When it comes to true wireless earbuds, the market is filled to the brim with options, each promising a unique blend of sound quality, comfort, and features. Of the many choices, OnePlus has been consistently making significant strides to be a part of the conversation. In comes the OnePlus Buds Pro 3.
Over the past few weeks, I’ve spent considerable time with these earbuds. As someone who traditionally doesn’t like wireless buds apart from AirPods, I was shocked by the revelations when using the OnePlus Buds Pro 3. They’re far more comfortable than I thought they’d be. They’ve been serving me well as I walk down the loud streets of Toronto or during my sessions at the gym. With a reliable battery and a solid stable of adaptive noise cancellation (ANC) features, OnePlus completely justifies its $269.99 price tag in my opinion.
Right out of the box, the OnePlus Buds Pro 3 makes a striking first impression. The design is sleek and modern, featuring a premium matte finish and almost a leather-like texture. OnePlus Buds Pro 3 is available in Midnight Opus and Lunar Radiance. Using the former colourway, the buds have a bit of a metallic look to them, appearing quite sharp when in use. The compact charging case fits comfortably in your pocket, and the magnetic lid offers a satisfying snap when closed. The buds slip into place with a small indicator light on the inside highlighting the battery level of the buds. OnePlus Buds Pro 3 supports USB-C charging.
OnePlus has opted for a more ergonomic shape for its buds, which help them conform nicely to the ear. To my surprise, these buds are suitable for long listening sessions without discomfort. Any one that’s followed me through any of my wireless buds reviews, I’m a vocal stickler for comfort. I’ve often found that many wireless buds simply don’t fit my ear the right way. It’s a little bit of a Goldilocks effect where even the replaceable bud tips hardly feel “just right.” During my testing, I wore them for several hours straight while working and running errands. The fit is snug yet breathable, providing an excellent seal for passive noise isolation. OnePlus Buds Pro 3 features an IP55 rating for water and dust resistance.
The OnePlus Buds Pro 3 features dual drivers, supporting an 11 mm woofer and 6mm tweets, customer-engineered with Dynaudio. The buds deliver a well-balanced audio profile straight out of the box. OnePlus Buds Pro 3 also delivers a frequency range of 10Hz-40kHz. There’s also support for Bluetooth 5.4, the AAC, LHDC 5.0, and SBC codecs. With this in mind, the OnePlus Buds Pro 3 has really sharp audio, especially for its price point. They don’t provide the same depth as perhaps the AirPods Pro 2. However, for a mid-range pair of earbuds, The Weeknd’s Timeless offers a lot of texture. The Buds Pro 3 also supports Dolby Atmos, providing an enhanced spatial audio experience that adds depth to music and podcasts.
OnePlus Buds Pro 3 supports a solid range of adaptive noise cancellation (ANC) support and a Transparency mode. Using the built-in three microphones, the buds can effectively filter out ambient noise. With up to 50 dB of noise reduction, I found that the One Buds Pro 3 can dampen the sounds of a busy metro city. It can also mute out a lot of the clangs and noise while at the gym. OnePlus Bud Pro 3 also holds up exceptionally well against noise during a flight. The Transparency Mode was a little less impressive. Reproducing ambient sounds, like conversations, was hit or miss. In many instances, it was easier to just remove a bud during a brief conversation. When a bud is removed, audio playback is paused until it returns to your ear.
The touch controls of OnePlus Buds Pro 3 are intuitive, allowing for easy playback, volume adjustment, and the ability to swap between ANC and Transparency settings. All of this is done using squeeze gestures. For instance, a single squeeze controls playback. A double squeeze activates a skip with a triple squeeze bringing you back to the previous track. Using a squeeze-and-hold gesture, you can swap between ANC and Transparency settings. Volume is controlled by swiping up and down the stem. I found myself occasionally triggering commands inadvertently when adjusting the fit, which can be frustrating at times.
Using the HeyMelody app, you can customize the EQ settings to your personal preference. There’s also quite a few options you can use to tailor how to use the on-board ANC controls. For instance, while OnePlus Buds Pro 3 features the squeeze-and-hold gesture for ANC and Transparency modes by default, there’s an additional Off setting that can be utilized if desired. The OnePlus Buds Pro 3 also features AI noise reduction technology for clearer calls, utilizing advanced algorithms to minimize background noise and enhance voice clarity. Based on feedback from others, I don’t feel as though it’s the best noise reduction on the market. However, it’ll likely improve your clarity to some degree.
Battery life is another area where the Buds Pro 3 shines. With ANC on, I consistently found that they’re able to offer 5-6 hours of playback. With the charging case, this extends to a staggering 32 hours. The case supports fast charging, providing several hours of use from just a 10-minute charge—a feature that has saved me on numerous occasions.
In a crowded market, the OnePlus Buds Pro 3 stands out as a formidable contender in the true wireless earbuds arena. With their impressive sound quality, comfortable design, and robust feature set, they offer an exceptional listening experience that rivals more established brands. For those already in the OnePlus ecosystem, these earbuds are a no-brainer. However, if you’re looking for a solid pair of earbuds to get you through your day, the Buds Pro 3 should be one to consider. They deliver a blend of style, performance, and practicality all with a moderately approachable price tag.The OnePlus Buds Pro 3 deserves a spot on your shortlist.
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