OnePlus Nord Buds 3 review & comparison with Nord Buds 3 Pro

These are the latest entry-level TWS earbuds from OnePlus - the Nord Buds 3. Priced at ₹2,299, they sit below the Nord Buds 3 Pro, which were launched very recently at ₹3,299.

Here’s the thing: I really liked the Nord Buds 3 Pro. In fact, in my comparison, I found them better than the more expensive CMF Buds Pro 2.

So, the question is, with a minor price difference, are the new Nord Buds 3 even better value than the Pro model?

Well, the Nord Buds 3 and 3 Pro are more alike than different. In fact, the case and earbuds are exactly the same shape and size. You can even swap the earbuds between the cases.

The plastic quality on both models is impressive for the price, and both cases are portable, easily passing the coin pocket test.

The A-shaped stem on both earbuds is thicker at the bottom and has a capacitive touch sensor at the top. The fit is secure and comfortable enough for long periods of use.

The main difference is that the OnePlus logo is 3D embossed inside the case on the Pro model, while it’s printed on the non-Pro version.

Also, the Pro version has a dual-tone finish, while the Buds 3 come in a standard single-tone design. To be honest, I prefer the clean, fuss-free look of the cheaper model.

Now, let’s talk about connectivity and controls. Both earbuds support dual connection functionality but only feature SBC and AAC codecs. So there’s no high-res Bluetooth audio on these budget earbuds.

Both can be customised using the HeyMelody app that’s available on Android and iOS.

Both models have tap-based controls, which work fine most of the time. But, squeeze based controls are just a lot more intuitive, so I wish these two buds had them. 

However, there's an important feature missing from the non-Pro model: in-ear detection. This means the earbuds can’t automatically pause or play audio when you take them out or put them back in. In-ear detection is quite a handy feature, and thankfully, the Pro model supports it.

Now, let’s shed some light on the audio output. Both sound great for the price, delivering a bass-forward experience. The good news is, despite this focus on bass, the mids and highs remain clear, making the sound instantly appealing.

However, the non-Pro model I have here seems to be running on pre-production software. To begin with, HeyMelody was showing an Oppo image with these buds.

Then, OnePlus' marketing claims this model supports BassWave 2, but it wasn’t available on my unit. It was, however, present on the Pro model.

Additionally, the 6-band custom equaliser, a key feature of the Pro model, was also missing from the non-Pro version during my testing. So, the sound is much less customisable on the non-Pro model, at least for now. 

Another oddity with the pre-production software was that the non-Pro model announced changes in ANC modes in Chinese.

Speaking of active noise cancellation, both models offer it, but with a difference. The Pro model can block up to 49dB of noise, while the non-Pro version manages 32dB. Obviously, the Pro model provides better noise reduction, but the standard version still does a good job of cancelling out fan and AC noises.

However, transparency mode on both models sounds quite artificial. Call quality is also average – it’s sufficient, but don’t expect an outstanding calling experience.

Moving on, battery life is similar on both earbuds too, with the Pro model offering up to 44 hours and the non-Pro model up to 43 hours. Of course, this will vary depending on your preferred volume and noise cancellation settings.

That said, I didn’t manage to fully drain either pair during my five days of testing.

In the end, these two earbuds are very similar and both sound great for the price. However, I think the Pro model offers better value for a little extra money. 

Still, if you are on a strict budget, the Nord Buds 3 are a very good option.