This is a ranking of the best wireless OnePlus earbuds. Only tested earbuds made it into the ranking Bluetooth earbuds on MyChooz. OnePlus earbuds are available in only one form factor – in-ear in the format TWS. The ranking position takes into account the score for all evaluated parameters — sound, features, and build quality.
More about OnePlus earbuds:
Here’s how OnePlus’s earbuds stack up: top-tier, budget-friendly, and ones to skip.
Learn moreOnePlus offers three distinct series of earbuds under its brand:
- Flagship – OnePlus.
- Budget – OnePlus Nord.
- Entry-level – OnePlus Ace.
OnePlus Buds Series – These are the company’s premium earbuds, packed with advanced tech and great sound. Only earbuds in this series will give you the best audio, mic clarity, noise cancellation, transparency mode, and sound customization – a truly ‘golden profile’ with personalized sound tuning.
Within the flagship series, models with the ‘Pro’ prefix are the top dogs: Buds Pro, Buds Pro 2, and Buds Pro 3. Earbuds without ‘Pro’ are considered high-end or junior models. These junior models naturally have fewer capabilities than their senior counterparts, especially in sound and features. Each new generation is typically compared against the previous year’s flagship, as was the case with the Buds Pro 2 versus the Buds 3, and the Buds Pro 3 versus the Buds 4.
As of mid-2026, the latest flagship is the OnePlus Buds Pro 3. However, it’s slightly outmatched by the OnePlus Buds 4 in sound and features. That said, the Buds Pro 3 is less demanding of your audio codec and source than the Buds 4, which is why it remains a popular choice.
We were expecting the OnePlus Buds Pro 4 in spring-summer 2025, but they never materialized. Then, in spring 2026, rumors surfaced about the brand consolidating or scaling back. It seems the company is currently prioritizing phone accessories.
OnePlus Nord – This is OnePlus’s budget line, aiming for a balance between price and features. The Nord series is primarily aimed at global markets like the US and EU, along with emerging markets such as India. Nord earbuds aren’t typically sold in China, except for maybe the most basic models.
While the build quality, materials, and some features of the Nord series can rival the flagship line, there’s a significant gap in sound and overall features. Nord earbuds can’t even compete with flagships from two or three years ago. And the price difference, often over 50%, doesn’t come close to justifying the disparity in sound and core functionality. So, beyond basic sound and battery life, there’s not much to get excited about here.
Just like the flagship line, there’s a pecking order within Nord. The best models sport the ‘Pro’ suffix, like the Nord Buds 3 Pro or Nord Buds 4 Pro. The top-tier models in the series are the Nord Buds 3 and Nord Buds 4. Models with an ‘r’ or ‘v’ prefix are the most budget-conscious and are best avoided.
The model names OnePlus Buds Pro 3 and OnePlus Nord Buds 3 Pro can easily cause confusion. Users often overlook or don’t pay attention to the ‘Nord’ designation on the Buds 3 Pro, mistaking them for the Buds Pro 3. This leads to disappointment for some buyers, as the flagship earbuds are rated significantly higher than the Nord series.
OnePlus Ace – This is an entry-level earbud line targeted at the Chinese market, offering the most basic sound and features. Honestly, you’re better off skipping these, even if they’re priced around $20.
Main audio codec – LHDC 5.0.
Learn moreThe primary high-quality audio codec is LHDC 5.0, supporting 24-bit/192 kHz audio at up to 1000 Kbps. The OnePlus Buds Pro 3 and OnePlus Buds 3 also support LHDC 3.0, offering a slightly more modest 24-bit/92 kHz at up to 900 Kbps. Basic AAC and SBC codecs are also supported, and are the only options on OnePlus earbuds that lack LHDC.
Until 2026, most Android phones and tablets supported the LHDC codec. Exceptions included Samsung and Google, along with some manufacturers intentionally blocking it, like certain Xiaomi models. Since 2026, LHDC has been integrated into Android at the system level, similar to LDAC, and will appear in Android 17.
OnePlus earbuds don’t support any other audio codecs; LDAC is not an option and likely never will be. The only way we might see LDAC or aptX codecs appear on OnePlus earbuds is if Sony or Qualcomm offered free licensing, which is highly improbable. If an AI assistant claims LDAC is available, disregard that information.
