Highlights
- Exceptional battery life up to 44 hours with the case
- Effective ANC with up to 49dB noise cancellation
- Comfortable and secure fit with IP55 water resistance
- Fast charging via USB-C for quick power boosts
The true wireless earbud market continues to evolve at a rapid pace, with manufacturers constantly pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in these tiny audio powerhouses.
OnePlus, a brand known for delivering premium features at competitive prices, has entered the fray with their latest offering: the OnePlus Nord Buds 3 Pro.
Promising a potent mix of powerful sound, effective noise cancellation, and marathon battery life, these earbuds aim to shake up the mid-range TWS segment.
Let’s dive deep into what makes these earbuds tick and see if they live up to the hype.
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Exceptional battery life | Bass-heavy sound may not suit all music genres or listeners |
| Effective ANC performance | Limited codec support (SBC and AAC only) |
| Comfortable and secure fit | |
| Fast charging capability |
Key Specs of OnePlus Nord Buds 3 Pro
- Drivers: 12.4mm dynamic drivers
- Noise Cancellation: Up to 49dB active noise cancellation
- Battery Life: 10 hours (earbuds only), 44 hours total with charging case
- Water Resistance: IP55 rating
- Bluetooth: Version 5.3 with LHDC, AAC, and SBC codec support
- Weight: Earbuds 4.8g each, charging case 40.8g
- Charging: USB-C with fast charging support
- Microphones: Three microphones per earbud
OnePlus Nord Buds 3 Pro: Box Contents
- OnePlus Nord Buds 3 Pro earbuds
- Charging case
- USB-C charging cable
- Three sizes of silicone ear tips (S, M, L)
- User manual and warranty information
OnePlus Nord Buds 3 Pro: Unboxing Video
OnePlus Nord Buds 3 Pro: Design and Fit
The OnePlus Nord Buds 3 Pro make a strong first impression with their sleek, modern aesthetic.
Available in two colorways – Soft Jade and Starry Black – these earbuds strike a balance between eye-catching design and understated elegance.
The Soft Jade variant, which we tested, features a unique dual-tone finish that’s particularly appealing.
The top of the pebble-shaped charging case sports a glossy, deep green hue reminiscent of polished jade, while the body of the case has a lighter, matte green finish adorned with subtle white speckles.
This attention to detail gives the Nord Buds 3 Pro a premium look that belies their mid-range price point.
The earbuds themselves follow a traditional in-ear design, with ergonomically shaped buds that nestle comfortably in the ear canal.
The stems of the earbuds feature a clever design choice: the lower portion is wider, providing a better grip for insertion and removal, while the upper part narrows to house the touch-sensitive controls.
This dual-width stem not only improves handling but also makes it easier to locate the touch controls by feel alone.
Comfort is a crucial factor for any pair of earbuds, and the Nord Buds 3 Pro excel in this regard.
Weighing in at just 4.4g per earbud, they’re light enough for extended wear without causing fatigue.
OnePlus provides three sizes of silicone ear tips (S, M, L) in the box, allowing users to find their perfect fit.
In my testing, the medium tips provided a secure and comfortable seal, even during more vigorous activities like jogging or gym sessions.
The IPX5 water resistance rating adds an extra layer of durability, making these earbuds suitable for workouts or light rain exposure.
While not fully waterproof, this level of protection should be more than adequate for most users’ needs.
The charging case, despite its premium look, remains pleasantly compact and lightweight at just 38.2g.
It easily slips into a pocket or small bag compartment, making it ideal for on-the-go use.
The case features a USB-C charging port on the bottom, alongside a small button used for pairing and resetting the earbuds.
A subtle LED indicator on the front of the case provides at-a-glance battery status information.
OnePlus Nord Buds 3 Pro: Sound Quality and Performance
At the heart of the OnePlus Nord Buds 3 Pro’s audio performance are its 12.4mm dynamic drivers.
OnePlus has tuned these earbuds with a decidedly bass-forward signature, which will undoubtedly please lovers of genres like hip-hop, EDM, and modern pop.
However, this tuning may not be to everyone’s taste, especially those who prefer a more neutral or balanced sound profile.
