Don't Buy Any Other Earbuds Until You Read This OnePlus Buds 4 Review

What do you know, OnePlus has done it again!

I truly was not intending to write a review on the OnePlus Buds 4. I review so many earbuds throughout the year, and we've gotten to the point where this tech is generally so good, that any $100+ model is better than good enough for what most people need.

So, here we go! With very few downsides, and so many upsides, let's discuss the reasons why you might consider the OnePlus Buds 4 if you're due for an upgrade!

Sound Quality On Par with Wired Headhpones

When it comes to sound, the OnePlus Buds 4 are pulling out all the stops. They boast "flagship-level sound driven by dual drivers and dual DACs."

Here's how they achieve that:

• Coaxial Dual Drivers: Each earbud features an 11mm woofer for deep bass and a 6mm flat diaphragm tweeter for crisp highs. These drivers are aligned on the same axis for "harmonious and accurate sound output." They offer an ultra-wide frequency response range of 15Hz to 40KHz.

• Dual DAC Architecture: This set-up uses two Digital-to-Analog Converters (DACs) to process high and low frequencies independently, eliminating signal interference and delivering "full-bodied audio performance."

• Certified Hi-Res Audio Wireless: Equipped with the advanced LHDC 5.0 Bluetooth codec, the Buds 4 support ultra-high sampling rates (up to 192kHz) and are certified by the Japan Audio Society (JAS). This means exceptionally detailed and high-fidelity sound.

• Golden Sound: This is way different than your standard earbud fit test. Golden sound is a personalized audio tuning system that uses the built-in microphones to analyze your ear canal and combines it with a personalized listening test to create a custom audio profile tailored to your hearing preferences.

• OnePlus 3D Audio: Powered by OnePlus' algorithms, this feature delivers an immersive surround sound experience by adding "spatial depth, direction, and realism" to traditional stereo audio. It works across both Android and iOS devices.

• Block Out the Noise (and Wind!): Noise cancellation is a must-have for earbuds these days, and the Buds 4 come with "smarter, deeper, and more advanced noise cancellation."

For a deeper dive into these buds' noise cancellation, here's how it works:

1. Real-Time Adaptive ANC: This is a feature that's become standard on most buds. Your earbuds intelligently adjust noise cancellation levels to your surroundings, providing a consistent level of noise-blocking in various scenarios.

2. Adaptive Mode: This is another feature that's become standard on higher-end earbuds. The OnePlus Buds 4 automatically switch between Active Noise Cancellation and Transparency Mode. It uses real-time microphone input and advanced algorithms to balance sounds (like a honking car horn when you're walking) vs. tuning out the wind, knowing which ones to let through.

3. Mic Call Noise Cancellation: Each earbud is equipped with three microphones that work with advanced AI algorithms and a wind-resistant design to ensure clear calls, even in noisy environments. Overall, this was pretty good, but testing on windy days, the person I was speaking with on a phone call could detect wind noise.

In my testing, the experience was similar to the AirPods Pro experience. The buds do a very good job of dampening ambient noise around you, so you can enjoy the audiobook, podcast, or music you're listening to.

Connectivity & AI Smarts

These earbuds can work with a variety of devices but work best with modern OnePlus phones, particularly if you're diving into some of the advanced and AI features, which leverage your phone's onboard neural processing unit (that's what handles AI tasks).

Some of those advanced features include:

• Steady Connect: This provides a strong connection with an extended range in open outdoor environments. For example, I left my phone in my garage, while I walked around cutting the grass in my front yard, and I didn't miss a beat. I was using the OnePlus 13 during my testing, so I should note this feature does require a compatible OnePlus phone.

• Google Fast Pair: For Android devices, a pop-up appears on-screen for easy, complex-free pairing when the earbuds are nearby. This was very Beats/Apple-esque to me.

• Dual-Device Connection: Switch between your phone, laptop, or tablet without needing to reconnect. For example, you can listen to music on your laptop and instantly answer a call on your phone, with audio automatically rerouting.

