OnePlus Nord is the affordable’ product line of the Chinese consumer brand. After the successful release of the OnePlus Nord Buds 2 last year, the company has now released an upgrade – the OnePlus Nord Buds 3.
To understand if the latest entry-level OnePlus offering in the wearable audio category is worth upgrading to, here’s our in-depth OnePlus Nord Buds 3 review.
| Pros | Cons |
| ● Good design
● Solid build ● Outstanding ANC performance for the segment ● Good call clarity ● Up to 43 Hours of Listening Time ● Fast Charging available ● First Buds Certified by TÜV Rheinland for Battery Health ● IP55 Rating |
● Limited Codec Support
● No Wireless Charging ● No In-Ear Detection ● 3D Audio exclusive support limited to OnePlus phones |
| Colours | Harmonic Gray, Melodic White |
| Size – Earbud | 29.99mm×20.30mm×23.87mm |
| Size – Case | 66.60mm×51.24mm×24.83mm |
| Weight – Earbuds | 4.2g |
| Weight – Case | 46.2g |
| IP Rating | IP55 |
The OnePlus Nord Buds 3 come in a sleek case. The case has a smooth matte finish with subtle metallic accents. It doesn’t pick too many fingerprints. For this review, we had the Harmonic Gray variant. This is a classic black colour that makes it look stylish.
The design is compact and simple. OnePlus has followed a minimalist approach.
Earbuds have waterdrop-shaped stem
As for the size, each earbud is small and lightweight. You wouldn’t feel them in your ears even while wearing them for long hours. It is a good pick for people who indulge in long listening sessions.
The case is also compact and weighs only 46.2 grams. It’s easy to slip into your pocket and doesn’t add much bulk. The lid of the case feels sturdy when opened and shut.
In terms of build quality, the Nord Buds 3 feels solid. It comes with an IP55 rating. So, it can handle sweat and light splashes of water.
You can use them in the gym or on a rainy day. We tried using them in light rain and didn’t face any issues.
Fit-wise, the earbuds sit snugly in the ear. It being so lightweight definitely helps. We found them comfortable for extended use. The good seal with the ear tips helps with passive noise isolation.
It overall has a premium feel and doesn’t feel entry-level at all.
| Driver | 12.4mm dynamic driver |
| Diaphragm | Titanized diaphragm |
| Driver Sensitivity | 114dB±3dB |
| Frequency Response | 20Hz – 20,000Hz |
| Microphones | 2 mics per earbud |
About the audio quality, the OnePlus Nord Buds 3 provides a good overall audio experience.
The 12.4mm dynamic drivers deliver clear and balanced audio.
We can say these are perfect for everyday listening. It’s perfect for every type of audio, whether upbeat tracks, soft music or even podcasts. Vocals also come through crisply. We also tried instruments sound and it felt distinct.
While the sound is detailed, what is truly impressive is the strong bass.
It comes with the second generation of BassWave technology.
Overall, the audio profile feels rich.
The titanized diaphragm in the earbuds also adds to the clarity. These perform especially well in the mids and highs.
The buds also cover the full range of typical hearing. You can expect decent performance for deep lows to crisp highs.
We also felt the design of these buds makes sure that even at higher volumes, the audio stays clean and clear. We got smooth performance without distortion.
OnePlus Nord Buds 3 comes with two microphones. This ensures voice comes through clearly. Even when we tried using the calling feature in noisy environments, it responded well.
Overall, Nord Buds 3 delivers impressive audio quality for the price point.
| Mode | ANC on / ANC off / Transparency Mode |
| Clear Call | AI noise cancellation calls |
| ANC Depth | 32dB |
The OnePlus Nord Buds 3 come with up to 32dB of Active Noise Cancellation (ANC). It is impressive for earbuds available at this price point.
With ANC on, the earbuds do a great job of reducing background noise. It also manages to reduce low-frequency sounds such as air conditioning or a running engine. This makes music or podcasts sound much clearer.
It also has feedforward ANC technology. This actively listens to the environment and adapts so that the noise-cancellation can block distractions.
For casual everyday use, it’s more than enough.
There’s also a Transparency Mode. This feature makes the ambient sounds hearable when needed.
The AI noise cancellation feature performs well during calls also. It helps make the voice sound clearer and reduces background noise while speaking on calls.
OnePlus has used an advanced AI-based call algorithm for better call quality.
Overall, we can say the ANC performance on Nord Buds 3 punches well above its weight.
It’s a definitely standout feature.