System integration – extra features for OnePlus phones and headphones.
Learn morePairing earbuds with a OnePlus phone or tablet unlocks extra features, creating an ‘exclusive’ internal ecosystem for the user. In reality, though, you don’t get anything truly unique; all these functions could easily be made publicly available instead of being artificially restricted. Here’s a look at these ‘additional’ features:
- Integrated app. You don’t need to download a separate app to control the earbuds, as the necessary controls are built right into the system.
- Live and synchronized translation. This feature is also fully available on earbuds from the same parent company, Realme.
- Automatic Game Mode. This activates automatically when the system detects a game is launched.
- Seamless dual connection. Instantly switch between two OnePlus devices, like two phones or a phone and a tablet.
See where OnePlus earbuds rank in our main list:rankings:
- TOP 100 Best Earbuds
- Best True Wireless Earbuds 2026 without price consideration
- Best True Wireless Earbuds Under $100 2026
- Best Affordable Wireless Earbuds Under $50 2026
EMMA — Experts + Methodology + MyChoozers + Algorithm.
Every model goes through identical tests; the score is calculated automatically with fixed weights — a spot in the rating cannot be bought.
TOP 5 Best OnePlus Wireless Earbuds – Ranking
1. OnePlus Buds 4 8.47Best Wireless Earbuds Under $100 – with bass-heavy sound
Drivers are the drivers in your headphones that are responsible for creating sound.
DD + PM + BA – means that there are several different types of drivers in these headphones.
DD – “Dynamic Driver” dynamic driver (deep bass, natural sound).
PM – “Planar Magnetic Driver” planar driver (wide soundstage and fast response).
BA – “Balanced Armature Driver” armature driver (accuracy and detail retrieval).
BC – “Bone Conduction Driver” or bone-conduction driver, which transmits vibration to the body of the headphones, transmitting sound through the bone/cartilage to the inner ear.
LDAC – high quality, high speed (Sony).
SBC is the basic Bluetooth standard, low quality.
AAC – Apple standard, good quality, low latency.
aptX – Qualcomm standard, good quality, low latency.
LC3/LC3plus – new Bluetooth LE Audio codecs, efficient compression.
Codecs are audio compression formats that affect sound quality and latency.
Headphone battery life is the playback time without recharging, measured in hours. Manufacturers measure without active noise cancellation (ANC), at medium volume (50-70%) and usually with the AAC codec, as these parameters affect battery consumption. Actual time may vary from 1% to 50%, depending on volume, active noise cancellation features enabled, codec (LDAC or other) and environmental conditions (cold, hot). It is important to consider not only the claimed playback time, but also the charging time and fast charging support.
Bluetooth is a wireless data transmission standard.
Support for new audio technologies.
Improved connection stability.
Reduced power consumption.
OnePlus Buds 4 – the best wireless earbuds with a bass-heavy sound profile in 2026. Key selling point: top-tier bass sound right out of the box that doesn’t need EQ tuning. While they’re slightly behind the Realme Buds Air 7 Pro in sound, they make up for it with features and build quality. The model has no critical flaws. LHDC 5.0 codec support is best experienced with a mobile source on Snapdragon, as the sound is noticeably worse on MediaTek.
- Top-tier bass sound without needing EQ tweaks
- Comfortable fit
- Sound improves with the golden hearing profile
- Minor downsides: translator only works on OnePlus phones
- LHDC 5.0 codec support is recommended
- Sound quality is worse on MediaTek devices compared to Snapdragon
The final sound score is calculated using this formula:
Frequency balance + Detail retrieval + Soundstage + Natural timbre / 4 = Final Sound Score.
. 8.58 The emphasis is on pleasant bass and the highs. Top-tier sound, reasonably natural without noticeable artificiality or grain. There is enough detail retrieval to pick apart instrument textures, even in busy tracks with complex arrangements. The soundstage is spacious with clean separation between vocals and instruments. Downsides include an abundance of bass that overly crowds the stage and reduces transparency in the mids. There is also a slight lack of detail and texture in the sound.Read more.
Microphone – We assess speech transmission quality by testing the microphone in two main scenarios: quiet and noisy environments.
