TWS true wireless earphones - $75 to $100
FIVE STARS - The OnePlus Buds 3 has great call clarity, brilliant multipoint connectivity, and entertains with its sound - although its Active Noise Cancelling could have been stronger.
OnePlus Buds 3 specs and features:
Bluetooth 5.3 with AAC codec (LHDC codec only available on OnePlus devices)
IP55 waterproof (water and sweat proof)
6,5 - 9,5 hours listening on a single charge (ANC on/ off)
Charging case can charge earpieces fully 4 times
Comes with 3 sets of ear tips, USB-C cable, English manual
$100 - Buy on Amazon US or other Amazon countries
In and underneath this audiophile OnePlus Buds 3 review, you will find comparisons of the OnePlus Buds 3 vs Samsung Galaxy Buds FE, Soundcore Liberty 4 NC, Edifier NeoBuds Pro 2, Sony Linkbuds S and JBL Live Pro 2.
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Design, comfort and battery life
Looking a lot like the more expensive OnePlus Buds Pro 2, the design of the OnePlus Buds 3 is as clean as its great. The charging case is thin and rounded enough to carry comfortable in any jeans pocket, and looks appealing in Spendid Blue - the colour variation you can get besides black. Even after two weeks of carrying it in the same pocket as my keys, it hasn't scratched one bit.
The earbuds are sleek too. The design is fine - with the shiny outer part that looks stylish and costly, but doesn't draw too much attention - but it’s the comfort that steals the show. OnePlus chose a grippy, soft rubber on the inside, and the Buds 3 mounts oval and flexible ear tips. It doesn't feel like they completely fill your ears. In fact - they feel a bit loose at first.
The result are very comfortable Active Noise Cancelling (ANC) earbuds. Despite their stems, it's even possible to sleep on your side with these without the need of a support arm - although a bud may slip out of your ears because of the looser fit. They do stay in well enough to survive heavy head shakes, cycling and even running - although you can still hear a bit of a thump when you're planting a foot. The IP55 waterproof rating protects the earbuds against rain and sweat.
The battery life is absolutely good enough for average daily use. They reach up to 6,5 hours of playtime on a single charge with ANC on. If you insist on longer battery life, you can turn off the ANC to get up to 10 hours on a single charge.
The battery numbers are with the default setting, the AAC codec on iPhone and Android phones. OnePlus also advertises the LHDC codec for higher quality audio which takes the battery life down to around 5 hours, but it can only be activated on high-end OnePlus phones. I couldn't test this.
The earbuds can be and can be recharged four times fully by the case, after which the case can be recharged via USB-C. Wireless charging isn't supported - the only drawback to the design and features.
Controls, connectivity and app
The standard connectivity on the OnePlus Buds 3 is stellar. The Bluetooth signal keeps strong north of 10 meters away from your device, and these are easily the best multipoint connection earbuds tested so far. The Buds 3 can connect to two devices at the same time and switch automatically when you get call or pause on one device and then start playback on the other, but that's not all.
It's extremely easy to setup the earbuds with even more devices - another laptop, a private phone, you name it. I setup the earbuds to my laptop, my everyday phone and two testing phones once, and the next time I picked the earbuds out of the case, the Buds 3 would always connect to the two devices I had on at that moment. Brilliant.
The HeyMelody app feels clean, quick and well-built
The OnePlus Buds 3 enjoys support from the free HeyMelody app on both iPhone and Android phones and it's essential to use it. Why? Without the app, music only pauses when you take an earbud out, but you can't pause manually. With the app, you can add single-tap controls to the earbuds, adding manual pause as well.
Other than this quirk, the OnePlus Buds 3 has all controls on board. By tapping the middle of the stem twice, you skip a track. Returning a track is done by tapping three times; holding down a stem cycles the Active Noise Cancelling modes.
