Active Gear Review is supported by its audience. If you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Using the OnePlus Buds 3 has been an upgrade, especially for someone like me who is always on the move, whether it’s on a morning run, hitting the gym, or commuting. Priced at an accessible $99, these earbuds offer a perfect harmony of design and functionality, melding seamlessly into my active lifestyle with their comfy fit and robust audio features, including ANC and LHDC Hi-Res audio.
With their dual dynamic driver units and a range of ANC modes, I’ve found that the OnePlus Buds 3 don’t just play music; they enhance my audio experience, making each session, whether pounding pavement or pushing through the last set in the gym, significantly more immersive. Their long battery life and the IP55 rating ensure I’m never without my tunes, regardless of the weather or the intensity of my workout.
Design and Comfort for Active Users
When it comes to design, OnePlus has always prioritized sleek aesthetics, and the Buds 3 are no exception. These earbuds feature a minimalistic and stylish look that will complement any outfit or style. The charging case is compact and portable, making it easy to carry the earbuds wherever you go.
In terms of comfort, the OnePlus Buds 3 excel. The earbuds are designed to fit snugly in your ears, thanks to the inclusion of various ear tip sizes. This ensures a secure fit, even during intense workouts or outdoor activities. The lightweight design also adds to the overall comfort, allowing you to wear them for hours without any discomfort or fatigue.
- Color and Finish: Available in Metallic Gray and Splendid Blue, these earbuds boast a blended metallic and matte finish, offering a sleek, modern look that’s as stylish as it is functional.
- Lightweight and Ergonomic Design: Weighing just 4.8g each, the earbuds are designed to sit snugly and comfortably in your ears, reducing the risk of falling out during intense activities. With three sizes of ear tips provided, finding the perfect fit is a breeze, ensuring they stay in place whether you’re sprinting or lifting weights.
- Advanced Controls and Customization: The touch controls on the OnePlus Buds 3 are highly responsive, allowing for instant command execution, which is crucial during workouts. Adjusting the volume is as simple as sliding your finger up or down on the earbud’s stem. Moreover, the HeyMelody app enhances the user experience by offering a fit test and customizable settings, ensuring your audio experience is tailored to your preferences and activities.
The combination of these features makes the OnePlus Buds 3 an excellent companion for anyone with an active lifestyle, providing both the comfort and the customization needed to enjoy your favorite tunes or podcasts, no matter the activity.
Sound Quality and Performance
One of the most important aspects of any earbuds is sound quality, and the OnePlus Buds 3 deliver on all fronts. With advanced audio drivers and support for high-quality codecs, these earbuds produce clear, detailed, and immersive sound.
The Buds 3 provide a rich bass response that adds depth and impact to music, making it perfect for genres like rap, hip-hop, and rock. The midrange and treble frequencies are well-balanced, ensuring that vocals and instruments are presented with clarity and accuracy.
Furthermore, the Buds 3 offer low latency audio, which means that audio and video sync up perfectly, making them ideal for gaming or watching movies on your smartphone or tablet.
In the midst of my active lifestyle, which sees me alternating between running, hitting the gym, and the daily commute, the sound quality of the OnePlus Buds 3 has been a standout feature that allows me to enjoy my music during my physical activities.
- Dynamic Driver Duo: The earbuds’ dual dynamic drivers, a 10.4 mm woofer for that deep bass, and a 6mm tweeter for crisp highs, deliver a wide frequency response from 15 Hz to 40,000 Hz. This ensures a rich and detailed sound experience, whether I’m pushing through my final sprint or getting lost in the rhythm during a strenuous workout session.
- Advanced Audio Features:
- HeyMelody App: Available for both iPhone and Android, this app unlocks additional features like 3D sound and a bass slider, allowing me to tailor the audio to my exact preferences. The Golden Sound setting, based on my hearing test results, compensates for missed frequencies, infusing my music with an energetic boost that’s perfect for keeping my spirits high during intense activities.
