stylish and Comfortable

The earbuds sport a semi-transparent design, offering a sleek and modern look. They provide a secure and comfortable fit, perfect for all-day wear. If the initial fit isn’t quite right, you’ve got extra ear tips to customise the feel. With an IPX5 rating, these buds are splash and sweat-resistant, ready to handle your daily grind. However, once in a while, while spinning, the buds turn into birds and fly away.

Touch and Go

Touch controls on these buds are intuitive, though they differ from the usual setup. You can manage sound, tracks, and calls with a tap, and a long press activates the voice assistant. It might take a little time to get used to, but it’s pretty straightforward once you get the hang of it. 

Sound Quality – The Good, The Bad, and The Bass

The Cyberstud Spin is equipped with 13mm Dynamic drivers featuring XBASS technology, delivering a well-balanced and detailed sound. Vocals are clear and crisp (on full volume), making for a pleasant listening experience for music and movies alike. However, bass enthusiasts might find it lacking in the low-end punch. For those who crave thumping bass, these might not hit the mark.

Gamer’s Delight

A dedicated gaming mode reduces latency to 40ms, accessed by tapping the bud five times. While it does minimise delay, there’s still a faint lag noticeable during intense gaming sessions. Nevertheless, the audio quality remains satisfying and immersive, enhancing your overall gaming experience.

Call Quality and Connectivity

With Environmental Noise Cancellation (ENC), the Cyberstud Spin ensures clear call quality by capturing your voice and reducing background noise. Bluetooth 5.3 guarantees swift and stable connections, instantly linking to previously paired devices without a hitch.

Battery Life

Here’s where the Cyberstud Spin truly shines. On a single charge, you can enjoy 6 to 6.5 hours of playback, and the case extends this to an impressive 60-62 hours. That’s a top-tier performance for a TWS in this price range.

Verdict

At ₹2499*, the Nu Republic Cyberstud Spin offers a unique blend of fun and functionality. The fidget spinner case is a playful addition, and the battery life is exceptional. While it delivers a clear and balanced sound, bass lovers might be left wanting more. If you prioritise battery life and a quirky design over booming bass, the Cyberstud Spin is your perfect pocket companion. The choice is yours: embrace the playful spin or seek a more bass-heavy alternative with Active Noise Cancellation.

Master Of All, Jack Of None Sony WF-1000XM5 Evolves, But How?

Sony nails it when it comes to their headphones but is still trying innovations with their TWS. Remember the cool-looking Sony wf-1000xm4? They were bulky, but the 6mm drivers were absolute bangers in some tunes. The xm5 improves the design, making them slightly more approachable, but the new 8mm drivers made me listen to more music than I usually do for a review.

Design

The newer design is a welcomed iteration of the wf-1000xm series. The older design was bulkier and heavier than the rounded and relatively lightweight XM5. The case, too, is redesigned, and it retains wireless charging. Overall, the new design can be summarised in one word – smooth. The Sony wf-1000xm5 is excellent to use visually and physically as a pair of daily audio drivers.

Audio performance

Here is where I had to listen to this pair for the longest time. The new 8mm drivers are different from the older 6mm drivers. Sony has managed to keep the sound stage as impressive as the earlier XM4, and just about every frequency is tuned perfectly for a relatively louder, clearer-sounding pair of earphones. My biggest issue was the excursion from the newer pair compared to the older ones. The 6mm drivers of the xm4 produce deeper bass, while the 8mm drivers of the xm5 produce a much tighter bass that audiophiles would appreciate. This is the pair’s highlight; it has become so precise that it seems like a pair of flat monitor speakers unless you customise it.

The software is king here. Overall, you still get that fantastic spatial audio, an AI that maps your ear canals through the camera and creates an audio graph to suit your ears. Only proceed to use these earphones with the software. They improve the sound by many folds and have some neat tricks to track your usage, upload settings to the cloud and link to your Sony account for easy pairing. Ambient sound control, the ability to pair with two devices simultaneously and DSEE extreme with a 5-step equalizer and ten positive or negative step clear bass settings allow the best audio fidelity with a wide range of codec support. ANC is suitable for most scenarios and can sometimes struggle thanks to the seal created by the newer foam + plastic tips; it is a hit or a miss for most users. Mic quality, call quality and battery life were excellent.

