This is my first venture into the world of True Wireless Stereo (TWS), which has evolved from a passing novelty to a modern-day necessity. TWS is more than just cutting the cord; it's about embracing independence, portability, and a constant stream of music in our daily lives. Enter the ND Audio Pulsar, a stylish challenger looking to carve out a position in a highly competitive market. With its elegant design and promises of immersive tuning, the question remains: will it offer more than just wireless convenience? Let's find out.
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The ND Pulsar True Wireless Stereo (TWS) earbuds are enclosed in a distinctive housing that, at first appearance, resembles a small portable fan. While the design appears big in comparison to the elegant lines of most TWS offerings, the weight is surprisingly light, allowing for transportation without compromising personality.
Now, let us discuss sound. To be honest, when compared to similarly priced competitors, the ND Pulsar falls short in overall sonic performance. While it provides a satisfactory listening experience for casual use, it lacks the refinement and detail retrieval found in competitors in the same price range.
One notable omission is Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), which is becoming more common even in low-cost TWS offerings. The Pulsar's lack of ANC puts it at a disadvantage, particularly for listeners who prioritize noise isolation in noisy environments.
Disclaimers
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The cover panel is translucent, providing a clear glimpse of the interior housing and circuitry while creating a tech-inspired look that distinguishes it from traditional TWS covers. Interestingly, the earbuds themselves have this transparent motif, which I'll go over in greater detail later. As illustrated in the illustration, the green glow shows that the unit is charging.
As previously stated, here's a closer look at the earphones themselves. While the photograph may not fully capture the finer details due to the limits of my phone's camera, it does provide a good view of their translucent design and internal components. I should also mention that the case has a magnetic closure, which not only makes it look sleeker but also provides a delightful tactile experience while securing the buds.
The earbuds are shaped like a figure-eight, which I think is both unusual and attractive. However, depending on one's aesthetic preferences, its form factor may feel quite controversial.
The earbuds are shaped like a figure-eight, which I think is both unusual and attractive. However, depending on one's aesthetic preferences, its form factor may feel quite controversial.
One notable omission is Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), which is becoming more common even in low-cost TWS offerings. The Pulsar's lack of ANC puts it at a disadvantage, particularly for listeners who prioritize noise isolation in noisy environments.
The overall tuning follows a conventional V-shaped sound signature, accentuating lows and highs to create a vibrant, consumer-friendly character. The bass has a notable weight and presence, while the treble has enough sparkle to keep the music interesting. Surprisingly, despite this concentration, the Mids do not sound completely drowned out. Vocals and instruments remain heard and clear, however they are slightly below the bass and treble in the mix.
The issue
During my usual testing routine, I encountered a relatively common problem in the audio hobby: channel imbalance. Suddenly, one side began to sound significantly louder than the other, disrupting the overall listening experience. After conducting some research, I discovered that I was not alone: several other reviewers had reported similar inconsistencies with the ND Pulsar.
To solve the problem, I manually adjusted the left and right channel volumes in my device's settings. While this workaround improved sound balance, it also created new issues: the audio became slightly more distorted and had an unnatural, overly processed quality.
To solve the problem, I manually adjusted the left and right channel volumes in my device's settings. While this workaround improved sound balance, it also created new issues: the audio became slightly more distorted and had an unnatural, overly processed quality.
The Good
Despite the channel imbalance issue I encountered, the ND Pulsar has a few redeeming qualities that deserve to be highlighted. One standout feature is its charging efficiency—the case charges quickly, often reaching full charge in 1 to 2 hours. This is an especially useful feature for users who are constantly on the move.
Another plus is the long-lasting battery. The earbuds provide extended playback time on a single charge, and with the included case, total usage is increased even further. It left a strong impression in terms of endurance, implying that, while the Pulsar has some quirks, it was designed with longevity in mind—at least when it comes to power management.
In terms of comfort, the ND Pulsar does surprisingly well. I experienced no ear fatigue or strain while wearing it for an extended period of time, which I attribute to its lightweight design and ergonomic fit. I wore it while sleeping, taking casual walks, and commuting without any discomfort or need for adjustment. The secure but gentle seal makes it ideal for extended listening sessions, whether you're relaxing or on the go.
The microphone quality is adequate for routine tasks such as voice calls or brief meetings. It captures speech clearly in quiet environments, but if you want studio-quality clarity or professional-grade sound for content creation, the Pulsar may fall short. It's functional, but not memorable.
One welcome addition is the presence of two listening modes: Music Mode and Game Mode. Music Mode prioritizes balanced playback for general listening, whereas Game Mode reduces latency to provide more responsive audio during mobile gaming sessions. It's a thoughtful addition that increases versatility, especially at this price.
One welcome addition is the presence of two listening modes: Music Mode and Game Mode. Music Mode prioritizes balanced playback for general listening, whereas Game Mode reduces latency to provide more responsive audio during mobile gaming sessions. It's a thoughtful addition that increases versatility, especially at this price.
The Bad
The ND Pulsar is up against tough competition in its price bracket, particularly in terms of sound quality. Several options at this level offer more accurate tuning, more detail recovery, and other features like Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), which the Pulsar noticeably lacks. Although its bass-forward, aggressive sound profile may appeal to casual listeners, those with more exacting listening habits or audiophile standards are likely to find greater value in competing alternatives that deliver a more balanced and technically competent audio experience.
The channel imbalance problem has a major detrimental effect on the entire listening experience. Manually setting the left and right audio balance in software adds an extra layer of annoyance while also creating obvious distortion and an odd tone shift. This results in a sound presentation that feels less authentic—and, as a result, is less enjoyable to use over time.
Final Verdict
I’d like to thank Garcia Kate and ND Audio for giving me the chance to try their products, especially the ND Pulsar, which has been my daily driver for the past few days.
This is not a sponsored review, hence all reviews are my own.