5 causes to purchase OnePlus Buds 3 over AirPods Professional 2

Apple’s AirPods are undoubtedly iconic, ushering in an age of wi-fi earbuds as an on a regular basis accent and audio must-have. As wireless earbuds have change into extra mainstream, extra firms adopted Apple’s standard-setting buds, adapting extra options, spatial audio, spectacular ANC, and that “lower off earbud” quick stem design.

Even after testing a number of pairs of earbuds, myself and different sound snobs have rarely strayed from AirPods as a mainstay. Nevertheless, after reviewing OnePlus’ third in-ear iteration — the OnePlus Buds 3 — I’ve formally ventured exterior of Apple’s walled backyard as they supply consolation, high quality, and solely price you $100. Actually, there are fittingly three issues particularly that I discovered in my testing, which I desire the OnePlus Buds 3 over Apple’s flagship headset. Nevertheless, AirPods nonetheless win on a number of fronts.

The OnePlus Buds 3 might have dropped the “Professional” title their predecessors maintain, however these funds headphones are surprisingly luxurious. Plus, coming in splendid blue or house grey, it is refreshing to see a pair of earbuds stray from basic white or black. Other than being a main member of the Apple ecosystem, Apple’s AirPods Professional 2 are comfy, pocketable, and sound nice. Nevertheless, that comes at a steep value. That stated, the OnePlus Buds 3 aren’t solely an amazing various, however an amazing pair of earbuds in their very own proper that deserve recognition — and maybe your $100.

1 You need ANC on a funds

OnePlus wins as a result of its highly effective and clear cancellation for much less

Maybe the preferred spec to both include each new earbud launch or obtain an improve with every iteration is ANC (energetic noise-cancelling). Nevertheless, that often comes at a marked-up value. For $100 the OnePlus Buds 3 efficiently had me totally invested in my audio and virtually dangerously unaware of my New York Metropolis environment. As I listened to songs like Taylor Swift’s You Belong With Me, I used to be so engrossed within the electrical guitar solo that I missed the barista calling my title and waited slightly too lengthy at my favourite espresso store.

I even related the OnePlus Buds 3 to my Galaxy Z Flip 4 and AirPods to my iPhone and actually discovered it onerous to inform a distinction when it comes to noise-cancelling skills. When it got here to total sound high quality, the OnePlus Buds 3 sounded a bit extra tinny, however they undoubtedly delivered when it comes to silence.

Associated

OnePlus Buds 3 made me realize I don’t need ‘premium’ ANC earbuds

I have been carrying the OnePlus Buds 3 ANC earbuds for 3 weeks, they usually’re an audiophile’s dream with out the costly price ticket.

And whereas the AirPods Professional 2 boast a $250 price ticket, the OnePlus Buds 3 are $150 much less at solely $100, which is a good entry-level tag for a premium characteristic.

Transparency mode can also be spectacular, clearly permitting me to remain in tune with my environment — particularly at a decrease quantity — whereas nonetheless having Sabrina Carpenter’s newest single Espresso as my accompanying soundtrack.

2 Simpler contact controls

OnePlus improves with much less awkward and extra intuitive stems

The AirPods Professional 2’s launched considered one of my favorite features with on-stem contact controls. Nevertheless, they do require a little bit of stress to completely reply and work greatest once you use your index finger behind the stem and firmly press your index finger on the stem divot. OnePlus’ controls, nonetheless, are a bit extra delicate with out being overly so. Plus, the management is not on the stem however on the bud bulb, making for a much less awkward management — particularly after I’m on the go.

3 A extra comfortable match

OnePlus buds are extra steady and cozy for lengthy put on

Like AirPods, the OnePlus Buds 3 characteristic delicate silicone suggestions that match snugly inside the ear. That includes a rounder versus a flatter bulb, the OnePlus Buds 3 aren’t cumbersome however quite relaxation completely towards a wider space of my ear, and due to this fact, lowering the built-up stress that I usually expertise with AirPods. Moreover, the eartips appear to suit even deeper inside my ear, which retains them extra steady after I run or get sweaty from a exercise.

4 You desire a extra enjoyable fashion

The blue completely matches my Lululemon pouch

Arguably a part of what makes AirPods iconic is the glossy, all white design that spans from early wired Apple earpod technology all the best way to the latest AirPods Professional 2 with USB-C. Whereas a genius advertising and marketing tactic from Apple, the consistency also can really feel redundant to headphone fanatics like myself. The OnePlus Buds are available a Metallic Grey, which is a pleasant impartial that simply pairs with all outfits, however extra daring various to Apple’s all-white. Moreover, the Splendid Blue shade I personal actually is what the title suggests — splendid. It is simply enjoyable sufficient so as to add some shade and spunk, however the metallic stems make them completely refined to the place individuals’s heads do not flip once they’re in my ears. Merely put, they are a standout with out making it really feel like I uncomfortably stand out.

5 Longer battery life

OnePlus Buds 3 have battery for days (actually)

OnePlus says the Buds 3 get 44 hours of play time with ANC off within the charging case, and I do not suppose that is proper. I feel it has extra. I’ve gone per week straight utilizing the OnePlus Buds 3 as my mainstay in-ears without having to cost them.

Associated

Your iPhone’s battery health could be slowing it down, but there’s an easy fix

Apple will decelerate your iPhone if the battery will get too previous — here is handle iPhone efficiency, plus suggestions for an extended battery life.

The battery life, even switching between ANC and transparency mode, sustains my 60-minute spherical journey stroll day by day during which I make calls, hearken to podcasts, and hearken to Taylor Swift on loop. It is solely a few week — generally slightly over — the place I get a low battery notification, and even then, I nonetheless have a 15-30 minute grace interval to essentially get probably the most out of my battery. Whereas my AirPods Professional 2 battery life is much, my OnePlus Buds 3 win in the case of residing previous per week.