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.4 |
| Supported audio format (s) | AAC, SBC |
| Wireless range | 10 meters |
| Special Features | Google Fast Pair, Dual Connection, Sound Master Equalizer, AI Clear Calls |
| App Support | Compatibility with HeyMelody app |
The OnePlus Nord Buds 3 are packed with useful features.
It comes with Bluetooth 5.4 and promises stable and fast connectivity. It has a wireless range of up to 10 meters. We tried testing it and holds up well when there are no big obstructions.
There is also the Sound Master Equalizer. It gives you full control over the sound profile.
The three presets—Balanced, Serenade, and Bass are decently versatile to suit your preferences.
For OnePlus smartphone users, there’s the added benefit. They will be able to utilise 3D Audio. This brings a rich and more immersive sound experience.
For quick and seamless pairing, the Nord Buds 3 comes with Google Fast Pair. You can easily connect to your devices with this feature.
It also has the Dual Connection feature to connect the earbuds to two devices simultaneously. We found the switching between your phone and laptop effortless.
Other controls, whether you’re streaming or taking calls are smooth too.
App support is available via the HeyMelody app. You can access more settings and features. It also provides further customisation options.
All in all, Nord Buds 3 provides a host of useful features making it perfect for everyday audio use.
| Battery Capacity | Case: 440mAh
Earbuds: 58mAh |
| Charging | Wired, USB Type-C |
| Fast Charge | 10 mins for 11 hours
(Earbuds + Case charged together, ANC off, 50% volume) |
| Playback (ANC on, 50% volume) | Earbuds only: 8 hours
Earbuds + Case: 28 hours |
| Playback (ANC off, 50% volume) | Earbuds only: 12 hours
Earbuds + Case: 43 hours |
| Phone call (ANC on, 50% volume) | Earbuds only: 4.5 hours
Earbuds + Case: 17 hours |
| Phone call (ANC off, 50% volume) | Earbuds only: 5 hours
Earbuds + Case: 19 hours |
The OnePlus Nord Buds 3 delivers good battery life. The reliable battery makes Nord Buds 3 perfect for long listening sessions.
Each earbud is powered by a 58mAh battery. As for the case, it comes with a 440mAh battery.
OnePlus says these are the first earbuds to receive the TÜV Rheinland Battery Health certification. It guarantees that at least 80% of the original battery capacity will remain after as many as 1,000 charging cycles. If we compare, the industry average is just 700 cycles.
With ANC off, you can easily expect up to 12 hours on a single charge. And when paired with the charging case, you get 43 hours of total playback.
Even with ANC on, the battery life is still solid. It offers around 8 hours of playback on the earbuds and up to 28 hours with the case.
Charging is also quick and convenient. It supports the USB Type-C fast charge. The brand claims a quick 10-minute charge gives you up to 11 hours of playback (with both the case and earbuds).
Overall, the battery life on the OnePlus Nord Buds 3 is good and provides a great audio experience for long hours of listening.
The OnePlus Nord Buds 3 are budget earbuds that offer great value for money.
It basically offers everything that you expect from a decent pair of earbuds. You get sleek-looking lightweight and comfortable earbuds for all-day use. The sound quality is good with a solid ANC performance.
You also get features like Google Fast Pair, Dual Connection, and AI Clear Calls. These earbuds are convenient and user-friendly.
So, we would say if you are looking for feature-packed, budget-friendly wireless earbuds with solid ANC and good battery life, the OnePlus Nord Buds 3 are definitely worth considering.
Price – ₹2,470.
Price – ₹1,999.
Price – ₹2,799.
With ANC off, the earbuds offer up to 12 hours of playback on a single charge, and up to 43 hours with the charging case. With ANC on, you get up to 8 hours on the earbuds alone and 28 hours on the case.
Yes, the OnePlus Nord Buds 3 features up to 32dB of Active Noise Cancellation, effectively reducing background noise. They also include a Transparency Mode to let in ambient sounds when needed.
Yes, the Dual Connection feature allows you to connect the earbuds to two devices at the same time, making it easy to switch between your phone, tablet, or laptop.
Yes, they are compatible with the HeyMelody app, which allows for additional customization and settings adjustments.
The earbuds support fast charging via USB Type-C, providing up to 11 hours of playback with just a 10-minute charge.
Read More: OnePlus Nord Buds 3 Pro Review: Unleashing Powerhouse Sound and Endless Battery Life
Read More: OnePlus Nord Buds 3 Launch Features
Read More: OnePlus Nord Buds 2R Review: A Budget-Friendly Option with Booming Bass
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