Let’s break down the sound signature across different frequency ranges:
The low-end performance of the Nord Buds 3 Pro is nothing short of impressive for earbuds in this price range.
Sub-bass extends deep, providing a visceral rumble in tracks that call for it.
For example, in Billie Eilish’s “bad guy,” the pulsating bass line is reproduced with authority, creating an almost physical sensation of the low-end.
The mid-bass is punchy and impactful, adding warmth and body to kick drums and bass guitars.
The mids on the Nord Buds 3 Pro are generally clear and present, although they can sometimes take a backseat to the prominent bass.
Vocal performances in pop and rock tracks come through with good clarity, but they may lack some of the intimacy and forwardness found in more neutrally tuned earbuds.
In complex arrangements, like Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody,” the layered vocal harmonies in the middle section can sound slightly recessed compared to the driving rhythm section.
High frequencies are well-represented, providing a sense of air and detail to recordings.
Cymbals and hi-hats have a pleasant shimmer without becoming harsh or sibilant.
However, the treble doesn’t quite reach the levels of sparkle and extension found in some higher-end models.
This tuning helps prevent listener fatigue during long sessions but may leave some audiophiles wanting more top-end brilliance.
OnePlus Nord Buds 3 Pro: Soundstage and ANC
For a pair of in-ear headphones, the Nord Buds 3 Pro offer a respectable soundstage.
While not as expansive as over-ear headphones, there’s a good sense of space between instruments in well-recorded tracks.
Imaging is precise enough to place different elements of a mix in their correct positions, though it falls short of the pinpoint accuracy found in premium audiophile earbuds.
Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) is a standout feature of the Nord Buds 3 Pro, especially considering their price point.
OnePlus claims up to 49dB of noise reduction, which is impressive for earbuds in this category.
In practice, the ANC performance is indeed noteworthy:
The Nord Buds 3 Pro excel at cancelling out consistent, low-frequency sounds like the hum of air conditioning units, the rumble of trains, or the drone of airplane engines.
These types of noises are reduced to a barely perceptible level, creating an impressive cocoon of silence.
Sounds in the mid-range, such as general office chatter or the clatter of keyboards, are significantly reduced, though not entirely eliminated.
The ANC takes the edge off these noises, making them much less distracting.
As with most ANC systems, especially in this price range, high-frequency sounds like the clinking of dishes or high-pitched voices are less effectively cancelled.
However, the passive isolation provided by a good seal with the ear tips helps mitigate some of these higher frequency disturbances.
The ANC system offers four intensity levels: Mild, Moderate, Max, and Smart.
The Smart mode is particularly useful, as it analyzes your environment and automatically adjusts the level of noise cancellation to suit the situation.
This feature works well in practice, adapting quickly as you move between different noise environments.
A Transparency mode is also included, which uses the earbuds’ microphones to pipe in external sounds.
This feature is handy for brief conversations or when you need to be aware of your surroundings without removing the earbuds.
The implementation is natural-sounding, without the artificial or tinny quality found in some lesser transparency modes.
OnePlus Nord Buds 3 Pro: Microphone Quality
The OnePlus Nord Buds 3 Pro feature a three-microphone system on each earbud, which works in conjunction with AI noise reduction algorithms to deliver clear call quality.
In testing, call performance was generally good:
- In quiet environments, voices come through clearly and naturally.
- In moderately noisy settings like coffee shops or busy streets, the noise reduction does a commendable job of suppressing background noise while keeping speech intelligible.
- In very loud environments, such as near heavy traffic, some background noise does creep in, but voices remain understandable.
The microphones also handle wind noise relatively well, making these earbuds suitable for outdoor calls or voice messages.
OnePlus Nord Buds 3 Pro: Connectivity, Controls, and Features
The OnePlus Nord Buds 3 Pro are equipped with Bluetooth 5.4, ensuring a stable and energy-efficient connection with your devices.
The earbuds support dual device connectivity, allowing you to seamlessly switch between, say, your smartphone and laptop without needing to re-pair.
Codec support includes SBC and AAC, which should suffice for most users and provides good compatibility across both Android and iOS devices.
