OnePlus Buds Pro 3 Review: Among the Best Wireless Earbuds

by reviewzinsight.com · Published 27 August 2024 · Updated 27 August 2024

The wireless earbuds market has grown exponentially over the past few years, with numerous brands offering products that cater to a wide range of users. From audiophiles seeking the best sound quality to fitness enthusiasts needing secure-fitting buds, the options are endless. Among these, OnePlus has carved out a niche for itself with its Buds Pro series. The latest in this lineup, the OnePlus Buds Pro 3, aims to continue this legacy by offering premium sound quality, a comfortable fit, and a suite of features designed to enhance the user experience.

Design and Build Quality

OnePlus has always been known for its sleek and minimalistic design philosophy, and the Buds Pro 3 is no exception. These earbuds come with a modern design that is both functional and stylish. The earbuds are crafted from high-quality materials that not only make them durable but also give them a premium feel. The matte finish on the earbuds and the charging case ensures that fingerprints and smudges are kept to a minimum, maintaining their aesthetic appeal.

The charging case is compact and easy to carry, fitting comfortably in the pocket. The case has a sturdy hinge mechanism, providing a satisfying click when closed. The earbuds themselves are ergonomically designed, ensuring a snug fit in the ears. This is particularly important for users who wear them for extended periods or during physical activities. The lightweight design means that they can be worn for hours without causing discomfort.

One of the standout design features of the Buds Pro 3 is the dual-tone color scheme. This adds a touch of sophistication to the overall look, making them stand out in a sea of generic-looking earbuds. The earbuds are available in two color options: Matte Black and Glossy White, both of which are elegant and understated.

Sound Quality

When it comes to wireless earbuds, sound quality is often the most critical factor, and the OnePlus Buds Pro 3 delivers in spades. These earbuds are equipped with 11mm dynamic drivers, which are larger than what you typically find in wireless earbuds. The result is a rich and immersive sound experience that rivals some of the best earbuds in the market.

The sound signature of the Buds Pro 3 is well-balanced, with a slight emphasis on bass. This makes them ideal for a wide range of music genres, from bass-heavy tracks like hip-hop and EDM to more balanced genres like rock and classical. The mids are clear and present, ensuring that vocals and instruments are well-represented in the mix. The treble is crisp without being harsh, adding a sense of clarity to the overall sound profile.

One of the standout features of the Buds Pro 3 is the support for LDAC, a high-resolution audio codec that allows for higher bitrate streaming. This is particularly beneficial for users who have a subscription to high-resolution audio services like Tidal or Apple Music. The difference in sound quality when using LDAC is noticeable, with more detail and depth in the music.

Active Noise Cancellation (ANC)

Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) has become a must-have feature in premium wireless earbuds, and the Buds Pro 3 does not disappoint. The ANC on these earbuds is highly effective, capable of blocking out a significant amount of ambient noise. Whether you’re on a crowded train, in a noisy office, or walking down a busy street, the Buds Pro 3 ensures that your listening experience is not disturbed by external sounds.

The ANC on the Buds Pro 3 can be customized through the OnePlus app, allowing users to choose between different levels of noise cancellation. This is particularly useful for users who might not want complete isolation but still want to reduce background noise. The transparency mode, which allows ambient sound to pass through the earbuds, is also well-implemented. This is useful for situations where you need to be aware of your surroundings, such as when walking or cycling.

Comfort and Fit

Comfort is another area where the OnePlus Buds Pro 3 excels. The earbuds come with three different sizes of silicone ear tips, ensuring that users can find the perfect fit for their ears. The ear tips are soft and pliable, conforming to the shape of the ear canal for a secure fit. This not only enhances comfort but also improves noise isolation, as a good seal is essential for effective ANC.

The earbuds are lightweight, which reduces the pressure on the ears, making them comfortable to wear for extended periods. This is particularly important for users who plan to use them during long commutes or while working out. The secure fit also means that the earbuds stay in place during physical activities, reducing the risk of them falling out.

Battery Life

Battery life is a critical consideration for wireless earbuds, and the OnePlus Buds Pro 3 delivers impressive performance in this area. With ANC turned on, the earbuds offer up to 6 hours of playback time on a single charge. When ANC is turned off, this extends to around 8 hours. The charging case provides an additional 23 hours of battery life, bringing the total to around 31 hours with ANC and 35 hours without.