Quiet environment – This involves recording indoors with minimal background noise. Noisy environment – This means recording outdoors near a six-lane road with maximum traffic noise.
. 8.50 In quiet conditions: 9 In noisy conditions: 8 No changes from the OnePlus Buds 3 version, identical to the Oppo Enco Free 4. An additional wind test (the 3rd one) was included per request.Overall feature score — this is the overall score for all device features. This score comes from individual feature ratings (battery life, controls, app, connection stability, and others) and shows how easy and smart the device is for daily use.
. 8.33 ANC effectively suppresses background noise, and you can chat comfortably in transparency mode. Earbud battery life reached up to 11 hours in our tests, and up to 56 hours with the charging case depending on the codec. Touch controls support 5 actions per earbud, including swipes. The companion app is user-friendly without fluff, featuring a 22-language translator for OnePlus phones.Read more.
Final build quality score is the overall score for build quality and materials: comfort, durability, and design. It shows how nice the device is to hold and use, and how long it will last.
. 8.40 Your ears do not get tired with the stock ear tips after 2-3 hours of use. The construction is sturdy and reliable, and the matte finish gives the earbuds a nice look. That said, there is nothing groundbreaking about the design, and the initial excitement fades by the second week of use.Read more.
2. OnePlus Buds Pro 3 8.27Best Wireless Earbuds in 2024 – a legendary model
Drivers are the drivers in your headphones that are responsible for creating sound.
DD + PM + BA – means that there are several different types of drivers in these headphones.
DD – “Dynamic Driver” dynamic driver (deep bass, natural sound).
PM – “Planar Magnetic Driver” planar driver (wide soundstage and fast response).
BA – “Balanced Armature Driver” armature driver (accuracy and detail retrieval).
BC – “Bone Conduction Driver” or bone-conduction driver, which transmits vibration to the body of the headphones, transmitting sound through the bone/cartilage to the inner ear.
LDAC – high quality, high speed (Sony).
SBC is the basic Bluetooth standard, low quality.
AAC – Apple standard, good quality, low latency.
aptX – Qualcomm standard, good quality, low latency.
LC3/LC3plus – new Bluetooth LE Audio codecs, efficient compression.
Codecs are audio compression formats that affect sound quality and latency.
Headphone battery life is the playback time without recharging, measured in hours. Manufacturers measure without active noise cancellation (ANC), at medium volume (50-70%) and usually with the AAC codec, as these parameters affect battery consumption. Actual time may vary from 1% to 50%, depending on volume, active noise cancellation features enabled, codec (LDAC or other) and environmental conditions (cold, hot). It is important to consider not only the claimed playback time, but also the charging time and fast charging support.
Bluetooth is a wireless data transmission standard.
Support for new audio technologies.
Improved connection stability.
Reduced power consumption.
OnePlus Buds Pro 3 — the best true wireless earbuds of 2024. After the release of the OnePlus Buds 4, buying these Pro 3s is pointless because the 4th version offers improved sound. The score, adjusted for sound in the Pro 3, is 8.5/10, which is still very good considering the $120 price. However, I’ve included this model in the ranking to clarify the position of one of my favorite models, which you’ve often asked about and which I’ve recommended to many. And the OnePlus Buds Pro 4, which we’ve all been anticipating this year, hasn’t been released yet, so we’ll see what they bring in 2026.
- Top-tier sound among TWS
- Not demanding on the mobile platform—Snapdragon or MTK
- Full support for the LHDC 3.0 audio codec
- Poor transparency mode
- OnePlus Buds 4 exist—better and cheaper
The final sound score is calculated using this formula:
Frequency balance + Detail retrieval + Soundstage + Natural timbre / 4 = Final Sound Score.
. 8.43 Moderately low-frequency sound. At the same time bright, with slightly recessed mids, and most importantly with the correct frequency balance. The kind of setup where you pick the right size ear tips, put them in your ears, and enjoy your favorite music. The EQ has decent presets; I recommend trying the Clarity preset. The sound is detailed, natural in timbre, and features a wide soundstage.Read more.
Microphone – We assess speech transmission quality by testing the microphone in two main scenarios: quiet and noisy environments.
