Imagine a world where you can immerse yourself in music without the confines of earbuds digging into your ears. This is precisely what Oladance Wearable Stereos promises – a harmonious blend of comfort and high-quality sound that never invades your ear canals.
As an avid runner who frequents narrow lanes devoid of footpaths, I must remain acutely aware of my surroundings, constantly vigilant for oncoming traffic and other potential hazards. For me, running has always been an escape, and a reliable pair of open-ear headphones is an absolute necessity. Naturally, I jumped at the chance when Oladance offered me the opportunity to try out their wearable stereo.
Priced at £149.99, these headphones fall on the higher end of the spectrum, surpassing even the bone-conduction headphones from the renowned Shokz range that I’ve previously sported. The question that looms: are they worth the investment? Let’s delve into the details and find out.
First Impressions: Where Style Meets Functionality
Oladance sent me their ‘Blue and Orange’ colourway (although they offer cream, white, and silver variants as well). Connecting them to my phone via Bluetooth was a breeze. The package includes a conveniently compact carry case, perfect for stashing in your bag or pocket. However, one minor inconvenience arises – the case does not double as a charging dock for the earbuds, despite the necessity to place them inside for charging. A separate charging case is available for purchase at £49.99. Expect a two-hour charging time from empty to full.
What about the sound?
Sound quality is where Oladance truly shines. While there’s a slight dip in audio fidelity compared to in-ear buds, it’s well within the expected range. I experienced the same rush of excitement as always when the bassline of “I Wanna Be Adored” by The Stone Roses kicked in. The sound quality easily outpaces my previous Shokz headphones, and the volume range is notably superior.
Let’s talk about sound leakage. If you secretly indulge in a bit of Britney but prefer to keep it under wraps at the office, you’re in luck with Oladance’s headphones – they keep your musical guilty pleasures a well-guarded secret.
Endurance Matters: A Battery That Keeps Up
One of Oladance’s standout features is its impressive battery life. They claim a 16-hour runtime, and my own experience confirms this claim. For someone like me who enjoys long runs, these headphones easily last over a week without needing a recharge. In contrast, my Shokz headphones often required more frequent charging, especially when cranked to maximum volume during outdoor runs. This is something worth noting.
The Ultimate Test: Running with Oladance
Oladance headphones comfortably wrap around your ears, providing a secure fit that rests on your ears rather than penetrating them. Wearing sunglasses or a headband poses no issues, although I have a slight preference for the fit of the Shokz.
Feature-Packed for Active Lifestyles
Designed with sports in mind, Oladance headphones boast an IPX4 rating, signifying resistance to sweat and water (for comparison, my Shokz Aeropex are rated IP67). Smart touch controls allow you to play, pause, skip songs, adjust the volume, and take calls with just a tap. However, I found these controls a tad sensitive during mid-run use, often accidentally pausing my music when attempting to adjust the volume!
Pro’s
- Exceptional sound quality for an open design
- Wireless convenience eliminates the hassle of tangled wires
- Comfortable fit without intruding into the inner ear
- Impressive battery life
Cons:
- Higher price point compared to competitors
- A separate purchase required for the charging case
In conclusion, while Oladance headphones may carry a premium price tag, they undoubtedly reign supreme when it comes to sound quality in the open-earbud category. The extensive battery life lives up to its claims, ensuring uninterrupted listening during your long runs.
Offering a harmonious blend of musical bliss, situational awareness, and wire-free convenience, they emerge as a clear winner in my book.
For more information or if you’d like to experience Oladance for yourself, please click here.