ONEPLUS BUDS 3

OnePlus Buds 3: The Ultimate Buying Guide for 2025

As of 2025, the OnePlus Buds 3 are available in Kenya at a competitive price of KSh 11,500. These true wireless earbuds have garnered attention for their lightweight design, impressive audio quality, and robust features. Weighing only 4.8g each, the ergonomic design ensures a snug fit, making them perfect for extended listening sessions. With three different sizes of ear tips included, achieving the best fit is easy. The earbuds are available in two attractive colorways: Metallic Grey and Splendid Blue.

The audio experience is enhanced by a combination of a 10.4mm woofer and a 6mm tweeter, delivering a rich and dynamic sound profile. This symphony of sound is further amplified by the Buds 3’s dual drivers and BassWave enhancement technology. Additionally, the earbuds are certified with Hi-Res audio, supporting the LHDC 5.0 codec for high-resolution playback.

With an IP55 rating, the OnePlus Buds 3 are resistant to water and dust, making them a durable choice for workouts and outdoor activities. The battery life is impressive, featuring a 58mAh capacity for the earbuds and a 520mAh capacity for the charging case. With Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) turned off, users can enjoy up to 10 hours of playback on the earbuds alone and a total of 44 hours when combined with the charging case.

Unique Selling Points of OnePlus Buds 3

The OnePlus Buds 3 stand out in the competitive market of true wireless earbuds, offering features that provide exceptional value for their price point. Here are some of the most notable attributes:

• Dual Dynamic Drivers: Delivering a rich and detailed sound experience, the dual drivers ensure that every note is crisp and clear.
• Hi-Res Audio Support via LHDC 5.0: This feature guarantees high-quality audio performance, perfect for audiophiles.
• Low Latency of 94ms: Ideal for gaming and video watching, this low latency ensures that audio and visuals are perfectly synchronized.
• Touch Volume Control: Conveniently adjust audio levels without needing to reach for your device.
• Active Noise Cancellation up to 49dB: Effectively blocks out background noise, enhancing your listening experience during music playback or calls.
• IP55 Rating: Provides protection against water and dust, making them suitable for intense workouts and outdoor use.
• Long Battery Life: With a total playback time of over 44 hours when fully charged, these earbuds are designed for long-term use.

OnePlus Buds 3 Features, Specifications, and Price in Kenya

Detailed Product Description

Design

The OnePlus Buds 3 feature a sleek, compact design that is both modern and elegant. Their lightweight 4.8g ergonomic shape ensures a comfortable fit for prolonged use. The earbuds come with three sizes of ear tips (small, medium, and large) to cater to different ear shapes and sizes, ensuring that every user can find the perfect fit for maximum comfort and sound isolation. The blended metallic and matte finish of the earbuds is visually appealing, reflecting light in a way that enhances their premium look. Available in Metallic Grey and Splendid Blue, these earbuds are designed to suit various personal styles.

Dual Dynamic Drivers

The OnePlus Buds 3 are equipped with a dual-driver setup, featuring a 10.4mm woofer and a 6mm tweeter. This combination allows for a rich and immersive audio experience, producing deep bass and clear highs. Whether you are listening to your favorite music, watching a movie, or playing a game, the sound quality is exceptional, providing a symphony of dynamic audio that enhances your overall listening experience. The BassWave enhancement technology further amplifies the audio output, ensuring that you won’t miss a single note.

Active Noise Cancellation

One of the standout features of the OnePlus Buds 3 is their Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) capability, which can block out ambient noise by up to 49dB. This feature is particularly beneficial in noisy environments, allowing you to enjoy your music or calls without distractions.

Hear Music through the Chaos

The adaptive ANC technology on the OnePlus Buds 3 automatically scans the shape of your ear canal, optimizing the noise cancellation to ensure that you hear your music as intended. This means that even in crowded spaces, you can enjoy a clear and uninterrupted audio experience.

Smart Noise Cancellation

With the Smart Scene Noise Cancellation feature, the earbuds analyze the ambient noise around you and adjust the noise cancellation levels accordingly. Users can select from three intensity levels: Mild, Moderate, and Max, to tailor their listening experience based on their environment. This functionality ensures optimal sound quality whether you are in a quiet room or a bustling café.

AI Clear Calls Algorithm

The OnePlus Buds 3 utilize an AI Clear Call algorithm that enhances call clarity by minimizing background noise and wind interference. With three built-in microphones and an anti-wind noise design, your voice comes through clearly, making these earbuds a great choice for phone calls, whether you’re at home or on the go.