Quiet environment – This involves recording indoors with minimal background noise. Noisy environment – This means recording outdoors near a six-lane road with maximum traffic noise.
. 8.40 In quiet conditions: 8.8 In noisy conditions: 8 The manufacturer claims that the AI Clear Call algorithm protects calls from wind and background noise thanks to three built-in microphones and a wind-resistant design. Surprisingly, it works.Overall feature score — this is the overall score for all device features. This score comes from individual feature ratings (battery life, controls, app, connection stability, and others) and shows how easy and smart the device is for daily use.
. 8.05 ANC suppresses light background noise, transparency is poor and unsuitable for use. Playback time is up to 10 hours and 43 hours with the case. Touch controls feature standard actions for managing calls and the player. The app is convenient and not overloaded with unnecessary features.Read more.
Final build quality score is the overall score for build quality and materials: comfort, durability, and design. It shows how nice the device is to hold and use, and how long it will last.
. 8.17 The earbuds are comfortable, as long as you pick the right ear tips. Build quality is solid and reliable. I liked the look of the earbuds and the case. Available in 2 colors: black and white.Read more.
3. OnePlus Buds 3 7.96Best True Wireless Earbuds 2026 Under $100 – for sound, features, and build
Drivers are the drivers in your headphones that are responsible for creating sound.
DD + PM + BA – means that there are several different types of drivers in these headphones.
DD – “Dynamic Driver” dynamic driver (deep bass, natural sound).
PM – “Planar Magnetic Driver” planar driver (wide soundstage and fast response).
BA – “Balanced Armature Driver” armature driver (accuracy and detail retrieval).
BC – “Bone Conduction Driver” or bone-conduction driver, which transmits vibration to the body of the headphones, transmitting sound through the bone/cartilage to the inner ear.
LDAC – high quality, high speed (Sony).
SBC is the basic Bluetooth standard, low quality.
AAC – Apple standard, good quality, low latency.
aptX – Qualcomm standard, good quality, low latency.
LC3/LC3plus – new Bluetooth LE Audio codecs, efficient compression.
Codecs are audio compression formats that affect sound quality and latency.
Headphone battery life is the playback time without recharging, measured in hours. Manufacturers measure without active noise cancellation (ANC), at medium volume (50-70%) and usually with the AAC codec, as these parameters affect battery consumption. Actual time may vary from 1% to 50%, depending on volume, active noise cancellation features enabled, codec (LDAC or other) and environmental conditions (cold, hot). It is important to consider not only the claimed playback time, but also the charging time and fast charging support.
Bluetooth is a wireless data transmission standard.
Support for new audio technologies.
Improved connection stability.
Reduced power consumption.
OnePlus Buds 3 — best budget wireless earbuds in 2026 under $50. Key selling point: the best balanced sound under $50, a detailed microphone, and no discomfort after three hours of use. With LHDC 3-5 codecs, you get up to a 15% improvement in sound quality. Downsides: average noise cancellation and transparency.
- Best balanced sound under $50
- Detailed microphone
- LHDC 3 and 5 codec support
- Average active noise cancellation (ANC) and transparency
- Fingerprint-prone finish on the wireless earbuds and charging case
The final sound score is calculated using this formula:
Frequency balance + Detail retrieval + Soundstage + Natural timbre / 4 = Final Sound Score.
. 7.68 The wireless earbuds feature a pleasant and balanced sound. Full-bodied and punchy bass without being overdone. Transparent mids and moderately bright highs. The sound is spacious, detailed, and natural. Overall, you can enjoy the music without needing an EQ on any source.Read more.
Microphone – We assess speech transmission quality by testing the microphone in two main scenarios: quiet and noisy environments.
Quiet environment – This involves recording indoors with minimal background noise. Noisy environment – This means recording outdoors near a six-lane road with maximum traffic noise.
. 8.30 In quiet conditions: 8.6 In noisy conditions: 8 The manufacturer claims that the AI Clear Call algorithm protects calls from wind and background noise thanks to three built-in microphones and a wind-resistant design. Surprisingly, it works.Overall feature score — this is the overall score for all device features. This score comes from individual feature ratings (battery life, controls, app, connection stability, and others) and shows how easy and smart the device is for daily use.