- ANC and Call Quality: With active noise cancellation that can reduce noises up to 49 DB and three microphones per earbud for environmental noise cancellation, my focus remains unbroken by external disturbances. This feature proves invaluable, especially during outdoor runs or in the noisy environment of a gym. Plus, the call quality is impressively clear, ensuring I don’t miss any important calls.
The OnePlus Buds 3, with their v-shaped tuning, provide a tasteful balance of sub-base and mid-base, ensuring that the music not only moves with me but moves me. The slightly recessed mid-range paired with a sparkling treble adds a layer of detail and clarity to my music, making every beat and note stand out, regardless of my physical surroundings.
Battery Life & Charging Convenience for Busy Lifestyles
In the hustle of daily life, from morning runs to gym sessions and the inevitable commute, the OnePlus Buds 3 seamlessly blend into the rhythm of an active lifestyle, not just with their sound quality but also through their impressive battery life and charging convenience.
- Battery Life Per Charge:
- With ANC Enabled: Up to 6.5 hours
- Without ANC: Up to 10 hours
- Earbuds + Case with ANC Off (50% volume, AAC): 44 hours total playback
- Earbuds + Case with ANC On (50% volume, AAC): 28 hours total playback
- Charging Specs:
- Battery Capacities: Earbuds at 58mAh each; Charging Case at 520mAh
- Quick Charge: 10 mins charge = 2 hours playback
- Charging Interface: USB Type-C for fast, reliable power
- Practical Usage:
- For a morning run or gym session, even a short charge ensures the OnePlus Buds 3 are ready to go, making them a reliable companion for those with busy lifestyles. The absence of wireless charging is hardly a setback when the USB-C fast charging and the substantial battery life of the earbuds and case keep you tuned in and focused on your activities.
Durability and Resistance Against Elements
As someone who embraces an active lifestyle, I’ve put the OnePlus Buds 3 through their paces, from sweaty gym sessions to unexpected rain during my runs. Here’s how they held up:
- IP55 Water and Dust Resistance: The OnePlus Buds 3 boast an IP55 rating, ensuring they can handle everything from intense workouts to light rain showers. This means they’re protected against:
- Low-pressure water jet sprays
- Dust ingress that could otherwise interfere with normal operation
- Durable Build for Everyday Use: OnePlus has crafted these earbuds with durability in mind, using materials that withstand the rigors of daily activities. The IP55 rating for the earbuds, complemented by the IPX4 rated case, offers a comprehensive protection system against:
-
- Moisture from sweat or rain
- Dust and particles that are common in outdoor and gym environments
- Design Features Enhancing Durability: The design elements of the OnePlus Buds 3, such as the large mic grilles and slim touch panels, not only contribute to their functionality but also their resilience. The IP55 certification is a testament to their ability to resist dust and water, critical for maintaining performance through:
- Various weather conditions
- Different physical activities, including running, gym workouts, and daily commuting
These features collectively ensure that the OnePlus Buds 3 are a robust companion for anyone with an active lifestyle, providing peace of mind that your earbuds will endure alongside you, no matter where your fitness journey takes you.
Conclusion
If you lead an active lifestyle and are in need of wireless earbuds that can keep up with your activities, the OnePlus Buds 3 are definitely worth considering. With their sleek design, impressive sound quality, and advanced features like active noise cancellation, these earbuds are tailored to enhance your audio experience.
The long battery life, comfortable fit, and fast charging capabilities make them suitable for all-day use, whether you’re hitting the gym, going for a run, or simply enjoying your favorite tunes on the go. When compared to their competitors, the OnePlus Buds 3 offer a compelling package of features and performance at an affordable price point, making them an excellent choice for those looking for high-quality wireless earbuds without breaking the bank. For more info on the Buds 3 or to check out a pair for yourself, visit www.oneplus.com or www.amazon.com.