Battery

The earphones were always used with ANC on, and I could not kill them even after using them for 8+ hours on some days. I’ve used these earphones for more than 90+ hours, and they have never managed to die on me yet. The battery life claimed is surpassed, with a quick charge from the case and the case’s capability to charge relatively fast with wireless charging ability. The case can charge these units twice, and unless you are on a multi-day trek, there are barely any chances the Sony wf-1000xm5 would run out of juice.

Verdict

Sony wf-1000xm5 is a definite evolution in all aspects, but the new drivers leave me wanting more bass excursions in life. Don’t get me wrong, I am nitpicking. In isolation, these are absolute masters of all and jacks of none. They have some of the most amazing sound quality in all genres of music, and this time around, they shall also appeal to the audiophile audience.

Audio Excellence – The Best Earbuds of the 2023

Today, earbuds aren’t just accessories, they’re symphonies for your soul. From pulse-pounding bass to feather-light whispers, each pair is a portal to sonic utopia. Whether you crave bass that reverberates in your bones or a wireless experience that defies the limits of freedom, join us on a journey through the crescendo of innovation. The stage is set, and the earbuds of 2023 are ready to steal the show. 

Sony WF-1000XM5 – Best Overall

The Sony WF-1000XM5 is the high roller of the earbud world, ready to jam with both Android and iPhone pals. They boast not one but two fancy processors—the Integrated Processor V2 and the HD Noise Canceling Processor QN2e, dancing together to kick unwanted sounds to the curb, even those pesky low-frequency ones.

The Sony WF-1000XM5 offers rocking sound output but with a taste of a bit of a mid-bass party. No worries, though; the mobile app is the bouncer, and you can kick that bass out. SBC, AAC, and LDAC Bluetooth codecs are the cool kids at this audio party, making sure everyone gets to groove with high-quality tunes.

So, if you’re on the hunt for a pair of wireless earbuds that are not just a pretty face but also pack a punch with stellar active noise cancelling, battery life that goes the distance, and a trusty IPX4 rating, then start counting those pennies because the Sony WF-1000XM5 is the rockstar of earbuds.

Apple AirPods Pro 2 – Best in Premium Segment

I hope you had a great Diwali with firecrackers and all, but now hold on to your ears because the Apple AirPods Pro 2 are here to drop some audio magic on you! They’re loaded with superb audio output that’ll make your eardrums do a happy dance, and their ANC game practically turns the outside world into a silent movie set.\

About battery life, it might not break any marathon records, but it’s the all-day jogger, giving you 6 hours of earbud bliss and a generous 30 hours if you throw in the charging case. And guess what? The case got a makeover—it’s now tougher, with an IPX4 rating to handle those unexpected raindrops and sweat, and it even doubles as a speaker.

The AirPods Pro 2 have ditched the old Lightning port for a USB-C hookup. With Dolby Atmos spatial audio, Find My support, and a talent for juggling devices with auto-switching, Apple’s giving you the VIP treatment. And the best part? You don’t need to auction off a kidney or something like that to afford them.

Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 3 – Best in Mid-Range Segment

The Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 3 earbuds are like the rockstars of the sound quality world. Sony might be flaunting a feature-packed arsenal, but Sennheiser’s like, “Hold my audio cable!” They might not have a fancy feature for every day of the week, but who needs that when you’ve got the basics nailed down at a price that won’t make your wallet weep? And Sennheiser’s ANC is like having a bouncer for ambient sounds, shushing them in real-time. Inside these babies, they’ve got the True Response transducer and 7mm dynamic drivers, basically, the A-team of audio, making your ears the VIP section of the concert.

Realme Buds Air 5 Pro – Best in Budget

The Realme Buds Air 5 Pro are the rockstars of the earbud world. These wireless wonders aren’t just your average earbuds but the VIP ticket to a sonic rollercoaster of premium sound and next-level tech wizardry. Loaded with realBoost Dual Drivers that serve up rich and detailed music, they can read your mind. With the 50dB Active Noise Cancellation technology, Say goodbye to the chaos of the outside world  – it’s like having a mute button for life’s unwanted background noise. Your boss’s bad jokes? Muted. Traffic? Muted. Your neighbour’s questionable taste in music? Definitely muted.