Google Fast Pair is supported, making the initial setup process with Android devices quick and painless.
For iOS users, the pairing process is still straightforward, if not quite as seamless.
The touch controls on the Nord Buds 3 Pro are responsive and customizable through the companion app.
By default, the controls are set up as follows:
- Double tap: Play/pause music, answer/end calls
- Triple tap: Next track
- Long press: Toggle between ANC and Transparency modes
These can be customized to some extent in the app, allowing users to assign different functions to suit their preferences.
Additional features include
- Game Mode: This low-latency mode reduces audio delay, which can be crucial for mobile gaming or watching videos.
- Find My Earbuds: Helps locate misplaced earbuds by playing a sound through them.
- Customizable EQ: Allows fine-tuning of the sound signature to personal preferences.
OnePlus Nord Buds 3 Pro: Companion App Experience
The OnePlus Nord Buds 3 Pro are compatible with the Hey Melody app, available for both Android and iOS.
The app provides a clean, intuitive interface for managing various aspects of the earbuds:
- Battery levels: Clearly displays remaining battery for each earbud and the charging case.
- ANC controls: Easily switch between ANC, Transparency, and Off modes, as well as adjust ANC intensity.
- EQ settings: Choose from preset EQ modes or create a custom EQ using the 6-band equalizer.
- Touch control customization: Reassign functions to different touch gestures.
- Firmware updates: Ensure your earbuds are running the latest software.
- Fit test: Helps ensure you’re using the correct size ear tips for optimal sound and ANC performance.
The app is responsive and well-designed, adding significant value to the overall user experience.
OnePlus Nord Buds 3 Pro: Battery Life and Charging
One of the most impressive aspects of the OnePlus Nord Buds 3 Pro is their exceptional battery life.
OnePlus claims up to 44 hours of total playtime with the charging case when ANC is turned off.
This breaks down to around 10 hours of continuous playback from the earbuds themselves, with an additional 34 hours provided by the charging case.
In real-world testing, these claims hold up impressively well:
- With ANC turned on and volume at about 60%, I consistently achieved between 8 to 9 hours of playback from the earbuds alone.
- With ANC off, this extended to just over 11 hours on a single charge.
- The charging case indeed provided an additional three full charges, sometimes even a bit more.
These figures place the Nord Buds 3 Pro at the top of their class in terms of battery performance.
For most users, this translates to several days of use before needing to recharge the case, making these earbuds an excellent choice for frequent travelers or those who dislike constantly monitoring battery levels.
Charging is handled via USB-C, and OnePlus has included fast charging support.
A quick 10-minute charge provides up to 11 hours of total playtime (5 hours for the buds, 6 hours in the case) with ANC off.
This feature is incredibly convenient for those moments when you’re about to head out and realize your earbuds are low on battery.
A full charge of both the earbuds and the case takes approximately 2 hours.
It’s worth noting that wireless charging is not supported.
Difference from Last Model
OnePlus Nord Buds 3 Pro VS OnePlus Nord Buds 2
Compared to the OnePlus Nord Buds 2, the Pro model brings several significant upgrades:
- Improved ANC performance (49dB vs 25dB)
- Longer total battery life (44 hours vs 36 hours)
- Larger 12.4mm drivers for enhanced sound quality
- Dual device connectivity
- Upgraded IP55 rating for better durability
What’s New
- Introduction of BassWave mode for enhanced low-end response
- More comprehensive EQ customization options in the companion app
- Personalized noise cancellation feature that adapts to your ear shape
- Low-latency Game Mode for improved gaming experience
- Improved microphone system for better call quality
Final Verdict – Should You Buy?
The OnePlus Nord Buds 3 Pro present a compelling package for those seeking feature-rich earbuds without breaking the bank.
Their strengths lie in exceptional battery life, effective ANC, and a bass-forward sound signature that will appeal to many listeners.
These earbuds are an excellent choice for:
- Bass enthusiasts who enjoy genres like EDM, hip-hop, and modern pop
- Users who prioritize long battery life
- Those seeking effective ANC at a mid-range price point
- Individuals who value a comfortable, secure fit for extended wear
However, they may not be ideal for:
- Audiophiles seeking a neutral or balanced sound signature
- Users who require support for high-resolution codecs like aptX or LDAC
- Those who prioritize wireless charging capability
Is the OnePlus Nord Buds 3 Pro Worth the Price?
