I know you’re on the hunt for top-notch budget earbuds with ANC, and you’ve narrowed it down to two strong contenders: the SoundPEATS Capsule3 Pro+ and the OnePlus Buds 3.
Both models promise impressive features, including active noise cancellation, long battery life, and quality sound—all without breaking the bank.
But with such similar pricing and features, which one truly stands out?
Let’s dive into a detailed comparison to help you make the right choice!
Also see: EarFun Air Pro 4 vs SoundPEATS Capsule3 Pro+: Which Should You Buy?
Table of Contents
Soundpeats Capsule3 Pro+ vs OnePlus Buds 3: Pros and Cons
SoundPEATS Capsule3 Pro+
Pros:
- Punchy bass with detailed mids.
- Effective ANC for the price.
- Long battery life (43 hours with case).
- Comfortable fit and lightweight design.
- Customizable EQ via app.
Cons:
- Overly bright highs for some users.
- No wireless charging.
- App stability issues reported.
OnePlus Buds 3
Pros:
- Balanced sound profile with smooth highs.
- Reliable ANC and transparency mode.
- Comfortable, premium design.
- Fast charging support.
- Seamless integration with OnePlus devices.
Cons:
- Limited high-res audio support (LHDC only).
- Transparency mode slightly muffled.
- Design may feel generic.
Design and Comfort
Let’s start with the design, the SoundPEATS Capsule3 Pro+ keeps things simple with a basic, functional look. The earbuds are lightweight and offer a secure, comfortable fit, ideal for workouts thanks to their IPX4 water resistance. However, the matte finish and gold-accented details might not appeal to everyone.
The OnePlus Buds 3, on the other hand, exude a more premium aesthetic with their sleek, minimalist design. Comfort-wise, they also deliver, fitting snugly in the ears for long listening sessions. While both are well-suited for active lifestyles, the OnePlus Buds 3 has a slight edge in aesthetics.
Verdict: If you prioritize style, the OnePlus Buds 3 wins. For practical design and comfort, the SoundPEATS Capsule3 Pro+ is equally reliable.
Sound Quality
Both models offer an impressive audio experience for the price, but they cater to slightly different audiences. The SoundPEATS Capsule3 Pro+ is tuned with a focus on punchy bass and bright highs, creating an energetic and dynamic sound profile.
The bass is impactful without being overwhelming, and the mids are exceptionally clear, particularly for vocals, which stand out crisply.
However, the highs can feel overly bright in some tracks, which may cause listening fatigue over time—especially with music that has lots of treble-heavy instruments like cymbals or acoustic guitars. Thankfully, the EQ settings in the SoundPEATS app allow customization to tone this down.
On the other hand, the OnePlus Buds 3 take a more balanced approach, with smoother highs and slightly more subdued bass compared to the Capsule3 Pro+.
While the mids aren’t as detailed, they remain decent, albeit with a slight veil in some tracks.
The highs, however, are gentler and less fatiguing, making the OnePlus Buds 3 better suited for extended listening sessions across a wide range of genres.
Verdict: If you love punchy bass and don’t mind tweaking the sound settings, the SoundPEATS Capsule3 Pro+ shines, especially for genres like jazz and classical. For a more versatile sound that handles pop, rock, and hip-hop well without fatigue, the OnePlus Buds 3 is the better pick.
Noise Cancellation and Transparency Modes
Both earbuds feature active noise cancellation (ANC), but the effectiveness differs slightly.
The SoundPEATS Capsule3 Pro+ provides solid ANC that blocks out low-frequency noise like engine hums or background chatter, making it a good choice for commuting or working in busy environments. Its transparency mode is also functional, allowing you to hear your surroundings without removing the earbuds, though it’s not the most natural-sounding.
The OnePlus Buds 3’s ANC is equally competent but slightly better tuned for midrange noise, making it ideal for office settings or cafes. Its transparency mode feels more refined, providing a natural experience when you need situational awareness.
Verdict: Both deliver good ANC for the price, but the OnePlus Buds 3 edges ahead with its more polished transparency mode.
App and Controls
The SoundPEATS app offers a decent level of customization, including EQ settings and preset sound profiles. While the default presets might not suit everyone, the ability to fine-tune the sound makes it a powerful tool. Touch controls on the earbuds are responsive and easy to use.
The OnePlus Buds 3 integrates seamlessly with the OnePlus ecosystem, offering quick pairing and customizable touch controls. While its app isn’t as robust in terms of EQ options, it provides enough features to satisfy most users.
Verdict: For those who love tweaking audio settings, the SoundPEATS app offers more flexibility. If you’re a OnePlus user, the Buds 3 are a no-brainer.
Battery Life
Battery performance is a strong suit for both earbuds. The SoundPEATS Capsule3 Pro+ offers up to 5 hours of playback with ANC on, extending to 6.5 hours with ANC off, and a total of 43 hours with the charging case. However, it lacks wireless charging, which might be a drawback for some users.
The OnePlus Buds 3 provides slightly better endurance, with around 6 hours of playback time on a single charge with ANC and a total of 39 hours including the case. It also includes fast charging, providing a quick boost when you’re short on time.
Verdict: The SoundPEATS Capsule3 Pro+ has a longer total battery life, but the OnePlus Buds 3’s fast charging adds convenience.
Soundpeats Capsule3 Pro+ vs OnePlus Buds 3: Specs Comparison
Feature | SoundPEATS Capsule3 Pro+ | OnePlus Buds 3 |
---|---|---|
Colors | Black | Splendid Blue, Metallic Gray |
Bluetooth Version | 5.3 | 5.3 |
Noise Cancellation | Adaptive Noise Cancellation | Up to 49dB Smart Adaptive Noise Cancellation |
Drivers | 12mm dynamic drivers | 10.4mm woofer + 6mm tweeter dual drivers |
Battery Life (ANC Off) | 6.5 hours (earbuds) + 43 hours (with case) | 10 hours (earbuds) + 44 hours (with case) |
Battery Life (ANC On) | 5 hours (earbuds) + 33 hours (with case) | 6.5 hours (earbuds) + 28 hours (with case) |
Fast Charging | No | 10 mins charge for 7 hours playback (with case) |
Water Resistance | IPX4 | IP55 |
Weight (Earbuds) | 4.9g | 4.8g |
Special Features | SoundPEATS App Support, EQ Customization, Game Mode | Touch Volume Control, OnePlus Audio ID 2.0, OTA Upgrades |
Charging Port | USB-C | USB-C |
Latency | Low latency for gaming | 94ms audio latency |
Final Thoughts
Both the SoundPEATS Capsule3 Pro+ and the OnePlus Buds 3 deliver exceptional value in their price range, but your choice will depend on what you want:
Choose SoundPEATS Capsule3 Pro+ if you love vibrant bass, detailed mids, and have specific genres like jazz or classical in mind. Its impressive soundstage and long battery life make it a strong contender.
Choose OnePlus Buds 3 if you prefer a balanced sound profile with smoother highs and a design that fits a broader range of genres. Its fast charging and better transparency mode make it ideal for everyday use.
You cannot go wrong with purchasing either of these models because they deliver wireless Hi-Fi sound for entry-level prices.
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.