The Realme Buds Air 5 Pro don’t just go the extra mile; they go a marathon, with a jaw-dropping 40 hours of battery life. That’s longer than most New Year’s resolutions! A 40ms super low latency ensures that your audio is as fast as a squirrel on caffeine, and the dual-device connection lets you switch between your phone and laptop without missing a beat. It boasts a 360° Spatial Audio Effect that turns your music into a full-blown theatre experience. So, buckle up, audio adventurer! The Realme Buds Air 5 Pro are not just earbuds; they’re your backstage pass to a symphony of sound and a comedy of silence.

OnePlus Nord Buds 2r – Best in Beginners Buy

The OnePlus Nord Buds 2r is your ticket to an auditory adventure that’s so crisp it’s like your ears just won the lottery! These earbuds boast a 12.4mm driver unit that pumps out precise and bass-rich sounds, like having a personal concert in your ears. They have a battery life that outlasts your favourite TV show binge (up to a whopping 38 hours), and a water and sweat resistance rating that makes them practically waterproof superheroes.

And for all you audio alchemists, the sound master equaliser lets you tweak and tailor your audio profile to perfection. Thanks to the gaming mode and a 4-mic design, the OnePlus Nord Buds 2r transports you into a world of immersive audio. So, whether you’re a music maestro, a fitness fanatic, or a gaming guru, the OnePlus Nord Buds 2r are here to elevate your audio experience and make you the envy of all ears around. Get ready to tune in, turn up, and let the ear-u-party begin!

Nothing Ear (2) Review: Cool Looks & Balanced Sound

What is your criteria when it comes to buying a pair of TWS? For me, it will always be the comfort and sound quality. Over the years I’ve used a number of wireless earbuds that are barely comfortable to wear for an extended period of time while giving an optimum sound experience. Thus, my scepticism while trying out the latest Nothing Ear (2) was soaring high. Nothing’s new addition to its product lineup surely leaves an amazing first impression thanks to its futuristic looks but there’s more to everything than what meets the eye. So, how good is Nothing Ear (2)? let’s find out –

Design

The design arena is where Nothing Ear (2) marks its elegance. However, the design is ‘nothing’ to get excited about as it is heavily borrowed from the first iteration of the TWS with minor tweaks here and there. There is an addition of a tiny metal plate for pressure-sensitive controls along with the ‘Ear (2)’ branding which is new for this iteration. Besides that, the looks remain unchanged. The futuristic aesthetic coupled with a plain white form factor makes the Ear (2) stand out from its competitors in the design aspect.

While the design of the buds is top-notch, they do not tend to stick around in your ears during extended hours of music streaming or binge-watching. I had to plug the buds in from time to time while watching films as they would simply pop out which prompted me to not even risk working out while wearing them. The earbuds come with IP54 dust and water resistance which is an upgrade from the previous IPX4-rated Ear (1). The earbuds case is not any different from the first generation except for a slightly smaller form factor.

Audio and ANC

The most important aspect of any TWS is how good they sound. Companies often get lost in the sauce of delivering visually appealing earbuds at the cost of losing out on sound quality. Nothing Ear (2) does not fall into that trap and only gets better from the previous iteration. The previous Nothing Ear TWS featured powerful bass but lacked mids and treble which resulted in a muffled sound experience. However, Nothing Ear (2) strikes a beautiful balance between the three bringing in a much improved sound experience. Ear (2) does not obsess with high bass and delivers clear mids and highs making up for an overall enhanced listening experience. It features LDHC 5.0 which is refreshing to see in midrange earbuds.

The ANC and EQ settings sit tight in the NothingX application which offers a number of personalization options to the user. My favourite feature of Nothing Ear (2) has to be its Personalised ANC option which calibrates the level of ANC based on the user’s hearing sensitivity. The app offers a hearing test for users and fine-tunes the sound profile of the earbuds based on the test. During my testing, the sound experience did get better once I switched to personalised ANC.

The noise cancellation features here are not beyond anything other earbuds offer at this price range. It is pretty much a standard ANC experience which neither overwhelms nor disappoints.

Performance

At its core, Nothing Ear (2) comes off as capable everyday listening earbuds. I wouldn’t recommend using them during extensive physical activities as they tend to fall off easily even if you’ve got an ‘Ear Tip Fit Test’ done through the NothingX app. The music experience is well-rounded here and the earbuds do a fantastic job of operating the highs, lows, and mids of any given track. They support hi-res audio with only a limited bunch of Android devices. The call quality is amazing here. However, one gripe with the earbuds has to be their battery life. Nothing Ear (2) does not come with an impressive battery performance as they lose out on a big chunk of power within just two hours of usage with ANC turned on. While the charging case offers an additional 18-20 hours of battery life with ANC turned on, it is still underwhelming.