Priced at Rs 3,299, the OnePlus Nord Buds 3 Pro offers excellent value for money.
They bring several features typically found in more expensive models down to a more accessible price point.
The combination of impressive battery life, effective ANC, and powerful sound make them a strong contender in the mid-range TWS market.
While they may not satisfy the most discerning audiophiles, for the vast majority of users looking for a feature-packed set of earbuds that won’t break the bank, the Nord Buds 3 Pro are an easy recommendation.
My Mobile Ratings
- Design and Fit – 4/5
- Features – 4/5
- Performance and Sound Quality 4/5
- ANC and Microphone 4/5
- Battery 4/5
- Overall 4/5
Top 5 Alternatives to OnePlus Nord Buds 3 Pro
Sony WF-C500
- Price: Approximately $80
- Battery Life: 10 hours (earbuds), 20 hours total
- Water Resistance: IPX4
- Sound: Balanced sound profile
- Weight: 5.4g per earbud
- Bluetooth: Version 5.0
Jabra Elite 5
- Price: Approximately $130
- Battery Life: 7 hours (earbuds), 28 hours total with case
- Water Resistance: IP55
- Sound: Balanced sound with customizable EQ
- Weight: 5g per earbud
- Bluetooth: Version 5.2 with aptX codec support
Samsung Galaxy Buds 2
- Price: Approximately $150
- Battery Life: 5 hours (earbuds), 20 hours total with case
- Water Resistance: IPX2
- Sound: Balanced with ANC
- Weight: 5g per earbud
- Bluetooth: Version 5.2
Anker Soundcore Liberty Air 2 Pro
- Price: Approximately $130
- Battery Life: 7 hours (earbuds), 26 hours total with case
- Water Resistance: IPX4
- Sound: Customizable via app
- Weight: 5g per earbud
- Bluetooth: Version 5.0 with AAC and SBC support
Beats Studio Buds
- Price: Approximately $150
- Battery Life: 8 hours (earbuds), 24 hours total with case
- Water Resistance: IPX4
- Sound: Balanced with ANC
- Weight: 5g per earbud
- Bluetooth: Version 5.2 with AAC and SBC support
OnePlus Nord Buds 3 Pro: Soft Jade
OnePlus Nord Buds 3 Pro: Starry Black
FAQs
What is the battery life of the OnePlus Nord Buds 3 Pro?
The OnePlus Nord Buds 3 Pro offer up to 10 hours of playback on a single charge, and up to 44 hours in total with the charging case included.
Do the OnePlus Nord Buds 3 Pro have active noise cancellation?
Yes, they feature active noise cancellation that can reduce noise by up to 49dB, making them ideal for use in noisy environments.
Are the OnePlus Nord Buds 3 Pro water-resistant?
The earbuds have an IP55 rating, which means they are resistant to sweat and splashes, making them suitable for workouts and light rain.
What Bluetooth version do the OnePlus Nord Buds 3 Pro use?
These earbuds use Bluetooth 5.3, ensuring a stable connection and compatibility with the latest devices.
Can I use the OnePlus Nord Buds 3 Pro with multiple devices?
Yes, the OnePlus Nord Buds 3 Pro support dual device connectivity, allowing you to switch between two devices seamlessly.
What is the Price and Availability of oneplus Nord Buds 3 Pro ?
Starting at INR 3299 Nord Buds 3 Pro will go on open sale at midnight on 20th July at Amazon.in, Flipkart.in, OnePlus.in, OnePlus Store App, Myntra, Blinkit, OnePlus Stores and select offline partner stores.
ICICI Bank and OneCard Customers can avail Instant Bank Discount of INR 300 from 20th July – 31st July.
RCC Members can avail INR 200 off from 20th July to 19th August
RCC Members purchasing the OnePlus Nord 4 can also avail discount Upto INR 500 on Nord Buds 3 Pro from 5th August to 31st August, 2024.
