True wireless earbuds are everywhere but OnePlus hasn’t forgotten the other kind of wireless earbuds — the neckband. The form factor is not for everyone. Many people don’t like to use something that dangles around the neck, but then there are those — like my better half — who swear by neckbands. Wireless neckbands remain one of the most convenient devices. Wherever you want to take calls or listen to music, it’s there, dangling around the neck. Excited? In that case, OnePlus Bullets Wireless Z3 will not disappoint.

Skin friendly

The neckband is made of soft materials that are not irritating to the skin. The device is IP55 rated, making it water and sweat resistant. You can hit the gym sporting the Z3. The device looks a lot like OnePlus Bullets Wireless Z2 ANC, but if you haven’t updated in a few years, the new arrival may make it to the shopping cart.

There is app support for the neckband

Sound department

Connection happens through Google Fast Pair protocol. The moment you detach the magnetic buds, your phone shows a card saying the device is available for connection. The controls are present on the right spine — play/pause and volume up/down. There is also a button to activate your phone’s voice assistant. From making calls, playing music, to setting reminders, enjoy a hassle-free time with the neckband.

The buttons have decent tactile feedback, and the buds are attached by magnets. When you bring them together after listening to a song, the neckband will pause the music. You can download the HeyMelody app, which has a few controls. Even though this is a simple neckband, you get access to OnePlus 3D Audio and a basic EQ. If you use a OnePlus phone, all the settings are baked into the Bluetooth section. The app hasn’t been updated in a long time; it continues to look simple.

The buds are meant to be bass-heavy. Coming with 12.4 mm dynamic bass drivers, there is enhanced bass response. It’s a sound profile most gym-goers look for, and you won’t be disappointed. But there is no ANC, not that you would miss it on a neckband.

You can enjoy 36 hours of music playback and 21 hours of call on OnePlus Bullets Wireless Z3 neckband.

It’s a clean sound profile, minus all distortions, even at max volume. The buds can get very loud, so listening to Miley Cyrus or Sabrina Carpenter is a joy. The soundstage appears clear, and instruments come across well separated. By default, you get balanced sound on the EQ. Even the quality of the microphones is quite good and the person at the other end of a call will not have a chance to complain.

Make the call

Neckbands might seem less cutting edge than true wireless earbuds, but they have their advantages. Enjoying 36 hours of music playback and 21 hours of calls is nothing to laugh at. Charging it for 10 minutes will give you 27 hours of power for listening to audio. Perhaps the biggest advantage of a neckband is that it’s less likely to drop into a pool. OnePlus Bullets Wireless Z3, indeed, offers good value for money and... a whole lotta bass.

At a glance

Device: OnePlus Bullets Wireless Z3

Price: ₹1,699

High notes

• Excellent battery life

• Bass-heavy sound will attract gym-goers

• Difficult to lose, unlike wireless earbuds

• There is app support

Muffled note

• No ANC