In today’s fast-paced world, wireless earphones have become an essential accessory. Whether you’re commuting, working out, or just trying to unwind, a solid pair of earphones is key.
Enter the ONN Groove Wireless Earphones. With their affordable price and basic functionalities, they might seem like a reasonable choice for the casual listener.
But as someone who’s experienced their pros and cons firsthand, I’ll tell you why these budget-friendly earphones don’t quite hit the mark.
My Experience With ONN Groove Wireless Earphones
Using the ONN Groove wireless earphones has been a mixed experience, leaning more toward the disappointing side. I picked them up primarily for their price, thinking they’d be perfect for workouts and quick calls.
Setting them up was easy; the Bluetooth paired smoothly, and I appreciated the compact, minimal design.
The earphones stayed in place decently while I was moving around, which was a relief compared to some earbuds that never seem to fit securely.
However, once I started actually using them, the sound quality was a letdown.
The audio, especially at higher volumes, felt flat and tinny, lacking the depth that even budget earphones should provide.
The bass barely comes through, making energetic playlists sound surprisingly dull.
The mic quality was another big issue. On several calls, the person on the other end struggled to hear me clearly, often asking me to repeat myself or switch to another device. This was particularly frustrating when I needed to multitask, as the mic turned out to be too muffled for practical use. While they’re alright for light music listening or video playback, they’re not ideal for any call-heavy activities or anyone who’s picky about sound.
Overall, while the ONN Groove earphones are okay as a cheap backup, they don’t deliver the quality or versatility I’d hoped for. If you’re looking for something reliable for both music and calls, spending a bit more on another brand might be worth it.
Pros of ONN Groove Wireless Earphones
Let’s start on a positive note. These earphones do have a few redeeming qualities, particularly for their price range:
- Affordable Price: One of the biggest selling points of the ONN Groove earphones is their price. For a pair of Bluetooth earphones, spending less than $20 is a tempting deal. They’re an option for anyone on a tight budget who needs a pair for occasional music listening or watching videos.
- Secure Fit: If you’ve ever used earbuds that constantly fall out during a workout, you’ll know the importance of a secure fit. The ONN Groove earphones stay in place reasonably well, making them suitable for light exercise. While the sizing may not work for everyone (as we’ll get into), the overall design is sturdy, especially if you have a more standard ear shape.
- Quick Pairing with Bluetooth: Another positive experience is how smoothly they pair with devices. Connecting the ONN Groove earphones via Bluetooth is usually quick and hassle-free, sparing you from fumbling with settings or troubleshooting connections.
- Aesthetic Appeal: With a matte finish and a clean, minimalist design, the ONN Groove earphones look sleek and modern. The case is compact, so carrying it around in a pocket or small bag is a breeze.
Cons of ONN Groove Wireless Earphones
Now, here’s where the reality starts to sink in. While these earphones may look good on paper (and in their packaging), they come with some significant drawbacks that can affect your overall experience.
- Subpar Sound Quality: For many, sound quality is the dealbreaker when it comes to earphones, and unfortunately, the ONN Groove earphones fall short. The sound tends to be tinny and flat, especially at higher volumes. This can be frustrating if you’re listening to bass-heavy tracks, as they lack the depth and punch you’d expect even from a budget pair of earphones.
- Mic Issues: If you’re thinking of using these for hands-free calling, think again. Many users, including myself, found that the mic quality is disappointing. On multiple occasions, people I spoke with on the phone struggled to hear me clearly, often describing my voice as “muffled.” This makes the ONN Groove a poor choice for taking calls or even for virtual meetings.
- Uncomfortable Fit for Some Users: While the design may work for some, others have complained about an awkward fit. The left bud, in particular, doesn’t sit well for people with smaller ears, making it difficult to secure. This can lead to discomfort, especially if you plan to wear the earphones for extended periods.
- Lack of Advanced Features: These earphones are basic, which isn’t inherently a bad thing. However, they lack features commonly found even in other budget-friendly models, such as active noise cancellation or touch controls. This means you’ll need to reach for your phone every time you want to adjust the volume or skip tracks, which can be inconvenient.
Maintenance Tips For ONN Groove Wireless Earphones
If you already own a pair of ONN Groove earphones or have decided to give them a try, here are some maintenance tips to extend their life and maintain sound quality.
- Regular Cleaning: Earwax and dust can easily clog the earphone speakers, impacting sound quality. Use a soft cloth and a gentle brush to clean the mesh part of the earphones.
- Battery Care: Avoid leaving them charging for too long. Once they’re fully charged, unplug them to prevent battery overcharge, which could reduce their lifespan.
- Avoid Extreme Temperatures: Like most electronics, ONN Groove earphones don’t fare well under extreme heat or cold. Store them in a cool, dry place to protect the battery and electronic components.
- Case Care: The case may be small and easy to carry, but it’s still important to handle it carefully. If it breaks or becomes misaligned, you might have trouble charging the earphones.
- Avoiding Moisture: While they’re secure for a workout, they’re not fully water-resistant. Sweat and moisture can damage the internal components, so wipe them down after each use, and avoid wearing them in the rain.
Comparison With Other Brands
When it comes to budget wireless earphones, the ONN Groove earphones have some serious competition. Here’s how they stack up against a few other popular budget options.
- ONN Groove Vs. JLab Go Air
The JLab Go Air earphones are slightly pricier, usually around the $25 mark, but they deliver significantly better sound quality and have a comfortable, secure fit. Plus, JLab includes customizable EQ settings, which allow you to adjust the sound profile based on your preferences. For anyone who values sound quality, the Go Air is a better option.
- ONN Groove Vs. Skullcandy Dime
The Skullcandy Dime earphones come in at around the same price as the ONN Groove but offer richer sound and better call quality. Skullcandy’s reputation for affordable but reliable audio products shines here. The Dime earphones also come with a compact case and straightforward controls, making them more user-friendly.
- ONN Groove Vs. Anker Soundcore Life P2
For a bit more of an investment, around $35, the Anker Soundcore Life P2 earphones blow the ONN Groove out of the water. With better sound quality, longer battery life, and a water-resistant design, the Life P2 is worth the additional cost if you can stretch your budget.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
The ONN Groove wireless headphones are affordable and have a decent build, but they struggle with sound quality and have a low-performing mic. They’re passable for casual music listening but may not satisfy audiophiles or those who rely on earphones for phone calls.
Yes, they come with a built-in mic. However, the mic quality is underwhelming, with many users reporting muffled audio that makes it difficult for others to hear them clearly.
The ONN Groove music buds are okay for the price, but they don’t offer the rich sound quality you might want. They lack bass depth and can sound tinny, especially at high volumes. They’re best suited for short, casual listening sessions rather than immersive music experiences.
Yes, the ONN Groove wireless earphones work with iPhones as well as Android devices. They use Bluetooth, so they’re compatible with any device that supports Bluetooth audio.
Wrapping Up
While the ONN Groove wireless earphones might seem like a budget-friendly win, the reality is that their limitations can overshadow their price advantage. With subpar sound, a muffled mic, and fit issues for some users, they’re not the best choice if you’re looking for quality.
You might find them handy as a backup pair or for the occasional workout, but if you’re searching for something reliable for daily use, there are better budget-friendly options out there.