OnePlus Buds Pro 3 Review – Superb Premium ANC Earbuds

Last week, OnePlus revealed the new Buds Pro 3, which has been developed in collaboration with Danish audio experts Dynaudio.

I didn’t get the opportunity to review the OnePlus Buds Pro 2, but they were generally well-regarded by consumers and critics alike. Based on the specification, the new model appears to be an incremental upgrade, like most launches nowadays, and the new earbuds should provide superior active noise cancelling, better microphone performance, longer battery, and there should be some improvements with sound quality as well.

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OnePlus Buds Pro 3 vs OnePlus Buds Pro 2 Specification

Features

The OnePlus Buds Pro 3 comes packed with a range of features that aim to elevate the listening experience:

1. Improved dual drivers: The earbuds feature an 11mm woofer and a 6mm tweeter. The woofer now includes a second magnet for increased power generation, and its diaphragm has been rebuilt using a ceramic-metal composite material to improve audio sensitivity and sound accuracy. The tweeter incorporates a 35-micrometer flat voice coil, which enhances high-frequency detail reproduction.
2. Dual DACs: Each earbud now contains two Digital-to-Analog Converters (DACs), with one focused on the tweeter and the other on the woofer. This separation allows for better sound processing and power management.
3. Adaptive Noise Cancellation: The Buds Pro 3 can provide up to 50dB of noise cancellation, which adjusts automatically based on the surrounding environment.
4. Spatial Audio: The earbuds now use Google Spatial Audio technology, which should provide compatibility with a wider range of audio devices.
5. Fast charging and long battery life: A 10-minute charge provides over 5 hours of listening time, and the earbuds offer up to 43 hours of total playtime when used with the charging case.
6. IP55 rating: This provides protection against dust and water, making the earbuds suitable for use during workouts or in light rain.
7. Bluetooth 5.4: This latest Bluetooth version offers improved connectivity and the ability to connect to two devices simultaneously.
8. Touch controls: The earbuds feature squeeze and swipe controls for easy operation.

Unboxing / Design / Fit

The OnePlus Buds Pro 3 comes in a sleek package that includes the earbuds, charging case, USB-C charging cable, and additional ear tips in various sizes. The earbuds are available in two colour options: Midnight Opus and Lunar Radiance, both of which exude a premium aesthetic.

Each earbud weighs 5.28g, while the case weighs 50.57g, resulting in a total weight of 61.13g. The earbuds measure 33.60 × 21.15 × 25.00 mm, and the case dimensions are 64.70 × 52.45 × 25.75 mm. These measurements indicate a compact and portable design that should fit comfortably in most pockets or bags.

The fit of the Buds Pro 3 is excellent, ranking among the better earbuds I’ve tested. While they may not quite match the comfort level of the Sony LinkBuds S, they come close. I’ve used them for several gym sessions and long runs, finding that they rarely require adjustment. This secure fit not only enhances comfort but also improves passive noise isolation, which complements the active noise cancellation feature.

The charging case has undergone a complete redesign, now featuring a premium build quality with a faux leather texture and an ergonomic shape. This redesign makes the case a statement piece in its own right, adding to the overall appeal of the product.

OnePlus has also modified the design of each earbud, incorporating swipe controls that allow users to adjust volume directly on the earbud itself. This addition enhances the user experience by providing more immediate control over audio playback.

HeyMelody App and Settings

I find it a bit odd that OnePlus uses the HeyMelody App. While it is well known that OnePlus is owned by BBK Electronics, who also owns OPPO and Realme, it feels a bit cheap to use a generic app shared with OPPO products.

The app doesn’t have very good reviews, but I haven’t personally had any issues with it. It has a basic but easy to use layout and plenty of features including:

• ANC Controls:
  • Transparency
  • Smart
  • Max
  • Moderate
  • Mild
• Sound Master EQ with:
  • Balanced
  • Bold
  • Serenade
  • Bass
  • Dynaudio Featured
  • Bass Wave
  • Custom EQ
• Golden Sound is a customisation tool that performs a basic hearing test and adjusts the frequencies based on your hearing.
• Spatial Audio
• Game Mode
• Dual Connection
• Earbud Fit Test
• Find My Earbuds

LHDC 5.0

Unlike other brands, the app doesn’t have options to change the codecs used. In my case, I used my Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, and neither the app nor Bluetooth settings showed any codec information. I had to go into developer options, where it confirmed it was using AAC. Unfortunately, Samsung does not support LHDC 5.0.

