OnePlus is not new to creating wi-fi earbuds now that a number of pairs have come to market during the last 5 years, all of which caught to competing with costlier options. It’s the upstart positioning the corporate was initially based on with its smartphones, which additionally extends to its audio merchandise.That’s why it is not stunning the OnePlus Buds 3 take an identical strategy. These earbuds are loaded with options and handle shortcomings from earlier fashions, all of which culminate in spectacular efficiency for a pair at this value.So, are these reasonably priced earbuds definitely worth the value, or do you have to look elsewhere?OnePlus Buds 3: Price and availability(Image credit score: Ted Kritsonis / Android Central)The OnePlus Buds 3 launched in China in January 2024, with a worldwide launch following quickly after. The earbuds can be found in North America beginning February 5 at varied retail and on-line shops together with the OnePlus web site. They begin out at $99, and it could be some time earlier than they see any low cost, however it’s at all times potential. They are available metallic black and splendid blue.OnePlus Buds 3: What’s good(Image credit score: Ted Kritsonis / Android Central)As you may count on, OnePlus selected to go together with a stem design for the Buds 3, a sample that is held regular ever because the model began making true wi-fi earbuds. The AirPods comparisons are apparent, and from a distance, they may move off as completely different coloration AirPods if Apple truly made them in another shade or coloration. There’s extra styling right here, although, by way of the chrome-like end and oval-shaped drivers with different-sized ear suggestions.They’re snug to put on, and OnePlus properly selected to go away the chrome for the stems solely and go for a matte end for the remainder of the buds. Granted, the stems are touch-sensitive for sure controls, each of which might be laden with fingerprints and smudges over time, however they do serve a practical function slightly than simply an aesthetic one.It’s simple sufficient to arrange the Buds 3 on any Android cellphone, with Fast Pair functionality besides, so you do not essentially want a OnePlus cellphone to get extra out of those buds. The HeyMelody app is integral in seeing and listening to all the pieces they’ve to supply, which can seemingly begin with a firmware replace proper after the app acknowledges them.(Image credit score: Android Central)There is an attention-grabbing mixture of options throughout the app that would not be an expectation for a pair of $100 earbuds, particularly as a result of they give attention to personalization. Golden Sound is a non-invasive listening to take a look at that helps you select the suitable ear tip dimension whereas additionally operating a brief take a look at of beeps that you simply reply to in growing a listening to profile that most accurately fits your individual ears. The customization would not finish there, however it’s a great begin for making the Buds 3 extra relevant to you, personally.You can even take a granular strategy to the quantity of bass you need (BassWave) and the way potent you need the energetic noise cancelation (ANC) to be. The EQ provides you solely three presets, however you possibly can at all times create your individual and add them to the checklist. OnePlus 3D Audio can also be included, including spatial audio as nicely, although it is restricted in scope as a result of it is common but would not at all times work with each app or perform.(Image credit score: Android Central)OnePlus says it outfitted the Buds 3 with newly optimized twin drivers to provide a wider frequency vary in order that highs and lows are extra distinguishable and fewer muddy throughout. The mids are additionally supposed to learn from the improved tuning. There’s little question these sound higher than the Buds 2 Pro for exactly these causes. Punchy sound and higher readability result in surprisingly wealthy audio popping out of the Buds 3 proper from the leap, solely made higher once you tinker with the EQ and BassWave settings to get the signature you are searching for.It’s the readability that in all probability threw me off greater than something as a result of cheaper earbuds often commerce depth and readability within the mids and highs for a thicker increase that tends to please most ears for many genres. In this case, the default is extra balanced in ways in which brighten up audio, no matter the place you are enjoying it from. There’s even hi-res audio assist by means of the LHDC Bluetooth codec, so you would play tracks from Tidal, Qobuz, or Amazon Music and really feel such as you get nearer to what they need to sound like.Leave it on Max or Moderate and also you’re good to go.ANC performs a job right here, too. It’s positive for earbuds at this value and positively improved from the OnePlus Buds Z2, although I selected to manually choose the extent of suppression myself. The HeyMelody app provides a noise management mode that features OnePlus’ Smart Scene expertise utilizing the six onboard mics (three per aspect) to scale back noise primarily based on how noisy your environment are.It’s an honest try, besides the changes aren’t at all times simple to discern — and I’m unsure they’re at all times needed after they happen. It could also be completely different for you, however I’m unsure why I’d wish to cut back noise cancelation going from a subway prepare to the road, which is precisely what occurs right here. Leave it on Max or Moderate, and also you’re good to go. If you have to speak to somebody or hear one thing, make a fast change over to Transparency utilizing the stem controls.Phone calls are typically positive, with a good quantity of readability on each ends. OnePlus claims built-in anti-wind mesh cavities in each buds assist keep off the gusts or breezes that may seep into the midst of a dialog. I’m not completely satisfied about that, however at the least it is potential to speak to somebody outdoors in quieter circumstances.