In today’s rapidly evolving world of wireless audio technology, finding the perfect pair of earbuds that offer an exceptional blend of audio quality, comfort, and smart features can be a challenge. Enter the HMD Pulse Pro, a pair of earbuds from HMD Global that have taken the wireless audio game to the next level. With these earbuds, HMD Global, the company known for reviving the iconic Nokia brand, has once again demonstrated its commitment to delivering high-quality, stylish, and innovative devices.
The HMD Pulse Pro is designed for audiophiles who crave an immersive audio experience but are also looking for cutting-edge technology packed into a sleek, modern design. From high-fidelity sound and active noise cancellation (ANC) to intuitive touch controls and long-lasting battery life, the HMD Pulse Pro promises to be a contender in the highly competitive market of wireless earbuds.
In this article, we’ll explore the HMD Pulse Pro in-depth, reviewing its design, features, performance, and much more. We’ll also provide a detailed comparison in table format to help you better understand its position in the current market.
The HMD Pulse Pro wireless earbuds represent HMD Global’s foray into the premium wireless audio market. With a sleek, futuristic design and top-tier features, these earbuds are tailored for users who demand more than just average sound from their devices. HMD Global has paid close attention to both form and function, integrating features that deliver a seamless and enjoyable audio experience across multiple environments, whether you’re commuting, working out, or relaxing at home.
These earbuds are built with Bluetooth 5.3 technology, which offers a stable and fast connection, reducing audio latency to almost negligible levels. They also feature aptX Adaptive and AAC audio codecs for high-definition sound, ensuring that you can enjoy your favorite tracks with impeccable clarity and balance.
Design and Build Quality
One of the standout features of the HMD Pulse Pro is its minimalist yet elegant design. The earbuds are made from high-quality materials that provide durability without compromising on weight. They come in a sleek matte black or white finish, which gives them a professional and modern appearance. The surface of the earbuds has a slightly textured feel, providing extra grip and a comfortable hold during insertion and removal.
Key Design Highlights:
- Ergonomically designed ear tips: HMD Pulse Pro comes with multiple ear tip sizes, ensuring a snug fit for all ear shapes and sizes. The ergonomic design also prevents ear fatigue, allowing for prolonged usage.
- Compact charging case: The accompanying case is compact and fits easily into pockets, making it highly portable. The case is also designed to be smooth and sturdy, offering a premium feel.
- Touch-sensitive controls: Each earbud features touch-sensitive panels that respond well to touch, allowing for easy control of playback, volume, and calls.
The overall build quality is impressive, with the earbuds feeling sturdy and capable of withstanding everyday wear and tear. Whether you’re jogging in the rain or working out at the gym, the IPX5 water resistance rating ensures the HMD Pulse Pro can handle moisture and sweat without any issues.
Audio Performance
At the heart of the HMD Pulse Pro is its audio performance, and this is where the earbuds truly shine. These earbuds feature 12mm dynamic drivers that produce rich, deep bass, clear mids, and crisp highs. The balance between these frequencies makes the Pulse Pro suitable for a wide range of music genres, from bass-heavy electronic tracks to classical compositions that require a fine touch of detail.
The aptX Adaptive codec ensures low latency, making the HMD Pulse Pro ideal not only for music but also for watching videos and gaming. Audio syncs perfectly with visuals, providing a more immersive multimedia experience.
Sound Characteristics:
- Bass: The bass is powerful yet controlled, offering deep lows that do not overpower the mids and highs. It’s perfect for those who enjoy bass-heavy music but still want clarity in vocals and instruments.
- Mids: The mids are well-balanced, ensuring that vocals, guitars, and other mid-range sounds are clearly defined.
- Treble: The highs are crisp without being sharp, providing a pleasant and non-fatiguing listening experience even at higher volumes.
For audiophiles, the HMD Pulse Pro also offers the HMD Audio+ app, which allows users to customize the EQ settings according to their preferences. This feature provides additional flexibility in tailoring the sound profile to individual tastes.
Active Noise Cancellation and Transparency Modes
One of the major selling points of the HMD Pulse Pro is its Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) technology. This feature uses advanced microphones to capture external noises and cancel them out, creating a quiet and immersive audio environment. Whether you’re on a crowded train or in a noisy office, the ANC ensures that you can focus on your music, podcasts, or calls without interruption.
The HMD Pulse Pro also features a Transparency Mode, which is equally important. This mode allows external sounds to pass through the earbuds, ensuring that you remain aware of your surroundings when necessary. It’s perfect for situations where you need to hear traffic or engage in brief conversations without removing the earbuds.
Noise Control Features:
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) | Reduces ambient noise for an immersive listening experience. |
| Transparency Mode | Allows ambient sound to pass through, ensuring situational awareness. |
The transition between ANC and Transparency Mode is seamless and can be toggled via the touch controls on the earbuds or through the HMD Audio+ app. Additionally, the ANC does not have a significant impact on battery life, which is an added bonus.
