The wireless earbuds market is more competitive than ever, with brands striving to deliver premium features at accessible price points. OnePlus, known for its value-driven approach, has two standout offerings in its audio lineup: the OnePlus Buds 3 and the OnePlus Buds Pro 3.
Both earbuds cater to different segments of users, but how do they stack up against each other? This article dives deep into their design, sound quality, features, battery life, and more to help you decide which pair suits your needs.
1. Design and Build Quality
OnePlus Buds 3
The OnePlus Buds 3 sport a sleek, minimalist design with a stem-style form factor, reminiscent of premium earbuds like the AirPods. Available in Splendid Blue and Metallic Gray, they feature a glossy finish on the earbuds and a matte charging case, giving them a modern and understated look. The earbuds are lightweight at 4.8g each, ensuring comfort during extended use. With an IP55 rating for dust and water resistance, they’re well-suited for workouts or outdoor activities. The charging case is compact, slipping easily into pockets, but lacks the premium texture of its Pro counterpart.
OnePlus Buds Pro 3
The Buds Pro 3 elevate the design with a more luxurious aesthetic. Available in Lunar Radiance (cream) and Midnight Opus (black), the charging case features a faux-leather texture and metallic accents, exuding a premium vibe. The earbuds themselves are slightly heavier at 5.1g but maintain a polished, ergonomic shape for a secure fit. Like the Buds 3, they carry an IP55 rating, but the case itself has an IPX4 rating, offering splash resistance. The vertical, top-loading case is slimmer than previous OnePlus designs, making it more pocket-friendly.
Verdict: The Buds Pro 3 win for their upscale materials and refined case design, while the Buds 3 offer a simpler, functional aesthetic at a lower price.
2. Sound Quality
OnePlus Buds 3
The Buds 3 feature a dual-driver setup with a 10.4mm woofer and a 6mm tweeter, delivering a balanced sound profile. Bass is punchy without overpowering mids, which are clear for vocals and instruments. Highs are crisp but can occasionally feel sharp at higher volumes. The earbuds support SBC, AAC, and LHDC codecs, with the latter enabling high-resolution audio on compatible devices (like OnePlus phones). The HeyMelody app allows customization through a 6-band equalizer, Golden Sound (personalized audio tuning), and BassWave for enhanced low-end. However, the soundstage feels slightly narrow compared to premium earbuds.
OnePlus Buds Pro 3
The Pro 3 take audio to another level with a dual-driver system featuring an 11mm woofer with a ceramic-metal composite diaphragm and a 6mm tweeter, tuned in collaboration with Dynaudio. This results in richer bass, detailed mids, and sparkling highs, creating a wider and more immersive soundstage. The earbuds support SBC, AAC, and LHDC 5.0, offering superior high-res audio quality. The HeyMelody app provides five EQ presets (Balanced, Bass, Serenade, Dynamic, and Custom), along with Golden Sound and BassWave 2.0 for deeper customization. Spatial audio with head tracking adds a 3D listening experience, though its impact varies by content.
Verdict: The Buds Pro 3 offer a more refined and dynamic audio experience, making them ideal for audiophiles, while the Buds 3 deliver impressive sound for their price.
3. Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) and Transparency
OnePlus Buds 3
The Buds 3 come equipped with 49dB adaptive ANC, which effectively reduces low-frequency noises like traffic or air conditioning hums. Mid- and high-frequency sounds, such as chatter, are dampened but not fully eliminated. The ANC has three modes—Light, Moderate, and Smart (automatic adjustment)—and performs admirably for budget earbuds. Transparency mode is functional, allowing ambient sounds to pass through, but it lacks the natural clarity of premium models.
OnePlus Buds Pro 3
The Pro 3 boast 50dB adaptive ANC, slightly outperforming the Buds 3 in blocking low-frequency noises and handling mids more effectively. They excel in noisy environments like cafes or public transport, though they don’t quite match the ANC prowess of top-tier models like the Sony WF-1000XM5. The ANC modes include Light, Moderate, Deep, and Smart, with an earbud fit test to optimize isolation. Transparency mode is clearer and more natural than on the Buds 3, making conversations easier without removing the earbuds.
Verdict: The Buds Pro 3 edge out with slightly better ANC and a superior transparency mode, but the Buds 3 hold their own for casual use.
