OnePlus Buds Pro 3 Review
The OnePlus Buds Pro 3 are the latest addition to OnePlus’s premium true wireless stereo (TWS) lineup, designed in collaboration with Dynaudio. These earbuds aim to provide high-fidelity audio, effective noise cancellation, and extended battery life, making them suitable for a wide range of users. Whether for daily commuting, exercise, remote work, or immersive music listening, the Buds Pro 3 promise a high-quality experience with a refined balance between performance and comfort.
Key Features
- Dual Drivers and Dedicated DACs: An 11mm woofer and a 6mm tweeter are individually managed by dedicated digital-to-analog converters (DACs), ensuring precise tuning and high-fidelity sound reproduction.
- Dynaudio Custom Tuning: Developed in collaboration with Dynaudio, the Buds Pro 3 are fine-tuned to deliver a natural tonal balance with deep bass, clear mids, and crisp highs.
- Adaptive Noise Cancellation (ANC): Real-time ANC adjusts to ambient noise, reducing up to 50dB of external sounds. The system includes enhanced voice suppression for clearer calls.
- Hi-Res Audio with LHDC 5.0: Supports high-resolution audio with a transmission rate of up to 1Mbps, delivering 24-bit/192kHz playback for a superior listening experience.
- Spatial Audio with Head Tracking: Offers an immersive 3D audio experience by dynamically adjusting the soundstage based on head movements.
- Advanced Call Clarity: A triple-microphone array combined with a voice pickup unit (VPU) using bone conduction technology ensures clear voice transmission, even in noisy environments.
- Intelligent Sound Adaptation: The Golden Sound Profile personalizes audio output based on the listener’s ear canal structure and hearing preferences.
- Intuitive Touch Controls: Features swipe gestures for volume control and squeezable stems for toggling ANC and playback commands.
- Extended Battery Life and Fast Charging: Provides up to 43 hours of total playback time with the case. A 10-minute charge delivers up to 13 hours of listening time.
- Wireless Charging and Reverse Charging: Compatible with Qi-certified wireless chargers and supports reverse charging via OnePlus smartphones.
- Durable and Water-Resistant Design: Earbuds have an IP55 rating, while the charging case is rated IPX4, ensuring resistance to dust and water splashes.
- Seamless Connectivity with Bluetooth 5.4: Enables stable, low-latency connections and supports dual-device pairing for effortless switching between devices.
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Type | True Wireless Stereo (TWS) |
| Acoustic Design | In-Ear Monitor (IEM) |
| Frequency Response | 10Hz – 40kHz |
| Drivers | 11mm dynamic woofer, 6mm tweeter |
| Microphones | Multiple microphones for calls and noise cancellation |
| Noise Cancellation | Adaptive, up to 50dB |
| Wireless Connectivity | Bluetooth 5.4, supports LHDC 5.0, AAC, and SBC codecs |
| Battery Capacity | Earbuds: 60mAh each; Case: 520mAh |
| Battery Life | Up to 10 hours (earbuds without ANC); up to 43 hours total with case |
| Fast Charging | 10-minute charge provides up to 13 hours of playback |
| Water & Dust Resistance | Earbuds: IP55; Case: IPX4 |
| Charging Port | USB-C, supports wireless charging |
| Included Accessories | XS, S, M, L ear tips; USB-C charging cable |
| Weight | Earbuds: 5.3g each; Case: 52g |
| Design Variants | Midnight Opus (black), Lunar Radiance (white) |
| Retail Offers | Check Price |
Design and Build Quality
The OnePlus Buds Pro 3 feature a compact yet sophisticated design with a two-tone finish—matte surfaces for a premium feel and polished accents on the stems. The earbuds are ergonomically shaped for a snug fit, ensuring stability even during movement. The charging case follows a minimalist aesthetic with a sturdy hinge mechanism, making it convenient for everyday use. With an IP55 rating for the earbuds, they are resistant to dust and water splashes, making them suitable for workouts and outdoor activities.
