OnePlus Buds Pro review: Shockingly good for the price

Our Verdict

With a superb pattern, great sound and incredible charging tech, the OnePlus Buds Pro hits about every mark. Merely its weak ANC playtime stands between it and a perfect score.

For

Rich, well-counterbalanced sound
Powerful ANC
Handsome, luxe pattern
Ridiculously powerful charging applied science
Unique audio features

Against

Poor ANC playtime
Some features are unreleased or exclusive to OnePlus devices

Tom'south Guide Verdict

With a superb design, great audio and incredible charging tech, the OnePlus Buds Pro hits nearly every marker. Only its weak ANC playtime stands between it and a perfect score.

Pros

+
Rich, well-balanced audio
+
Powerful ANC
+
Handsome, luxe design
+
Ridiculously powerful charging engineering
+
Unique audio features

Cons

-
Poor ANC playtime
-
Some features are unreleased or sectional to OnePlus devices

OnePlus Buds Pro specs

Cost: $149

Colors:Glossy White, Matte Black

Battery life (rated): 5 hours (ANC on), 7 hours (ANC off), 28 hours (with charging case and ANC on), 38 hours (with charging case and ANC off)

Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.2

Processor: Northward/A

Size: one.25 x 0.9 inches (per bud), ii.3 ten 1.9 x 0.nine inches (charging case)

Weight: 0.15 ounces (per bud), 1.83 ounces (charging case)

The OnePlus Buds Pro is to wireless earbuds what the OnePlus 9 is to smartphones: namely an first-class device that challenges and in some ways even beats the best alternatives from Apple and Samsung. Make no fault, the OnePlus Buds Pro is not hither simply to make up the numbers.

While near people know OnePlus for its widely acclaimed, affordable, and premium-built Android smartphones, it launched its showtime wireless earbuds, the OnePlus Buds, to notable fanfare terminal year. But the noise-cancelling OnePlus Buds Pro is a much more than ambitious project.

Equipped with adaptive active noise cancellation (ANC), personalized sound, signature Warp Charge technology, and a swankier design than its predecessor, it matches the loftier-end performance and quality of the brand'southward flagship smartphones. Platform neutrality besides means you can savor a similar user experience no matter whether you're on iOS or Android. Only be informed that OnePlus smartphone users gain admission to a few extras.

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Are these buds perfect? Close, but no cigar. The depression ANC playtime and sectional features tied to OnePlus devices are legitimate complaints. However, read our total OnePlus Buds Pro review to see why these drawbacks are forgivable in the 1000 scheme of things.

Note: Nosotros weren't provided a OnePlus smartphone for our review, so all practiced feedback is based on our experiences with Android and iOS/macOS devices.

OnePlus Buds Pro (Sleeky White) at OnePlus for $149.99
OnePlus Buds Pro (Matte Black) at OnePlus for $149.99

OnePlus Buds Pro review: Cost and availability

You can purchase the OnePlus Buds Pro for $149 directly from OnePlus. It is sold in two colors: Glossy White and Matte Blackness. Bundled with the buy are a wireless charging case, USB-C charging instance, and three different sizes of eartips.

This is the same MSRP equally ii of the market'southward nigh popular wireless ANC earbuds, the Beats Studio Buds and Samsung Galaxy Buds two. It is as well listed lower than category leaders such every bit the $249 Apple AirPods Pro and $279 Sony WF-1000XM4, while priced college than the hot newcomers such as the $99 Goose egg Ear (1).

For all of the latest wireless earbuds sales, bookmark our all-time headphones deals folio.

OnePlus Buds Pro review: Design and condolement

Information technology'due south all in the details and the OnePlus Buds Pro has been given a fancier facelift compared to the original OnePlus Buds. The first major modify you'll see is the sleeker and slimmer profile. These buds come with a dual-tone terminate that consists of matte plastic on the upper half and aluminum plating on the stems. Gone are the oval bear upon panels and in their place are force sensors, like the AirPods Pro.

Construction is superior, feeling more than durable and premium than both the original Buds and the AirPods Pro. This version also comes with a higher IPX rating (IP55) for enhanced sweat and water resistance.

The charging case is IPX4-rated to sustain sweat and water, too. This is huge, because not many wireless earbuds offering this. The case has a squeamish weight to it, strong magnets that keep the lid shut tightly, and it displays the buds beautifully when opened.

Each bud is lightweight (0.15 ounces) and won't weigh downwards your ears. I enjoyed moderate condolement for several hours throughout the 24-hour interval over the course of a calendar week. There was minor soreness around the concha after about 5 hours of uninterrupted listening, but nothing painful.

