Fastrack Reflex Tunes F02: Affordable ANC Headphones Deliver Comfort and Surprising Sound Quality Under Rs. 10,000

The Fastrack brand was initially conceived as a strategy by Indian watch manufacturer Titan to promote budget-friendly timepieces among the youth in India. Over the years, it has broadened its product range to include various items like smart gadgets. The company’s Reflex Tunes line features audio products, showcasing wireless earphones that include both neckband-style options and true wireless variants. The flagship model in this collection is the Fastrack Reflex Tunes F02, which boasts active noise cancellation in its wireless headset.

Available for Rs. 7,995 in India, the Fastrack Reflex Tunes F02 wireless headphones come equipped with impressive features and specifications, such as active noise cancellation, the Qualcomm aptX Bluetooth codec, and a proper around-ear, noise-isolating fit. Does this make them the top choice for wireless headphones under Rs. 10,000? Continue reading this review to find out.

The Fastrack Reflex Tunes F02 features an over-ear design with ample padding to enhance the active noise cancellation.

The Fastrack Reflex Tunes F02 offers comfort and solid features

The large, around-ear design of the headphones is appealing for various reasons such as comfort, enhanced passive noise isolation, and the capacity to house larger, more powerful drivers. The Fastrack Reflex Tunes F02 headphones deliver all these benefits, supplemented by active noise cancellation, which enhances the already good passive noise isolation. As a result, they are positioned squarely against mid-tier and premium models from brands like Sony, Sennheiser, and Skullcandy.

While the entirely plastic construction of the Fastrack Reflex Tunes F02 may not scream luxury, these headphones present a satisfactory appearance for their price point. They are also exceptionally comfortable to wear, featuring thick padding on both the ear cups and the underside of the headband. The headphones are designed to encapsulate the ears entirely, providing a decent noise-isolating seal, even with glasses on. The ear cups have a degree of movement in all directions independently of the headband, allowing for personalized fitting adjustments.

The headband of the Fastrack Reflex Tunes F02 is adjustable in length and can be folded inward for convenient storage. The headset is equipped with five microphones—large openings for microphones on the bottom of each ear cup, alongside additional ones for noise cancellation located on the outer casings and close to the USB Type-C port.

All controls and inputs for the Fastrack Reflex Tunes F02 are positioned on the right side. It includes three multifunction buttons to manage power, playback, volume, and receiving calls, along with a slider switch for noise cancellation. An auxiliary audio input and USB Type-C port are also available, accompanied by small status indicator lights beside the buttons and ANC slider.

Connecting a stereo cable to the aux input automatically disables Bluetooth connectivity on the headphones. Notably, the active noise cancellation on the Fastrack Reflex Tunes F02 can function independently of the main power controls; ANC can remain on even if the headphones are powered off or being utilized as a wired device.

There isn’t a companion app for the Fastrack Reflex Tunes F02, but this omission isn’t particularly problematic since most features, functions, and controls are uncomplicated and user-friendly. These headphones are equipped with 40mm dynamic drivers and cover a frequency range from 20-20,000Hz. While the Bluetooth version is not stated, the headphones do support SBC, AAC, and Qualcomm aptX Bluetooth codecs. Additionally, they have an IPX4 water resistance rating.

Active noise cancellation can be managed separately on the Fastrack Reflex Tunes F02 headphones.

The battery performance of the Fastrack Reflex Tunes F02 is adequate for its price and form factor, although it falls short when compared to the Sony WH-CH710N, which ranks among our top choices for noise-cancelling headphones priced below Rs. 10,000.

The headset provided approximately 13 hours of use per charge at moderate volume levels with ANC activated. A full charge took around three hours from empty. My experience primarily involved pairing the Reflex Tunes F02 with an Android smartphone utilizing the aptX codec, and while it might be feasible to extend battery life using the AAC codec, the difference would not be substantial.

Adequate sound, average ANC with the Fastrack Reflex Tunes F02

Despite being relatively new to the wireless audio market, Fastrack has made ambitious strides with its inaugural products, notably focusing on audio quality. Although there is no label indicating it, the Reflex Tunes F02 supports the Qualcomm aptX Bluetooth codec, which, paired with well-crafted drivers and sound tuning, contributes to impressive audio performance.

Typically using wireless headphones and earbuds with an iPhone, the aptX compatibility encouraged me to opt for an Android smartphone as my primary device for this review. This advanced Bluetooth codec noticeably enhanced sound quality, although the headphones still performed admirably and provided enjoyment when used with the iPhone employing the AAC Bluetooth codec.

While the active noise cancellation of the Fastrack Reflex Tunes F02 isn’t stellar, the sound quality is commendable thanks to aptX support.

Starting with «Paradox» by Riot Jazz Brass Band on the Android smartphone, the Fastrack Reflex Tunes F02 produced a vast and open sound, achieving a soundstage that only sizable drivers and a substantial around-ear fit can produce. The saxophone and trumpet melodies in this modern jazz piece felt authentic and vivid in the expansive soundstage, complemented by intricate percussion and robust bass.

The adoption of the aptX Bluetooth codec unified everything with an impressive level of cohesiveness that I hadn’t previously encountered in a pair of over-ear headphones priced under Rs. 10,000. As I progressed to «Envious» by Aluna, the Fastrack Reflex Tunes F02 adeptly matched the tempo and energy of this lively track while maintaining the spacious soundstage and cohesion that make it such an enjoyable listening experience.

The sound signature of the Fastrack Reflex Tunes F02 introduces a slight boost to both lows and highs, yet the mid-range remains commendably present. The clarity and warmth in Aluna’s vocals were distinct and blended seamlessly with the upbeat tracks. I noticed a notable drop in my ability to detect subtle details when using the headphones with the AAC Bluetooth codec; while the sound signature remained intact, the soundstage and detail levels did not seem as impressive.

Although the sound quality of the Fastrack Reflex Tunes F02 is exceptional given its price, the performance of the active noise cancellation did not quite reach the standards I’ve encountered with other options in the same price bracket. The capability to manage active noise cancellation independently is advantageous, although its effectiveness was somewhat lackluster.

The sound reduction was rather mild to significantly impact even indoors; sounds from ceiling fans and air conditioners were somewhat softened, yet not sufficiently to make a considerable difference. Outdoors, the ANC proved even less effective, barely muting surrounding noise. However, the comfortable around-ear design and foam padding of the Fastrack headphones do provide commendable passive noise isolation, which partially compensates for the inadequate ANC.

Call quality on the Fastrack Reflex Tunes F02 was satisfactory; I could communicate clearly both ways, even in noisy settings.

Conclusion

The affordable audio market in India is saturated, yet Fastrack’s initial offerings have the potential to disrupt the landscape. Priced at Rs. 7,995, the Fastrack Reflex Tunes F02 is an impressive pair of headphones with commendable design, comfort, and audio quality. They deliver performance comparable to headphones at a higher price point. Although battery longevity and active noise cancellation performance fell short of expectations, my overall experience was largely positive.

Facing off against the impressive Sony WH-CH710N and other competitors from Sennheiser, Skullcandy, and JBL, the Fastrack Reflex Tunes F02 stands out as a viable option worth considering if you’re in the market for wireless around-ear headphones under Rs. 10,000.