. 8.18 The wireless earbuds offer average noise cancellation and transparency. Battery life in our tests reached 8 hr 43 min and 35 hours total with the charging case. Controls are convenient, letting you manage media playback and calls. The companion app sets a benchmark — NothingX: featuring sound and control customization, personal sound tuning, and spatial audio.Read more.
Final build quality score is the overall score for build quality and materials: comfort, durability, and design. It shows how nice the device is to hold and use, and how long it will last.
. 8.33 The wireless earbuds feature a comfortable fit, though with the stock ear tips, ears get tired after 3+ hours of use. The build is sturdy and reliable, though it’s a fingerprint magnet and shows smudges easily. The design is nice.Read more.
4. Oneplus Nord Buds 3 Pro 6.59Affordable earbuds for your phone
Drivers are the drivers in your headphones that are responsible for creating sound.
DD + PM + BA – means that there are several different types of drivers in these headphones.
DD – “Dynamic Driver” dynamic driver (deep bass, natural sound).
PM – “Planar Magnetic Driver” planar driver (wide soundstage and fast response).
BA – “Balanced Armature Driver” armature driver (accuracy and detail retrieval).
BC – “Bone Conduction Driver” or bone-conduction driver, which transmits vibration to the body of the headphones, transmitting sound through the bone/cartilage to the inner ear.
LDAC – high quality, high speed (Sony).
SBC is the basic Bluetooth standard, low quality.
AAC – Apple standard, good quality, low latency.
aptX – Qualcomm standard, good quality, low latency.
LC3/LC3plus – new Bluetooth LE Audio codecs, efficient compression.
Codecs are audio compression formats that affect sound quality and latency.
Headphone battery life is the playback time without recharging, measured in hours. Manufacturers measure without active noise cancellation (ANC), at medium volume (50-70%) and usually with the AAC codec, as these parameters affect battery consumption. Actual time may vary from 1% to 50%, depending on volume, active noise cancellation features enabled, codec (LDAC or other) and environmental conditions (cold, hot). It is important to consider not only the claimed playback time, but also the charging time and fast charging support.
Bluetooth is a wireless data transmission standard.
Support for new audio technologies.
Improved connection stability.
Reduced power consumption.
The OnePlus Nord Buds 3 Pro are a solid, affordable choice for your phone, offering a good feature set. Their main draw is the engaging sound and comfortable fit. They’re small and light, causing no discomfort or irritation. Plus, they offer decent noise cancellation if you find the right ear tips. On the downside, they lack high-resolution codecs and their transparency mode is unimpressive.
- Good bass sound with EQ.
- Good noise cancellation.
- Comfortable and lightweight build.
- Overly bass-heavy sound out of the box.
- Poor transparency mode.
- No LDAC or LHDC codecs.
The final sound score is calculated using this formula:
Frequency balance + Detail retrieval + Soundstage + Natural timbre / 4 = Final Sound Score.
. 5.79 Good mid-range sound with transparent mids and pleasant vocals. The sound is moderately natural and detailed for regular listening. The weak point is the soundstage, as everything happens inside your head with minimal space and depth rendering. Highs are lacking—treble instruments sound loose, unnatural, and noticeably grainy.Read more.
Microphone – We assess speech transmission quality by testing the microphone in two main scenarios: quiet and noisy environments.
Quiet environment – This involves recording indoors with minimal background noise. Noisy environment – This means recording outdoors near a six-lane road with maximum traffic noise.
. 6.50 In quiet environments: 7 In noisy environments: 6Overall feature score — this is the overall score for all device features. This score comes from individual feature ratings (battery life, controls, app, connection stability, and others) and shows how easy and smart the device is for daily use.
. 6.88 The earbuds suppress background noise well if you pick the right ear tips and enable personalized noise cancellation. However, transparency mode feels tacked on and doesn’t make chatting any more convenient. Battery life is 12 hours for the earbuds and 44 hours with the case. Controls are precise and responsive, with rare misfires. The companion app is user-friendly, letting you tweak the EQ and reassign controls.Read more.
Final build quality score is the overall score for build quality and materials: comfort, durability, and design. It shows how nice the device is to hold and use, and how long it will last.
