OnePlus Buds 3: Audio Bliss Without Breaking the Bank? Our Deep Dive!
OnePlus is shaking things up again with the Buds 3, promising a cocktail of premium sound, slick features, and a price that won’t make your wallet weep. Join us as we explore if these TWS earbuds truly deliver an immersive experience that punches far above its weight class.
Image Credit: Amazon. The OnePlus Buds 3 showcase a refined and modern aesthetic.
Sound Quality: A Symphony for Your Senses
Prepare for an auditory treat! The OnePlus Buds 3 are engineered with 10.4mm woofer + 6mm tweeter dual dynamic drivers, masterfully complemented by BassWave™ technology. This powerhouse combination orchestrates a sound profile that’s both exhilaratingly powerful and exquisitely detailed. The bass is rich and satisfyingly deep, yet it never overshadows the crisp, articulate highs or the well-defined midrange. From thumping electronic beats to the subtle nuances of classical music, the Buds 3 perform with remarkable finesse.
- Dual dynamic drivers create an expansive and immersive soundstage.
- BassWave™ delivers impactful bass that you can feel.
- LHDC 5.0 support for an uncompromised Hi-Res audio journey.
- OnePlus Audio ID 2.0: Your sound, perfectly personalized.
Noise Cancellation & Call Clarity: Your Personal Oasis of Sound
Escape the cacophony of the everyday with the OnePlus Buds 3’s impressive Active Noise Cancellation (ANC). Capable of hushing the world by up to 49dB, it works wonders against persistent low-frequency drones (think airplane cabins or bustling offices) and significantly dulls sharper, more intrusive sounds. The adaptive ANC intelligently fine-tunes its performance to your environment, while the transparency mode offers a crystal-clear, natural-sounding window to the world when you need it.
- Up to 49dB Smart Adaptive Noise Cancellation for profound silence.
- Masterfully handles a wide spectrum of environmental noises.
- Transparency Mode: Hear what matters, effortlessly.
- AI Clear Call ensures your voice is always the star of the show.
Design, Comfort & Controls: Elegance Meets Ergonomics
The Buds 3 are a masterclass in design, blending the sleek aesthetics of their Pro lineage with an incredibly lightweight build (each bud is a mere 4.8g). They nestle comfortably and securely in your ears, making them perfect for marathon listening sessions or active pursuits. Multiple ear tip sizes are included to guarantee that perfect, sound-isolating seal. With an IP55 rating, they’re unfazed by dust and splashes, ready for your workouts or unexpected drizzles.
- Feather-light and ergonomically sculpted for supreme comfort.
- IP55 rated: Built to withstand your active lifestyle.
- Hyper-responsive touch controls, featuring that coveted on-stem volume slide.
- Offered in eye-catching finishes like Splendid Blue and Metallic Gray.
Battery Life & Connectivity: Powering Your World, Uninterrupted
Prepare to be amazed by the sheer stamina of the OnePlus Buds 3. A single charge can fuel your audio adventures for up to 10 hours with ANC off (a still impressive 6.5 hours with ANC active). Pop them into the sleek charging case, and you unlock a staggering 44 hours of total playback. And when you’re short on time? A mere 10-minute fast charge gives you up to 7 hours of listening power (buds + case)!
- An epic 44 hours of total playback with the charging case.
- Blazing-fast charging: 10 minutes for 7 hours of audio.
- Bluetooth 5.3 for an unwavering, lag-free connection.
- Google Fast Pair & Dual Connection for ultimate convenience.
The Upsides & The Downsides: Our Honest Take
What We Absolutely Loved
- Jaw-dropping sound quality: rich, detailed, and deeply satisfying.
- Seriously potent Active Noise Cancellation for its class.
- Marathon battery life that just keeps going (and charges super fast!).
- Supremely comfortable and stylish design with a robust IP55 rating.
- Wonderfully intuitive touch controls, especially the volume slide.
- LHDC 5.0 codec for the true audiophile experience.
- Comprehensive and user-friendly HeyMelody companion app.
Things to Consider
- Out-of-the-box sound can be bass-heavy for purists (but easily tamed with EQ).
- ANC is fantastic, but doesn’t quite reach the silent heights of top-tier flagships.
- Some niche audio features might offer the richest experience with OnePlus phones.