• AI Translation: I wasn't able to test this feature personally (I didn't have a chance to speak with anyone who knows a different language during my testing window), so I can only tell you how this feature is supposed to work. With a simple tap on your OnePlus Buds 4, you can activate AI Translation via your OnePlus phone for real-time communication with people who speak different languages. One person speaks through the earbuds, the other into the phone, with translated text displayed and translated speech heard by the earbud user. Again, it requires a OnePlus phone.

• Voice Assistant Shortcut: Activate your phone's built-in voice assistant with a simple tap on the earbuds for hands-free assistance with calls, music, alarms, and more.

• Camera Control: You can also use a double-tap gesture for camera control.

Charging and Battery Life with OnePlus Buds 4

My only gripe is these buds don't charge wirelessly. I've set up my house with wireless chargers all around the place rather than USB C cables, so, for me, this is a friction point.

However, if you're already a person who is used to plugging in your buds for charging, then you won't care at all. Battery life and charging time are excellent on the new Buds 4:

• Extended Battery Life: On a full charge, the earbuds offer up to 11 hours of playback without ANC. With the charging case, total listening time extends 45 hours (ANC off, 50% volume, AAC). With ANC on, you get 6 hours from the earbuds and 24 hours total with the case.

• Fast Charging: Just 10 minutes of charging gives you up to 11 hours of combined playback time (earbuds and case, with ANC disabled). A full charge for the earbuds takes about 50 minutes, and the case and earbuds together charge in about 80 minutes via USB C.

• IP55 Water and Dust Resistance: This rating means the earbuds are totally fine if you get caught strolling in the rain or are in the midst of an intense or sweaty workout.

• Ultra-Low Latency: This is a great feature for gaming (and FYI the OnePlus Pad 3 is a great tablet for gaming); the Buds 4 deliver just 47ms of latency in game mode, keeping sound precisely in sync with your actions. This feature is automatically enabled on supported OnePlus phones.

Familiar Design & Easy Controls

The design of the buds is very similar to what we've seen from modern pro Samsung and Apple earbuds, where the stem is short but can be used to trigger special functions.

There's so much open space for customization with the OnePlus Buds 4, it's almost to the point of confusing if you forget what you did, since you can independently choose different functions for a tap, double-tap, or triple-tap on the right vs. left buds.

• Design: The Buds 4 come in two finishes: Zen Green and Storm Gray. They feature a unique metallic texture and matte finish. Appearance is subjective, but I think they look cool.

• Volume Swipe Control: Easily adjust volume by swiping up or down along the earbud stem.

• Customizable Taps: A long-press toggles between noise cancellation and transparency modes, while taps let you play, pause, or skip tracks. You can also personalize these controls.

OnePlus Buds 4 Pricing and Availability

The OnePlus Buds 4 launched on July 8, 2025. Sales will run until July 31, 2025 through OnePlus.

• Price: 169.99 CA/$129.99 USD

Plus, there are some sweet deals available during the launch period (July 8 to July 31, 2025):

• Launch/Open Sale Offer: Get $40 CAD/$30 USD/ off with code BUDS4. This is a limited-time offer available on OnePlus.com in both the US and Canada.

• Student Offer: Students save an extra 10%. This is also a limited-time offer available on OnePlus.com in both the US and Canada.

The Bottom Line - Are the One Plus Buds 4 worth it?

I really don't want to become some sort of cheerleader for OnePlus, because not everything is perfect. But, consistently over the past year, the brand has just been hitting it out-of-the-park when it comes to balancing features and value with their products – and their latest earbuds are no exception.

Geeking Out Shop

OnePlus Buds 4

Wireless Earbuds

The OnePlus buds have so many great features and very good audio for a relatively low price.

• See at OnePlus

If anything, my biggest advice right now would be do NOT buy the OnePlus Buds Pro 3 anymore because, aside from wireless charging, everything you could want in a wireless earbud for Android is available on the Buds 4.

While the buds would work on iPhone and Android devices, there are some features (like the improved connectivity range and the "instant" AI translations) that are exclusive to users who pair these with OnePlus devices, so that's an important factor to keep in mind when you're shopping and looking at that impressive feature list.

Overall, based on two weeks of testing in a variety of settings, I am extremely impressed with these earbuds. The audio quality is average-good, and the feature set is beyond expectations.

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