Like Apple's AirPods Pro 2, you can also change the volume by swiping up or down on the stem. It works reasonably well, but only if you're sitting still. It's harder to get right when you walk or cycle, and it can sometimes happen you pause the music instead. Happily, the controls don't respond to beanies or hats.
The HeyMelody app throws in a lot of extra features. There's a find-your-earbuds option, but sound features have the upper hand. You can opt for 3D sound, there are a handful of equalizer presets, and there's a bass slider as well - more on those in the sound part.
The Golden Sound setting is worth noting here though. When you've done a sound test in which you depict when you hear an ultra-high or low sound, it compensates you for your missed frequencies afterwards. You can always switch the setting on and off and hear the difference.
OnePlus’ Hearing test works really well
Compare the original to Goden Sound directly
Thanks to the user friendly and comprehensive HeyMelody app and its features, the OnePlus Buds 3 feels like a complete pair of wireless earbuds at this price point.
Phone and video calls
The OnePlus Buds 3 is an excellent choice for phone and video calls.
If you're indoors, you shouldn't hold back taking a phone call with the OnePlus Buds 3.
Your voice is loud and clear, with a nice full undertone to it. Sounds around you are reduced very well; whether it's a radio playing or people chatting around you. Even sudden noises like door slams and kids laughter are reduced neatly. They can barely be heard by the other end of the line!
The call clarity also convinces outside. Throw in a bit of wind and noise around you, and your voice becomes a little bit darker - but it's barely interrupted by it, and still outweighs sounds or wind noise.
On top of that, you can still hold down the stems to switch between Active Noise Cancelling and the Transparency mode when you're in a call, to either shush or let in your environment.
Compared to its direct competitors, the Sony Linkbuds S presents your voice still a bit clearer (although surrounding noises too). The OnePlus Buds 3 comes in second, before the the Samsung Galaxy Buds FE, the Edifier NeoBuds Pro 2 and Soundcore Liberty 4 NC, which have more trouble keeping your voice stable.
Video and games playback
Like all modern wireless earbuds, video playback isn't a problem with the OnePlus Buds 3. Videos have lipsync synchronization in both YouTube and well-known streaming apps.
The Gaming mode does a solid job of synchronizing sounds with the action on your screen in games, although there's still a slight delay in sound effects in demanding games like Call of Duty mobile on both iPhone and Android phones.
ANC quality on OnePlus Buds 3
Unfortunately, the OnePlus Buds 3 falls a bit behind on Active Noise Cancelling compared to its direct competitors.
Putting the earbuds in automatically activates ANC. The Buds 3 has a subtle wind-like ‘blow’ that most of the sounds around you and doesn't apply too much pressure on your ears.
Constant darker tones, basses and constant middle sounds are strongly reduced in volume, and typical background frequencies like electronic humming from a fridge, disappear entirely. Higher sounds are still easy to hear, however - like birds chittering or wet car tires. More sudden sounds are also still audible - such as nearby conversations, keyboard typing, or a water crane.
In a straightforward office situation with a radio playing in the background and rain on the rooftop, the OnePlus Buds 3 filters a little less noise than the (in this order) Edifier NeoBuds Pro 2, Soundcore Liberty 4 NC, Samsung Galaxy Buds FE and Sony Linkbuds S. The OnePlus Buds 3 takes the fifth place here.
Unfortunately, the Transparency mode doesn't seem to be far off from the noise cancelling. It emphasizes sudden higher sounds and chatter, but you still need to take an earbud out to actually follow a conversation.
Wind noise is reduced well when you're using Active Noise Cancelling, happily, although not as good as on the Samsung.
As stated, the OnePlus Buds 3 has enough comfort to let you sleep on your side with it. As it also has plenty of battery life, the ANC is good to help you sleep in loud nights.
These ANC earbuds are comfortable and pressure-free, but the strength could have been a tad better.
Also read: The very best sounding earbuds under $150
Sound quality of OnePlus Buds 3
The thing that marks the sound on the OnePlus Buds 3, is how well higher frequencies are handled.