If the AirPods Pro showed us annihilation, it'due south that installed ear tips make all the difference with fit on long-stalk earbuds. OnePlus took note and followed Apple'southward pb, packaging the Buds Pro with three silicone tip sizes to arrange different ear shapes for proper stabilization. Adjusting the buds will permit the tips to form a tight seal that keeps them from slipping out.

OnePlus adult an Earbud Fit Examination to assist users make up one's mind the best ear tip size for optimal fit, and it's pretty accurate. During testing, I had i bud improperly installed to see whether the characteristic would decide a "perfect fit," something several other fit tests accept been guilty of, but this test caught the error and suggested adjustment for better noise counterfoil.

OnePlus Buds Pro review: Controls and digital banana

A forcefulness sensor is placed most the bottom of each stem that registers clasp and hold gestures to enable functions. Information technology's impressive and only as responsive as Apple tree's control system, producing great tactile feedback with every press. The control scheme is practically identical to that of the AirPods and consists of the following gestures: play/pause (single clasp), side by side runway (double squeeze), previous track/digital assistant (triple squeeze), and listening style activation (clasp and agree).

There is one extra gesture you tin can initiate to plough on the buds' soundscape mode: long touch and hold. The clarification is a chip misleading, since it implies leaving your finger on the force sensor for several seconds, but you must clasp and hold for several seconds to actuate the mode.

On-ear detection is here for automatic playback management. Taking off 1 bud will auto-intermission and placing it back on will auto-play. The Buds Pro has reliable motion detection to execute these functions accurately.

Siri, Google Banana, and Bixby are all compatible with the Buds Pro and can be set every bit your native digital assistant, depending on your device. The mics demonstrate excellent voice communication recognition and pick upwards verbal inquiries with precision, while each AI bot responds to voice commands every bit quickly equally they receive them.

OnePlus Buds Pro review: Sound quality

The sound profile on these buds is more often than not warm, with an emphasis on bass and vocals, though higher sounds are present, culminating in well-balanced audio with substantial frequency range. I tested several music genres and videos and was mostly satisfied with what came out of the 11mm dynamic drivers.

The bassline on DMX'south "X Gon' Give It to Ya" knocked difficult, while the late rapper'south growly, yet crisp sounding vocals complemented the intense production. Other models, like the AirPods Pro, tone down the cymbals and marching-band horns, but the Buds Pro gave them room to shine. These same sentiments were shared when blasting Nirvana'southward "Smells Like Teen Spirit," where the crashing howdy-hats remained consistent over the energetic electric guitar strums and pounding drums.

Switching over to more than melodic selections, I played Jazz classics like Yusef Lateef's "Dear Theme From Spartacus" and was shocked by how hit the high end sounded. The whistle play had a vibrancy to it that proliferated the record's intimate vibes, while the steady hi-hats blended smoothly over the double bass and piano notes.

Instead of personalizing sound through an EQ or presets, OnePlus has Audio ID, a test that creates an sound profile based on your hearing characteristics. You lot'll need to take the test in a completely silent setting to gain the best results and information technology takes several minutes to complete, but once washed, information technology presents you with a diagram that maps out the hearing on each bud, based on frequency preference. The feature improved sound slightly, boosting the depression terminate a smidge, but I still preferred the default signature.

What about OnePlus' depression latency Fnatic Manner to boost gaming performance? Well, it'south exclusive to OnePlus devices, which, again, this reviewer wasn't provided. Fnatic Mode will rebrand as Pro Gaming Fashion when the upcoming Oxygen Os 12 update is available.

Regarding LHDC, the sound codec with Hi-Res Audio certification for better sound quality compared to AAC and aptX, it won't be bachelor until the end of the year via an over-the-air update on OnePlus 9 serial devices. It's besides been confirmed that the feature will not exist supported on OnePlus Nord devices, including the new OnePlus Nord two, equally of now.

OnePlus Buds Pro review: Active noise cancellation

The Buds Pro has three mics in each bud to filter noise levels almost up to 40dB. There are also three ANC settings: Racket Counterfoil, Smart, and Max Racket Cancellation. Each mode is benign in specific settings, though Max is the fashion to go if y'all want the best noise neutralization. The engineering science won't top that of the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds or Sony WF-1000XM4, only it edges out the AirPods Pro.

During office hours, Max was magnificent at blocking out household disturbances, from loud TVs to talkative relatives to unexpected deliveries. I mostly appreciated how well the manner handled rumbling noises from our washing machine. Taking the buds outside was more often than not delightful, muffling pedestrians, landscaping tools, and any fracas coming from the barge on the Intracoastal Waterway right across from our business firm. Noise Cancellation worked well for the same scenarios, though some external sounds were more perceptible.

These buds also kept high-frequency sounds to a minimum, although several could all the same be heard from afar; the occasional ambulance siren or something like a whistling tea kettle will grab your attention. I heard my baby child crying in his nursery from one room away, and while it wasn't distracting enough to pause my concentration with music on, it was tough to get through videos.

