BANG FOR YOUR BUCK

OnePlus has consistently been a reliable brand for wireless earphones, particularly in the sub-₹10,000 segment, and their latest launch, the OnePlus Nord Buds 3, stands out as a compelling option for those seeking quality audio without straining their budget.

- Sandesh Bhosle

ONEPLUS NORD BUDS 3

The 3rd gen Nord Buds offer a solid audio experience at a wallet-friendly price , but are they worth a shot?

DESIGN AND BUILD

The OnePlus Nord Buds 3 shares its design DNA with the pricier Nord Buds 3 Pro, a strategic move from OnePlus. The Nord Buds 3 comes in a sleek, oval-shaped case that's compact enough to slip into your pocket and offers a good grip when held. The understated design is clean and minimal, with a pairing button at the bottom of the case—a clever touch that keeps the aesthetic unspoiled.

An LED indicator on the case provides a simple, intuitive way to check battery status, turning red when the battery is low and green when fully charged. OnePlus has also included IP-rated protection against water splashes for the earbuds, making them ideal for workouts or a sudden drizzle. However, the charging case isn't IP-rated, a small compromise given the budget price.

SOUND QUALITY

If you've used OnePlus earbuds before, the sound profile won't come as a surprise. The Nord Buds 3 continues the trend of delivering a bass-heavy output, which works well for genres like hip-hop or EDM. The mids—think vocals and instruments—are smooth and well-balanced, offering clarity without harshness.

The earbuds also support Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), which is impressive for a product in this price range. While the ANC won't entirely block out high-pitched noises like a whirring fan or clinking utensils, it does a commendable job of reducing background chatter or hums, making your listening experience more immersive.