ANC performance is good for the price but not unanimous: several reviews call it strong in Max/Smart modes, while others describe it as average or clearly behind key rivals. Expect solid low-frequency reduction, with more variance on mid/high chatter and wind. Most reviewers note multiple ANC strength options (Mild/Moderate/Max plus Smart/adaptive). Smart can be handy, but lower settings may feel much weaker than Max and the adaptive shifts are not always obvious.
Android support is strong thanks to Fast Pair, broad feature access in HeyMelody, and LHDC availability on compatible phones. Non-OnePlus Android devices may need the app for full control.
The app is useful for firmware, library management, and Playlist+ tasks, but it is basic rather than feature rich and can feel awkward compared with more polished headphone apps.
The HeyMelody app (or OnePlus system settings) delivers broad control over modes, EQ, and features. Experiences range from polished and fast to occasionally glitchy, especially when the app fails to detect the buds reliably.
Video lip-sync and general A/V timing are typically good, and low-latency/game modes help in demanding scenarios. Some gaming use can still show slight delay in fast shooters depending on device and settings.
Bass is inconsistent. Some reviewers hear solid or even punchier bass, especially underwater or with earplugs, but others call it hollow, woolly, or nearly absent on land.
Bass is a defining trait: often described as powerful and punchy, sometimes even thunderous. Whether it is a plus or a minus depends on your taste, and several reviews suggest using EQ/BassWave to moderate it.
Battery life is solid for the category, with most reviews landing around the claimed 9 hours over Bluetooth and 6 hours from memory mode, though some testing suggests real-world endurance can fall short of the marketing numbers.
Real-world battery is usually around 6.5 to 7 hours with ANC on and closer to 10 hours with ANC off, matching most manufacturer claims. Heavy feature stacking (ANC + LHDC + spatial) can noticeably reduce runtime.
Bluetooth is fine for some above-water use, but stability is not flawless. Multiple reviewers mention stutters, disconnects, or pairing friction, and underwater Bluetooth remains impractical as expected.
Baseline Bluetooth stability is generally solid in everyday use, with rare reports of app-connection hiccups or slower initial pairing rather than persistent dropouts.
Build quality comes across as sturdy, flexible, and ready for abuse in the pool or during training. The sealed construction and soft exterior inspire confidence.
Build quality is generally good for the price, with solid fit and finish and durable day-to-day handling. A few reviewers flag that the buds are not especially rugged or that glossy parts show wear like fingerprints.
The controls are the most common complaint. Physical buttons offer tactile feedback, but many reviewers found them too small, too close together, slow on secondary presses, or easy to trigger incorrectly while moving.
Control mapping is flexible in the app and most gestures work reliably. A few reviews dislike the lack of pressure-squeeze controls or note that default mappings may require customization to feel complete.
The magnetic proprietary cable supports the waterproof design, but it adds one more special accessory to keep track of, and one reviewer reported unreliable wired file transfers.
The included cases are generally well regarded. Reviewers call them protective and practical, though some found the standard case bulkier than necessary.
The case is typically described as compact and pocketable with a decent hinge and finish. A few reviews call the plastic feel less premium or note it can be a bit slippery when removing buds.
Charging is straightforward once aligned with the magnetic connector, and case-based charging options add convenience, but the waterproof-focused approach means living with a proprietary setup.
Charging is fast and generally reliable, with quick-charge behavior repeatedly mentioned. The main downside is the lack of wireless charging on the case.
Codec support is strong for the tier (SBC/AAC plus LHDC 5.0) and generally works well. However, some testing suggests very high LHDC bitrates can be unstable and can cost battery.
Comfort is one of the strongest recurring positives. The open-ear design avoids ear-canal fatigue, vibrations are generally well controlled for the category, and several reviewers found them easy to wear for long swims or runs.
Comfort is a consistent strength: the buds are lightweight and many reviewers report long-session comfort. Fit can feel slightly loose for some ears, so tip selection matters.
The design is sporty and practical rather than stylish. Reviewers like the soft-touch finish and purpose-built form, even if it looks more specialized than everyday headphones.
The box typically includes three tip sizes, which covers most ears but not all; some reviewers wish for extra-large tips or more varied options.
EQ tuning is essentially missing, so you are mostly stuck with the default sound signature.
EQ support is a major strength: multiple presets plus a custom multi-band EQ are widely praised for meaningful tuning, though a minority say changes can feel subtle depending on the preset and listening habits.
Find My features are typically audio-based (playing a sound) rather than full location tracking. Useful for nearby couch-cushion situations, less helpful for true lost-and-gone scenarios.
Frequency response out of the box is commonly described as V-shaped rather than neutral. With the right preset or custom EQ, several reviewers say it can get much closer to balanced listening.
Accessories are a plus. Earplugs and a protective case show up repeatedly as useful inclusions, and they materially improve the swim experience.
