Introduction
In a market flooded with affordable true wireless stereo (TWS) earbuds, OnePlus has added a new contender: the OnePlus Nord Buds 3r. Positioned as a budget-friendly yet feature-rich option, these earbuds aim to bring compelling sound, long battery life, and smart features to users without breaking the bank.
Key Specifications
- Drivers: 12.4 mm titanium-coated dynamic drivers
- Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.4, dual-device connection, 47 ms low-latency gaming mode
- Battery: 58 mAh per earbud; 560 mAh in charging case
- Playback time: Up to 12 hours (earbuds), 54 hours (with case)
- Charging: Fast charge — 10 mins gives up to 8 hours of playback
- Microphones: Dual mics per earbud with AI noise cancellation for calls
- Durability: IP55 water & dust resistance
- Features: 3D Audio (on supported devices), preset EQ modes + 6-band equaliser, AI translation, touch controls, Find My Earbuds
- Price (India): ₹1,799 (introductory ₹1,599)
This places the Nord Buds 3r in the “sweet spot” under ₹2,000, aimed at users who want more than basic earbuds but don’t want to splurge on premium ANC models.
Design, Comfort & Build
Charging Case
The charging case comes in a rectangular, curved design with a matte finish. The matte texture resists fingerprints and smudges, keeping it looking neat even after heavy use. Because of the large battery inside, the case is slightly bulkier compared to ultra-compact rivals.
Earbuds & Fit
Each earbud weighs about 4.5 g and comes with silicone tips in three sizes. They fit comfortably and securely, suitable for commutes, workouts, and general daily use. The IP55 rating adds protection against sweat, rain, and dust, though they are not meant for swimming.
One missing feature is wear detection (auto-pause when removed from ear). Many competitors at this price don’t include it, but it would have been a nice addition.
Sound Quality
Audio Profile
The 12.4 mm drivers deliver a bass-forward sound signature. The low end is punchy and enjoyable, especially for genres like EDM, hip-hop, and Bollywood tracks. However, this bass emphasis sometimes overshadows the mids and treble, slightly affecting vocal clarity and detail at higher volumes.
EQ & Customisation
OnePlus provides three preset EQ modes and a 6-band manual equaliser in the companion app, letting users fine-tune sound. On supported OnePlus phones, 3D Audio adds spatial depth for videos and movies.
Gaming Performance
The 47 ms low-latency mode ensures smoother audio-video sync while gaming or streaming, making them a good choice for casual gamers.
Call Quality
The Buds 3r come with dual microphones per earbud and AI noise cancellation for calls. This works well in moderately noisy environments, suppressing background chatter and wind, while keeping the user’s voice clear.
Additional smart features include:
- Camera shutter control (double-tap to click selfies)
- Find My Earbuds function
- AI translation support on compatible phones
- Customisable touch controls for playback, volume, and calls
Battery Life
Battery life is one of the strongest highlights:
- Up to 12 hours per charge on the earbuds alone
- A total of 54 hours with the case
- Fast charging: 10 minutes = 8 hours playback
This makes them one of the longest-lasting TWS options in the budget segment, suitable for frequent travelers or heavy daily users.
Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
- Exceptional battery life (54 hours with case)
- Fast charging convenience
- Strong call clarity with AI noise reduction
- Large 12.4 mm drivers for punchy bass
- Low-latency mode for gaming
- IP55 durability against water and dust
- Affordable pricing with feature-rich package
⚠️ Cons
- Bass-heavy sound may not suit neutral/audiophile listeners
- No active noise cancellation (ANC)
- No wear detection/auto-pause
- Charging case slightly bulky
- Treble can distort at very high volumes
Who Should Buy It?
The OnePlus Nord Buds 3r is best suited for:
- Budget-conscious users wanting value-packed TWS earbuds
- Music lovers who enjoy bass-heavy sound
- Commuters and travelers needing long battery life
- Casual gamers looking for low latency
- People making frequent calls in everyday environments
Less ideal for:
- Audiophiles who prefer a balanced/neutral sound
- Users who need ANC in noisy environments
- Those who prefer an ultra-compact case design
Final Verdict
At under ₹2,000, the OnePlus Nord Buds 3r strike an impressive balance of battery life, smart features, and fun sound tuning. While they skip on advanced features like ANC and wear detection, their endurance, call quality, and bass-rich sound make them one of the strongest contenders in the budget TWS category.
For users seeking reliable, durable, and long-lasting earbuds without overspending, the Nord Buds 3r are a solid buy.