Verdict

Nothing Ear (2) build upon a solid foundation laid out by its predecessor and excels where Nothing Ear (1) lacked plenty. The balanced sound quality coupled with futuristic looks make up for a solid overall package for your audio needs. If your smartphone device comes with Hi-res audio support then the deal becomes a little sweeter, however the same cannot be said for an universal experience with the Nothing Ear (2). Ultimately, Nothing Ear (2) is a balanced upgrade which can be considered for your audio needs.

Rating – ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Review – OnePlus Buds Pro 2 – Truly Pro?

What do you need to kill time during your commute to work or when you’re bored at home? Of course, a little dose of music or the content, and to get that, you need to own good headphones or earbuds. I’ve been feeding my ears with the music on OnePlus earbuds and headsets for a year, such as Bullets Wireless Z2, Nord Buds and Nord Buds CE. However, I got a chance to try my ears at the OnePlus’ premium earbuds when we received the OnePlus Buds Pro 2.

The company entered the premium audio market with the OnePlus Buds Pro in 2021, but since then, didn’t launch any premium earbuds or headphones. The newly launched OnePlus Buds Pro 2 offers the same basic design with a two-tone finish on the buds and a matte charging case just like its predecessor. In terms of features, it brings improved features, noise cancelling, Dolby Atmos spatial audio and sound tuning by Dynaudio.

Unboxing

The premium earbuds from the OnePlus arrive in signature red and white packaging and have a mark of premiumness. Once you open the box, you see a small layered red-coloured package with a “Buds for life” slogan consisting of a user guide, safety and warranty papers, along with a note from Pete. Below that, you see the case with buds, and at the bottom, you get to see ear-tips and an OTG cable.

Available Colours

Radiant Silver, Glossy White and Matte Black

Design & Comfort

As mentioned earlier, the design of the buds looks almost identical to the OnePlus Buds Pro, while the charging case of the Buds Pro 2, the difference between the two, is almost negligible. The metal texture on the Buds Pro 2’s case is more advanced and not easy to be stained with fingerprints and features the brand logos of ONEPLUS and DYNAUDIO in the middle.

The charging case of the OnePlus Buds Pro 2 fits easily in a jeans pocket, but it’s hard to guess from where it has an opening, at least during the initial days. Also, one can not open the case by using just one hand. The earbuds are a little loose, and you will need to allow them a few days to adjust. However, they’ll feel a little comfortable on your ears once you get used to it.

Connectivity

The earbuds are equipped with a BES BES2600YP flagship chip and support Bluetooth 5.3 technology along with LHDC 5.0 audio transmission (subsequent OTA upgrade), offering a more stable connection. When connecting for the first time with your phone, just long press the button inside the case and wait until your phone shows the name of the buds.

Sound Quality

The earbuds have an 11mm woofer, a 6mm tweeter, and a triple-core noise cancellation chip with a 48dB depth. It also supports the new LHDC 5.0 transmission technology, which can automatically switch between 128kbps and 1000kbps. The ANC effect in the earbuds is quite apt and can withdraw some everyday noise scenes. Overall, Buds Pro 2 are good, but definitely not at the price they’re available now.

Battery Life

OnePlus Buds Pro 2 earbuds offer about 10 hours of battery backup, and, along with the charging case, it can provide an additional 29 hours of battery life, in total 39 hours. The battery backup of the buds is quite good, and even after using it for two hours straight with the ANC mode turned on, the battery power drops by about 25%. In terms of charging, it takes 10 minutes to offer 3 hours of listening.

Verdict

The Buds Pro 2 offers decent performance regarding sound quality and excellent battery life, but the brand needs to focus on grip and comfort, too, especially for the buds, which are priced at 13,999/-. Budget earbuds, like OnePlus Nord Buds, are more comfy and value for money. Overall, if you want to experience ANC and premium segment buds, then only dare to invest in OnePlus Buds Pro 2.

Good

ANC

Battery Life

Bad

Comfort and Grip

Ugly

Price

Rating

⭐⭐⭐

Hit the sack with our list of the top 5 earbuds of 2022

About a decade ago, talking over a Bluetooth mono headset was labelled as weird and take a look at the world now. Almost everyone around us is either wearing earphones, headphones or earbuds. These gadgets were created to comfort us, but over the years, we have been utilising them only to avoid the presence of the outer world, hope you have heard about Active Noise Cancellation earphones/headphones/earbuds.

