Reviving the Classic: OnePlus Bullets Wireless Z2 ANC Takes Neckband Style to New Heights with Active Noise Cancellation

The range of controls and customizations available is, as expected, basic but sufficient for managing the core functions of the OnePlus Bullets Wireless Z2 ANC. You can view the estimated battery level, toggle between active noise cancellation and transparency modes, customize the two assignable buttons, and access equalizer settings. There are four preset equalizer options for easy use, while advanced users can create custom equalizer profiles tailored to their listening preferences.

Not surprisingly, the core specifications of the OnePlus Bullets Wireless Z2 ANC have remained largely unchanged; it comes equipped with 12.4mm dynamic drivers, a frequency response spanning 20-20,000Hz, and a sensitivity rating of 112dB. For connectivity, it utilizes Bluetooth 5.2 (an upgrade from the Bluetooth 5 found in the non-ANC version), with support for the SBC and AAC Bluetooth codecs.

On select OnePlus and Oppo smartphones, app features can be accessed via system Bluetooth settings

Performance and Battery Life of OnePlus Bullets Wireless Z2 ANC

The design and specifications similarities between the OnePlus Bullets Wireless Z2 ANC and its non-ANC predecessor extend to sound quality as well. The audio signature is noticeably bass-heavy even in the natural, flat equalizer setting, though with the customizable EQ you can adjust the sound to your liking.

During my testing, I connected the OnePlus Bullets Wireless Z2 ANC to a OnePlus 9 Pro and an Apple iPhone 13 Pro. Since no advanced Bluetooth codecs were utilized, the headset relied on the AAC codec for both devices, and I did not detect any noticeable difference in audio quality between the two. While app settings were only available on the OnePlus device, differences between the two platforms were otherwise minimal.

In terms of design, the OnePlus Bullets Wireless Z2 ANC closely resembles the older, non-ANC model

As in previous models, the OnePlus Bullets Wireless Z2 ANC produces impressively loud sound, capable of reaching volumes that exceed those of most other neckband-style wireless headsets. While reaching such high volume levels is unlikely to be necessary for hearing safety, you can still achieve suitable listening levels around the 50 percent mark. In noisier environments, you may need to increase it to about 70 percent, but anything beyond that would be considered excessive and potentially harmful.

Depending on your musical preferences, the prominent bass could be perceived positively or negatively. For instance, the upbeat tracks of Croatia Squad resonated beautifully, with the Bullets Wireless Z2 ANC recreating the strong bass and vibrant atmosphere reminiscent of an EDM concert.

Conversely, while listening to «Dance The Night» by Dua Lipa, the vocals and melody felt somewhat overshadowed by the robust bass. Though you can utilize the equalizer settings to dial down the bass, the intense audio signature of the OnePlus Bullets Wireless Z2 ANC may be hard to resist, especially for the right musical genres. This could lead to listening fatigue over time, yet it oddly contributed to my enjoyment.

The main new feature on the OnePlus Bullets Wireless Z2 ANC is the active noise cancellation, which performs reasonably well for a headset in the Rs. 2,000 price range. Most low-frequency ambient sounds, whether indoors or outdoors, are effectively muted, with only faint background noises like the hum of a ceiling fan or a light breeze occasionally penetrating.

Overall, it offers decent ANC capabilities, ideal for music and calls in various settings. The transparency mode, however, may sound overly artificial and amplified, which I generally preferred to avoid. The call quality was satisfactory overall.

Power management is handled via a magnetic switch, which frequently turns on the headset inadvertently

The battery life of the OnePlus Bullets Wireless Z2 ANC is commendable for a wireless neckband model, especially with the inclusion of active noise cancellation. I managed to use the earphones for approximately 18 hours on a single charge, with ANC activated and the volume set to moderate levels. The 220mAh battery features quick charging capabilities, allowing for a full recharge in just 15 minutes; a benchmark that competitors have yet to match.

Final Thoughts

The segment for neckband wireless earphones has noticeably declined and is now predominantly confined to the budget market. Nonetheless, there are still commendable choices available, providing superior performance regarding hardware and features, at the cost of foregoing the comfort of true wireless freedom. The OnePlus Bullets Wireless Z2 ANC doesn’t venture into groundbreaking territory but remains competitive within its price range.

The heavy bass may or may not suit your musical taste, and the magnetic power switch tends to activate accidentally. However, the OnePlus Bullets Wireless Z2 ANC excels in nearly all other respects, including effective active noise cancellation. While there’s also the option of a non-ANC variant at a slightly lower price, I believe opting for the ANC version is worth the extra investment.