OnePlus Buds 4 review: Value for money TWS buds

The audio landscape is more crowded than ever, with new wireless earbuds arriving almost weekly. Standing out from the competition is a challenge, but with the new Buds 4, priced at approximately ₹5,999, OnePlus has once again delivered an impressive product. These earbuds combine a lightweight design with remarkable audio quality, effective noise cancellation, and seamless connectivity, all while staying within an accessible price point. This review will delve into how the OnePlus Buds 4 perform in the real world and whether they live up to the promise of delivering premium features without the premium cost.

Design and Ergonomics

The OnePlus Buds 4 feature a streamlined design reminiscent of the premium OnePlus Buds Pro 3. At just 4.73 grams per earbud, their lightweight build and ergonomic fit ensure a secure and comfortable fit even during intense workouts and long-distance running. The earbuds’ IP55 dust and water resistance rating provides confidence for use during workouts or in light rain, and the touch-sensitive stem with a new volume swipe feature offers intuitive controls. Overall, the combination of a lightweight build, secure fit, and durable design makes the OnePlus Buds 4 a top choice for anyone with an active lifestyle.

Audio Performance and Active Noise Cancellation (ANC)

The OnePlus Buds 4 deliver excellent audio performance, especially considering their price point. They produce a rich, balanced sound with a surprising amount of detail. It is worth noting, however, that while the audio quality is great at moderate volumes, we felt a decrease in fidelity and a less impactful soundstage when the volume is pushed to its maximum.

The Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) is particularly impressive, with up to 55dB of noise reduction that effectively silences low-frequency hums and general chatter. The ANC performance is on par with, and in some cases even surpasses, competitors like the JBL Tune Buds, making them a top contender in their class. Switching between ANC and Transparency modes is also made simple with a touch-and-hold gesture on the earbud’s stem. You can also customize the ANC settings and audio EQ through the HeyMelody app to fine-tune your listening experience.

Call Quality and Connectivity

The microphone quality on the OnePlus Buds 4 is truly impressive, and we are impressed with their performance during voice and video calls. The AI Clear Call algorithm and three-mic system do an excellent job of filtering out ambient noise, ensuring your voice comes through with clarity even in noisy environments like a busy street or a crowded cafe.

We were also impressed with the multi-device connectivity, which is seamless and reliable. The earbuds support connecting to two devices simultaneously, allowing for easy, automatic switching between sources. For example, you can be watching a video on your laptop and, when a call comes in on your phone, the earbuds will automatically switch the audio without any manual intervention.

Battery Life

OnePlus claims the Buds 4 provide up to 45 hours of total playback time with the charging case. In our tests, we found that we were able to get around 30 hours of playback time with a single charge, which is more than enough to last through a typical 5-day work week. A quick 10-minute charge can provide up to 11 hours of music playback, which is excellent for those times when you need a quick boost. The battery life makes the OnePlus Buds 4 a reliable choice for long days of use without worrying about frequent recharging.

Verdict

The OnePlus Buds 4 have successfully carved out a strong position in the competitive mid-range earbud market. Their combination of a comfortable design, powerful ANC, and clear call quality makes them a standout option. While the audio performance can feel a bit strained at max volume, this is a minor drawback for what is otherwise a comprehensive and reliable set of earbuds. With their impressive battery life and seamless multi-device connectivity, the OnePlus Buds 4 offer exceptional value, making them a highly recommended choice for both casual listeners and active users.