Priced at Rs 2,299, the newly launched OnePlus Nord Buds 3 are just Rs 500 cheaper than their Pro variant. The vanilla Nord Buds 3 serves as the entry-level wireless earbuds in OnePlus’ extensive TWS catalogue. We reviewed the Pro version earlier and found it to be an incredible TWS product for the price. Interestingly, the vanilla variant does not make any big tradeoffs to keep its price in check. It is powered by the same 12.4mm titanized drivers as the Pro variant, ensuring an identical audio output. The earbuds can nullify up to 32dB of surrounding noise (compared to Nord Buds 3 Pro’s 49dB). There’s support for Bluetooth 5.4, Google Fast Pair, and dual connection as well. We used the OnePlus Nord Buds 3 for a week, here is our review of the TWS.
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In This Article
OnePlus Nord Buds 3 Review: Design
Here’s what you get inside OnePlus Nord Buds 3’s retail box:
- Charging case
- Earbuds
- S and L ear tips
- USB Type-A to Type-C cable
- Sticker
- Safety guide
We used the Harmonic Gray colour variant of the OnePlus Nord Buds 3 for this review. Its design language is consistent with the other TWS releases by OnePlus this year. The oval-shaped charging case has a matte texture, which feels quite premium for a TWS priced under Rs 2,500. Unlike the Pro variant, it does not have a dual-tone shade.
The charging case is compact and fits into small pockets quite easily. We placed it inside pockets with loose change and keys for a week, and it came out unscathed. The OnePlus lettering is branded right below the lid. The small LED notification light is placed at the bottom of the front panel. The lower edge of the case houses the USB Type-C charging port and the pairing button.
Flipping open the lid, you’ll spot the two earbuds nestled in their cutouts, magnetically locked into position. The form factor of the earbuds is similar to the flagship Buds 3 Pro. The in-ear design presents a comfortable and snug fit. However, unlike the flagship offering, these earbuds do not sport a dual-tone finish for the stem and outer panel. While the inner panel is glossy, the entirety of the outer panel has a matte texture. We prefer a consistent matte finish over a dual-tone texture. The earbuds are engraved with ‘L’ and ‘R’ lettering.
The upper panel of the earbuds is touch-sensitive and can be used to control the media playback. Unlike other TWS products in this price bracket, the touch controls on the Nord Buds 3 are tuned perfectly. Accidental triggers are kept to a minimum and the touch panel is very responsive. The controls can be customised using the HeyMelody app, but more on that later.
OnePlus Nord Buds 3 are rated IP55 for dust and water resistance. We used the earbuds while working out and did not face issues with the fit when things got sweaty. They remained unfazed by sweat and did not take any damage even after repeated usage.
OnePlus Nord Buds 3 Review: Performance
Delivering the audio output on the OnePlus Nord Buds 3 is a 12.4mm dynamic driver on either earbud. With Bluetooth 5.4 and Google Fast Pair onboard, connecting the earbuds to a smartphone is a very seamless process. Once connected, the earbuds have a functional range of 10 metres.
The sound profile of the OnePlus Nord Buds 3 is very punchy. While there is a special focus on the low-end frequencies, the bass elements do not overshadow the mids and the highs. The audio feels very rich and comprehensive. There is no flatness to it at all. The attention to detail on the soundstage is very impressive for a TWS priced at Rs 2,300.
Listening to Khruangbin’s Maria Tambien, we were treated to delectable bass notes along with the crisp and precise sounds of the snare drum. The tonality of the guitar was relayed impeccably too. The Nord Buds 3 can get very loud as you push the volume above 80%. This is where a slight distortion creeps into the mix. We found the 40-70% volume range ideal for listening to music.
The Nord Buds 3 is decent at cancelling surrounding noise. The earbuds can nullify up to 32dB of surrounding noise. In comparison, the Nord Buds 3 Pro can cancel up to 49dB. With the ANC mode turned on, were able to tune out humming noises from the air conditioner and the ceiling fan. While typing on a keyboard, the earbuds were able to eliminate the lower frequencies from the keystrokes, but the shriller notes managed to pass through. In outdoor conditions, the TWS is able to keep the vehicular noises to a minimum but the standout sounds of blaring horns are too loud to be completely eliminated.
In indoor conditions, the Nord Buds 3 provides a good calling experience. The two microphones on the earbuds are able to pick up the speaker’s voice from the ambient noises and relay it perfectly to the listener. However, in outdoor conditions, we found ourselves sticking with the phone’s microphone.
OnePlus’ HeyMelody app can be used to customise and manage the Nord Buds 3. You can choose from three different audio profiles or set up a customised equaliser based on your preferences. If you like your music with a dollop of bass, we recommend turning on the ‘BassWave’ function in equaliser settings. The companion app also allows you to toggle between ANC and transparency modes, customise the touch controls, and enable the Game Mode.
The battery specs of the OnePlus Nord Buds 3 are identical to its Pro variant. Each earbud packs 58mAh of charge and there’s an additional 440mAh in the case. With ANC turned off, the earbuds can last up to 12 hours on a single charge. The charging case can extend the battery life to 43 hours. During the review period, we used the earbuds for an average of 4 hours every day. The volume level fluctuated between 40-80% and the ANC usage was mixed (not exceeding more than 60 minutes at a stretch). The TWS was able to last an entire week on a full charge. It takes just over an hour to charge the case using a USB Type-C cable. If you’re running out of time, a quick 10-minute charge can give it the juice to last up to 11 hours.
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Verdict
A rich and punchy audio output is the cornerstone of Nord Buds 3’s performance. The low frequencies are more pronounced but the mid and lows get enough room to breathe and present themselves on the soundstage. These are undoubtedly some of the best-sounding earbuds under Rs 2,500. Additional features like dual connection, ANC, and customisable equaliser sweeten the deal even more. If you want a slightly better ANC performance, we’d recommend splurging the extra Rs 500 for the Pro variant of these earbuds. If ANC isn’t something you prioritise a lot, the Nord Buds 3 will suit you just fine.
OnePlus Nord Buds 3: Pros
- Compact design
- Punchy audio output
- Well-tuned touch controls
- Good range of customisation options
OnePlus Nord Buds 3: Cons
- ANC mode struggles in noisy outdoor conditions