Instrument separation is often praised for this class, helped by the dual-driver design and tuning tools. Not every review calls it exceptional, but most agree it is above average at the price.
LDAC is not supported; multiple reviews point to LHDC as the hi-res option instead. If you specifically want LDAC, this model is a mismatch.
Pushing volume too high hurts sound quality. At max levels, reviewers noted distortion, harsher vibrations, and less pleasant listening.
Clarity at high volume is good overall, though several reviews warn that treble can get harsh or sibilant when pushed toward the top end of the volume range.
Background-noise handling on calls is frequently praised, with several reviews noting strong suppression of chatter and environmental sounds. Wind handling is good but not universally perfect across all reports.
Call quality is usable but not a strength. Voices tend to sound quiet, distant, or light on detail, which fits the swim-first design but limits all-purpose appeal.
Call quality is often rated very good for the price, with voices coming through clearly. A minority describe it as merely adequate rather than class-leading.
Mids and vocals are serviceable rather than standout. They come through well enough for workouts and can sound more balanced underwater, but several reviews say voices lose body or detail above water.
Midrange presence is generally decent but can feel recessed compared to the bass and treble in the default tuning. Some reviewers find vocals clear, while others want more natural mid emphasis.
Cross-platform support is better than many budget buds: iOS users get the app and most core features, but hi-res codec advantages and some behaviors may vary by device ecosystem.
Multipoint support is absent, which limits convenience if you switch between devices often.
Multipoint is frequently highlighted as a standout convenience feature, with several reviewers calling it excellent or flawless for switching between two devices. Using multipoint can reduce available hi-res bandwidth on some setups.
The open-ear design provides almost no passive isolation on its own. The included earplugs make a noticeable difference in the pool by reducing splash noise and improving perceived clarity and bass.
The local-memory feature is the reason to buy these. Reviewers like the 8GB storage, drag-and-drop loading, and true phone-free swimming, but Playlist+ is often described as clunky, slow, or awkward, and 8GB trails some rivals.
Preset profiles are generally useful (with some reviewers preferring certain presets as closer to balanced). Bass-leaning presets and BassWave can be fun but may not satisfy listeners chasing a reference curve.
Wear detection and other sensors generally work as expected for pausing, mode toggles, and personalization tests, though performance can vary by ear fit and configuration.
Glossy or chrome-like surfaces tend to pick up fingerprints and smudges, which multiple reviewers call out. The case finish is often less prone to marks than the earbuds.
Setup is usually straightforward with Fast Pair on Android, but a few reviewers report slower pairing or extra friction when installing/using HeyMelody on non-OnePlus phones.
Sound quality is the main compromise. Underwater playback is often described as good or at least satisfying for the category, while above-water listening ranges from merely okay to clearly weak compared with better open-ear or in-ear alternatives.
Overall sound quality is widely considered strong for the price, with an energetic, consumer-friendly tuning and plenty of detail for casual listening. A few reviewers still categorize it as merely good-not-great versus flagship sets.
Soundstage is generally moderate with a sense of space that improves with spatial modes, but it is not universally described as wide or holographic in standard stereo playback.
Spatial or 3D audio is polarizing: some reviewers find it immersive and a big value add, while others call it underwhelming or artificial, and it may not behave consistently across apps/devices.
Once the fit suits your head, stability is excellent. Reviewers regularly say the headset stays put through swimming, running, and vigorous movement, though smaller heads can end up with extra rear loop.
Stability in the ear is good for most users and workouts, but not perfect: a handful of reviews mention needing occasional readjustment, especially with sweat or a looser seal.
Touch and swipe controls are generally responsive and feature-rich (including volume gestures). Some users report occasional mis-taps or finicky behavior when moving or when the touch area is hard to locate.
Transparency generally sounds natural and usable, but quality varies: some find it close to best-in-class for conversations, while others say it still muffles speech or is not clearly better than ANC.
Treble is acceptable for exercise use, not refined listening. Highs are often described as rolled off, grainy, or slightly distorted when volume climbs.
Treble is usually described as lively and detailed, though it can become sharp, sibilant, or fatiguing at higher volumes for some listeners.
USB-C charging is standard and consistently present across reviews, with no major complaints about the port itself.
There is enough output for workouts and spoken-word listening, but open-ear use in noisy settings often requires higher volume than ideal.
Maximum loudness is a frequent positive: many reviewers note it gets very loud without needing to push the volume far. This helps in noisy environments but can tempt unsafe listening levels.
Water performance is the standout strength. The IPX8 rating and real underwater playback are consistently praised, making these far more convincing for swimmers than most open-ear alternatives.
The IP55 dust and water rating is a meaningful plus for rain and sweat, and reviewers generally treat it as dependable for everyday exercise. It is not intended for submersion.
These are repeatedly described as lightweight and unobtrusive, which helps during long sessions and makes the headset easy to forget once positioned.