We all travel at least an hour to reach our workplaces, and the top 3 ways to pass the time while commuting are by listening to songs, watching movies and scrolling social media. With that enters the innovation of the century, earbuds – a better alternative to the usual earphones and headphones. Over the last couple of years, earbuds have become a part of our bodies, which we can add and remove as per our needs. Let’s see the best ones of the year 2022.

Apple Airpods Pro (2nd Gen)

Price: ₹26,900

When it comes to the list of top 10 earbuds, Apple Airpods Pro (2nd Gen) qualifies automatically. The dreamy earbuds offer an unparalleled ANC experience, an incredible audio output and excellent battery backup. Of course, they’re expensive, but once you get used to the Airpods Pro, there’s no way you’re going for earbuds from another brand.

Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro 2

Price: ₹17,999

Do you have a Samsung smartphone? If yes, just go for the Galaxy Buds Pro 2, as they get the most out of the Galaxy Buds 2 Pro. The buds can produce rich treble and bass, thanks to AKG tuning, a subsidiary of Harman International, which is now owned by Samsung. If you get as many calls in a day, then this is one of the best TWS’ available in the market.

Nothing Ear (Stick)

Price: ₹8,499

The super stylish Nothing Ear (Stick) is, of course, one of the best-designed earbuds of 2022. They allow you have a clear and detailed sound (along with some sound leakage). They offer a better fit than most on-ear earbuds, but we wouldn’t recommend them for workouts. However, if you’re a fan of art and craft, these buds will fulfil your cravings.

OnePlus Nord Buds

Price: ₹2,799

OnePlus launched the Nord Buds at the beginning of 2022, and since then, these budget-friendly earbuds have been ruling the market. The uniquely designed earbuds are very comfortable and surprisingly offer good sound quality. If you’re someone who wants to experience the world of earbuds on a budget, then OnePlus Nord Buds could be the best stepping stone for you.

Sony WF-LS900N

Price: ₹13,990

Getting back to the basics was one of the best decisions Sony made in 2022. After launching several LinkBuds, Sony decided to go for the in-demand type of earbuds and launched Sony WF-LS900N. The lightweight and near-perfect earbuds deliver powerful performance, rich sound quality and effective noise cancellation.

Sony WF-LS900n Review: Substance Over Style!

If you’re looking for TWS in India then you know there are a number of options for you to choose from. The Indian market is saturated with wireless earphones ranging from different price points. However, it isn’t easy to find a capable TWS in the market that suits your preferences while delivering a premium performance at a considerably affordable price point. This is where Sony’s latest offering, the WF-LS900N comes in! Sony has delivered when it comes to providing users with lightweight earbuds that deliver powerful performance and pack many features, and we’re all here for it! 

Features & Design

There’s no innovation when it comes to design with the WF-LS900N as compared to its predecessor which came with an open ring design. Here, users get a familiar in-ear design in a lightweight form factor. This means that both the eartubes and the silicone eartips sit inside the ear to give a proper seal. Sony India has claimed that the wireless earbuds weigh approximately 4.8 grams in weight making them one of the lightest in the market. While using the earbuds over an extended period of time, I was surprised how the annoying ear pain staple to in-ear devices, in general, was not present here. The earbuds and their casing is made out of recycled plastic which gives a distinct rugged feel. 

There are ample features packed along with the WF-LS900N. One might expect Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) and that is surely present here. Along with ANC, the WF-LS900N also offer you ambient sound or transparency mode that can be quickly enabled with a tap on the left earbud. Tapping on the right earbuds pauses/plays the music. The best feature of the WF-LS900N  for me was the option to enable ‘Quick Attention’ Here, users can simply press on the earbuds for the volume to drop quickly to have a conversation and remove the finger for the volume to return to normal. It was a novel feature that allowed me to have small talks during work hours. 

Battery Life

The WF-LS900N comes with six hours of battery life with activated ANC, as claimed by Sony. In my testing of the earbuds, the result was somewhat close to the company claim with 5 and a half hours of ANC playback. The performance can be bumped up to 9 hours of playtime by turning off ANC. The earbuds get charged up relatively quickly and have lasted me for over 2 days in light usage and a day in heavy usage. 