Hi-Res Audio

Certified for Hi-Res audio, the OnePlus Buds 3 support the LHDC 5.0 codec, ensuring that you experience high-resolution music playback. This feature is particularly appealing to audiophiles who appreciate the nuances of their favorite tracks. Additionally, the OnePlus Audio ID 2.0 allows users to create a personalized audio profile based on their hearing preferences, enhancing the listening experience even further.

3D Audio

The 3D Audio feature on the OnePlus Buds 3 creates a multi-directional soundscape that immerses you in your music. This dynamic audio experience makes you feel like you’re at a live concert, with sounds coming from various directions. It’s an exciting feature for those who enjoy an immersive listening experience.

Touch Volume Control

With the touch volume control feature, adjusting the volume on your OnePlus Buds 3 is as simple as sliding your finger up or down on the earbud stem. This intuitive design allows for quick adjustments without needing to reach for your device, making it a convenient feature for users on the move.

Seamless Connectivity

• Wave goodbye to bad connections: The Bluetooth 5.3 technology ensures stable connections, allowing you to enjoy your music and calls without interruptions.
• Fast and smooth pairing: With Google Fast Pair, connecting to your Android device is quick and hassle-free, enabling you to start listening to music in moments.
• Do more with dual connections: The OnePlus Buds 3 can connect to two devices simultaneously, allowing for easy switching between devices, whether you are taking a call on your phone while watching a video on your tablet.
• Game-winning low latency: The 94ms low latency ensures that audio remains in sync with video, making these earbuds an excellent choice for gaming and multimedia consumption.

Water and Dust Resistance

The IP55 rating on the OnePlus Buds 3 means they are resistant to both water and dust, making them suitable for use in a variety of conditions. Whether you are working out at the gym, commuting in the rain, or just enjoying a day outdoors, these earbuds are built to withstand the elements.

Battery Life

The OnePlus Buds 3 offer an impressive battery life, providing up to 44 hours of playback time when used with the charging case. If you’re on the go, a quick 10-minute charge can give you up to 7 hours of listening time, making them perfect for busy lifestyles. The earbuds can last up to 10 hours on a single charge with ANC turned off, ensuring that you have enough power for long listening sessions without the need for constant recharging.

OnePlus Buds 3 Key Pros and Cons

Pros

• Sleek design that offers a premium look and feel.
• Exceptional sound quality with rich audio performance.
• Comfortable fit for extended use.
• Pro-level features at a budget-friendly price.
• Good ANC performance with customizable options.
• Long battery life of up to 44 hours.
• Solid app support for personalized settings.
• Great value for money.

Cons

• ANC performance may not match that of more expensive brands.
• Lacks wireless charging capabilities.
• Touch controls may not be as responsive as desired.
• 3D Audio feature may not sound as natural compared to competitors like Samsung or JBL.

Verdict

The OnePlus Buds 3 are a remarkable choice for audiophiles seeking quality earbuds at a reasonable price. They deliver a balanced audio experience with customizable features through the OnePlus Buds App. While the ANC performance is solid, it may not be as effective as premium models. However, the overall sound quality, comfort, and versatility of these earbuds make them a great all-rounder for daily use.

Conclusion

In summary, the OnePlus Buds 3 are well-regarded for their audio quality, features, and overall value, making them a strong contender in the budget earbuds market. They strike a good balance of performance and price, offering a solid alternative to more expensive options like the Bose QuietComfort, Sony WF-1000XM5, and Under Armour Streak. With their combination of advanced features and user-friendly design, the OnePlus Buds 3 are worth considering for anyone in the market for high-quality true wireless earbuds.

Buying Guide: What to Consider When Purchasing OnePlus Buds 3

When considering the purchase of OnePlus Buds 3, there are several factors to take into account to ensure you make an informed decision:

1. Comfort and Fit

Since earbuds are worn for extended periods, comfort is crucial. The OnePlus Buds 3 come with three sizes of ear tips, allowing you to find a fit that works for you. Test different sizes to ensure a snug fit that minimizes sound leakage and maximizes comfort.

2. Sound Quality

Sound quality is paramount for an enjoyable listening experience. The OnePlus Buds 3’s dual dynamic drivers provide rich sound with deep bass and clear treble. Consider your audio preferences and whether you prioritize bass-heavy tracks or balanced sound.

3. Active Noise Cancellation (ANC)

If you often find yourself in noisy environments, ANC can enhance your listening experience significantly. The OnePlus Buds 3 offer effective noise cancellation, but it is advisable to test how well it works in your typical environments.

4. Battery Life

Long battery life is essential for uninterrupted use. The OnePlus Buds 3 provide up to 44 hours of playback with the charging case. Consider your usage patterns and whether you need earbuds that can last through long commutes or extended workouts.

5. Connectivity

Bluetooth connectivity is key for seamless pairing