Take a stroll through the jungle of modern audio tech, and you’ll find yourself tripping over a myriad of gadgets all screaming for your attention. But in this cacophony of beeps and boops, something truly extraordinary caught my ear – the Oladance OWS Pro earbuds. Amidst the sea of generic in-ear buds and the rising tide of bone conduction contraptions, these earbuds stand out like a toucan in a flock of pigeons. Their open-ear design isn’t just another note in the symphony of sound gadgets; it’s the lead guitar solo that makes you sit up and listen. Welcome to what might just be the next big riff in our audio odyssey.
Key Takeaways
Verdict: The Oladance OWS Pro offers the best overall sound for those in need of open-ear headphones.
Pros:
Cons:
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Oladance OWS Pro Open Ear Bluetooth Headphones with Multipoint Connection, Up to 58 Hours Playtime... | Check on Amazon |
Design and First Impressions
Upon unboxing the Oladance OWS Pro earbuds, their unique open-ear design immediately stood out. This design is both intriguing and visually striking. The earbuds are sleek and modern in appearance, with a lightweight yet sturdy build that suggest premium quality.
Sound Quality Experience
When I first tried the Oladance OWS Pro earbuds, the sound quality immediately caught my attention. They produce a clear and rich sound, with a depth that is unexpected for an open-ear design. The bass is robust, enhancing my favorite tracks without overpowering the mids and highs.
In various environments, from quiet indoors to moderately noisy outdoor settings, the earbuds maintain their sound quality. This is especially noteworthy given the open-ear design, which often struggles with external noise.
The balance between volume and clarity is impressive. The earbuds provide an immersive listening experience without the need for high volume levels. The sound is consistent and solid across different types of music and audio content.
Comfort
In my daily use of the Oladance OWS Pro, I find their comfort level to be a blend of positives and negatives. The open-ear design offers a level of comfort that in-ear models can’t provide, allowing for a less invasive and more natural fit. I can wear them for extended periods without feeling the pressure typically associated with in-ear buds. This aspect is particularly noticeable when I’m engaged in activities like running, where they stay in place even during intense movement.
However, they can cause discomfort after prolonged use. For instance, they start to irritate the back of my ears, particularly around the top, after hours of continuous wear. This discomfort contrasts with some other models I’ve used, where all-day wear was possible without any issues. The OWS Pro has a thicker loop compared to other models like the Shokz OpenFit, and their slightly heavier build, compounded over time, can add to this discomfort.
Although the Oladance OWS Pro earbuds offer notable comfort advantages with their open-ear design, they also pose challenges for extended wear, particularly for those sensitive to pressure around the ears.
Battery Life and Charging
The Oladance OWS Pro earbuds excel in battery life, offering about 16 hours of playtime, which is ample for a full day’s use. The charging case further boosts this, providing up to 58 hours of battery life. However, there is a slight trade-off: the case is a bit bulky, which is noticeable when carrying it around. Despite this, its capacity for extended charges makes it a valuable asset for long-term use. Charging the earbuds overnight always ensures they’re ready for the next day, aligning well with a busy lifestyle.
Call Quality and Microphone Performance
I’ve taken calls in various conditions, from quiet library to busy streets, and the clarity remains consistent. People on the other end of the call can hear me clearly, even when I’m outdoors with background noise, which is impressive. The microphone’s performance in handling ambient sounds while keeping my voice clear and audible is noteworthy.
Noise Canceling Feature (Focus Mode)
The Oladance OWS Pro earbuds boast a unique Focus Mode, which aims to filter mid to high-frequency noise, a novel feature for open-ear earbuds. Although Active Noise Cancellation is prevalent in True Wireless Stereo (TWS) earbuds like the AirPods Pro and Samsung’s Galaxy Buds Live, its integration into open-ear models like this is quite unconventional.
In my use, however, Focus Mode didn’t meet my expectations. Despite keeping the firmware updated, I noticed no significant impact on ambient sound while using it near various noise sources, such as fans, hair dryers, or even amidst loud renovation work. It seems Focus Mode might be effective only for specific frequencies, leaving room for improvement in future firmware updates.
On a positive note, Focus Mode smartly disengages when it detects my voice, which I could be helpful for uninterrupted communication. This feature, while innovative, isn’t a game-changer for me in the realm of open-ear headphones.
Bluetooth Connectivity
The Bluetooth connection on the Oladance OWS Pro earbuds is seamless and reliable. Pairing with devices, including my phone and computer, is smooth, and the earbuds maintain a stable connection throughout use. The multipoint pairing feature, allowing the earbuds to connect to multiple devices simultaneously, is particularly convenient for switching between different audio sources without hassle. This robust connectivity make the earbuds versatile for various settings, whether at the gym or just relaxing at home.
Controls
In my daily use with the Oladance OWS Pro, the control functionality has its highs and lows. Each earbud features a button that serves a dual purpose: it is used for slide touch control to adjust volume on top and can also be clicked for other functions. Adjusting volume is comfortable and precise, a feature I find quite useful, better than most of the earbuds I have tried.
However, when it comes to actions like pausing music (one click) or skipping tracks (double click), the click control is less reliable. Sometimes, I resort to using my iPhone for these actions, as the earbud buttons don’t always respond as expected. Also press on the button can easily change the earbud’s ideal position in my ear, which can be bothersome. This inconsistency in the controls can be slightly inconvenient, especially when I need swift and hassle-free management while running or cycling.
App
The Oladance app offers a range of customization options, allowing me to adjust settings and controls to my liking. I can tweak the earbuds’ performance to suit different environments and preferences. The app’s interface is quite intuitive; navigating through the options and making adjustments is straightforward and hassle-free.
However, there are some inconvenient aspects of the app. To use it, you must register with your personal information, such as a phone number or email. This requirement is not common for similar apps and can be somewhat annoying.
Price and Value for Money
The Oladance OWS Pro earbuds are priced slightly higher than their predecessors and competitors, but this is justified considering the inclusion of the charging case, which was an additional purchase with previous model OWS 2. The price feels reasonable when considering the exceptional sound, overall quality, and features they offer for various indoor and outdoor settings. While some might find the price a bit steep, the value they provide, especially in terms of comfort and sound quality, aligns well with their cost.
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Oladance OWS Pro Open Ear Bluetooth Headphones with Multipoint Connection, Up to 58 Hours Playtime... | Check on Amazon |
Final Verdict
The Oladance OWS Pro earbuds are a strong contender in the open-ear headphones category, particularly for those who prioritize sound quality and battery life. They offer a unique listening experience that balances the need for ambient awareness with exceptional audio quality. For users like me, who value these features and are willing to navigate the few shortcomings, the Oladance OWS Pro earbuds are a worthwhile choise.
