OnePlus Buds Pro 3, Wireless Bluetooth Earbuds, Noise Canceling Earbuds, Deep Bass, Immersive Sound, Up to 44 Hour Playtime with Charging case, Lunar Radiance
You’re in the market for earbuds that won’t drain your wallet but still pack enough punch to compete with premium options. Let me introduce you to the OnePlus Buds Pro 3. At $179.99, these earbuds sit comfortably in the mid-tier price bracket, promising exceptional sound quality, active noise cancellation (ANC), and a feature set designed to impress even the pickiest of audiophiles.
I’ve spent the last week using them as my go-to earbuds—listening to music, taking calls, and testing their noise cancellation on busy streets and noisy cafes. Are they the perfect fit for your lifestyle, or do they fall short of their ambitious claims? Let’s break it all down.
- OnePlus Buds Pro 3, Wireless Bluetooth Earbuds, Noise Canceling Earbuds, Deep... — C $223.28
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The First Look
The OnePlus Buds Pro 3 carry a polished and premium look without overcomplicating things. They stick to the tried-and-tested stemmed earbud design, with a modern twist. Available in Lunar Radiance (cream) and Midnight Opus (black), these earbuds balance style and functionality. I tested the Lunar Radiance variant, and while the gloss finish looks sharp, it does pick up fingerprints and smudges more than I’d like.
Each earbud weighs 5.3 grams, making them comfortable to wear for hours on end. OnePlus includes four sizes of silicone ear tips (XS, S, M, L), ensuring a snug fit for various ear shapes. These tips, combined with pressure relief vents, make them ideal for prolonged listening sessions, even during intense workouts.
The earbuds’ IP55 rating means they’re sweat—and splash-resistant, while the case, rated IPX4, can handle light rain or spills. Speaking of the case, it’s a departure from previous OnePlus designs. The top-loading oval shape feels sturdy and compact, with a leather-textured surface for better grip. But here’s the odd part: the wireless charging feature only works when the case is placed face-down. It’s functional but unintuitive.
Sound Performance: Quality That Surprises
If sound quality is your top priority, the OnePlus Buds Pro 3 won’t disappoint. They feature a dual-driver setup, with an 11 mm woofer for bass and a 6 mm tweeter for mids and highs. This combo, paired with dual DACs, creates an audio profile that’s clean, balanced, and surprisingly dynamic for earbuds in this price range.
I tested them across genres, and they performed exceptionally well. Tracks like Loyalty by Kendrick Lamar delivered a deep, controlled bassline without muddying the vocals. Acoustic songs like Tears in Heaven by Eric Clapton showcased their ability to highlight intricate guitar plucks and vocal nuances. The clarity in mids and highs is impressive, and there’s little distortion, even at higher volumes.
Customization Options
One of the standout features is the custom EQ settings available in the HeyMelody app. You can tweak the sound to suit your preferences or choose from five presets, including Balanced, Serenade, and Bold. There’s also a BassWave slider for adding extra oomph to the low end.
If you want a personalized touch, the Golden Sound feature calibrates audio to your ears by running a quick hearing test. It’s a neat addition that genuinely enhances the listening experience.
Noise Cancellation and Transparency
The adaptive ANC is solid, though it won’t dethrone the likes of Sony or Bose. It effectively cancels out low-frequency noises like engine hums, making it a good companion for commutes or flights. However, it struggles slightly with higher-pitched sounds, like nearby conversations or clinking cutlery.
The Transparency mode, on the other hand, feels like an afterthought. While it lets in ambient sound, voices and environmental noises come through in a muffled, unnatural way. If situational awareness is critical for you, this might feel limiting.
Spatial Audio: Immersive But Limited
For movie buffs and gamers, the spatial audio with head tracking is a welcome feature. It creates an engaging surround sound effect, especially with compatible content. I tested it with Netflix and some mobile games, and while it added depth to the experience, it didn’t quite match the precision of Dolby Atmos on AirPods Pro. Still, for this price point, it’s a commendable effort.
Battery Life That Keeps Up
Battery life is where the Buds Pro 3 really shine. With ANC off, you’ll get a whopping 10 hours of playback from the earbuds, and the case extends this to 43 hours. Even with ANC turned on, the buds last 6 hours, with the case adding another 26 hours.
