OnePlus Nord Buds 3 Review: Affordable, Balanced Audio

Review Summary

The OnePlus Nord Buds 3 aim to deliver high-quality audio in an affordable, minimalistic package. With a focus on strong bass and long battery life, these earbuds cater to users who want a reliable audio solution without the premium price tag. After testing the Nord Buds 3 extensively, here’s our in-depth look at their design, sound quality, features, and overall performance.

Design & Comfort

The Nord Buds 3 continue OnePlus's clean design aesthetic with a pebble-shaped, compact charging case and sleek, stem-style earbuds. Available in matte black or glossy white, the earbuds have a straightforward look that appeals to users seeking something subtle and functional. We noted, however, that the glossy finish on the case is prone to fingerprints and minor scratches, which may affect the appearance over time.

Each earbud is lightweight and comes with three sizes of silicone ear tips, allowing users to find a comfortable fit. The Nord Buds 3 stayed secure during daily activities and light exercise, although they may not suit intense workouts due to the lack of ear fins. The touch controls on each earbud’s flat stem are responsive, but we found that accidental touches sometimes interrupted playback.

Sound Quality

One of the most impressive aspects of the OnePlus Nord Buds 3 is the sound quality, especially given their budget-friendly price. Equipped with 12.4mm titanium-coated dynamic drivers, these earbuds deliver a bass-heavy sound signature that fans of bass-forward music will appreciate. Songs with low-end emphasis, such as electronic and hip-hop tracks, play with a deep, rich bass response that adds energy to the listening experience.

In our tests with a variety of music genres, the Nord Buds 3 handled mids and highs with clarity, though they lacked some definition in the upper range. Audiophiles may notice a slight lack of treble sharpness, and the soundstage is relatively narrow, which is typical for earbuds in this range. While not designed for critical listening, they provide an enjoyable sound profile that works well for casual music consumption and podcasts.

Features & Controls

The Nord Buds 3 offer limited but practical features. One significant omission is the lack of Active Noise Cancellation (ANC). Instead, these earbuds rely on passive noise isolation, which does a fair job in quieter environments but falls short in blocking out noise in louder settings, such as public transportation. Users who prioritize noise cancellation might find this a limitation.

Touch controls allow users to manage playback, adjust volume, and take calls. Through the HeyMelody app, you can customize certain touch commands, but the options are fairly basic and lack more advanced adjustments. The app, available on iOS and Android, is functional for setting controls and checking battery life, but it doesn’t offer advanced EQ settings or comprehensive customizations like some other models.

Battery Life & Charging

Battery life is one of the Nord Buds 3’s standout features. Each earbud provides up to 8 hours of playback on a single charge, with the charging case delivering an additional 32 hours for a total of 40 hours. In our tests, we found these estimates accurate, with the earbuds lasting around 7.5 to 8 hours depending on volume levels and usage.

The fast-charging feature is particularly useful, providing 5 hours of playback after just 10 minutes of charging. This makes the Nord Buds 3 convenient for users who might need a quick top-up before heading out. However, it’s worth noting that the case doesn’t support wireless charging, which might be a minor drawback for users who prefer the convenience of a wireless charging pad.

Connectivity & Call Quality

The OnePlus Nord Buds 3 utilize Bluetooth 5.3, ensuring a stable connection with minimal latency. Pairing was seamless across various devices, including Android phones, iOS devices, and laptops. During testing, the connection remained stable within a typical range of around 10 meters (30 feet) without noticeable dropouts.

For call quality, the earbuds incorporate AI noise reduction, which is designed to filter out background noise during calls. While adequate in quiet environments, the Nord Buds 3 struggled with clarity in noisy settings, as the AI noise reduction wasn’t strong enough to handle high background sounds. Voice quality was satisfactory for everyday calls, though these earbuds might not be ideal for users who frequently make calls in loud environments.

Overall Score: 3/5

The OnePlus Nord Buds 3 are a solid choice for users seeking affordable, reliable earbuds with good sound quality and long battery life. While they lack premium features like ANC and wireless charging, they deliver in areas that matter most to casual listeners: comfort, battery longevity, and responsive touch controls. For users who prioritize strong bass and a straightforward, no-fuss design, these earbuds provide solid value.

However, those who often listen in noisy settings or who need advanced sound customization options may find the Nord Buds 3 lacking. Overall, they’re best suited to users seeking simplicity and quality sound at an accessible price point, but users with higher feature demands may want to explore other options.