The Buds Pro 3 also supports fast charging, which is a lifesaver for users who are always on the go. A quick 10-minute charge provides up to 3 hours of playback time, ensuring that you’re never left without music. The case charges via USB-C, and for those who prefer wireless charging, the Buds Pro 3 supports Qi wireless charging as well.

Connectivity and Features

The OnePlus Buds Pro 3 comes equipped with Bluetooth 5.3, ensuring a stable and fast connection with your devices. The earbuds support a range of codecs, including SBC, AAC, and LDAC, making them compatible with a wide range of devices and ensuring the best possible sound quality.

One of the standout features of the Buds Pro 3 is the low latency mode, which reduces the audio lag to just 94ms. This is particularly beneficial for gamers, ensuring that there is minimal delay between the action on screen and the sound in your ears. This feature is also useful for watching videos, ensuring that the audio is perfectly synced with the visuals.

The OnePlus Buds Pro 3 also features intelligent adaptive ANC, which automatically adjusts the level of noise cancellation based on your environment. This is a useful feature for users who move between different environments throughout the day, as it ensures that you always get the best possible listening experience.

The earbuds are also equipped with three microphones per earbud, which work together to deliver clear and crisp call quality. Whether you’re in a quiet room or a noisy street, the Buds Pro 3 ensures that your voice comes through clearly on the other end of the call.

Software and App Support

The OnePlus Buds Pro 3 can be customized through the OnePlus app, which is available for both Android and iOS devices. The app allows users to customize the touch controls, adjust the ANC levels, and switch between different sound modes. It also provides firmware updates, ensuring that the earbuds are always up-to-date with the latest features and improvements.

One of the standout features of the app is the Zen Mode Air, which plays soothing white noise to help you relax or focus. This is a unique feature that sets the Buds Pro 3 apart from other wireless earbuds on the market. Whether you’re trying to concentrate in a noisy environment or just need a moment of calm, Zen Mode Air is a welcome addition.

The app also includes an equalizer, allowing users to customize the sound profile to their liking. Whether you prefer a bass-heavy sound or something more balanced, the equalizer gives you the flexibility to tailor the sound to your preferences.

Water and Dust Resistance

For users who are concerned about durability, the OnePlus Buds Pro 3 comes with an IP55 rating for water and dust resistance. This means that the earbuds are protected against sweat and light rain, making them suitable for workouts and outdoor activities. The charging case is rated IPX4, which provides some protection against splashes, although it is not as robust as the earbuds themselves.

Pricing and Availability

One of the most attractive aspects of the OnePlus Buds Pro 3 is the pricing. Positioned as a premium product, these earbuds offer a feature set that rivals some of the more expensive options on the market, but at a more affordable price point. This makes them an excellent value proposition for users who want a high-quality product without breaking the bank.

The Buds Pro 3 is available through a range of retailers, both online and offline. OnePlus has ensured wide availability, making it easy for users to get their hands on these earbuds. They are compatible with both Android and iOS devices, although some features, such as fast pairing, are optimized for OnePlus smartphones.

Pros and Cons

As with any product, the OnePlus Buds Pro 3 has its strengths and weaknesses. Below is a summary of the pros and cons:

Pros:

Excellent Sound Quality: The Buds Pro 3 delivers a balanced sound profile with rich bass, clear mids, and crisp treble.
Effective ANC: The Active Noise Cancellation is highly effective, customizable through the app, and includes a useful transparency mode.
Comfortable Fit: The earbuds are lightweight and come with multiple ear tip sizes, ensuring a secure and comfortable fit for extended use.
Long Battery Life: With up to 31 hours of battery life with ANC and 35 hours without, the Buds Pro 3 offers impressive longevity.
Fast Charging: A quick 10-minute charge provides up to 3 hours of playback time.
Customizable via App: The OnePlus app allows users to customize controls, adjust ANC levels, and switch between sound modes.
Water and Dust Resistant: The IP55 rating for the earbuds and IPX4 for the charging case provide decent protection against sweat, dust, and light rain, making them suitable for various environments and activities.
Affordable Price: Despite its premium features, the OnePlus Buds Pro 3 is priced competitively, offering excellent value for money compared to other high-end wireless earbuds.
Low Latency Mode: The 94ms low latency mode is a significant advantage for gamers and video watchers, ensuring audio and video sync perfectly.
Wide Codec Support: With support for SBC, AAC, and LDAC, the Buds Pro 3 ensures compatibility with a broad range of devices while delivering high-quality audio.
Intelligent ANC: The adaptive ANC feature adjusts noise cancellation based on your environment, enhancing the listening experience without manual intervention.
Zen Mode Air: A unique feature that offers a variety of white noise options to help users relax or focus, adding a wellness aspect to the earbuds.

