Panasonic RZ-S300W bluetooth headphones review

 

Panasonic is actively developing its range of wireless headphones and, of course, could not help but offer a model devoid of any wires. Panasonic RZ-S300W belongs to the middle price range, if you take into account the Cupertino pro-model, and almost to the upper class, without it. Almost, because there is a model RZ-S500W which also has a noise reduction system.

 

Design and ergonomics

 

The Panasonic RZ-S300W model can be called elegant and technological. The headphones themselves have very compact dimensions, and given the in-canal ear pads, they are almost half hidden in the ear canal. The body is edged with a relief insert, which also contains LED indicators. The case itself is protected from water and dust according to the IPX4 standard.

 

 

On the outside of the case there is a touch zone, tapping on which pauses playback and receives calls. A double tap switches to the next track, and a triple tap turns on the Ambient Sound mode, picking up external noises and passing them through so that you can hear the approach of a KAMAZ, for example. The built-in microphone is not only for telephone conversations, but also for the Alexa voice assistant. Other assistants are not supported yet.

 

The charging case is relatively large, with more or less practical ergonomics. Although we would still make the main part more rounded and not cubic in shape. This way it would take up less space in your pocket.

 

 

The recess for opening the lid also contains LEDs indicating the charge level. It’s really convenient and intuitive how much residual autonomy you can count on.

 

 

The headphones are available in white, black, like ours, and mint green. The main part of the headphone body and the charging case are painted in it.

 

How it works

 

Since this is an in-channel form factor, we will make a reservation that all observations and impressions are relevant for users who are comfortable with this format. Still, placing headphones literally in the ear is not convenient for everyone.

 

 

The ear pads fit snugly in the ear canal, and the kit, as usual, includes silicone tips of other sizes. The headphones are light in weight and if you manage to fit them tightly in your ear, they won’t fall out when running or on the move. A hat or scarf has minimal chance of causing it to fall out. The headphone body hardly sticks out.

 

 

The form factor itself has already achieved good noise insulation. As for the sound, the RZ-S300W model has quite good sound. The expected frequency range is provided by the design of the headphones. There are enough bass, highs and mids and the model can be called universal for different genres of music, and even more so for working as a headset. Obviously, you shouldn’t expect volume with such compact forms, but again, as everyday headphones, when you need to distance yourself from the environment and noise, the model copes well.

 

Rarely has more than one sentence been devoted to connecting headphones to a smartphone. With this model it’s still a little different. When connecting for the first time, the case with headphones inside just needs to be connected to the charger. If you have already taken out your headphones, then the connection script to a new device is used. To do this, the case with the headphones inside also needs to be charged, then take out both headphones and wait until they flash the blue LED for 3 seconds, press and hold your finger on the touch zone for 7 seconds. Then the diodes will begin to shimmer red and blue and the headphones will be ready for pairing.

 

 

The headphone batteries last for seven and a half hours, and the case as a whole provides about 30 hours. So, charging the headphones with the case four times in total should be enough for at least three full working days. Fast charging is supported, in which 15 minutes of connecting the case to an outlet provides just over an hour of operation. Charging for two hours will ensure operation for the entire stated 7.5 hours.

 

As already mentioned, to get started you need to install the Panasonic Audio Connect proprietary application. There you can further configure the operation of the device. For example, make bass, vocals richer, or adjust the equalizer manually. For some genres of music this will be useful. Among other things, a search for headphones is available if you suddenly lose one of them. You can also configure automatic power off when not in use, display operation, and update the firmware.

 

 

Conclusions

 

Panasonic RZ-S300W is an interesting model of completely wireless headphones. First of all, it is worth noting their good ergonomics. Due to the in-ear form factor, they do not fall out of the ears as easily as many other models do. Again, due to the same design, cutting off external noise and providing optimal sound is ensured. Among other advantages, we note protection from moisture and dust, which makes them a very universal solution.

 

Rating:

+ autonomy

+ ergonomics

+ protection

- dimensions of the charging case