I’ve tested the OnePlus Buds 3, which is really a decent pair of earbuds packed with features at a reasonable price.
So naturally, my expectations for the OnePlus Buds 4 are quite high—especially after testing the Redmi Buds 6 Pro, which surprised me with its sound quality at such an affordable price.
If OnePlus wants to stay competitive in the budget and mid-range wireless earbuds market, the Buds 4 needs to bring something special—whether it’s improved ANC, better battery life, or enhanced sound tuning.
With leaks already circulating, many are wondering what OnePlus will bring to the table with the Buds 4.
Will we see upgraded drivers for richer audio? Improved microphones for clearer calls? Or perhaps even LDAC support for high-resolution audio?
In this article, we’ll go through the latest leaks, expected features, possible pricing, and our wishlist of what we’d love to see in OnePlus’ next-generation earbuds.
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OnePlus Buds 4 Release Date
OnePlus entered the TWS market in mid-2020 with the launch of the original OnePlus Buds. Fast forward to January 2024, and we saw the release of the OnePlus Buds 3, followed by the Buds Pro 3 in August 2024.
Given this pattern, it’s likely that the OnePlus Buds 4 could make its debut in Q1 2025, bringing the next evolution of OnePlus’ wireless earbuds lineup.
OnePlus Buds 4 Feature I’d like to see
While the OnePlus Buds 3 delivered solid value for money, there are still areas where OnePlus could improve for the OnePlus Buds 4.
Here are some areas where I think OnePlus needs to upgrade:
A More Balanced Sound Profile
One of the most common complaints about the OnePlus Buds 3 was the overly bass-heavy sound.
While bass lovers might enjoy it, many users found that it overshadowed the mids and treble, making vocals and high frequencies less clear.
OnePlus Buds 4 should aim for a more balanced tuning, or at least offer better EQ customization to fine-tune the sound profile.
Improved Active Noise Cancellation (ANC)
The ANC on the Buds 3 was decent, especially for its price, but it struggled with higher-frequency noises.
For the Buds 4, OnePlus should enhance ANC performance, making it more effective across a wider range of sounds, especially in office or travel environments.
Longer Battery Life
Battery life was a bit of a mixed bag. While 10 hours without ANC is decent, turning ANC on dropped it to just 6.5 hours—which isn’t great compared to some rivals. OnePlus should aim for at least 8-10 hours with ANC on and a larger battery case for extended use.
Faster and More Reliable Connectivity
Some users reported slow pairing times with the Buds 3, sometimes taking 5-10 seconds to connect. The Buds 4 should have faster pairing, ideally with Bluetooth 5.4 or a more optimized OnePlus Fast Pair feature.
Better Sound Leak Control
A few users noticed sound leakage even at moderate volume levels, which can be an issue in quiet places like libraries or offices. Better passive noise isolation with improved ear tip design would help reduce this problem.
More Intuitive Controls and Gestures
The touch and slide gestures on the Buds 3 were appreciated, but some users found them inconsistent, with accidental activations when adjusting the fit.
OnePlus should refine the touch sensitivity and possibly introduce squeeze controls like on the Buds Pro models.
Dual Device Connectivity on More Devices
OnePlus phones had a seamless experience, but multi-point connectivity on non-OnePlus devices was hit or miss. The Buds 4 should offer more reliable dual-device pairing across different ecosystems, including iPhones and other Android brands.
More Premium Build Quality
The Buds 3 case was functional but felt a bit plasticky and lightweight. A sturdier build, similar to the OnePlus Buds Pro lineup, would give the Buds 4 a more premium feel without significantly increasing the price.
By addressing these issues, OnePlus could make the Buds 4 a true standout in the budget and mid-range TWS market. If they refine the sound, boost ANC performance, and improve battery life, the Buds 4 could be an easy recommendation.
OnePlus Buds 4 Price (Expectation)
- OnePlus Buds: Initially priced at $79, later reduced to $59.
- OnePlus Buds 3: Launched at $99.99.
- OnePlus Buds Pro: Priced around $150 at launch.
I think it’s reasonable to anticipate that the OnePlus Buds 4 will be priced in the range of $99 to $120.
Should You Wait for the OnePlus Buds 4?
Well, it’s hard to say, but I believe the OnePlus Buds 4 will bring some noticeable improvements over the Buds 3.
However, if you already own the OnePlus Buds Pro model, it’s likely good enough to last you a couple more years without feeling outdated.
On the other hand, if you’re currently in the market for new earbuds, waiting for the Buds 4 might be worth it—especially if you want better ANC, sound tuning, and longer battery life.
That said, if your budget is really tight, I’d recommend looking at the Redmi Buds 6 Pro, which delivers surprisingly good sound quality for a lower price. It offers decent ANC, strong battery life, and a more balanced sound profile, making it a great alternative in the budget segment.
If OnePlus nails the key improvements in the Buds 4, it could be a strong contender in the mid-range TWS market.
But until we get official confirmation on specs and features, whether you should wait depends on how urgently you need new earbuds and what features matter most to you.
Best Deal:
OnePlus Buds 3: View on AliExpress
OnePlus Buds Pro 3: View on AliExpress
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Nick, the Co-founder of Earbuds Arena, is a seasoned freelance tech journalist with over ten years of experience covering wearables, apps, headphones, and gadgets. When he’s not immersed in the tech world, you’ll likely find him unwinding with video games, going for a run, or enjoying a game of soccer on the field.