Cons:

Limited Features for Non-OnePlus Devices: While the Buds Pro 3 is compatible with all Android and iOS devices, some features, like fast pairing and advanced controls, are optimized for OnePlus smartphones, which might limit the experience for users of other brands.
No Wireless Charging Case: Although the earbuds themselves are quite advanced, the charging case does not support wireless charging, which is a feature found in some competing models.
Bass May Be Overwhelming for Some: While the sound profile is generally well-balanced, users who prefer a more neutral sound might find the bass to be slightly overpowering.
Average Call Quality in Windy Conditions: Despite having three microphones per earbud, the call quality can drop in windy environments, which might be a concern for those who take a lot of calls outdoors.

Comparison with Competitors

The OnePlus Buds Pro 3 competes directly with other premium wireless earbuds like the Apple AirPods Pro, Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro, and Sony WF-1000XM5. Here’s how it stacks up against these competitors:

Apple AirPods Pro:

Sound Quality: The AirPods Pro has a more neutral sound profile, which might appeal to users who prefer a less bass-heavy experience. However, the Buds Pro 3 offers a richer bass experience.
ANC: Both the AirPods Pro and Buds Pro 3 offer excellent ANC, but the adaptive ANC on the Buds Pro 3 is more customizable.
Compatibility: AirPods Pro is optimized for Apple devices, whereas the Buds Pro 3 offers better cross-platform compatibility.
Price: The Buds Pro 3 is more affordable than the AirPods Pro, making it a better value for non-Apple users.

Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro:

Sound Quality: Both earbuds deliver excellent sound quality, but the Buds Pro 3’s support for LDAC might give it an edge for audiophiles.
Comfort and Fit: Both are comfortable to wear for long periods, though the Buds Pro 3 offers more ear tip sizes for a customizable fit.
Battery Life: The Buds Pro 3 offers slightly longer battery life than the Galaxy Buds 2 Pro, especially with ANC off.
Features: The Galaxy Buds 2 Pro offers better integration with Samsung devices, but the Buds Pro 3’s app offers more customization options for all users.

Sony WF-1000XM5:

Sound Quality: The Sony WF-1000XM5 is often considered the benchmark for sound quality and ANC, but the Buds Pro 3 holds its own with its balanced sound and effective noise cancellation.
Price: The Buds Pro 3 is more budget-friendly compared to Sony’s offering, which can be a deciding factor for many users.
Customization: Sony’s app offers a range of sound customization options, but OnePlus’s app provides similar functionality, including the unique Zen Mode Air.
Durability: Both earbuds offer water and dust resistance, making them suitable for a variety of environments.

User Experience

The overall user experience with the OnePlus Buds Pro 3 is exceptional. The earbuds pair easily with devices, and the connection remains stable even at a distance. The intuitive touch controls are responsive and can be customized to suit the user’s preferences, making it easy to control playback, answer calls, and adjust volume without reaching for your phone.

The adaptive ANC works seamlessly, providing a tailored experience whether you’re in a quiet office or a noisy outdoor setting. Switching between ANC and transparency mode is smooth, allowing users to adapt to their surroundings without interrupting their listening experience.

The OnePlus app enhances the user experience by offering a range of customization options, from sound profiles to touch controls. The Zen Mode Air is a standout feature that adds an extra layer of relaxation and focus, making the Buds Pro 3 more than just a pair of wireless earbuds.

Final Verdict

The OnePlus Buds Pro 3 is a strong contender in the premium wireless earbuds market. It offers a comprehensive feature set that includes excellent sound quality, effective ANC, long battery life, and a comfortable fit, all at a competitive price. Whether you’re a music lover, a gamer, or someone who needs reliable earbuds for calls and daily use, the Buds Pro 3 is likely to meet your needs.

While there are some minor drawbacks, such as the lack of wireless charging for the case and the slightly bass-heavy sound profile, these are outweighed by the earbuds’ strengths. The customizable ANC, support for high-resolution audio, and intelligent features like Zen Mode Air make the OnePlus Buds Pro 3 a versatile choice for a wide range of users.

In conclusion, if you’re in the market for wireless earbuds that offer a premium experience without the premium price tag, the OnePlus Buds Pro 3 should be at the top of your list. They manage to deliver on all fronts, making them one of the best options available for both Android and iOS users.