Sound

Everything comes down to the sound performance when we’re talking about TWS. So how well does the WF-LS900N perform? Simply put, the new Sony TWS are power performers that provide a premium sound experience with deep bass. There’s an overall balance to the sound that does lean to either flat sound or too loud. However, the balanced approach might not be for everyone, for which there are a number of customizations available in the ‘headphones Connect’ app. There’s little left to desire here when it comes to the sound quality of the WF-LS900N! 

Verdict

While the Rs 13,990 price point might be heavy for some to shell out for a TWS, we feel it is worth it. The WF-LS900N provides premium sound quality in a comfortable and light fit which makes it a worthy investment. 

Rating – ★★★★

Stick Schtick! – Nothing Ear (Stick) Review

UK-based Nothing is a newer player compared to already-established brands like Samsung or Apple. The company is just three products old but has managed to gain momentum in the consumer market thanks to its unique design. Keeping true to its transparent design theme, Nothing has now launched the Nothing Ear (Stick). While it is natural for people to think that these new earbuds are the successors of the previously launched Nothing Ear (1), I beg to differ. There are more cutdowns here as opposed to upgrades from the Ear (1) that put the (Stick) in a confusing spot. 

Design

There is only so much one can do with the design of earbuds and their case. This is where Nothing has actually excelled with the Ear (Stick). One could easily say that the design of Stick is its best attraction and the reason to buy it as it is more of a style statement as opposed to a standard case. The cylindrical case with a red, black, and white colour combination is a treat to the eyes. Whereas, the twist to open design is definitely fun and a worthy replacement for the fidget spinner for the anxious people among us. I often found myself referring to the Stick as ‘lipstick AirPods’ which is surely what they look like. The case is transparent, so the buds are always visible. The case is also predominantly white which means it is bound to get dirty, which it did! In just a few days of use, I could see the case collecting dust and losing its all-white charm.  

The earbuds’ design on the other hand could be hit-and-miss for many. Similar to traditional AirPods, Nothing Ear (Stick) comes with one size for all designs. The open-fit earbuds also come with Nothing’s staple transparent design that gives a futuristic look. However, the buds were large for my liking and often popped out of the ear during extended periods of usage. I definitely could not go for a workout wearing them as I feared they would just fall off. The stalks of the earbuds come with pressure-sensitive controls which work without any issues. The lack of ear tips, however, is sorely missed.

Performance 

Let’s address the elephant in the room, Nothing Ear (Stick) does not come with any form of Active Noise Cancellation. Thanks to the open-fit design, the Stick also misses out on deep bass. Nothing compensates for the lack of bass by adding the ‘More Bass’ mode in the NothingX app which gets the job to some extent. However, in its ‘Balanced’ mode, The stick produces flat music output which could be a deal breaker for many. The lack of silicone ear tips leads to a lot of background noise leaking in during your music sessions. I noticed that even while playing music at the maximum volume distant chatter of people talking was audible. This could be a good feature for people trying to be aware of their background while listening to music without relying on a transparency mode but it just did not work for me. While there are some key features missing here, Nothing Ear (Stick) manages to bring a balanced and premium sound experience. No complaints about the battery life here as it is top-notch. The earbuds lasted over 6 hours on a single full charge which is impressive. The battery life is good for up to 30 hours depending on your usage. At Rs 8.5K, the Nothing Ear (Stick) is an expensive affair as its competitors are available at a cheaper rate, but its stylish design makes up for what is missing!

Rating – ★★★★

Verdict 

Nothing Ear (Stick) is another addition to the already saturated TWS market. However, its stylish design and crisp sound quality make it a standout product.

Truly Intelligent – Noise IntelliBuds Review

When I was first handed the Noise IntelliBuds for review, I was skeptical about the promised gesture control features & voice commands of this TWS. It looked more like a gimmick than a feature that could actually work seamlessly without lags. Boy was I wrong! The Noise IntelliBuds took me by surprise and these intelligent TWS should be on your list if you’re in the market for a good wireless music experience. 

Design and Features 

When it comes to the case and earbuds design, the intelliBuds do not experiment much. The 45 grams charging case is much of a standard affair with its rectangular design. Whereas the in-ear design of the earbuds with 6mm drivers is also nothing out of the ordinary. It is the features where this TWS zooms past a lot of its competitors. Noise has partnered with the known audio company Bragi to deliver the feature-rich IntelliBuds. There are an array of features here like voice commands, gesture controls, transparency mode, and much more. 

