To say that OnePlus’ Buds 3 Pro were expected is an understatement. After a very successful 2023 version, we were waiting to see what the Chinese manufacturer would offer to take its premium wireless headphones even further on the path to excellence. A success that was not guaranteed since there was also the fear of discovering a less exciting, or even disappointing, proposition.
None of that, however, with the official launch of the Buds 3 Pro at the very end of last August. After a busy summer of releases with a phone (the Nord 4 that we tested here), a pro tablet (the Pad 2 that we tested here) or even a smartwatch and “more entry-level” headphones (the Watch 2R and the Nord Buds 3 Pro, with which the new product should not be confused), OnePlus waited until the last moment to pull out the premium headphones card. A choice that is far from trivial since it comes just before the start of the school year, which means students will be back on their way to school and will be looking for effective audio devices to accompany them during their journeys by bus, train or on foot.
Launched more discreetly than some other products, the OnePlus Buds 3 Pro are nevertheless a real success. As we were able to see for more than two weeks, with the earphones aimed in our ears.
We take the same ones…
If they undergo a slight aesthetic facelift, the Buds 3 Pro take up the model of their predecessors. The earphones are in the form of a rod with a tone-on-tone two-tone which is characterized by a break at the level of the part which enters the inside of the ear. It is finally the case accommodating the Buds 3 Pro which undergoes a major change. The “square” format gives way to rounder contours, giving a pebble appearance. Above all, this one sees its outer part covered with a good dose of imitation leather. An evolution which reflects a desire to tend towards a more luxurious style. And it works.
Since they keep their stems, the OnePlus Buds 3 Pro also keep the same pinch features to pause or play your music, choose your noise control mode (reduction, transparency or stop) or even skip to the next/previous track. However, one technology was missing from the previous model and many were asking for it: volume management. Complaints heard by the Chinese manufacturer which equips the stems with a touch zone: sliding up increases, sliding down decreases. Simple and effective, without removing the pinch gestures that we prefer to touch zones, the addition is a perfect success.
…and we improve
Already impressive on the audio side, the Buds 3 Pro push their own limits. First of all to put us in a bubble. We were able to realize it quite quickly, the adaptive noise reduction is even more efficient. OnePlus announces an increase in reduction, going from 45 to 50 dB, but above all a reduction of the voice (hear chatter/background noise) 2 times higher. We can therefore easily isolate ourselves in an open space or in the street, without having to push the volume to the maximum. The level of transparent mode is not yet perfect but it is also improving and it is easier to start a discussion without removing the headphones.
It is then on the diffusion of sound, their main interest, that the OnePlus Buds 3 Pro come to surprise us. Our first use of the earphones testifies to this. When we placed them inside our ears, we were immediately transported by the depth. The basic parameters (which can be modified if we feel like it) are very good and allow for impressive quality. It must be said that the manufacturer has taken care of its new product from a technical point of view: high-resolution audio, dual driver (11mm bass speaker and 6mm tweeter), custom dual DAC… In short, on this point, the results in real conditions are more than convincing for this type of wireless earphones.
A perfect score
Beautiful and efficient, the Buds 3 Pro are also efficient in many other ways. Battery life is one of them. OnePlus announces, with the recharges provided by the case, 43 hours without ANC or 20 hours with. Measurements that we largely achieved during our test. Add to that innovative features (fast pairing, Bluetooth 5.4., spatial sound, fast charging, etc.) and we have here one of the best models of wireless headphones on the market. If not the best in its price range, even if you still have to pay 179 euros. But the quality/price ratio is phenomenal.
