OnePlus Buds Review: Most Popular ANC Earbuds!

OnePlus Buds Review: The Most Popular Budget ANC Earbuds

OnePlus announced the OnePlus Buds in early 2020, and they quickly gained popularity in the budget earbuds market. With environment noise cancellation, multiple microphones, and a 13.4 mm dynamic driver, the Buds aimed to bring premium features to an affordable price point. This review finds out how they became so popular and whether they still hold up as a value option.

The OnePlus Buds seem to have opened a new era of budget gadgets for the brand, much like the OnePlus Nord lineup did for smartphones. Let us dive into the overall experience to see what makes them tick.

Pros and Cons

Pros: Up to 30 hours of battery life; environment noise cancellation; great sound from the 13.4 mm dynamic driver; powerful bass boost; low latency mode.

Cons: Slightly large earbud size; limited touch controls; no IP rating for the case.

Design and Build Quality

The OnePlus Buds exhibit a design and build that exudes elegance and premium quality. The earbuds feature a plastic body with a matte finish that does not feel cheap, while a glossy finish on the earbuds adds stylish flair. The case follows a rounded, compact, and portable design with an LED indicator on the front, a Type-C charging port on the bottom, and a Bluetooth pairing button on the back.

The earbuds are slightly larger but still fit comfortably and securely. A disk-shaped design at the back of each earbud serves as a touch-sensitive control area for skipping tracks and answering calls. The earbuds snap into the case with a strong magnetic hold. They carry an IPX4 splash resistance rating, though the case itself is not water resistant, so keeping it dry in rain is wise.

The OnePlus Buds come in three colors: Gray, White, and Nord Blue. The Nord Blue variant, with its yellow interior and blue exterior, stands out as a uniquely appealing choice.

Sound Quality and Features

Sound quality is impressive and immersive. A surround sound feature combined with a unique noise cancellation algorithm and three microphones delivers enhanced clarity and rich audio. The 13.4 mm dynamic driver ensures richer tones and clear voice calls, while Dolby Atmos support enables an immersive 3D stereo experience.

The low latency of just 103 ms is noteworthy, ensuring seamless synchronization during gaming and keeping you immersed in the action. With Bluetooth 5.0 and a frequency response range of 20 Hz to 20 kHz, the Buds provide high-quality audio across a broad spectrum.

Connectivity and Updates

The OnePlus Buds offer a range of features that enhance usability. Updating the earbuds and configuring touch gestures requires a OnePlus device, but they can still be used with other Android phones or even iPhones. This flexibility lets users enjoy the features regardless of their device preference.

Pairing is seamless whether connecting to a OnePlus device or an iPhone, indicated by a white LED on the earbuds. One caveat: the left earbud may lose connection if left idle outside the case, so storing them in the case when not in use maintains stability.

Battery Life

Battery life is a standout. Each earbud holds 35 mAh and the case 420 mAh, providing ample power for all-day use. A full charge delivers up to 30 hours of music playback or four hours of phone calls. Fast charging via Type-C delivers 10 hours of playback in just 10 minutes for the case and earbuds combined, or two hours for the earbuds alone. This is especially appreciated for quick charging on the go.

Specifications

The OnePlus Buds feature a glossy earbud finish and matte case, IPX4 rating, 20 Hz to 20 kHz frequency range, stereo pairing with Dolby Atmos spatial audio, 10 meter wireless range, 420 mAh case and 35 mAh per earbud, Type-C fast charging, up to 7 hours of music playback per charge and 30 hours total, Bluetooth 5.0, and availability in White, Black, and Blue.

Verdict

After evaluating the overall quality, the OnePlus Buds deliver great sound for their price. The design and build showcase comfort and style, and the battery life is excellent. While they are slightly large and lack some advanced controls, the combination of good audio, environment noise cancellation, and fast charging makes them a strong budget choice for everyday listening.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are the OnePlus Buds waterproof?

The earbuds are IPX4 splash resistant, but the charging case is not water resistant, so keep it dry.

How long does the battery last?

You get up to 7 hours of music playback per charge and up to 30 hours total with the case, plus fast charging that delivers 10 hours in 10 minutes.

Can I use OnePlus Buds with an iPhone?

Yes. They connect via Bluetooth to iPhones and other Android phones, though updates and touch gesture customization require a OnePlus device.

Is the latency low enough for gaming?

Yes. The 103 ms low latency mode keeps audio in sync with on-screen action for gaming.

Do the OnePlus Buds have active noise cancellation?

They feature environment noise cancellation using three microphones, which reduces ambient noise for clearer calls and listening.