(Image credit score: Ted Kritsonis / Android Central)The onboard controls are extra responsive and correct this time. By default, a single faucet on the bud does nothing, however within the app, you can also make it in order that it performs/pauses. The others are commonplace fare: double-tap to skip a monitor, triple-tap to repeat, and slide up or down on the left or proper buds to regulate quantity. Hold on both stem to cycle between ANC and Transparency (the app additionally helps you to add a 3rd possibility, which is to show each off). The app additionally provides extra within the kind a twin connection — higher generally known as multipoint in business phrases — which helps you to pair and keep related with two gadgets on the identical time. It’s very handy should you’re rocking two telephones or switching between a cellphone and a pill or laptop computer. Game mode is one other that lowers the latency in order that audio and video do not feel out of sync in any respect. It’s not a foul thought to strive the mode out should you really feel streaming exhibits or motion pictures are a bit of out of sync as nicely. Battery life holds up pretty nicely, hitting about seven hours with ANC turned on (and no hi-res playback) at default quantity ranges. I discover the Buds 3 louder than most wi-fi earbuds at default ranges, so that is nice information should you’re nervous about prolonged listening durations. The case provides you an additional three costs and has a quick cost functionality, whereas a fast 10-minute cost provides you seven hours of playback. No wi-fi charging, sadly. OnePlus Buds 3: What’s not good(Image credit score: Ted Kritsonis / Android Central)The lack of wi-fi charging smacks of chopping corners to scale back the general price. OnePlus’ pedigree in blazing quick wired charging speaks for itself, however when it comes on the expense of the comfort of charging wirelessly, it looks like an pointless omission. Much cheaper earbuds supply the characteristic, so it is not completely clear why it is lacking right here. Also, with IP55 safety, you possibly can count on some measure of sturdiness, besides I would not suggest doing them for extreme exercises as a result of the shiny end on the skin makes them a bit of slippery when warmed up. Add sweat, and I’m unsure how nicely they’d keep in place, so my expertise tells me these earbuds are undoubtedly extra for leisure and work conditions. Lighter exercises ought to be positive although.It’s simple to easily seize maintain of both stem to modify between ANC and Transparency, solely the precise swap would not at all times really feel seamless. It takes a delayed second earlier than listening to a ping that indicators the change, although you need to go by ear take a look at to know for certain as a result of it is not like there is a voice telling you precisely which one. It turns into extra complicated once you choose to have each turned off, that means it’s essential to cycle a number of occasions to get the mode you need. It’s not an unusual problem for earbuds producers, however the course of right here might use some refinement.OnePlus Buds 3: Competition(Image credit score: Ted Kritsonis / Android Central)OnePlus impresses with the Buds 3, however they’re additionally up in opposition to a good set of opponents. The Jabra Elite 4 come to thoughts as earbuds that ship loads for what they price, providing actually good sound, noise cancelation, battery life, and app assist. The Anker Soundcore Liberty 4 strike an identical steadiness, particularly should you desire the stem design and need a comparable package deal of options and capabilities.If your price range is even tighter, you will not go mistaken with the Earfun Air 2, which not solely minimize down on upfront prices, but additionally carry extra to the desk than you’d count on for price range earbuds.OnePlus Buds 3: Should you purchase them?(Image credit score: Ted Kritsonis / Android Central)You can buy this if…
You need actual worth on your cash.
You need excellent sound and noise cancelation.
You need further customization and personalization.
You need a snug match.
You should not purchase this if…
You need one thing extra rugged.
You need wi-fi charging.
You’re keen to spend extra.
The Buds 3 aren’t flagship earbuds for OnePlus as a result of the corporate’s Pro lineup represents the “best” of what they’ll do. But sporting these would not essentially really feel like there is a large hole due to the bevy of options and the way efficient they’re when utilizing them. That’s worth by any measure, all of the extra interesting when it would not actually matter whose emblem is in your Android cellphone, both. No OnePlus cellphone is important right here. The Buds 3 work the identical whatever the machine you are wielding, and that could be the icing on the cake for a pair of very efficient earbuds.
The OnePlus Buds 3 supply large worth for what they price by delivering nice sound and loads of choices to personalize the earbuds on your personal ears.