4. Battery Life and Charging
OnePlus Buds 3
The Buds 3 offer 6.5 hours of playback with ANC on and up to 8 hours with ANC off per charge. The charging case extends this to 28 hours (ANC on) or 44 hours (ANC off). A 10-minute fast charge via USB-C provides about 7 hours of playback (with the case). However, the Buds 3 lack wireless charging, which may disappoint some users.
OnePlus Buds Pro 3
The Pro 3 deliver 6 hours with ANC on and 10 hours with ANC off per charge, with the case providing a total of 26 hours (ANC on) or 43 hours (ANC off). A 10-minute USB-C charge yields around 5 hours of playback, and the case supports wireless charging (though it requires face-down placement, which is unconventional). Reverse wireless charging is also compatible with phones like the OnePlus 12.
Verdict: The Pro 3 offer wireless charging and slightly better single-charge endurance, but the Buds 3 provide longer total battery life with the case.
5. Connectivity and Features
OnePlus Buds 3
The Buds 3 use Bluetooth 5.3 for stable connections and support dual-device pairing, allowing seamless switching between devices. They integrate deeply with OnePlus phones via Google Fast Pair and offer low-latency Game Mode for minimal audio lag. The HeyMelody app (available on Android and iOS) enables firmware updates, control customization, and features like Find My Earbuds. However, they lack in-ear detection, so music doesn’t pause automatically when you remove an earbud.
OnePlus Buds Pro 3
The Pro 3 step up to Bluetooth 5.4, enhancing connectivity range and efficiency. They support Bluetooth Multipoint for simultaneous dual-device connections, a step above the Buds 3’s sequential pairing. In-ear detection is included, pausing and resuming audio automatically. The HeyMelody app unlocks advanced features like neck vertebrae health monitoring (via the OHealth app), spatial audio, and control customization (squeeze and swipe gestures). Game Mode is also present, and OnePlus phone users can access exclusive features like double-squeeze photo capture.
Verdict: The Pro 3 are more feature-rich with Multipoint, in-ear detection, and enhanced app functionality, while the Buds 3 cover the essentials well.
6. Call Quality
OnePlus Buds 3
Equipped with dual microphones and AI noise reduction, the Buds 3 handle calls decently in quiet environments. Voices are clear, but background noise (like wind or traffic) can creep in, making them less ideal for outdoor calls. The microphone quality is serviceable but not exceptional.
OnePlus Buds Pro 3
The Pro 3 feature a tri-microphone setup per earbud, plus a voice pick-up (VPU) sensor, delivering superior call clarity. AI noise reduction effectively filters out ambient sounds, ensuring voices remain crisp even in noisy settings. They’re a better choice for frequent callers or remote workers.
Verdict: The Pro 3 significantly outperform the Buds 3 in call quality, especially in challenging environments.
7. Price and Value
OnePlus Buds 3
Priced around $99 / ₹5,499, the Buds 3 offer tremendous value, combining solid ANC, good sound, and reliable battery life. They’re ideal for budget-conscious buyers who want premium features without breaking the bank.
OnePlus Buds Pro 3
At approximately $179 / ₹11,999, the Pro 3 are pricier but justify the cost with superior audio, advanced features, and a premium design. They compete with higher-end earbuds like the AirPods Pro 2 and Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro while remaining more affordable.
Verdict: The Buds 3 are a steal for their price, but the Pro 3 deliver a near-flagship experience for those willing to spend more.
Final Thoughts
The OnePlus Buds 3 are a fantastic choice for users seeking affordable earbuds with strong ANC, balanced sound, and long battery life. They punch above their weight, making them perfect for casual listeners, students, or anyone on a budget. However, they miss out on wireless charging, in-ear detection, and some advanced features.
The OnePlus Buds Pro 3, on the other hand, cater to enthusiasts who prioritize premium audio, robust ANC, and a feature-packed experience. With Dynaudio tuning, spatial audio, and a luxurious design, they rival more expensive competitors while offering excellent value.
Choose the Buds 3 if you want great performance on a budget.
Choose the Buds Pro 3 if you’re after a high-end audio experience with all the bells and whistles.
Ultimately, both earbuds reflect OnePlus’s commitment to delivering quality without compromise, ensuring there’s something for everyone in their audio lineup.