. 8.17 The earbuds don’t pinch or cause chafing, with mild fatigue creeping in after about an hour of use. No complaints about build quality and materials. They look interesting, resembling non-stick cookware. Available in 2 colors.Read more.
5. Oneplus Nord Buds 3r 6.59Budget earbuds for your phone with a Translator
Drivers are the drivers in your headphones that are responsible for creating sound.
DD + PM + BA – means that there are several different types of drivers in these headphones.
DD – “Dynamic Driver” dynamic driver (deep bass, natural sound).
PM – “Planar Magnetic Driver” planar driver (wide soundstage and fast response).
BA – “Balanced Armature Driver” armature driver (accuracy and detail retrieval).
BC – “Bone Conduction Driver” or bone-conduction driver, which transmits vibration to the body of the headphones, transmitting sound through the bone/cartilage to the inner ear.
LDAC – high quality, high speed (Sony).
SBC is the basic Bluetooth standard, low quality.
AAC – Apple standard, good quality, low latency.
aptX – Qualcomm standard, good quality, low latency.
LC3/LC3plus – new Bluetooth LE Audio codecs, efficient compression.
Codecs are audio compression formats that affect sound quality and latency.
Headphone battery life is the playback time without recharging, measured in hours. Manufacturers measure without active noise cancellation (ANC), at medium volume (50-70%) and usually with the AAC codec, as these parameters affect battery consumption. Actual time may vary from 1% to 50%, depending on volume, active noise cancellation features enabled, codec (LDAC or other) and environmental conditions (cold, hot). It is important to consider not only the claimed playback time, but also the charging time and fast charging support.
Bluetooth is a wireless data transmission standard.
Support for new audio technologies.
Improved connection stability.
Reduced power consumption.
The OnePlus Nord Buds 3r are a weak offering, both in sound and features. Their only saving grace is the price. For $20 or less, you get acceptable sound with EQ options, a comfortable design, and decent battery life. When paired with a OnePlus device, you also get access to a translator, if that’s something you need. Otherwise, if your budget allows, spending an extra $10-15 will get you earbuds in a completely different class, superior in every way.
- Background sound with EQ
- 10.5 hr. on a single charge
- Price often below $20
- The translator only works on OnePlus devices.
- No active noise cancellation and transparency mode
- Average quality microphone
The final sound score is calculated using this formula:
Frequency balance + Detail retrieval + Soundstage + Natural timbre / 4 = Final Sound Score.
. 5.79 This is a budget option for background listening. Its strength lies in balanced characteristics, with all parameters performing at a similar level without significant dips, which helps the overall sound. The audio isn’t particularly engaging, but it’s not unpleasant either. It’s a respectable result compared to other sub-$20 competitors. The OnePlus Nord Buds 3r hit the minimum acceptable bar for listening.Learn more.
Microphone – We assess speech transmission quality by testing the microphone in two main scenarios: quiet and noisy environments.
Quiet environment – This involves recording indoors with minimal background noise. Noisy environment – This means recording outdoors near a six-lane road with maximum traffic noise.
. 5.50 In quiet environments: 6 In noisy environments: 5 In quiet conditions, microphone noise cancellation kicks in and hurts vocal clarity. In noisy conditions, noise cancellation muffles the sound of a hand vacuum, and vocals become less clear.Overall feature score — this is the overall score for all device features. This score comes from individual feature ratings (battery life, controls, app, connection stability, and others) and shows how easy and smart the device is for daily use.
. 6.88 This is where the model struggles, though sub-$20 earbuds rarely do better. On the bright side, battery life hits 10.5 hours on a single charge, and the connection holds steady. You get 2-device multipoint along with a translator function if you’re using a OnePlus device. Active noise cancellation and transparency modes are absent, but expecting decent ANC at under $20 isn’t realistic.Learn more.
Final build quality score is the overall score for build quality and materials: comfort, durability, and design. It shows how nice the device is to hold and use, and how long it will last.
. 8.17 Comfortable and small. The bundled ear tips seal well, and mild fatigue from wearing them kicks in around the two-hour mark. I have zero complaints about the build or materials, even though the budget plastic is pretty obvious. The finish attracts fingerprints and picks up dirt easily.