OnePlus Buds Pro Review: A Significant Improvement

Differentiating Wireless Earbuds in a Saturated Market

What steps must a company take to distinguish its wireless earbuds in the year 2021? The widespread availability of quality hardware has made answering this question increasingly challenging. Over the past year, I’ve evaluated approximately ten different earbud sets, and truthfully, they were all quite competent.

Innovative Approaches and Device-Specific Optimization

Companies such as Nura and Nothing are pursuing novel strategies within this product category. However, for hardware manufacturers that also produce their own mobile devices, achieving optimal performance specifically for those handsets can be sufficient.

OnePlus's Position in the Market

OnePlus occupies a unique position, situated between these two approaches. While the company designs and manufactures its own smartphones, its sales volume doesn’t rival industry leaders like Samsung and Apple. Consequently, the OnePlus Buds Pro reflect this balance – offering a reliable earbud experience that integrates seamlessly with its devices, while incorporating several noteworthy features that set them apart in a competitive landscape.

Past Performance and the Need for Improvement

OnePlus’s previous efforts in the wireless audio space have been, at best, unremarkable, and at worst, disappointing. The company’s initial foray into fully wireless earbuds last year left a poor impression, despite their affordable price point. These earlier models felt outdated, particularly considering the limited options available a few years prior.

A Significant Upgrade: The OnePlus Buds Pro

Thankfully, the Pros represent a substantial improvement in nearly every aspect. This is a welcome development for the company, especially considering a co-founder launched a competing headphone product shortly before their release. Priced at $150, they carry a $50 premium over both the Ear (1) and the standard OnePlus buds. However, considering the current market, this price is justified.

Testing with Multiple Devices

During this review, I tested the headphones with both a non-OnePlus Android phone and an iPhone. Utilizing these devices required the HeyMelody OnePlus/Oppo app, which is somewhat limited in functionality. Nevertheless, it provides essential features, including a fit test to ensure a secure seal and OnePlus Audio ID, which facilitates the creation of a personalized sound profile.

Personalized Sound and EQ Customization

The Audio ID feature is a simplified version of Nura’s system, employing a traditional sound test that presents a series of tones and asks for feedback on audibility. While somewhat tedious, the process yields noticeable improvements in sound quality, resulting in a fuller and richer audio experience. Unfortunately, extensive EQ customization options are not available beyond this initial profile.

Effective Noise Cancellation and Zen Mode Air

The noise cancellation feature, controllable through the app or the headphone stems, is highly effective. A three-second click on the stems activates the earbuds’ most distinctive feature: Zen Mode Air. This innovative, though perhaps unnecessary, addition caters to the growing interest in mindfulness by delivering white noise directly to the ears. The default soundscape, “Warm Sunrise,” evokes a peaceful meadow with birdsong and insect sounds. Four additional preloaded options include campfire ambiance and ocean waves. While unexpected, this feature proved surprisingly useful in a particularly stressful year.

Design Choices and Aesthetic Considerations

When it comes to design, manufacturers generally follow one of two paths: embracing the AirPods aesthetic or opting for a distinctly different approach. OnePlus clearly aligns with the former. The matte black review unit is somewhat understated, but the white versions are undeniably reminiscent of the AirPods. The metal stems appear to be a deliberate design choice to avoid direct imitation of the market leaders.

Comfort, Battery Life, and Wireless Charging

In terms of comfort, these earbuds are exceptional. I’ve worn them for extended periods, including during runs, without experiencing any discomfort. This suggests the AirPods design offers genuine ergonomic benefits. Battery life is also impressive, providing five to seven hours of playback on a single charge (depending on ANC usage), and a combined 28 to 38 hours with the included slim charging case. The case also supports wireless charging, a common feature at this price point.

A Strategic Shift in Product Strategy

OnePlus initially focused on budget-friendly options with the $99 earbuds. However, I believe the approach taken by Google – showcasing capabilities with a premium model before releasing a more affordable version – is more effective. These headphones represent the product OnePlus should have launched a year or two ago. Nevertheless, it’s a positive step forward.