Introducing the latest addition to OnePlus’ truly wireless earbuds collection, the OnePlus Buds 3. After the launch of the original OnePlus Buds in mid-2020, the company followed up with the Buds Z and Buds Z2 in late 2020 and 2022, respectively. The Buds 3 look to combine the features of the original Buds and the newer Buds Z range, perhaps as a response to the surplus of earbuds series in the market currently.
Unlike the flagship Buds Pro series and the more affordable Nord Buds series, the Buds 3 offers premium features such as ANC, dual drivers, and LHDC 5.0 all at a more budget-friendly price of around $100.
Design
The design of the Buds 3 and its case is reminiscent of the Buds Pro 2. While the case may appear nearly identical at a glance, the dimensions are in fact different, giving the Buds 3 case a narrower but taller appearance. The newer case is also lighter and lacks the glossy flair on the hinge.
Despite being more affordable, the Buds 3 case boasts a high-quality finish and build. The hinge is sturdy with minimal sideways movement, and the exterior features a matte finish with a chrome OnePlus logo that tends to collect lint.
Opening the case reveals a diffused matte finish on the inside, with the regulatory markings discreetly printed on the inner sides of the receptacles. The earbuds feature a two-tone finish, with a glossy exterior and matte finish on the inner side and bottom.
Unlike the Pro models, the Buds 3 earbuds do not have pressure-sensitive stalks. Instead, they feature tap controls for play/pause, track skipping, ANC mode switching, and volume adjustment. The earbuds come with soft silicone ear tips in three sizes and have an IP55 rating for dust and water resistance.
Software and Features
The Buds 3 support Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity with SBC, AAC, and LHDC 5.0 codecs, and feature a dual-driver design. The software support is provided via the HeyMelody app for Android and iOS, allowing users to customize ANC modes, sound presets, and more.
The sound presets, custom EQ, and bass boost features offer users flexibility in tuning the audio experience according to their preferences. The earbuds also support 3D audio processing, gesture controls, and dual connections.
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The battery life of the OnePlus Buds 3 exceeded the company’s claims in real-world testing, offering impressive playback times with and without ANC enabled.
Conclusion
The OnePlus Buds 3 represent OnePlus’ best audio product released to date. With improved audio quality, effective ANC, comfortable design, and commendable battery life, the Buds 3 are highly recommended at their price point of $100/€99/INR 5499. They are a worthwhile investment for anyone seeking premium features at an affordable price.