Students can also avail INR 100 off on Nord Buds 3 Pro from 20th July to 31st August.
How is the design philosophy of OnePlus Nord Buds 3 Pro ?
Purposeful Design
Following OnePlus’ modern elegant design philosophy, the OnePlus Nord Buds 3 Pro is encased in a pebble-shaped vertical case with a matte finish and metallic accents, exuding a premium look and easy grip.
And with each earbud weighing just 4.4g, they offer a burdenless listening experience that’s ideal for users with adventurous lifestyles to enjoy for extended periods of wear.
What is the End-to-End Reliability of OnePlus Nord Buds 3 Pro ?
Built to be a powerhouse with exceptional staying power, the OnePlus Buds 3 Pro offers up to 12 hours of music playback on a single charge with Active Noise Cancellation disabled, and 44 hours of total listening time when paired with the charging case.
Up to 20 hours of battery life is available when used with the charging case in AAC mode with ANC on.
Additionally, fast charging provides 11 hours of playback after just a 10-minute charge, so users can plug in and play without ever worrying about battery life.
Further streamlining the overall user experience is fast and smooth connectivity.
With the latest Bluetooth 5.4, OnePlus Nord Buds 3 Pro ensures low-latency transmission of high-quality audio, providing seamless and ultra-stable sound output.
Dual Connection allows easy pairing across systems and devices to boost productivity.
For Android users, Google Fast Pair brings even more convenience with intuitive switching and the elimination of tedious manual pairing.
No corners have been cut when it comes to build quality either.
The buds’ IP55 water and dust resistance rating makes them ready to take on any situation – from sweaty workouts to rainy commutes – ensuring users can keep powering through the day.
What is the best feature of OnePlus Nord Buds 3 Pro ?
The OnePlus Nord Buds 3 Pro features hybrid active noise cancellation, generating precise anti-noise signals to tune out unwanted sounds.
With up to 49dB noise cancellation and an ultra-wide frequency range reaching 4,000Hz, it handles everything from low-pitched traffic to high-pitched instruments to deliver the pure sound of silence.
In recognition of this, the OnePlus Nord Buds 3 Pro has been certified by TÜV Rheinland for High-Performance Noise Cancellation, making it stand out from the crowd.
The earbuds also come with scenario-based Smart Noise Cancellation, which intelligently detects ambient sounds and selects the most suitable noise reduction mode in real-time to balance noise-cancelling effectiveness and convenience.
OnePlus’ Crystal Clear Call technology, enhanced by a triple-microphone (one digital and two analog) stereo setup and proprietary algorithms, ensures exceptionally clear and stable audio during voice or video calls.
Putting the finishing touches to the adaptive noise-cancelling capabilities is Transparency Mode.
By allowing outside sound in, it enables users to stay aware of their surroundings without pausing music or cutting off a conversation, so every listening experience can continue uninterrupted.
How is the audio capability of OnePlus Nord 3 Pro ?
Complementing the flagship-level noise cancellation on the OnePlus Nord Buds 3 Pro is powerful yet well-balanced sound delivered through a dedicated titanized driver.
Its 12.4mm extra-large diaphragm is crafted from high-quality TPU with a titanium coating to enhance bass depth and dynamics, delivering layered sound that harmonizes pulsating bass and pristine treble to please even the most discerning audiophiles.
BassWave™ 2.0 – the long-awaited upgrade to the flagship OnePlus earbuds – makes its debut on OnePlus Nord Buds 3 Pro.
Leveraging OnePlus’ in-house algorithms, BassWave™ 2.0 fine-tunes bass frequencies to create a deep and broad low-end while maintaining clarity and fidelity.
The result is an enriched, bass-heavy profile that delivers truly dynamic and impactful audio.
OnePlus’ Master EQ also makes its way to the Nord Buds 3 Pro. Featuring three distinctive modes – Balanced, Serenade, and Bass – Master EQ makes it easy for anyone to craft the desired sound to match their unique music tastes.
Also Read: OnePlus Nord 4, Pad 2, Watch 2R, and Nord Buds 3 Pro Launched in India: Pricing, Features, Specs
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