- Excellent sound quality
- Effective noise cancellation
- Comfortable fit with good passive isolation
- LDAC support for hi-res audio
- Dual connection works seamlessly
- No customizable EQ settings
- Glossy design can feel slippery
- Case lacks an official IP rating
The OPPO Enco Air 3 Pro delivers exceptional audio quality, effective ANC, and a lightweight, comfortable fit. With LDAC support, dual connection, and solid battery life, these budget-friendly earbuds punch well above their weight. However, the lack of a customizable equalizer and slightly slippery design may leave some users wanting more.
I’ve tested a lot of wireless earbuds over the years, but few have surprised me as much as the OPPO Enco Air 3 Pro.
After being let down by other budget-friendly options, I wasn’t expecting much—until I put these in my ears.
From the moment I hit play, I found myself questioning how OPPO managed to pack such impressive sound quality, ANC, and features into such an affordable package.
OPPO Enco Air 3 Pro Specifications
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Driver | 12.4mm Bamboo Fiber Diaphragm Driver |
| Frequency Response | 20Hz – 40kHz |
| Bluetooth Version | Bluetooth 5.3 |
| Audio Codec Support | SBC, AAC, LDAC |
| Noise Cancellation | Up to 49dB Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) |
| Transparency Mode | Yes |
| Microphone | Triple Mic with AI Noise Reduction |
| Latency | Low-Latency Game Mode |
| Connectivity Features | Dual Device Connection, Google Fast Pair |
| Battery Life | Up to 7 Hours (Earbuds) / Up to 30 Hours (with Case) |
| Charging | USB-C, Fast Charging Support |
| Water & Dust Resistance | IP55 (Earbuds Only) |
| Weight | Earbuds: ~4.4g each, Case: ~47g |
| Colors | Green, White |
| Companion App | HeyMelody (Android & iOS) |
Design: Compact, Stylish, and Slippery
The OPPO Enco Air 3 Pro sports a refined design, featuring a compact charging case with a dual-tone aesthetic. Available in green and white, the case’s translucent top lid adds a premium touch, and an LED indicator provides battery status updates. The Type-C charging port sits at the bottom, ensuring easy charging.
While the glossy texture looks elegant, it can feel slippery. That said, the hinge mechanism is smooth, allowing you to flip open the case with a single motion.
Inside, the earbuds maintain a similarly sleek design with clear left and right markers for easy identification. The magnet strength is solid, ensuring the buds stay securely in place.
The earbuds are lightweight and ergonomically designed, making them comfortable for extended listening sessions. Passive isolation is effective, and with multiple ear tip options included, users can adjust for a more secure fit.
Additionally, the Enco Air 3 Pro boasts an IP55 rating, making them resistant to sweat and minor splashes, though the charging case itself lacks water resistance.
Connectivity & App Support: Feature-Rich, but a Basic UI
The Enco Air 3 Pro supports Bluetooth 5.3 and Google Fast Pair, ensuring quick and reliable connections.
Opening the case near an Android phone prompts a pairing notification, making setup effortless. Once paired, users can manage settings through the HeyMelody app, available on both Android and iOS.
While the app’s interface is plain and functional, it provides access to all essential features, including:
- Battery level indicators for both the earbuds and case
- Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) modes: Max, Normal, and Transparency
- Personalized ANC, which tailors noise cancellation based on ear shape
- LDAC toggle for high-resolution audio (only available on compatible devices)
- Golden Sound feature, which optimizes audio output based on ear canal structure
- Dual connection, allowing seamless switching between two devices
While the preset equalizer settings are useful, the lack of a manual EQ is disappointing for those who prefer custom sound tuning.
The spatial audio feature (Oppo Alive Sound) adds an immersive effect, though its real-world impact depends on personal preference.
Sound Quality: Surprisingly High-End Performance
The 12.4mm bamboo fiber diaphragm drivers inside each earbud contribute to an impressive frequency response of 20Hz-40kHz, a rare find in this price segment.
The default tuning delivers a balanced sound profile, with punchy yet controlled bass, clear mids, and refined treble.
