OnePlus Nord Buds 3 Pro Review: A Budget-Friendly Option with Compromises
The OnePlus Nord Buds 3 Pro enter a crowded market of affordable true wireless earbuds, offering an ambitious specification at a reasonable price. But with so many options available, do these earbuds manage to stand out, or do they fall short in crucial areas like sound quality and active noise cancellation (ANC)? Let's dive into the details.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
– Perky, forward presentation
– Nicely realized control options
Cons:
– Two-dimensional sound
– Inconsistent battery life
– Noise-cancelling is underwhelming
Key Features
- Bluetooth 5.4 with SBC and AAC codec compatibility
- 12.4mm dynamic drivers
- IP55 resistance against water and dust
Introduction
The market is brimming with Apple AirPods lookalikes, especially at the more budget-friendly end. The OnePlus Nord Buds 3 Pro are the latest contenders in this space, offering a promising set of features at a competitive price. But do they deliver where it really matters?
Availability
The OnePlus Nord Buds 3 Pro are currently available for purchase:
– United Kingdom: £59
– United States: $79
– Australia: AU$89
While they are not the most expensive earbuds around, they certainly face stiff competition in their price range.
Design
Weight: 4.4g per earbud
Finishes: Available in Soft Jade and Starry Black
IP Rating: IP55 for water and dust resistance
The earbuds come in a 38g charging case, made from a hard, slippery plastic. The earbuds themselves weigh just 4.4g each, making them lightweight and comfortable for extended wear. The fit is easily customizable with three different sizes of silicone eartips included in the box. The earbuds are IP55-rated, meaning they can withstand dust and light splashes of water, making them suitable for workouts or light rain.
Features
Bluetooth 5.4: The earbuds support Bluetooth 5.4, which is a solid choice for wireless connectivity.
Codec Compatibility: SBC and AAC codec support is available, but the lack of higher-quality codecs like aptX or LDAC is noticeable.
Multi-Point Connectivity: You can connect the earbuds to multiple devices simultaneously, a handy feature for those who switch between devices frequently.
The earbuds also support active noise cancellation (ANC), but the performance is underwhelming. While it does reduce some high-frequency background noise, it doesn’t offer the comprehensive noise-cancellation experience you might expect from more premium models.
Battery Life
One of the biggest disappointments is the battery life. OnePlus claims up to 12 hours of playback from the earbuds and a total of 32 hours with the charging case, provided ANC is turned off. With ANC on, these numbers drop to 5 and 15 hours, respectively. However, real-world usage shows significantly lower figures—closer to 9 hours without ANC and around 4 hours with it on. While this is still decent, it's far from the advertised figures.
Charging is done via a USB-C port, and there's no wireless charging option available.
Sound Quality
The Nord Buds 3 Pro offer a forward and energetic sound signature, but they lack depth. The 12.4mm dynamic drivers do a good job of delivering clear, detailed audio, but the soundstage feels flat. There’s decent separation from left to right, but the lack of front-to-back depth makes the sound feel two-dimensional.
For genres that benefit from an upfront, aggressive sound—like electronic or pop music—the Buds 3 Pro perform well. However, for more laid-back genres, the earbuds' eagerness can feel out of place, leading to a less enjoyable listening experience.
Verdict
For $79, the OnePlus Nord Buds 3 Pro offer a lot of features, including multi-point connectivity, decent sound quality, and a comfortable fit. However, the compromises in battery life and noise-cancelling performance are hard to ignore. If you're looking for an affordable pair of earbuds with an energetic sound signature, these might be a good fit. But if ANC or battery life is a priority, you may want to explore other options.
Where to Buy
If you're interested in purchasing the OnePlus Nord Buds 3 Pro, you can find them on Amazon:
Buy OnePlus Nord Buds 3 Pro
For alternative options, consider checking out:
Final Thoughts
The OnePlus Nord Buds 3 Pro have their strengths, particularly in their upfront sound and comfortable design. However, issues like inconsistent battery life and lackluster ANC may be deal-breakers for some users. If you're after an affordable set of earbuds and can live with these compromises, the Nord Buds 3 Pro are worth considering.
For more reviews and comparisons, stay tuned to our blog!
