- Bryan Tan
Affordability Is The Name Of The Game With These Panasonic Earbuds!
Updated: Dec 18, 2023
In the fast-paced world of modern technology, true wireless earbuds have emerged as a convenient audio solution. Among the numerous brands in the market, Panasonic stands out for its commitment to delivering quality sound and user-friendly features. Today we look at the Panasonic RZ-B310W and RZ-B110W, true wireless earbuds for budget seekers, their characteristics, performance and overall value.
Whether you're a music enthusiast, a frequent traveller, or simply seeking a value-oriented audio experience, discover which model best suits your needs.
Panasonic RZ-B310W
The Panasonic RZ-B310W boasts impressive features, making it the prime choice of the duo for casual audiophiles and commuters alike.
The case and earbuds are designed similarly to the Apple AirPods or the Marshall Minors and Motifs, with a top opening lid and stem for each earbud. The IPX4 in-ear design of the RZ-B310W enhances both comfort and passive noise isolation, as it minimises sound leakage from the outside world; however, you will have to play around with the tip sizes first, but once you find the best fit, the earbuds stay securely in place, even during rigorous activities like running or working out. The charging case itself is also sleek, compact and portable.
The setup is fairly straightforward; there isn't a companion app for both earbuds, so just pop them in your ear and follow the voice prompts. The earbud is operated via a list of touch inputs; generally, I'm the kind of user who turns off touch controls as my phone is usually in my hand. But as the RZ-B310W doesn't have a companion app to do that, I found it quite annoying when I would trigger inputs while taking off or holding the earbud in my hand, and it didn't help that the touch sensor felt a little wonky at times. Nevertheless, I got used to it, so if it concerns you, you might want to explore other options.
Regarding sound quality, the RZ-B310W doesn't disappoint for a S$100 earbud. Its well-balanced audio profile, with a slight emphasis on the bass, delivers clear and detailed sound across different genres. Vocals are crisp, and the bass response is satisfying without overwhelming other frequencies. Whether you're listening to classical symphonies or bass-heavy electronic beats, the RZ-B310W cater to a wide range of musical preferences.
At its core lies active noise cancellation (ANC), a technology designed to reduce ambient noise, creating a more focused listening experience. The mode can be toggled on and off by tapping and holding either side of the earbuds. Although it pales in comparison to pricier options, it's good enough that you'll be able to enjoy music or podcasts undisturbed by the surrounding cacophony.
Battery life is essential for any wireless earbud user and the RZ-B310W is alright in this department. With up to 5 hours of playtime on a single charge and an additional 11 hours provided by the charging case, these earbuds offer a total of 16 hours of uninterrupted listening pleasure.
Panasonic RZ-B110W
For budget-conscious consumers seeking a reliable audio companion, its younger brother, the Panasonic RZ-B110W, is a worthy contender. Although it lacks the ANC feature found in its sibling, it still packs an impressive punch in terms of sound quality and comfort.
Equipped with a 10mm driver and Panasonic's XBS (Extra Bass System) technology, the RZ-B110W delivers enhanced low-end frequencies, making it an ideal choice for bass enthusiasts. I would say the sound signature is very similar to the RZ-B310W, so there isn't much of a discernable difference unless you look for it.
Like the RZ-B310W, the RZ-B110W also boasts a comfortable IPX4 water-resistant in-ear design that stays securely in place. The ear tips come in three different sizes, ensuring a tailored fit for every user, and the earbuds remain comfortable even during extended wear. I also found that the RZ-B110W fits much better on my ear with slightly better Passive Noise Isolation than the RZ-B310W, but all ears are shaped differently, so if you get the chance, try it out for yourself.
Battery life is also the department where the RZ-B110W does just slightly better. With 6 hours of playtime on a single charge and an additional 20 hours provided by the charging case, these earbuds offer a total of 26 hours of continuous listening.
Pricing & Availability
The Panasonic RZ-B310W and RZ-B110W are available online at S$119 and S$59, respectively. The RZ-B310W, with its ANC capability and slightly beefier design, commands a higher price point than the RZ-B110W. However, even the latter is competitively priced and provides excellent value for budget-conscious consumers.
My personal take? If you want something simple yet elegant, go for the RZ-B110W instead. Although the RZ-B310W sports ANC, it's still a pretty tough sell for a price that is two times higher. On the other hand, the RZ-B110W has a similar sound signature with its enhanced low-end frequencies and a slight boost in battery life, plus it fits my ears better.
Ultimately, choosing the two models depends on your specific needs and budget. If ANC and "premium" designs are crucial to you, the RZ-B310W make a compelling option. Conversely, if you prioritise affordability without compromising sound quality and comfort, the RZ-B110W is just as attractive. Whichever model you choose, Panasonic's commitment to quality and performance guarantees a satisfying true wireless earbud experience.