The Smart setting left much to exist desired. This is designed to adapt to your current environment and automatically tweak the ANC algorithm for optimal noise cancellation, but I never got the sense that information technology did this. But those with detailed hearing may notice whatever improvement in performance.

Want to increase the awareness of your surroundings? Turn on Transparency Mode to pipage in ambient noises, most of which sound distinctive plenty to place. This way comes nigh in handy when you're stopping for cursory chats with co-workers or desire to convey coffee orders to a barista without removing the buds.

Then at that place is Zen Fashion Air to calm listeners past producing white noise that masks the distractions effectually them. Competitors like Bowers & Wilkins and Jabra already have this, and I prefer either over this version. Some of the audio profiles aren't reproduced well, plus they only terminal for 10 seconds earlier restarting, which is annoying and disrupts your focus. Something else I discovered is that the mode pauses whenever your smartphone screen times out.

OnePlus Buds Pro review: App and special features

OnePlus did a standup job of balancing its true wireless feel across all platforms. Those with an iOS or Android device tin download the HeyMelody app for extended functionality, while OnePlus users can download the OnePlus Buds app in the Google Play shop.

Unfortunately, the company keeps two of its extra features exclusive for OnePlus smartphone users: Fnatic Way/Pro Gaming Mode, and Fast Pair. The latter is discussed further in the review.

Also those, everything else is at your disposal, including Audio ID, ANC settings, command customization, Earbud Fit Test, and Zen Mode Air. Firmware updates are available, too. It's a off-white amount, though opposing apps like Sony Headphones Connect and JBL Headphones have bigger feature sets; an EQ with presets would have been nice.

OnePlus Buds Pro review: Battery life and charging case

The Buds Pro only offers a max of five hours ANC playback, which is really 4-4.five hours when factoring in volume and special features. This is almost the same as the AirPods Pro (iv.5 hours) and virtually half that of the WF-1000XM4 (8 hours); expect 2 days of moderate listening (two hours daily) at most. Users can extend the listening fourth dimension to 7 hours when turning off the feature.

Where OnePlus sort of makes up for this is in its insanely powerful charging technology. The Buds Pro comes with Warp Charge to generate 10 hours of use on a x-infinitesimal accuse. Carry in mind that this is for the earbuds and charging case combined. This will secure y'all two full charges in 10 minutes. When placing the buds in the instance, I saw bombardment levels increment from 20% to 60% in five minutes. The case itself holds between 28 to 38 hours, depending on how you use the buds.

Wireless charging likewise comes office of the package.

OnePlus Buds Pro review: Telephone call quality and connectivity

As a calling headset, the OnePlus Buds Pro is above boilerplate. My best experiences came indoors, where several callers reported on how loud and clear I sounded, along with minor cutout and muffling. Taking calls exterior was and so-and so. OnePlus claims that the buds are "calibrated for current of air and noise reduction," and though they do a formidable chore of blocking out interference, my married woman mentioned that noises were very aural whenever I spoke. Muffling and cutout besides increased when outdoors.

Bluetooth five.2 operates the buds. Range is lengthy, then yous tin can relish 40 anxiety of wireless listening. Those with a OnePlus half-dozen (or higher) can take reward of Fast Pair for instantaneous pairing. Others with an Android phone or iPhone will be able to pair quickly to devices also.

OnePlus Buds Pro review: Verdict

The OnePlus Buds Pro is a must-ain for the entire OnePlus community and a solid pickup for iPhone/Android users that want highly functional wireless ANC earbuds at a reasonable toll.

Audio is warmly resonant, cheers to tight bass and crisp vocals, forth with vibrant highs for full-bodied audio. ANC is constructive enough to tame nigh ambience noises and handles droning and rumbling better than the AirPods Pro; its adaptive capabilities could utilize some refinement. The upgraded design is superb, from the prime number aesthetics to the innovative controls. Then at that place's the charging technology on these beauties that no one can rival.

Had it not been for the dismal bombardment life and exclusive features (e.g., gaming mode, Fast Pair), this pair of buds could have peradventure earned a perfect score. Nonetheless, the Buds Pro is a remarkable ANC debut from the mobile creator that has earned its spot amongst the true wireless aristocracy.

More: The best headphones with a mic for voice and video calls

A lifestyle announcer with an analogousness for consumer products, Alex has over a decade of experience and has worked with pop publications such every bit Complex, Thrillist, Men's Health, Gear Patrol, AskMen, and Hoop Magazine. He currently focuses on audio, reviewing the most coveted headphones in the market for both Tom's Guide and Laptop Magazine.

Source: https://www.tomsguide.com/reviews/oneplus-buds-pro

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