Comfort and Usability
Weighing just 5.3 grams per earbud, the Buds Pro 3 are lightweight and comfortable for extended listening sessions. The inclusion of four sizes of silicone ear tips (XS, S, M, L) ensures a customizable fit for various ear shapes. The earbuds maintain a secure seal, enhancing passive noise isolation and overall sound quality. Despite their slightly larger size compared to some competitors, they remain stable even during physical activities.
Software and Features
OnePlus Buds Pro 3 is compatible with the HeyMelody app available for both Android and iOS. This app has a wide range of features that enhance the user experience. The headphones are equipped with a number of smart features also available through the HeyMelody app.
- Dual Connection: Stay connected to two devices simultaneously, allowing effortless switching between music playback on a tablet and answering calls on a smartphone.
- Game Mode: Ultra-low latency mode enhances synchronization for an immersive gaming experience.
- Find My Earbuds: If an earbud is misplaced, the app can trigger an audible alert to help locate it.
- Zen Mode Air: Provides immersive soundscapes, such as ocean waves or forest ambience, for relaxation and focus.
- Posture Alerts: Built-in IMU sensors monitor neck position and provide reminders to maintain good posture, contributing to overall well-being.
- Customizable Controls: Users can assign touch gestures for playback control, noise cancellation adjustments, and voice assistant activation.
- Firmware Updates: Regular software updates enhance functionality and maintain peak performance.
Sound Quality and Audio Profile
As always with evaluating the sound quality of any audio gear, you can only rely on subjective assessment, since the evaluation results directly depend on the class of audio equipment used, the quality of the test recording, and the evaluator's sonic preferences.
The Buds Pro 3 deliver a detailed and dynamic sound profile thanks to their dual-driver setup. The 11mm woofer provides deep and punchy bass, while the 6mm tweeter ensures crisp mids and sparkling highs. The soundstage is wide, offering a sense of depth that enhances the listening experience across different music genres.
Bass: The low frequencies exhibit excellent depth and control, producing a tight and impactful bass response without overpowering the mids. Sub-bass extends well into the lower spectrum, making it particularly enjoyable for electronic and bass-heavy genres.
Mids: The midrange is well-balanced, offering a natural timbre for vocals and instruments. Male and female vocals are clear and present, with an organic warmth that complements rock, jazz, and acoustic performances.
Highs: Treble frequencies are crisp and airy, with good extension that adds detail and clarity without introducing sibilance. This makes the Buds Pro 3 suitable for classical and instrumental recordings.
Soundstage: The stereo imaging is precise, with a wide and layered soundstage that creates an immersive listening experience. Instrument separation is notable, allowing complex tracks to retain clarity and definition.
The OnePlus Buds Pro 3 offer a well-optimized low-latency experience, particularly in Game Mode, which significantly reduces audio delay, ensuring precise synchronization between sound and visuals. This makes them an excellent choice for gaming, where accurate audio cues are crucial, as well as for watching fast-paced content, where even minimal lag can be distracting. Additionally, the HeyMelody app provides extensive customization options, including a fully adjustable equalizer and the Golden Sound Profile, which fine-tunes the sound signature based on the user’s unique hearing characteristics. This ensures a more immersive and personalized listening experience across different applications.
Headphone frequency response OnePlus Buds Pro 3
Pros and Cons
- High-quality sound with dual-driver system
- Effective adaptive noise cancellation up to 50dB
- Long battery life with fast charging support
- Comfortable fit with multiple ear tip sizes
- Water and dust resistance for durability
- Plastic construction, though sturdy, may feel less premium
- Slightly bulkier design compared to some competitors
- Some features are limited to OnePlus devices
Customer ratings
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Alternatives
When considering alternatives to the OnePlus Buds Pro 3, it’s important to evaluate several key factors: form factor, price-to-performance ratio, sound quality, noise cancellation, Bluetooth codecs, companion app functionality, battery life, and feature set. These criteria help identify competitors that offer similar or better value in the same price range. Below, we explore two strong alternatives: the HUAWEI FreeBuds Pro 3 and the Jabra Elite 7 Pro.