They have air in them. Even in the most challenging trebly (for instance K-pop or J-pop) songs, vocals and brighter instruments are separated wonderfully from each other.
Remarkably, this is achieved without putting the vocals too forward. Female and higher male vocals sound clear and smooth, but they don't rule other aspects of the treble out. They also rarely go out of bounds: Björk's outhauls in It's Oh So Quiet are piercing and powerful like they should, but not harsh or peaky. Voices and other high frequencies - like violins or cymbals - also stay away from the metallic feel that can occur on Soundcore's models like the Liberty 4 NC. They're controlled well, with the tradeoff that they can sound a bit same-y.
The Buds 3 can go VERY loud, and treble can be overwhelming on the highest volumes (and induce some sss-sounds), but these volume's are really high. I'd say the Buds 3’s special power is that they sound even on all regular volumes. There's always a delicate balance between the bass, lows and treble - including background listening volume.
The bass is energetic, but it doesn't slap you in the face. Its power lies in the weight and depth. The sub-bass in James Blake's fantastic test track Limit to Your Love sounds deep and rumbles in a controlled manner. The mid-bass produces steady punches, and especially old-fashioned drum kicks have proper impact with plenty of depth. Both aspects of the bass could benefit from a little more texture though. While the bass avoids muddiness or bleeding into the lower mid-tones, it can sometimes feel a little pumped up.
BassWave can deepen the bass, but other EQ presets are very subtle
Lower mid-tones like darker male vocals and lower electronic tones have plenty of weight. Center-mid instruments like guitars and piano play don't often play a prominent role, but mids enjoy a natural tonality, neither too warm or bright. What's remarkable, is that the OnePlus Buds 3 produces a good amount of detail and its treble air without displaying a large soundstage. Separation and instrument placement is above average, however.
Via the HeyMelody app, you can activate OnePlus 3D Audio to feel the music more around you. It does what it delivers, but achieves part of it by just turning the volume up. Treble peaks also appear easier, especially in claps and cymbals.
The four EQ presets only tweak the sound in a minor way, with Serenade lifting the center- and upper-mids, Bass doing the opposite, and Bold turning up the lower mids. Next to that, the BassWave-slider ranging from -5 to 5 can either take away some bass depth and fullness or even boast it further - but don't expect the mid-bass to lie down or become the most punchiest ever. The Golden Sound hearing test could actually be the most hefty sound changer, creating a more energetic sound by throwing in emphasized frequencies you otherwise didn't pick up so well.
Like all aspects on the OnePlus Buds 3, the basics of the sound quality are just right. The bass is energetic but not overpowering, vocals are clear but not shouty, and music is nicely balanced across all regular volume levels. The OnePlus Buds 3 never fails to entertain.
OnePlus Buds 3 comparisons
OnePlus Buds 3 vs Samsung Galaxy Buds FE
There are quite a few things that the OnePlus Buds 3 does better than the comparably priced Samsung Galaxy Buds FE. The OnePlus offers around 1 hour longer battery life per charge, it's more comfortable to wear, it has an IP55 waterproof instead of IPX4 splashproof rating, it handles outdoor phone calls better, its app also works on iPhones, and its multipoint connection also works beyond Samsung devices.
The Galaxy Buds FE puts more pressure on your ears, but also has slightly stronger ANC. That's next to the more usable Transparency mode and a more balanced sound. While the OnePlus has more ‘air’ and sounds larger - further helped by the 3D Audio setting - the Samsung has a more natural center-mid presence, shows more texture in the lower mid-tones, and provides more weight and nuances to higher vocals. The OnePlus can feel a bit more fluent, though.
Around $80 on Amazon US, Amazon UK or other Amazon countries
OnePlus Buds 3 vs Soundcore Liberty 4 NC
The Soundcore Liberty 4 NC was the most versatile, all-around pair of ANC earbuds under $100, but now sees strong competition from the OnePlus Buds 3. Which is better, depends on your needs.