Fast charging is also a lifesaver. Plug them in for just 10 minutes, and you’ll get enough juice for 13 hours of playback. The case supports wireless charging, though the face-down placement feels unintuitive.
Features That Matter
The OnePlus Buds Pro 3 are loaded with features designed to enhance convenience and performance:
- Google Fast Pair: Connects seamlessly to Android devices.
- Multipoint Connectivity: Switch between two devices effortlessly.
- Game Mode: Reduces audio latency for a smoother gaming experience.
- Find My Earbuds: Emits a loud tone to help you locate misplaced earbuds.
- Customizable Controls: Adjust playback, volume, and noise settings with squeeze and swipe gestures.
If you’re a OnePlus phone user, you’ll also get access to exclusive features like Neck Health monitoring and Zen Mode Air, which plays soothing white noise to help you relax.
Comparing to the Competition
At $179.99, the OnePlus Buds Pro 3 face some stiff competition in the mid-tier earbud market. Let’s see how they stack up:
| Feature | OnePlus Buds Pro 3 | Sony WF-1000XM5 | AirPods Pro 2 | Anker Liberty 4 Pro |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $179.99 | $298 | $239 | $129.99 |
| Noise Cancellation | Good | Excellent | Very Good | Good |
| Battery Life (ANC) | 6 hrs (buds), 26 hrs (case) | 8 hrs (buds), 24 hrs (case) | 6 hrs (buds), 30 hrs (case) | 8 hrs (buds), 32 hrs (case) |
| Custom EQ | Yes | No | Limited | Yes |
| Spatial Audio | Yes, with head tracking | Yes | Yes | No |
The Sony WF-1000XM5 offer unmatched ANC but come at nearly double the price. The AirPods Pro 2 are ideal for iPhone users, while the Anker Liberty 4 Pro provides excellent value for budget-conscious buyers.
What I Like
- Sound Quality: Dynamic, well-balanced, and customizable.
- Battery Life: Outlasts most competitors.
- Price: Delivers premium features without the premium cost.
- Features: Packed with tools like custom EQ settings and multipoint connectivity.
What Could Be Better
- Transparency Mode: Feels unnatural and muffled.
- Wireless Charging Setup: Counterintuitive design choice.
- Volume Slider: Awkwardly placed on the stem, making it tricky to use.
Final Thoughts: Should You Buy the OnePlus Buds Pro 3?
The OnePlus Buds Pro 3 strikes an impressive balance between affordability and performance. They deliver excellent sound quality, solid battery life, and a feature set that rivals pricier alternatives. However, their ANC and Transparency mode don’t quite match the gold standard set by premium earbuds.
If sound quality, battery life, and value are your top priorities, the Buds Pro 3 are hard to beat in this price range. But if you’re looking for the best ANC or a more refined Transparency mode, options like the Sony WF-1000XM5 might be worth the splurge.
Final Rating:
- Sound Quality: 9/10
- Design: 8/10
- Battery Life: 9/10
- Features: 8.5/10
- Overall Value: 8.7/10
The OnePlus Buds Pro 3 might not be perfect, but they’re pretty darn close for their price. If you’re ready to upgrade your audio game without emptying your wallet, they’re worth considering.
FAQs
- What is the battery life of the OnePlus Buds Pro 3?
- Up to 10 hours on the earbuds alone without ANC, and 43 hours total with the case (ANC off). With ANC on, you get 6 hours from the earbuds and 26 hours total with the case.
- Does the OnePlus Buds Pro 3 support wireless charging?
- Yes, the case supports wireless charging, though it must be placed face down for charging to work.
- What is the level of noise cancellation on the OnePlus Buds Pro 3?
- It features adaptive ANC, which reduces noise by up to 50 dB.
- Are the OnePlus Buds Pro 3 water-resistant?
- The earbuds are rated IP55 for dust and water resistance, while the case has an IPX4 rating.
- Do the OnePlus Buds Pro 3 support multipoint connectivity?
- Yes, they support dual-device connectivity, allowing seamless switching between two paired devices.