Bass: Tight and well-defined, without overpowering the mids. The Bass Boost mode enhances low-end presence, though it can make the overall sound darker.
Mids: Vocals are crisp and present, maintaining clarity even in bass-heavy tracks. Instruments sound natural and well-separated.
Treble: A standout feature. The high frequencies are crisp and detailed, avoiding sibilance while retaining brightness. Tracks like Greta Van Fleet’s “Farewell for Now” showcase the earbuds’ ability to render delicate cymbal hits with precision.
Soundstage: Slightly narrower than expected but remains immersive with good imaging.
LDAC support enables 24-bit/96kHz playback, enhancing detail retrieval when streaming from compatible services.
However, some Samsung users reported LDAC connection inconsistencies, defaulting back to AAC. It works flawlessly on Oppo and OnePlus devices.
ANC & Transparency Mode: Great for the Price
The OPPO Enco Air 3 Pro features Active Noise Cancellation capable of reducing up to 49dB of external noise. While not class-leading, it’s highly effective at cutting out low-frequency sounds like air conditioners or distant traffic.
The Adaptive ANC mode intelligently adjusts cancellation levels based on ambient noise, though it sometimes lets in more sound than expected. When compared to pricier models like the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds, the ANC isn’t as aggressive, but for its price, it performs exceptionally well.
Transparency mode works surprisingly well, keeping external voices natural-sounding without introducing robotic artifacts. This makes conversations seamless without removing the earbuds.
Call Quality & Latency: Solid, but Not Exceptional
The six-microphone array and AI noise reduction ensure calls sound clear, though voice clarity isn’t as refined as premium earbuds like the Sony WF-1000XM5.
Background noise is well-suppressed, making these reliable for calls indoors and in moderate outdoor environments. However, in extremely noisy conditions, voices may sound slightly compressed.
For gaming and videos, low-latency mode significantly reduces lag, making these earbuds a solid option for casual gaming. While not zero-latency like wired earphones, they perform admirably for a wireless setup.
Battery Life: Good, but Not the Best
Battery performance is respectable but not class-leading. OPPO claims:
- 7 hours of playback with ANC off
- 5 hours with ANC on
- Up to 30 hours total with the case
While real-world performance aligns with these numbers, some competitors like JBL earbuds offer longer battery life. Fast charging provides 2 hours of playback in just 10 minutes, and the case supports wireless charging, which is a bonus at this price.
OPPO Enco Air 3 Pro Quick Guide
Pairing with a Smartphone (Android/iOS)
- Open the charging case with the earbuds inside.
- Enable Bluetooth on your smartphone.
- If using an Android phone, a Google Fast Pair popup will appear – tap “Connect”.
- If no popup appears, manually search for “Oppo Enco Air 3 Pro” in Bluetooth settings.
- Tap to pair and confirm connection.
Using HeyMelody App (For Customization)
- Download the HeyMelody app from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
- Open the app and select “Oppo Enco Air 3 Pro”.
- Customize ANC settings, equalizer modes, and touch controls.
Connecting to Multiple Devices (Dual Connection)
- Open the HeyMelody app and enable “Dual Device Connection”.
- Pair with one device first, then connect to the second device via Bluetooth settings.
- The earbuds will automatically switch between the two devices when in use.
Activating Noise Cancellation & Transparency Mode
- Press and hold the earbud stem to toggle between ANC, Transparency Mode, and Normal Mode.
- Customize ANC levels in the HeyMelody app.
Resetting the Earbuds
- Put both earbuds in the charging case and leave the lid open.
- Press and hold the case button for 10 seconds until the LED blinks.
- Reconnect the earbuds via Bluetooth settings.
Verdict: The Best Budget TWS Earbuds Right Now?
The OPPO Enco Air 3 Pro punches far above its price tag, offering excellent sound quality, reliable ANC, and useful smart features like dual connection and LDAC support. If you’re looking for affordable earbuds with a premium audio experience, these should be at the top of your list.
However, if you prioritize a customizable EQ, longer battery life, or a more grippy design, you may want to explore other options. That said, at this price point, these are some of the best truly wireless earbuds you can buy.
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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.