The IntelliBuds’ gesture controls are backed by a powerful AI neural network. The company claims that the AI has been trained rigorously for weeks to detect accidental and intentional head movements. During my testing of the gesture controls on Intellibuds, the device was able to detect the movement 9 times out of 10 which is impressive. Another standout feature here is the ‘Hot Voice Commands’ where a user can simply say ‘Hey headphones’ followed by a command. For example, ‘Hey headphones, Next’, this feature also worked as one would expect and I did not face any issues with voice commands on the IntelliBuds. One thing to note here is that all these features are backed by the ‘NoiseFit Smart’ application. Users first need to download the application and calibrate the earbuds before they can start using the features. I made the rookie mistake of not downloading the app and expecting the features to work right out of the box, only to be disappointed. 

The IntelliBuds also come with the support of music sharing. The feature-heavy TWS goes a mile ahead by adding a customizable equalizer that allows users to tune the earbuds according to their liking. Some preset equalizer modes like Rock, Pop, etc. are also present here. Noise cancelation is also present here and the transparency mode works just fine. The audio output with its customizable features is overall a good experience. The audio is crisp and does not feel harsh on high volumes. A few times, the IntelliBuds would disconnect themselves and connect again which was odd, but it happened too few times to take into consideration. 

Battery

Once the earbuds are connected to the NoiseFit Smart app then they can be used to click photos and enable fast mute. The IntelliBuds are powered by a 600mAh battery case that is capable of charging up the earbuds three times. While the company claims that the earbuds last up to nine hours on a single charge, my extensive testing resulted in them lasting up to six and a half hours at full volume without transparency mode being turned on. The earbuds do take a hit on the battery performance when you’re using the gesture and voice commands regularly. Ultimately, the Noise IntelliBuds priced at Rs 4,999 is one of the best TWS in the market in that price category. 

Verdict 

At Rs 4,999 the Noise IntellBuds are one of the best TWS to buy. The smart features of the earbuds make them stand out among the bunch. The voice commands and gesture controls are a delight to use. 

Rating – ★★★

Key Specifications 

  • Speaker Driver: 6 mm
  • BT: 5.0 
  • Wireless Range: Up to 10m
  • Hot Voice Commands 
  • Smart Gesture Controls 
  • Transparency Mode

OnePlus Nord Buds CE – Review

Do you remember those days when people used to get obsessed with Airpods, and everyone dreamt of having one of them? The expensive gadget ruled for a couple of years, and then we were introduced to budget-friendly TWS earbuds from several other companies. Being one of the pioneer tech companies in the world, OnePlus has won our hearts already with their phones, and now they’re serving our ears with their TWS earbuds.

I’ve been using OnePlus Nord Buds for the last few months, and I don’t have any complaints regarding the product. The Nord Buds are currently priced at ₹2,799, and honestly, they are nothing less than pocket dynamite. The Nord Buds were a massive success for OnePlus, and to gain more advantage of the hype, the company recently launched Nord Buds CE, a more budget-friendly option from the Core Edition lineup.

OnePlus Nord Buds CE – Quick Details

  • Price – ₹2,299*
  • Weight – 3.5 gms each
  • Bluetooth version – 5.2
  • Sound pressure level – 128dB/mW
  • Available Colors – Misty Grey & Moonlight White

The newly launched OnePlus Nord Buds CE are the cheapest TWS earbuds yet launched by the company. They are priced at ₹2,299, but they are only available for sale in India. I’ve been using them for the last few weeks alternately with their old sibling OnePlus Nord Buds, and I’ve observed the little brother has very few features to offer. Let’s see whether they’re worth buying or not!

Design

The Nord Buds CE arrives in compact cardboard packaging, and the earbuds hidden in a case have a classic earbud-style design, almost reminiscent of the Apple AirPods. The earbuds and their relatively small oval-shaped charging case are made of plastic but appear premium. The long stalks of the earbuds do not support in-ear detection for automatic play/pause, but they do have a capacitive touch surface to control the happenings.

Comfort

The comfort of the earbuds totally varies from person to person and the shape of your ears but out of all my colleagues who tried Nord Buds CE, most of them were not happy with the comfort it offers. Compared to the Nord Buds, they’re lighter, but they don’t provide a fairly secure in-ear grip and the fear of losing them while walking down a busy road haunts you throughout the walk. No wonder the classic-shaped earbuds are out of fashion.