Smart Features and Controls
The HMD Pulse Pro isn’t just about great audio; it also comes packed with smart features that make it a highly versatile and user-friendly device.
Touch Controls:
- Single tap: Play/pause music or answer/end calls.
- Double tap: Skip to the next track or reject a call.
- Hold: Toggle between ANC and Transparency Mode or summon the voice assistant.
The voice assistant integration is another smart feature of the HMD Pulse Pro. Whether you use Google Assistant, Siri, or another voice assistant, these earbuds respond to voice commands effortlessly. This makes hands-free operation convenient, especially while commuting or multitasking.
Another notable feature is auto-pause, which automatically pauses the audio when you remove the earbuds from your ears, and resumes when you put them back in. This feature enhances the overall convenience of the device and conserves battery life.
Battery Life and Charging
Battery life is crucial for wireless earbuds, and the HMD Pulse Pro excels in this area. On a single charge, the earbuds offer up to 8 hours of continuous playback with ANC turned off. With ANC on, this reduces slightly to around 6 hours. The charging case provides an additional 24 hours of battery life, meaning you can get a total of 32 hours of listening time before needing to recharge the case.
Battery Performance Overview:
| Mode | Earbuds Playback Time | Total with Charging Case |
|---|---|---|
| ANC Off | 8 hours | 32 hours |
| ANC On | 6 hours | 26 hours |
The case itself supports USB-C fast charging, allowing you to get up to 2 hours of playback from just 10 minutes of charging. There is also Qi wireless charging compatibility, offering a cable-free charging solution for users who prefer a more modern approach to charging their devices.
Connectivity and Bluetooth Performance
The HMD Pulse Pro features Bluetooth 5.3 technology, which e
nsures a stable and fast connection over long distances. This updated version of Bluetooth offers significant improvements in power efficiency, allowing for longer battery life and reducing the potential for latency or dropped connections.
Key Connectivity Features:
- Bluetooth 5.3: Ensures a strong, reliable connection with minimal latency.
- aptX Adaptive Codec: Provides high-resolution audio with minimal delays, making the Pulse Pro suitable for gaming and video streaming.
- Multipoint Connectivity: This feature allows you to connect the earbuds to two devices simultaneously. You can seamlessly switch between listening to music on your phone and taking calls from your laptop without manually disconnecting.
The connection range is impressive, with the earbuds maintaining a stable connection up to 30 feet (9 meters) from the paired device. Additionally, pairing is quick and easy, with auto-pairing functionality enabling the earbuds to connect to your device as soon as they are removed from the case.
Comfort and Fit
Comfort is a major consideration when choosing earbuds, especially if you plan to use them for extended periods. The HMD Pulse Pro offers a lightweight design and multiple ear tip options, ensuring a snug and secure fit for all users. The earbuds are designed to sit comfortably in the ear without causing pressure, making them ideal for long listening sessions.
The ergonomically shaped tips provide excellent passive noise isolation, which complements the ANC for an even more immersive experience. The secure fit also means that the earbuds stay in place during physical activities such as running or working out.
Water and Sweat Resistance
For active users, the HMD Pulse Pro comes with an IPX5 water resistance rating, making it resistant to sweat and light rain. This makes the earbuds a reliable choice for gym workouts, outdoor activities, or commuting in less-than-ideal weather conditions.
HMD Pulse Pro vs Competitors (Table Comparison)
The HMD Pulse Pro sits in a competitive market alongside other premium earbuds. Let’s compare the key features of the HMD Pulse Pro with some of its main competitors.
| Feature | HMD Pulse Pro | Apple AirPods Pro 2 | Sony WF-1000XM5 | Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Driver Size | 12mm Dynamic | Custom High-Excursion | 8mm Dynamic | 10mm Dynamic |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.3 | 5.3 | 5.3 | 5.3 |
| ANC | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Transparency Mode | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Battery Life (ANC On) | 6 hours | 6 hours | 8 hours | 5 hours |
| Total Battery Life | 32 hours | 30 hours | 36 hours | 29 hours |
| Water Resistance | IPX5 | IPX4 | IPX4 | IPX7 |
| Wireless Charging | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Final Thoughts
The HMD Pulse Pro is a formidable entry into the premium wireless earbud market. It offers a well-rounded audio experience, backed by cutting-edge technology such as Bluetooth 5.3, aptX Adaptive, and advanced ANC. The design is sleek and professional, making the Pulse Pro a stylish accessory for daily use.
The battery life is excellent, the touch controls are intuitive, and the ANC performance rivals some of the best in the industry. Whether you’re an audiophile, a casual listener, or someone who needs high-quality wireless earbuds for everyday tasks, the HMD Pulse Pro is worth serious consideration.
With features like water resistance, fast charging, and comfortable fit, these earbuds are built to cater to various use cases, from active lifestyles to professional environments. HMD Global has delivered a product that not only looks good but also performs exceptionally well across the board.
In a crowded marketplace, the HMD Pulse Pro stands out for its combination of premium features and competitive pricing. For users seeking a balanced mix of performance, style, and innovation, these earbuds are a top contender.
