Looking for the best TWS earbuds under ₹3,000?
Read this detailed OnePlus Nord Buds 3 Pro Review covering its sound quality, ANC performance, battery life, features, and real-world experience.
Introduction:
The OnePlus Nord Buds 3 Pro have quickly become one of the most talked-about true wireless earbuds in India.
With promises like 49dB Active Noise Cancellation, 12.4mm dynamic drivers, and a massive 44-hour battery life, these earbuds aim to dominate the budget TWS segment.
But do they really live up to the hype? Let’s break down everything you need to know before buying.
Key Features at a Glance
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Driver Size | 12.4mm Dynamic Drivers |
| Active Noise Cancellation | Up to 49dB Hybrid ANC |
| Battery Life | Up to 44 Hours (With Case) |
| Charging | USB-C Fast Charging (10 min = 11 hrs) |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth 5.4, Dual Pairing, Google Fast Pair |
| Audio Codecs | SBC, AAC |
| Protection | IP55 Dust & Water Resistant (Earbuds) |
| Latency | 47ms Low Latency for Gaming |
| App Support | HeyMelody App (Android & iOS) |
Design and Build Quality
The OnePlus Nord Buds 3 Pro feature a matte finish case with a minimalistic design that looks premium. The earbuds themselves are lightweight at just 4.4 grams each, ensuring a comfortable fit even for long listening sessions.
✅ Pros
- Compact and pocket-friendly design
- Comfortable fit for long hours
- LED indicator shows battery level (Green = High, Red = Low)
❌ Cons
- Case lacks IP rating
- No wireless charging
Sound Quality: Big Bass, Crisp Vocals
Powered by 12.4mm titanium-coated dynamic drivers, the OnePlus Nord Buds 3 Pro deliver a rich, loud, and bass-heavy sound.
The BassWave 2.0 algorithm lets you manually boost the bass from the HeyMelody app.
Even without any EQ tweaks, the audio is loud, clear, and punchy — perfect for EDM, hip-hop, and Bollywood tracks.
Vocals are crisp and treble is clean without distortion.
Sound Highlights
- Strong, thumping bass response
- Balanced mids and vocals
- Adjustable EQ through the HeyMelody app
- Supports SBC & AAC codecs (no LDAC or LHDC)
If you’re a bass lover, you’ll absolutely love these earbuds. But if you prefer a neutral or audiophile-grade tuning, you might find them a bit bass-heavy.
Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) and Transparency Mode
The 49dB Hybrid ANC is surprisingly powerful for this price range. It efficiently cuts out low-frequency noises like air conditioners, engines, or background chatter.
🎧 Real-World Experience
- Indoor ANC: Excellent – quiets down fans, AC, and office noise.
- Outdoor ANC: Good – blocks wind and traffic noise up to a large extent.
- Transparency Mode: Works well when walking outside or talking without removing earbuds.
For calls, the AI-powered 3-mic ENC system eliminates wind and traffic noise effectively, offering clear, crisp voice calls.
Battery Life and Charging
Battery life is one of the strongest points of the OnePlus Nord Buds 3 Pro.
🔹 Earbuds Only (No ANC): Up to 12 hours
🔹 Earbuds with ANC: Around 5–6 hours
🔹 Total with Case: Up to 44 hours (without ANC)
🔹 Fast Charging: 10 minutes = 11 hours playback (ANC off)
The 440mAh case charges via USB Type-C and takes around 2 hours for a full charge.
✅ Tip: With moderate use (ANC off + calls + music), you can easily go 2 full days on a single charge.
Connectivity and App Features
The OnePlus Nord Buds 3 Pro support the latest Bluetooth 5.4, offering stable connectivity and 47ms low latency, which is great for gamers.
It supports:
- Dual Device Pairing (connect two devices simultaneously)
- Google Fast Pair (quick pairing for Android users)
- HeyMelody App for firmware updates, EQ settings, touch control customization, and ANC adjustments
Gaming Performance:
With 47ms low latency, gaming feels smooth with minimal delay between visuals and sound effects.
Smart Features You’ll Love
- Optical wear detection — Auto-pause when you remove earbuds, auto-play when you wear them again.
- Customizable touch controls — Change tap gestures via app.
- AI call noise reduction — Enhances clarity during outdoor calls.
- IP55 protection — Safe from sweat and light rain.
These small but smart additions make the user experience smooth and seamless.
Comparison: Nord Buds 3 Pro vs Rivals
| Feature | Nord Buds 3 Pro | Realme Buds Air 7 |
|---|---|---|
| ANC | 49dB Hybrid ANC | 52dB Hybrid ANC |
| Driver Size | 12.4mm | 12.4mm |
| Battery Life | 44 hrs | 52 hrs |
| Fast Charging | 10 mins = 11 hrs | 10 mins = 10 hrs |
| App Support | HeyMelody | Realme Link |
| Price (Approx) | ₹2,999 | ₹3,499 |
Verdict:
While Realme offers slightly higher ANC on paper, the Nord Buds 3 Pro wins with better call quality, cleaner design, and reliable software support.
Final Verdict: Should You Buy the OnePlus Nord Buds 3 Pro?
The OnePlus Nord Buds 3 Pro are easily among the best budget ANC earbuds in India right now. They combine premium features, deep bass, strong ANC, and great battery life at an affordable price.
Overall Rating: 4.6 / 5
| Category | Rating |
|---|---|
| Design & Comfort | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ |
| Sound Quality | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| ANC & Call Quality | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ |
| Battery Life | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Features & App Support | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ |
| Value for Money | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for the best TWS earbuds under ₹3,000, the OnePlus Nord Buds 3 Pro is a must-buy. It’s ideal for everyday use, travel, gaming, and work calls — and easily competes with pricier earbuds in sound and features.
Detailed Review