Google indicates that LHDC is predominantly used on Chinese brands such as OnePlus, OPPO, Realme, and Xiaomi.

If your phone supports it, it should offer impressive performance as it supports 24-bit 192hz audio quality.

Sound Quality

The OnePlus Buds Pro 3 deliver impressive sound quality, thanks to their improved dual driver system and collaboration with Dynaudio. The 11mm woofer provides a robust bass response, while the 6mm tweeter ensures clear and detailed high frequencies.

The overall sound signature is well-balanced, with a slight emphasis on the low end that should appeal to bass enthusiasts without overwhelming the mids and highs. The soundstage is reasonably wide for in-ear headphones, providing a sense of space and instrument separation that enhances the listening experience.

The Sound Master EQ feature in the HeyMelody app allows users to fine-tune the audio to their preferences. The preset EQ options cater to different genres and listening preferences, while the custom EQ provides more precise control for audiophiles.

The Golden Sound feature, which customises the audio based on a hearing test, is an interesting addition. It can potentially enhance the listening experience by compensating for individual hearing characteristics, although its effectiveness may vary from user to user.

Spatial audio support adds another dimension to the sound quality, creating a more immersive experience for compatible content. However, the effectiveness of this feature can depend on the source material and personal preference.

Active Noise Cancelling

The Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) performance of the OnePlus Buds Pro 3 is one of its standout features. The earbuds boast Adaptive Noise Cancellation that can provide up to 50dB of noise reduction, a 2dB improvement over the previous generation.

In practice, the ANC performance is impressive. During a synthetic test using aeroplane cabin noise played through Edifier S3000 Pro speakers at 80% volume, the Buds Pro 3 effectively eliminated most low to mid-frequency noise, leaving only a slight hiss in the high frequencies. This level of performance puts them among the top performers in their price range.

One particularly noteworthy aspect of the ANC is its handling of wind noise. Many affordable earbuds struggle with wind noise, often amplifying it unintentionally. The Buds Pro 3, however, manage to minimise this issue effectively, making them suitable for outdoor use in various weather conditions.

The adaptive nature of the ANC is another plus point. The system can adjust its performance based on the surrounding environment, potentially providing a more comfortable listening experience and improved battery efficiency compared to static ANC systems.

While I haven’t had the opportunity to compare them directly with top-tier ANC headphones like the Sony WF-1000XM5, based on my experience with other models, I would rank the OnePlus Buds Pro 3 among the best-performing in-ear ANC headphones I’ve reviewed.

The transparency mode, which allows ambient sound to pass through, works well. It provides a natural sound that doesn’t feel overly processed, making it useful for situations where awareness of your surroundings is necessary.

Call Quality / Microphone

OnePlus has put significant effort into improving the call quality of the Buds Pro 3. The earbuds now feature three microphones per side, plus a new Voice Pick Up Bone Sensor. This combination aims to enhance voice clarity and reduce background noise during calls.

OnePlus claims this new setup increases the level of voice noise cancellation by approximately 6 to 8 decibels compared to the previous model. In practice, call quality is indeed very good. Voices come through clearly, and the system does an admirable job of suppressing background noise.

The bone conduction sensor is particularly effective at picking up voice vibrations, which helps to isolate the user’s voice from ambient noise. This feature is especially useful in noisy environments or windy conditions, where traditional microphones might struggle.

During test calls, recipients reported that my voice sounded clear and natural, with minimal background noise. The earbuds also performed well in suppressing echo and reducing the “tunnel” effect that can sometimes occur with in-ear headphones.

While the microphone quality may not match that of a dedicated desktop microphone, it’s more than adequate for phone calls, video conferences, and voice commands. The improvement over the previous generation is noticeable, making the Buds Pro 3 a solid choice for those who frequently take calls on the go.

Battery Life

The OnePlus Buds Pro 3 offer impressive battery life and fast charging capabilities:

• Total Playtime: When fully charged, users can expect up to 43 hours of listening time between the earbuds and their case. This figure is based on AAC codec usage with Adaptive ANC turned off and volume at 50%.
• Playtime with ANC: With Adaptive ANC turned on, using the AAC codec at 50% volume, users can still achieve up to 25.5 hours of total playtime (6 hours from the earbuds alone).
• Fast Charging: A 10-minute charge provides over 5 hours of listening time. The case can be fully charged in 70 minutes via wired charging or 2 hours 30 minutes with wireless charging.

