I was really impressed with the latest OnePlus Buds 4, but I believe there’s still room for improvement. That’s where the next generation could shine — the OnePlus Buds 5. If OnePlus continues its trend of refining audio quality, design, and smart features, we can expect an even more superior listening experience this time around.
In this article, I’ll dive into the expected release date of OnePlus Buds 5, make some predictions about the pricing, and highlight the features and improvements I’d love to see in the upcoming earbuds.
OnePlus Buds 5 Release Date
- OnePlus Buds – July 27, 2020
- OnePlus Buds 3 – January 23, 2024
- OnePlus Buds 4 – July 8, 2025
Looking at the pattern—from Buds (2020) to Buds 3 (early 2024), and Buds 4 (mid-2025)—it’s clear OnePlus doesn’t stick to a strict yearly schedule. Still, they’ve been stepping up the cadence since Buds 3. So, if they follow a mid-cycle update pattern, I’d guess the OnePlus Buds 5 could debut around mid- to late-2026, maybe June or July, maintaining that summer-launch vibe and giving enough lead time after the Buds 4.
OnePlus Buds 5 Price
- Buds (original) – $79
- Buds 3 – $85
- Buds 4 – $129
Since the Buds series has been climbing steadily, I’d expect the OnePlus Buds 5 to launch at around $130–$150.
OnePlus Buds 5 Features I Want to See
While the OnePlus Buds 4 are a solid upgrade with punchy sound and excellent ANC, they still leave room for refinement. Here are a few features I’d love OnePlus to bring with the Buds 5:
Longer Battery Life
The Buds 4 don’t quite hit their advertised numbers, especially with ANC on. A bump to true all-day use (8–10 hours per charge with ANC, and 35–40 hours with the case) would make the Buds 5 much more reliable for travel and heavy users.
Wireless Charging Support
In 2025, it feels odd that a flagship pair of earbuds doesn’t support wireless charging. Adding Qi wireless charging would make them more convenient and future-ready.
Faster, More Responsive Touch Controls
Current touch and swipe gestures can feel laggy, especially when switching ANC modes. The Buds 5 should deliver instant, intuitive controls—or better yet, bring Pro-style squeeze controls for accuracy.
Improved Comfort for Long Listening Sessions
Some users find the Buds 4 fit a bit fatiguing after extended wear. A more ergonomic design or softer ear tips could make the Buds 5 more comfortable for marathon listening sessions.
More Color Options & Premium Finishes
With only two muted colors (Zen Green and Storm Grey), style feels limited. A wider range of colors and finishes could help the Buds 5 stand out and give buyers more personality in their choice.
Enhanced Call Quality in Noisy Environments
While the Buds 4 are great for calls, street-level background noise still leaks through. An upgraded mic system with stronger noise suppression would make the Buds 5 even more reliable for work calls and commutes.
Better Codec Support Across Devices
Right now, only certain phones can unlock the full potential of LHDC 5.0. Wider codec support (aptX Adaptive, LC3, etc.) would ensure every user enjoys high-quality audio, regardless of their phone brand.
Should You Wait For OnePlus Buds 5?
Now the most important question — should you wait or go for the OnePlus Buds 4? Honestly, it depends on what you want right now. The Buds 4 are already a solid pair of earbuds with strong ANC, balanced audio, and a premium design at a fair price. If you need new earbuds today, you won’t regret picking them up.
But if you’re not in a hurry, I think waiting could pay off. The Buds 5 are likely coming around mid-2026, and by then OnePlus might fix the things we talked about—like adding wireless charging, boosting the battery, and improving comfort. If those upgrades matter to you, it might be worth holding out a little longer.
For me, the Buds 4 are great but not perfect. If OnePlus really polishes the experience with the Buds 5, that could be the version everyone’s been waiting for.
Best Deals:
- OnePlus Buds 4: View on AliExpress
- 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.
