Think premium TWS earbuds need to break the bank? Think again. The OnePlus Buds 4 brings impressive sound quality, strong ANC, and support for Hi-Res codecs—all wrapped up in a clean, stylish design that doesn’t scream AirPods knockoff.
Officially priced at ₹5,999, there’s also a sweet ₹500 launch-day discount up for grabs.
With this combo of features and pricing, the Buds 4 is aiming to shake up the mid-range earbuds scene. But is it worth your money or just good on paper? Let’s break it all down in our full review.
OnePlus Buds 4 review: Design
Let’s start with the design. OnePlus has gone with a puck-shaped case this time, and honestly, it feels great in the hand. The matte finish gives it a premium touch, and the lid flips open with a really satisfying flick—OnePlus has absolutely nailed the hinge mechanism here. Bonus points for the compact shape that slips into my pocket without any bulk.
The earbuds themselves are pretty straightforward. They’ve got a clean, no-nonsense look with stems and touch controls, but I do wish they had a bit more flair. Personally, I found the Buds 3 design more interesting—this one feels like a step down, especially if you care about aesthetics.
Still, they check all the right boxes when it comes to usability. You get an IP55 rating, which makes them totally workout-safe, even if you’re sweating it out. The in-ear fit is snug and comfy even for long hours, and OnePlus includes extra silicone tips in the box to help you get the right size. Also, shoutout to the magnets inside the case—they’re seriously strong and do a better job holding the buds in place than many others in this price range.
We reviewed the Zen Green version, which looks decent, but if you prefer something more low-key, there’s also a Storm Gray option. Design-wise, it’s functional—but could’ve used a bit more personality.
OnePlus Buds 4 review: Connectivity & controls
Let’s get into connectivity. The OnePlus Buds 4 packs Bluetooth 5.4 and supports AAC, SBC, and LHDC 5.0 codecs, which means you’re getting high-res audio with rock-solid reliability. One of the best features here is Dual Device Connection—you can stay hooked to two devices at once, seamlessly switching between them without any lag. I tested this while using my iPhone and a OnePlus 13R, and there were zero dropouts, even when I left one device in another room.
Pairing was easy across both platforms. On Android, you get Google Fast Pair for that near-instant setup. On iPhone, it worked smoothly too, though a tad slower. For managing settings and updates, I used the HeyMelody app, which worked reliably.
Controls are handled through touch gestures—tap and swipe—but I’m not a huge fan. The touch area is smaller than I’d like, so unless you’re precise, you might end up nudging the earbuds out of place. I really wish OnePlus had added pinch controls like on some higher-end earbuds, which are far more comfortable and accurate. Still, once you get the hang of it, it does the job.
OnePlus Buds 4 review: Audio quality
Let’s talk sound. The OnePlus Buds 4 isn’t trying to impress audiophiles—but for everyday listening, they’re pretty great. Right out of the box, the sound is tuned for bass lovers. Songs like Unforgettable by French Montana or Do I Wanna Know by Arctic Monkeys pack serious punch. That thump is unmistakable, but thankfully, the vocals and mids don’t get drowned out either.
These buds come with 11mm + 6mm coaxial dual drivers and dual DACs, which gives them a richer, fuller soundstage than you’d expect at this price. Tracks like Skyfall and Rolling in the Deep by Adele sounded deep and dynamic. Even more layered songs like Moth to a Flame by The Weeknd or Mary on a Cross by Ghost came through cleanly with enough detail to keep things interesting.
Through the HeyMelody app, you can choose from preset EQs or tweak the bass and treble to your liking. I toned down the bass and boosted treble a touch—it definitely made a difference.
There’s spatial or “3D” audio support too, but honestly, it didn’t blow me away. Low-latency gaming mode, though, did deliver. OnePlus claims 47ms, and I could feel the sync improve during my gaming sessions.
ANC is rated at 55dB and adapts in real-time. It’s not the best in class, but works decently. I personally felt a bit of listening fatigue after long sessions, though your experience may vary.
I wasn’t a fan of the transparency mode either. It sounded artificial and slightly tinny to my ears.
Call quality is reliable, and there’s even an AI translation feature. It’s fun to have, but let’s be real—not many people will use that every day. Still, overall sound and feature set? Pretty impressive for the price.
OnePlus Buds 4 review: Battery
Battery life on the OnePlus Buds 4 holds up really well. While OnePlus claims up to 45 hours with ANC off and AAC codec at 50% volume, I got around 4 to 5 days of use with ANC on, LDHC enabled, and volume at 60-70%. That’s roughly 4–5 hours of daily listening, which is solid.
You won’t need to charge these more than once a week. And when you do, a quick 10-minute charge gives you 5 to 6 hours of playback—perfect for last-minute boosts before heading out. Basically, the Buds 4 won’t leave you hanging on battery.
OnePlus Buds 4 review: Verdict
The OnePlus Buds 4 delivers solid value with a clean design, great sound, and practical features. The case is sleek, pocket-friendly, and opens smoothly with one hand, while the buds themselves offer a snug, comfortable fit.
Sound quality leans bass-heavy by default but still keeps vocals and instruments crisp, and the dual drivers really help bring tracks to life. Add solid ANC, low-latency gaming, and strong battery life, and you’ve got a well-rounded package.
Overall, the Buds 4 might not be flashy, but they’re reliable, well-tuned, and feel more polished than most options at this price point.