I haven’t personally timed the battery life, but with ANC on and the volume at around 60%, I have worn them for 4 to 5 hours at a time when I go to the gym and/or run, and I have experienced no issues with the battery dying on me.

The case’s battery capacity has been increased from 520mAh in the previous model to 566mAh in the Buds Pro 3. This larger capacity contributes to the extended total playtime and allows for multiple recharges of the earbuds before the case itself needs to be recharged.

The inclusion of wireless charging support adds convenience, allowing users to top up the case’s battery using any Qi-certified wireless charger. While wireless charging is slower than wired charging, it’s a welcome feature for those who prefer a cable-free setup.

Price and Alternative Options

At the time of writing, I have not been told the price of the OnePlus Buds Pro 3.

The original OnePlus Buds Pro launched for $149/£239, the OnePlus Buds Pro 2 launched at $179/£179, and the Pro 2 is still available to buy for £166 from Amazon.

I’d assume/hope the OnePlus Buds Pro 3 will launch for the same £179 price point or at least below £200.  

That places them in the premium price point with a lot of excellent options to choose from including:

• Google Pixel Buds Pro have an RRP of £200 and are available for £176
• Google Pixel Buds Pro 2, only just launched and currently retails for £219
• Huawei FreeBuds Pro 3 have an RRP of £180 and are available for £175
• Jabra Elite 8 Active are £200 RRP, available for £165
• Jabra Elite 10 have an RRP of £220 and are available for £220
• Samsung Galaxy Buds2 Pro has an RRP of £220 but available for £175
• Sony WF-1000XM5 have an RRP of £260 and are available for £199

Each of these alternatives offers its own set of features and strengths. The Google Pixel Buds Pro and Pro 2 are known for their excellent integration with Android devices and strong ANC performance. The Huawei FreeBuds Pro 3 offer a similar feature set to the OnePlus Buds Pro 3, including LHDC support.

The Jabra Elite series is renowned for its durability and fitness-focused features, making them a good choice for active users. The Samsung Galaxy Buds2 Pro offer seamless integration with Samsung devices and strong all-round performance.

The Sony WF-1000XM5, while at the higher end of the price range, are widely considered to be among the best true wireless earbuds available, offering top-tier ANC and sound quality.

Verdict

The OnePlus Buds Pro 3 are superb earbuds and tick almost all the boxes I want from a premium pair of earbuds while also keeping the price (hopefully) under £200.

The only criticism I can think of is the limited codec support. While LHDC 5.0 may technically be one of the best codecs available, it has very limited support. I would have appreciated either AptX Adaptive or LDAC, which have much more support.

Additionally, this is only a minor criticism, I would prefer a dedicated OnePlus app. It just feels a bit cheap to use HeyMelody.

Beyond that, they are superb, sound quality is excellent and customisable and can also be customised to your specific hearing. I found the ANC also excellent and easily competes, if not beats, many of the premium earbuds I have reviewed. Additionally, the battery life is good, I have found that some brands like Huawei and Edifier have lots of great features but at the expense of the battery.

Overall, I can give the OnePlus Buds Pro 3 a strong recommendation and I think they are one of the best earbuds I have reviewed to date.

James Smythe( Editor-in-chief )

I am James, a UK-based tech enthusiast and the Editor and Owner of Mighty Gadget, which I’ve proudly run since 2007. Passionate about all things technology, my expertise spans from computers and networking to mobile, wearables, and smart home devices.

As a fitness fanatic who loves running and cycling, I also have a keen interest in fitness-related technology, and I take every opportunity to cover this niche on my blog. My diverse interests allow me to bring a unique perspective to tech blogging, merging lifestyle, fitness, and the latest tech trends.

In my academic pursuits, I earned a BSc in Information Systems Design from UCLAN, before advancing my learning with a Master’s Degree in Computing. This advanced study also included Cisco CCNA accreditation, further demonstrating my commitment to understanding and staying ahead of the technology curve.

I’m proud to share that Vuelio has consistently ranked Mighty Gadget as one of the top technology blogs in the UK. With my dedication to technology and drive to share my insights, I aim to continue providing my readers with engaging and informative content.