Treblab Z2 review: An awesome mid-range headset that doubles as a workout buddy

I don’t normally use over-ear headphones when I work out — a pair of the best workout headphones is usually my go-to. But the Treblab Z2 might change that. The American manufacturer brings premium features, like excellent active noise cancelation and long battery life, to this mid-range headset, and there’s a lot to love about the Z2.

With powerful basslines, vocals and treble that sound consistent across a variety of genres, and a cool design that combines comfort and aesthetics make the Z2 a steal at this price. The Z2 is IPX4-rated, making it a great companion for sweaty workout sessions. If you’re willing to forego a few features, such as the missing companion app and customizable EQ, this could be your next set of cans.

So, does this headset belong amongst the best over-ear headphones? For the complete breakdown, read my full Treblab Z2 review.

Treblab Z2 review: Specs

Treblab Z2 review: Cheat sheet

• What is it? A mid-range wireless headset that doubles as a good workout buddy
• Who is it for? For audiophiles and fitness fans who don’t want to pay over the odds 
• How much does it cost? The Treblab Z2 is available for $119
• What do we like? The excellent sound quality that’s consistent across genres, the effective ANC, water resistance, 35-hour battery life, and comfortable design
• What don’t we like? There’s no companion app or customizable EQ, and sound tends to bleed at high volumes

Treblab Z2 review: Price & availability

The Treblab Z2 headset has a retail price of $119 but I’ve seen it fall to as low as $58 at Amazon. The features it offers makes it an excellent choice for audiophiles who also like to work out but don’t want to spend a lot of money on a pair of cans.

Treblab Z2 review: Design & comfort

Treblab says the Z2 is designed to “power through your workout” and for a fitness headset, it’s very comfortable. Made of matte black hard plastic, the headset feels robust and well-built. The headband has a cushion which adds to the comfort, as do the plush leatherette earcups. Each earcup’s outer edge has a metallic vinyl design which looks classy. The adjustable headband also allows for plenty of adjustment to achieve maximum comfort.

Since it’s designed to be worn during workouts, the Z2’s earcups feel very snug and a little tight but that’s quickly remedied by the plush earcups. The headset is also very lightweight, weighing just 8.9 ounces. It’s slightly heavier than the Beats Solo 4 ($199) which weighs 7.6 ounces. Having worn the Z2 for eight consecutive hours and two hours while working out, I never felt any discomfort. The headset also stayed in place when I was running on the treadmill.

The Z2 isn’t as good as the best bone conduction headphones, but it’ll serve you well while working out. This headset is IPX4-rated which means it’s water resistant (splashes only) and sweatproof but lacks dustproofing. If you want the more durable fitness buds, check out the IP57-rated Jabra Elite 4 Active ($119) instead.

Treblab Z2 review: Controls & app

The Treblab Z2 doesn’t have any touch controls and everything is done via physical buttons on the earcups. You’ll find a 3.5mm aux jack, volume controls and the power/Bluetooth button on the right earcup, and the left earcup houses the ANC switch and an LED indicator that conveys the battery level and Bluetooth status. The volume buttons are textured and quick to respond.

I appreciate that the control scheme isn’t confusing. It’s straightforward which is important given that the Z2 doesn’t have a companion app — which surprised me as nearly every audio peripheral I’ve tested has had one. I would have appreciated having one to update the firmware, choose between ANC levels, and more.

The absence of a companion app means you can’t adjust the equalizer either, so you’re stuck with the default EQ which doesn’t sound terrible, but it would have been nice to have the option to boost the bass or treble, for example. However, the more expensive Beats Solo 4 doesn’t have adjustable EQ either.

Treblab Z2 review: Connectivity

The Treblab Z2 utilizes Bluetooth 5.3 to seamlessly connect to up to two devices at once. It supports the basic AAC, SBC and Qualcomm aptX codecs. For those with older devices, there’s a 3.5mm aux jack on the right earcup for wired connections.

The only issue I have with the Z2’s connectivity is the Bluetooth range of 10m. I have a habit of leaving my phone on the treadmill while I get off to get water. In my testing, the audio started stuttering when I moved even a couple of meters away from my phone. This isn’t a deal breaker but it’s annoying as I need to keep my phone in my pocket at all times to ensure the audio doesn’t cut out.

Treblab Z2 review: Sound & performance

The sound department is where the Treblab Z2 really impressed me. I listened to a playlist on Spotify Premium — one of the best music streaming services — on my Google Pixel 7 Pro, with ANC on.

The Z2 has a dynamic frequency response range of 20Hz to 20kHz which means it can reproduce most sounds the average person can hear. Equipped with 40mm neodymium-backed HD drivers, the Z2 delivers thumping basslines and powerful vocals which sound consistent across a range of genres. Roger Waters’ low vocals in “Is This the Life We Really Want” sound crystal clear while the basslines never sound overpowering.

Turning to the bass-heavy “Navigating” by Twenty One Pilots really makes you appreciate the Z2’s performance. The bass starts soft in the bridge and quickly picks up and becomes sharper, and the headset accurately reproduces the notes.

Percussion instruments are handled really well by the Z2 too. The snare drum and triangle in My Chemical Romance’s “Welcome to the Black Parade” don’t sound too sharp and the Z2 adds a snap to them. As for vocals, Lana Del Rey’s “A&W” served as the true test and Treblab’s offering passed with flying colors.

Be wary, though, that sound tends to bleed at high volumes. Others probably won’t hear you in a busy gym but it’s still something to keep in mind.

Treblab Z2 review: ANC

Active noise cancelation is very important to me. I’ve been using earbuds with ANC for so long that I don’t think I can go without it. Thankfully, the Treblab Z2 features excellent ANC. Treblab says the T-Quiet ANC technology is “designed to eliminate distractions” and that is nothing but the truth.

In the office, idle chatter was drowned out by the Z2, as was the sound of our very loud coffee machine. Outdoors, car horns and construction site sounds are blocked but you don’t feel isolated. If you want better ANC than this, you’ll have to loosen the purse strings for the Bose QuietComfort Ultra ($429) or the Sony WH-1000XM5 ($399).

Treblab Z2 review: Battery life

Treblab claims the Z2 can last up to 35 hours on a single charge, and this falls to 28 hours when ANC is on. Other running headphones we’ve reviewed don’t last for nearly as long. For example, the Shokz OpenRun ($129) last for 8 hours, and the Jabra Elite 4 Active provides 7 hours with ANC on. The Beats Solo 4 outclasses the Z2’s battery life as it provides up to 50 hours of playback, but it costs $199 — a lot more expensive than Treblab’s offering.

While the battery life is more than satisfactory, the Z2 is slow to charge. It takes three hours to go from zero to 100% when using a 30W USB-A to USB-C charger.

Treblab Z2 review: Verdict

For $119, the Treblab Z2 headset has a lot to offer. The sound is outstanding, with basslines thumping in your ears and powerful vocals that make you ponder over the meaning of life. The ANC is effective and blocks out most sounds, and the 35-hour battery life (with ANC off) ensures you don’t run out of juice mid-workout. Speaking of working out, the Z2 is IPX4-rated so you can sweat it out without any worries. It’s also extremely comfortable as I had no issues wearing the Z2 for hours on end.

But I really wish the Z2 had a companion app and customizable EQ. It’s a shame that I can’t boost the bass or enhance the vocals. Also, if you’re like me and like to listen to music on high volumes, remember that audio tends to bleed.

All in all, the Z2 is an excellent headset that easily warrants a recommendation as a pair of the best over-ear headphones. I’ll very happily continue using it at work and then at the gym.