The Liberty 4 NC has stronger ANC, which filters out higher notes and middle sounds better. Its Transparency mode may be more metallic, but does passthrough more brighter sounds. Its battery life is hours better as well, while both connect easily to two devices at the same time. The OnePlus Buds 3 handles outside phone and video calls much better, is more comfortable to wear (in bed), and has an even more powerful multipoint connection.
The Soundcore has a deeper and more textured sub-bass and a punchier mid-bass. As lower-mids are heavier too, it delivers a more powerful sound. The OnePlus has better center-mids presence and neutrality, and it gives more space to treble.
Around $80 on Amazon US, Amazon UK or other Amazon countries
OnePlus Buds 3 vs Edifier NeoBuds Pro 2
While not reviewed separately on Scarbir.com, the Edifier NeoBuds Pro 2 is a direct competitor to the OnePlus Buds 3. While the OnePlus beats the Edifier on multipoint connectivity, comfort, battery life and outdoor call clarity, the NeoBuds Pro 2 has noticeably stronger Active Noise Cancelling.
Things are mostly decided on the sound part, however. The Edifier has two equalizer presets - Classic and Pop, but both are much bassier than the OnePlus. Not in a good way. The bass can reach up to nauseous levels on active listening volumes. The OnePlus bass behaves better, and lets you more in control via the app. The Buds 3 has a clearer, less-coloured midrange and a more open treble, while treble is more muted on the Edifier, but can be too metallic once let loose.
No separate Edifier NeoBuds Pro 2 review
Around $120 on Amazon US, Amazon UK or other Amazon countries
OnePlus Buds 3 vs Sony Linkbuds S
Varying heavily between 120 and 200 dollars, the Sony Linkbuds S is always more expensive than the Buds 3. Meanwhile, it starts to show its age. The OnePlus has clearer outdoor calls, half an hour more battery life per charge, and its multipoint connection is more versatile. Linkbuds S’ ANC is stronger, however, even though it can take a moment to optimize for your surroundings.
When it comes to sound, iPhone-users should definitely go for the OnePlus as the Sony can lack a bit of mid-bass attack on Apple's phones. On Android, Sony opts for the LDAC codec and impact is better - matching that of the OnePlus. The Sony controls its treble better on higher volumes, and it boasts a warmer and more comforting undertone. The Buds 3 has clearer center-mids. Both earbuds have air in their treble; the Linkbuds S has more of a (round and compact) soundstage with more precise instrument placement.
$120 - $200 on Amazon US, Amazon UK or other Amazon stores
OnePlus Buds 3 vs JBL Live Pro 2
The OnePlus Buds 3 outperforms the popular JBL Live Pro 2 - although not in every aspect. The JBL offers 3 hours longer battery life on a single charge and its Active Noise Cancelling is slightly stronger as well. The Buds 3 strikes back with volume controls on the earbuds, it offers clearer phone and video calls especially outside, and has a less awkward fit: the Buds 3 is both easier and more comfortable to wear.
In the sound, this time it's the OnePlus that keeps track of its treble better, as JBL goes all out there - not shying away from metallic and even harsh moments. The OnePlus also makes the bass more customisable: its subtle adjustable mid-bass and sub-bass depth and fullness, create a more pleasing middle ground than JBL's modes of either too little or heaps of mid-bass.
Around $100 on Amazon US, Amazon UK or on other Amazon countries
Verdict
The OnePlus Buds 3 has great call clarity, brilliant multipoint connectivity, and entertains with its energetic sound. Although its Active Noise Cancelling could have been stronger, these are great and versatile earbuds for everyday use.
Buy OnePlus Buds 3/ check price:
Buy on Amazon US
Buy on other Amazon countries
I bought the OnePlus Buds 3 for myself to test and review. My reviews are 100% independent and non-commercial - read about it here.
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