OnePlus Nord Buds 3 Pro: are they a worthy contender in the budget earbud arena?

The OnePlus Nord Buds 3 Pro carve out a unique niche in the budget-friendly wireless earbud market by offering a feature set that often trickles down from more expensive models. With a price tag of just AED 199, they present a tempting proposition for value-conscious consumers who don’t want to sacrifice features for affordability. The Nord Buds 3 Pro boast active noise cancellation, a customizable EQ, multipoint pairing for seamless switching between devices, and even a low-latency Game Mode for Android users. OnePlus smartphone owners are further enticed by the inclusion of 3D Audio, a spatial audio feature that adds an extra layer of immersion to listening experiences. This comprehensive feature list makes the Nord Buds 3 Pro an attractive option for those who want a feature-rich experience without breaking the bank.

The Upsides

• Crystal-Clear Calls: The Nord Buds 3 Pro truly excel in call quality. Thanks to their enhanced 3-mic array and effective noise reduction, your voice comes through loud and clear, even in bustling environments. Your friends and colleagues will appreciate the clarity and minimal background noise during calls.
• Decent Noise Cancellation: The active noise cancellation (ANC) on these earbuds is surprisingly good for their price point. While not quite at the level of premium models from Bose or Sony, the Nord Buds 3 Pro do a decent job of blocking out distractions, allowing you to focus on your music or podcasts.
• Feature-Rich Experience: OnePlus has packed these earbuds with features, including a customizable EQ, multipoint pairing, and a low-latency Game Mode for Android users. OnePlus smartphone owners also get access to the 3D Audio spatial audio feature, which, while not perfect, adds a touch of immersion to your listening experience.

The Downsides

• Battery Life Takes a Hit: Unfortunately, the battery life of the Nord Buds 3 Pro is a bit disappointing, especially when using ANC. Expect around 5.5 hours of playtime with ANC enabled, significantly less than the advertised 12 hours without it. This might be a dealbreaker for those who need their earbuds to last through long commutes or workdays.
• No High-Resolution Audio: Audiophiles might be let down by the lack of support for high-resolution audio codecs like LHDC or aptX. While the sound quality is generally decent, it won’t match the richness and detail of more expensive earbuds that support these codecs.
• Finicky Touch Controls: The touch controls on the Nord Buds 3 Pro can be a bit finicky and overly sensitive, sometimes leading to accidental activations. This can be frustrating, especially when you’re trying to adjust the volume or skip tracks on the go.

The Verdict

The OnePlus Nord Buds 3 Pro offer a compelling value proposition for those seeking affordable earbuds with active noise cancellation and good call quality. If you’re a OnePlus user looking to try out spatial audio or an Android user who values a feature-rich experience, these earbuds might be a good fit. However, if you prioritize long battery life or pristine audio quality, you might want to consider spending a bit more for a higher-end model.

Ultimately, the Nord Buds 3 Pro strike a decent balance between features and affordability, making them a solid option for casual listeners who want a good all-around pair of earbuds without breaking the bank.