Alongside the launch of the OnePlus 7 Pro, OnePlus launched an update to their Bullets Wireless headphones. Cosmetically, the new Bullets Wireless 2 headphones look nearly identical to their predecessors, but when it comes to sonics, they offer a significant upgrade over the original Bullets Wireless.
To that effect, the new Bullets Wireless 2 pack in two Knowles balanced armature drivers and one 10mm dynamic driver inside of each earbud, and the headphones now support the aptX HD codec. OnePlus told us that the Bullets Wireless 2 sound as good as a pair of wireless headphones that cost 3X the same amount, and that isn’t far from the truth. With all of that said, they certainly don’t offer the best sonics out there for a pair of wireless in-ears, but they’re very good – especially for their $99 price point.
Despite the improved hardware, cosmetically not much has changed with the Bullets Wireless 2 – so much so that with a quick glance, we can’t tell a difference between the two. The earbuds still clasp together magnetically, which is super convenient for wearing them around your neck without fear of losing them. That said, the Bullets Wireless 2 headphones do trade in an aluminum casing for a heavier steel casing. Our biggest gripe with the Bullets Wireless 2 design is that the inline remote controls are a bit too small and we often find ourselves fumbling to use them.
The Bullets Wireless 2 may not be true wireless earbuds like the pricier AirPods 2 or the PowerBeats Pro, but they one-up the competition in several ways. For starters, they cost nearly half the price. They are also much more comfortable than AirPods, and they offer a more secure fit. With all of that said, just like with the OnePlus smartphones, the headphones aren’t actually IP rated – but they should manage just fine for sweaty workouts.
the Bullets Wireless 2 are amongst the most comfortable in-ear wireless headphones we’ve tested to date
When it comes to comfort, the Bullets Wireless 2 are amongst the most comfortable in-ear wireless headphones we’ve tested to date. Even with my small ear canals, I didn’t feel pressure from using them for extended periods of time. Unfortunately, they are a little bit heavy, but we haven’t found that the weight adds any significant pressure to your head when using them.
Battery life is very solid – we’ve been getting about 12 to 13 hours of use from a single charge. But what we especially appreciate is that just 10 minutes of charging provides 10 hours of playback, while just 20 minutes of charging provides you with a full charge.
Bottom Line
The OnePlus Bullets Wireless 2 in-ear headphones are a significant improvement over their predecessor, which helps justify their $30 price jump. If you’re a OnePlus user, the seamless pairing and connectivity with your phone makes these headphones a no-brainer purchase. But even if you’re not a OnePlus handset owner, we still recommend them, especially if you’re using Android.
The OnePlus Bullets Wireless 2 retail for $99. The original Bullets Wireless headphones are still available to purchase for $69.