OnePlus Buds 3: Unleashing Affordable Brilliance

OnePlus, renowned for its smartphones, has seamlessly transitioned into the wireless earbuds market, offering budget-friendly alternatives without compromising on features. The OnePlus Buds 3, launched globally in February 2024, stand as a testament to the company’s commitment to delivering impressive performance at an affordable price point of $99. Let’s delve into the pros and cons of these earbuds to determine if they are a worthy investment.

Pros:

1. Stylish Stem Design: Following the footsteps of its predecessors, the OnePlus Buds 3 embrace the familiar stem design, reminiscent of popular alternatives like AirPods. The chrome-like finish and oval-shaped drivers with different-sized ear tips add a touch of style.
2. Comfortable and Functional: The earbuds prioritize comfort, featuring a matte finish for the buds, leaving the chrome exclusively for the stems. While the stems are touch-sensitive and may accumulate fingerprints, they serve functional purposes beyond aesthetics.
3. Easy Setup and Compatibility: Setting up the Buds 3 is a breeze, and they offer compatibility with any Android phone, not limited to OnePlus devices. The HeyMelody app enhances the user experience, providing firmware updates and additional customization options.
4. Advanced Personalization: The HeyMelody app introduces unexpected features for $100 earbuds. The Golden Sound feature facilitates a non-invasive hearing test to determine the right ear tip size. Users can fine-tune bass levels (BassWave), adjust active noise cancellation (ANC), and explore a 3D Audio experience.
5. Enhanced Audio Quality: Equipped with optimized dual drivers, the Buds 3 boast a wider frequency range, delivering distinct highs and lows with improved midrange tuning. The audio quality surpasses its predecessor, providing punchy sound, better clarity, and support for hi-res audio through the LHDC Bluetooth codec.
6. Responsive Controls: The touch controls on the buds are more responsive and accurate. Users can customize controls through the app, enabling play/pause, track skipping, volume adjustment, and toggling between ANC and Transparency modes.
7. Multipoint Connection: The dual connection feature allows simultaneous pairing with two devices, offering convenience for users juggling between multiple devices.
8. Decent Battery Life: The Buds 3 exhibit satisfactory battery performance, offering around seven hours of playback with ANC enabled. The case provides three additional charges, and a quick 10-minute charge yields seven hours of playback.

Cons:

1. No Wireless Charging: The absence of wireless charging, often found in cheaper alternatives, might disappoint users expecting this convenient feature.
2. Lack of Durability for Workouts: Without an IP rating, the Buds 3 may not withstand rigorous workouts. The glossy finish could make them slippery when exposed to sweat, indicating they are more suitable for leisure and work scenarios.
3. Seamless ANC Switching: Transitioning between ANC and Transparency modes may feel slightly delayed and lacks seamless feedback. The process could be refined for a smoother user experience.

Competition:

While the OnePlus Buds 3 impress, they face formidable competitors. The Jabra Elite 4 and Anker Soundcore Liberty 4 offer compelling alternatives with good sound, noise cancellation, and app support. For those on a tighter budget, the Earfun Air 2 stands out, providing surprising features for budget-friendly earbuds.

The OnePlus Buds 3 offer remarkable value at an affordable price, excelling in sound quality, customization, and comfort. Despite minor drawbacks, they prove to be an attractive option for users seeking a balance between features and cost. If you prioritize real value, excellent sound, and personalized options without breaking the bank, the OnePlus Buds 3 are a compelling choice.

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