OnePlus Buds Pro 3 Review: Are They Worth Your Money?

The OnePlus Buds Pro 3 are creating a buzz with their impressive features and competitive pricing. Priced at $179, these earbuds are already available for $150, positioning them as a strong contender against premium models like the Galaxy Buds 2 Pro and AirPods 3. But do they truly deliver a flagship experience at a lower price? Let’s dive into the details to find out.

Key Takeaways

• Affordable Excellence: The OnePlus Buds Pro 3 offer premium features at a budget-friendly price.
• Design with a Twist: A unique case and high-gloss earbuds make a striking impression.
• Solid Performance: Impressive noise cancellation and sound quality, though with some minor drawbacks.
• Feature-Rich: Includes wireless charging, decent battery life, and customizable controls.

Design and Build Quality

The OnePlus Buds Pro 3 stand out with their distinctive design. The case, reminiscent of the brand’s budget models, sports a pill-shaped, compact form. While it doesn’t stand upright, it features wireless charging—a nice touch for convenience. The case’s design includes a faux leather texture, adding a unique aesthetic appeal. Available in two colors—off-white with silver accents and a sleek black—the case is quite durable and resistant to scratches.

However, the earbuds themselves have a high-gloss finish that tends to attract fingerprints. They mimic the AirPods Pro’s design, fitting comfortably for most users, but might not be the best choice for vigorous workouts due to the lack of wing tips. While the touch controls are intuitive, some users might find the engraving of ‘R’ and ‘L’ on the earbuds a bit problematic, as dirt can accumulate over time.

Battery Life and Charging

Battery performance is crucial for any pair of earbuds, and the OnePlus Buds Pro 3 hold their own. With active noise cancellation (ANC) turned on, expect around 6 hours of playtime per charge and up to 26 hours with the case. Using the high-resolution LDHC codec will deplete the battery faster, but a quick 10-minute charge provides about 5.5 hours of listening time. The earbuds support wireless charging, though they lack the latest Qi2 wireless charging standard.

Microphone Quality

Microphone quality is a critical factor for many users. The OnePlus Buds Pro 3 come equipped with three microphones and a bone conduction sensor on each earbud, which should theoretically provide clear call quality. In an indoor environment, the mics perform well, capturing clear audio. However, in noisy outdoor settings, like busy roads, the earbuds can pick up a lot of background noise, making calls less clear compared to some premium competitors.

Active Noise Cancellation (ANC)

Active noise cancellation is a highlight for the OnePlus Buds Pro 3. Compared to their predecessors, these earbuds offer substantial improvements. In testing, they effectively blocked up to 60.9 dB of white noise, which is impressive for their price range. However, the ANC isn’t perfect; it can sometimes produce a bit of hissing or white noise, and the effectiveness may vary depending on the fit of the earbuds.

Transparency Mode

The transparency mode on the OnePlus Buds Pro 3, which allows you to hear your surroundings while wearing the earbuds, could use some improvement. It’s somewhat weak compared to other models, making it hard to hear much beyond your immediate environment. If staying aware of your surroundings is crucial, you might find this feature lacking.

Sound Quality

Sound quality is where the OnePlus Buds Pro 3 truly shine. Equipped with dual drivers (an 11mm woofer and a 6mm tweeter) in each earbud, they deliver a balanced audio experience. The sound is rich, with a good amount of bass. While the earbuds have a somewhat bass-heavy profile, they generally offer good clarity and detail. The built-in equalizer allows for some customization, though it’s not as comprehensive as some competitors.

The earbuds support SBC, AAC, and the high-resolution LDHC codec, making them a versatile choice for different devices. Whether you’re using them with an Android phone or another device, you can expect a solid audio performance.

Additional Features

The OnePlus Buds Pro 3 are packed with features:

• Dual Connectivity: Connect to two devices simultaneously and switch between them seamlessly.
• Bluetooth 5.4: Ensures a stable connection and supports advanced features.
• Customizable Controls: The touch controls on the earbuds can be customized through the app, allowing you to tailor the functionality to your preferences.
• Spatial Audio and Golden Sound: These features enhance the listening experience with immersive audio and personalized sound settings based on your hearing.

Conclusion

So, are the OnePlus Buds Pro 3 worth it? If you’re looking for high-end features without the premium price tag, they’re a compelling choice. They excel in noise cancellation, sound quality, and offer useful features like dual connectivity and customizable controls. However, they have some areas for improvement, particularly in transparency mode and the high-gloss design that attracts fingerprints.

In comparison to competitors like the Nothing Ear, the OnePlus Buds Pro 3 offer stronger ANC and a broader feature set. They might not be perfect, but they offer excellent value for their price and are definitely worth considering if you’re in the market for new earbuds.