Software

The features of the Nord Buds CE are directly accessible on OnePlus Phones, while for other devices, you have to download an app called, HeyMelody. Being a native product, Nord Buds CE is a failure, as the options to change the settings of the earbuds are planted far too deep within the Bluetooth settings of the OnePlus phones. The HeyMelody app makes the journey easy for people with phones other than OnePlus.

Sound Quality

I would say, listening to the music on the Nord Buds CE is a pain in the rear situation due to its open-back design. When you’re in a quiet place, they’re satisfactory, but once you enter a place full of blusters, the surrounding noise will creep in, and you’ll have to increase the volume up to 80% for better listening. The overall sound quality of the Nord Buds CE is above average but not the best in the segment.

Battery & Charging

With the 27 mAh battery capacity per earbud and the 300 mAh capacity charging case, the Nord Buds CE is said to offer continuous playback for up to 4.5 hours, and along with the charging case, the number goes up to 20 hours. In my testing, they lasted above the official playback time, but it isn’t outstanding as the earbuds don’t have features like ANC. The flash charge feature takes 15 minutes to charge the buds up to 60%.

Verdict

The Nord Buds lose the game mostly due to their semi-in-ear design and elder sibling, which offers many features. They’re one of the best-sounding earbuds in the price segment but definitely not a top choice as similarly priced Realme Buds Air 3 Neo provides up to 7 hours of continuous playback and 30 hours of total endurance with the case. I would suggest spending a few more bucks and getting OnePlus Nord Buds, a fair deal.

OnePlus Nord Buds – Your Budget BUDdy

OnePlus has always been a rulebreaking brand that dares to take a risk. Over the last few years, the brand has launched many high-end products at affordable prices and indirectly forced other brands to lower their costs. The brand recently launched OnePlus Nord Buds alongside the Nord CE 2 Lite and the OnePlus 10R in India but are they worth it?

OnePlus has attended all the classes on how to lure customers with the attractive packaging, and with the Nord Buds, they’ve done a great job. The Nord Buds box has a cute little packaging of blue and black colour combination. Inside the box, it contains a charging case along with earbuds, brand sticker, charging cable, 4 ear tips, and a red cable welcome card.

Design & Comfort

The shape of the OnePlus Nord Buds is quite traditional and ordinary, but you can’t expect something extraordinary from a ₹2,799 earbuds. The earbuds and the case look premium at first but they are made up of cheap plastic. The buds feature connect button in the back and an indicator light in the front. The buds we received for the review were white (marble) in colour.

The boxy ergonomic case of the earbuds is prone to scratches, while the earbuds are inclined to store a little dirt in between the hubs. The outer circular layer doubles as the touch surface for controls. The buds are not the ones you carry along easily due to their shape. The buds weigh under 5 grams a piece but don’t offer the best comfort, especially during long use.

Image Credit – Divesh Vyas

Sound Quality  

The water and dust resistant earbuds don’t disappoint you when it comes to sound quality but if you’re an audiophile or into the business of music for a long time then you might not like the output. The buds are packed with 12.4mm titanium drivers, and looking at the price, they deliver a pretty decent sound. The sound of the earbuds will leak out, once you cross the 80% of the volume level.

I thoroughly enjoyed the earbuds, especially while watching the content, as the earbuds have 12.4mm Titanium audio drivers and Dolby Atmos support for deeper bass and clearer sound. The earbuds have 4 microphones for filtering out the noise while taking calls, but they only deliver an okayish calling experience. The earbuds have many software issues which the brand has to resolve in the future.

Battery

The earbuds are advertised to have about 7-hours of battery life and another 30-hours with the case, and we couldn’t agree more. The cable offers ultra-fast charging resulting in 5-hours of listening time in 10 minutes of charge. The OnePlus Nord Buds last for at least 5-hours when charged to the core and play the role of your buddy while you’re on the go.

Verdict

The OnePlus Nord Buds have various rivals at the price point, but the Nord Buds stand apart as they’re a dealbreaker for people looking for TWS earbuds under 3000. I loved them while listening to the songs and watching content as I’m more into low volume decks, but if you desire the best audio experience, please invest a few more thousand and get something extraordinary.

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