OnePlus Buds Pro Review: A Worthy Nothing Ear 1 Rival

The OnePlus Buds Pro are True Wireless Earbuds that promise an immersive audio experience with active noise cancellation (ANC) and a range of other features at price $149. But how do they stack up against competitors like the Nothing Ear 1? Are the OnePlus Buds Pro among the best TWE options available? In this review, we’ll know their design, performance, and overall value for money.

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Design

The OnePlus Buds Pro come in a glossy white version, but a matte black variant is also available, These earbuds are compact and lightweight, weighing just over 4grams each. The package includes three different sizes of rubbery tips to ensure a secure fit. With an IP55 protection rating, they are resistant to moisture, making them suitable for intense workouts or even shower usage. The case itself is IPX4 splash-resistant. OnePlus Buds Pro earbuds are comfortable to wear for extended periods, and their discreet design fits snugly in the ears without protruding. The stems are shorter compared to some other models, reducing the chances of accidental dislodging during physical activities.

Bluetooth Connectivity

The OnePlus Buds Pro support Bluetooth 5.2 connectivity. Pairing them with a smartphone is seamless; simply open the case, press the button on the case, and they will connect within seconds. Once initially paired, the earbuds automatically connect to the smartphone whenever they are removed from the case. Connection stability is generally excellent, with only minor disruptions in extremely busy environments.

Hey Melody App and Zen Mode Air

The OnePlus Buds Pro are optimized for use with OnePlus smartphones, but you can’t set up and customize these true wireless earbuds using the Hey Melody app, if you don’t own a OnePlus device. One of the standout features of the Hey Melody app is the Zen Mode Air tool. This unique feature is designed to help you relax and find calmness in stressful situations by playing white noise directly into your ears. The app offers a diverse selection of soothing audio options, including sounds of the seaside and gentle forest ambiance. Nonetheless, the Hey Melody app provides a range of relaxing options to cater to different preferences and promote a sense of tranquility.

Controls

The OnePlus Buds Pro feature touch controls, allowing users to interact with their earbuds easily. However, there have been occasional instances of accidental activation when removing the earbuds from the ears. The controls involve squeezing the stem, enabling actions such as play/pause, track skipping, and ANC toggling. While the single squeeze controls work reliably, the multiple squeeze controls may require some getting used to and are limited in customization within the app.

ANC (Active Noise Cancelling)

The OnePlus Buds Pro employ smart ANC with three different levels of noise cancellation. The faint energy-saving mode is suitable for less noisy environments, while the standard and extreme modes are designed for everyday use and particularly noisy environments, respectively. The earbuds automatically adjust the ANC level to adapt to the surrounding noise. While they provide a good reduction of ambient noise, they may not match the performance of higher-priced models like the Sony WF series. However, the ANC is still comparable to other options in the same price range, such as the Beats Studio Buds and Huawei FreeBuds 4. Wind noise reduction is also effective, preventing disruptive interference in breezy conditions.

Audio Quality

The OnePlus Buds Pro sport impressive 11-millimeter drivers, considering the size of the buds themselves. The audio quality is strong, although don’t expect exaggerated bass or anything of that sort. The audio quality can be compared to other models like the Huawei Free Buds and Samsung Galaxy Buds. These earbuds capture the finer details in more complex tracks, making them suitable for enjoying various genres like rock or metal. Additionally, the OnePlus Buds Pro features the OnePlus Audio ID tool, available in the app. This tool analyzes your hearing by testing different frequencies and adjusts the output to enhance elements that you may struggle to hear due to exposure to loud music. While the difference may be small, it does make a noticeable impact. Furthermore, the OnePlus Buds Pro support full Dolby Atmos, providing an immersive audio experience when consuming compatible content.

The earbuds feature a triple-mic setup, which serves both for ANC and for clear voice pickup during phone calls. Even in environments with significant background noise, I experienced no difficulties as my voice came through loudly and clearly, eliminating the need to shout.

Battery Life

Regarding battery life, OnePlus estimates that you’ll get around five hours of use with ANC enabled and approximately seven hours with ANC turned off. In my experience, this estimate was accurate and aligned with the actual performance. While it may not be as impressive as some competitors like the Sennheiser CX or Cambridge Audio Melo Manias, the battery life of the OnePlus Buds Pro is still commendable for true wireless earbuds. The charging case provides approximately four full recharges before needing to be charged itself. Simply place the earbuds in the case, and they will immediately start recharging.

The case features a small LED that gives a rough indication of the charging status and alerts you when the case is running low on power. Additionally, the accompanying app provides an estimate of the remaining battery life, although it is displayed in increments of 10, so it may not be super accurate. The case can be recharged using a Type-C USB cable, which is included in the box. Alternatively, the OnePlus Buds Pro fully supports Qi wireless charging, making it compatible with wireless charging pads a convenient feature that is still relatively uncommon in this price range.

Final Thought

The OnePlus Buds Pro present a compelling option for consumers seeking premium True Wireless Earbuds. Priced at $149, they offer an array of features, including smart ANC, touch controls, and the Zen Mode Air tool. The earbuds provide good audio quality, comfortable fit, and reliable Bluetooth connectivity. While they may not rival the absolute best in the market, such as the Sony WF series, they are competitive with other models like the Beats Studio Buds and Huawei FreeBuds 4. Overall, the OnePlus Buds Pro deliver a satisfying listening experience for their price range, making them a recommended choice, particularly for OnePlus smartphone users.

FAQs

86%

86%

Nothing Ear 1 Rival TWS

The earbuds provide good audio quality, comfortable fit, and reliable Bluetooth connectivity.

• Design

  10
• Bluetooth Connectivity

  9
• Hey Melody App and Zen Mode Air

  8
• Touch Controls

  8
• ANC

  7.5
• Audio Quality

  9.5
• Battery life

  8.5
• User Ratings (2 Votes)
  2.5