HUAWEI FreeBuds Pro 3
The HUAWEI FreeBuds Pro 3 is a premium true wireless earbud option with active noise cancellation (ANC) and support for LDAC and L2HC Bluetooth codecs, ensuring high-quality audio, especially for HUAWEI device users. It offers a balanced sound profile with clear mids and highs, though bass may feel less pronounced compared to the OnePlus Buds Pro 3. ANC performance is strong, and battery life reaches up to 6.5 hours (ANC on) or 30 hours with the case. The HUAWEI AI Life app provides customization options like EQ adjustments and ANC settings. This model is ideal for HUAWEI ecosystem users or those seeking reliable noise cancellation and high-quality audio.
Jabra Elite 7 Pro
The Jabra Elite 7 Pro stands out for its compact design, secure fit, and excellent call quality, thanks to its multi-microphone setup and noise-canceling algorithms. While its ANC may not match the depth of the OnePlus Buds Pro 3, it delivers clear and detailed sound with support for AAC and SBC codecs. Battery life is impressive, offering up to 8 hours of playback and 30 hours with the case. The Jabra Sound+ app allows sound profile customization and ANC adjustments. This model is perfect for professionals and frequent callers who prioritize comfort and voice performance.
Accessories
Accessories play an essential role in extending the lifespan and usability of earbuds like the OnePlus Buds Pro 3. They provide additional protection, convenience, and aesthetic enhancement, ensuring that users can maintain their earbuds in excellent condition over time. A well-chosen accessory can also improve portability and offer personalized style, making the earbuds more suitable for daily use.
Audiophile Ear Tips
The JVC Spiral Sleeve FX10 ear tips are an excellent accessory to enhance the comfort and usability of the OnePlus Buds Pro 3. Made from high-quality silicone, their spiral design ensures a secure fit, improving noise isolation and stability, particularly during physical activities. The soft material reduces discomfort, making them suitable for extended listening sessions. With their practical design and compatibility, these ear tips are a great choice for optimizing the overall experience with the earbuds.
The Eletech Baroque ear tips combine comfort with acoustic precision. Their design focuses on delivering detailed midrange and treble frequencies, making them suitable for users who enjoy vocal and instrumental music. Constructed to provide a secure fit, they reduce fatigue during long listening sessions. These ear tips are best suited for users who value audio clarity and listen to genres that benefit from precise sound reproduction, such as classical or acoustic music.
QC3.0 USB Charger
The Maerknon QC3.0 USB charger is a practical accessory for users of OnePlus Buds Pro 3. Since the headphones do not include a charger in the box, purchasing a reliable, fast-charging solution ensures convenience. The QC3.0 technology allows for efficient and rapid charging, making it an essential addition for users who need to recharge their headphones on the go or during busy schedules.
Silicone Case
A silicone case is an indispensable accessory for protecting the OnePlus Buds Pro 3 from daily wear and tear. This lightweight, durable case offers a layer of protection against scratches, impacts, and dust while maintaining easy access to the charging port. It is an excellent choice for users who want to preserve the pristine condition of their headphones and extend their lifespan.
Leather Storage Case for TWS Earbuds
A leather storage case offers reliable protection for TWS earbuds, shielding them from dust, scratches, and minor impacts. Its durable exterior resists wear, while the soft inner lining prevents damage. The secure closure keeps the earbuds in place, and a metal carabiner allows for easy attachment to a bag or keychain. Compact and convenient, this case is ideal for those who need a practical carrying solution without adding bulk.
Conclusion
The OnePlus Buds Pro 3 stand out as a premium choice for users looking for high-quality audio, effective noise cancellation, and a feature-rich experience. While the plastic build and slightly larger size may be minor drawbacks, the exceptional sound quality, comfort, and extensive software customization make them a strong contender in the TWS market. These earbuds are well-suited for audiophiles, frequent travelers, and everyday users seeking a refined audio experience.
