The OnePlus Buds 4 are the latest addition to OnePlus’s mainstream lineup, sitting just below the Pro model. The company promises to deliver many of the Pro’s features at a more affordable price. Priced at €119, they come in €20 more expensive than the previous model but are still €80 cheaper than the Buds Pro 3.
Let’s see how they stack up.
Design & Comfort
The design of the Buds 4 takes inspiration from the Buds Pro 3, blending familiar elements with a unique twist. The charging case, though similar in shape to the Pro 3’s case, features a smooth, metallic finish that can feel a bit slippery in your hands, particularly when trying to open it with one hand. The earbuds themselves have chunky stalks, which some might find off-putting, but they do offer easy handling when placing them in your ears or case. The new ear tips sit deeper in the ear, enhancing noise cancellation but may feel somewhat uncomfortable, especially if you’re sensitive to the in-ear sensation.
With an IP55 rating, they can withstand splashes of water, though the finish on the case, particularly the Zen Green model, may show uneven seams. Build quality is decent overall, but there’s room for more attention to detail.
Software & Features
The OnePlus Buds 4 integrate smoothly with OnePlus devices via Bluetooth settings and the HeyMelody app on iOS and Android. ANC controls, ambient modes, and transparency features are included, as well as an adjustable ANC level. The Sound Master EQ lets users adjust the audio to their preferences, though it offers only three presets. The new Golden Sound feature generates a custom audio curve after a hearing test, but some users might not find it necessary.
Additionally, the Buds 4 come with a game mode to reduce latency, and they allow users to customize the alert volume levels when changing settings like ANC. Unfortunately, there’s no head-tracking for 3D audio, and the adjustments in the app are not always intuitive.
Audio Quality
The dual-driver setup in the Buds 4 consists of an 11mm woofer and a 6mm tweeter, powered by a dual DAC system, making them capable of handling high-resolution audio. Despite the robust hardware, the audio quality leaves much to be desired. The Buds 4 are overwhelmingly bass-heavy, with deep lows that muddy the midrange and reduce the clarity of the treble. While the previous models offered a neutral but bright sound profile, the Buds 4 seem to have shifted too far toward bass, resulting in a less balanced listening experience.
Even after adjusting the BassWave and EQ settings, it was hard to find a sweet spot. The result is that the earbuds’ tuning feels less refined compared to their predecessors, which may disappoint those hoping for improvements in audio quality.
Microphone Performance
The microphone performance is solid, with voices sounding clear and only slight distortion present in some situations. In noisy environments, the Buds 4 excel at reducing background noise, ensuring that your voice remains audible. However, without Bluetooth LE Audio support, they aren’t ideal for voice chats or gaming with high-quality stereo input.
Noise Cancellation
Where the Buds 4 truly shine is in their noise cancellation performance. With up to 55dB of noise reduction across a wide frequency range, these earbuds provide exceptional passive and active noise isolation. ANC modes can be adjusted for different levels, including a new adaptive mode that tries to balance noise isolation with environmental awareness. While the adaptive mode can sometimes feel unpredictable, the standard ANC modes are fantastic, effectively blocking out ambient noise.
Transparency mode is also highly effective, allowing you to hear external sounds clearly without taking the earbuds off. ANC and transparency modes work seamlessly, providing an experience that competes with much more expensive models.
Latency & Connectivity
Latency is decent with the OnePlus Buds 4. For most non-gaming applications, there’s a slight delay, but enabling the game mode reduces latency considerably. When paired with OnePlus devices, latency can drop as low as 47ms, which is impressive for Bluetooth devices. Connectivity is strong, with no dropouts or connection issues during use. Multi-device pairing is supported, making it easy to switch between devices.
Battery Life
The battery life is solid, with the Buds 4 offering up to 11 hours of playback using AAC and 9 hours with LHDC. In testing, they met or slightly exceeded the company’s claimed battery figures. ANC usage will reduce battery life, but it remains competitive in its class. Charging is done via USB-C, but there’s no wireless charging option.
Conclusion
The OnePlus Buds 4 are a solid offering for those looking for a budget-friendly pair of earbuds with outstanding ANC performance. While the audio quality leaves much to be desired, the ANC and transparency modes are impressive, making them ideal for commuters or travelers who prioritize noise cancellation over sound quality. If you’re in the market for great ANC at a lower price, the OnePlus Buds 4 should definitely be on your radar.
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