The OnePlus Nord Buds 3r are the latest budget-friendly TWS offering from OnePlus, promising great features at an affordable price point under ₹2,000. With a host of impressive specs and a sleek design, they’re aimed at those looking for a solid audio experience without breaking the bank.
But with the growing number of wireless earbuds flooding the market, do the OnePlus Nord Buds 3r stand out enough to justify their place in your ears? We find out!
OnePlus Nord Buds 3r: Design & Comfort
When it comes to design, OnePlus has gone for a fresh, rectangular-shaped design with sharp lines, which makes the Nord Buds 3r look modern. The matte finish adds a premium touch, and it does a great job of resisting fingerprints.
The case itself is a bit chunkier compared to some of the most popular budget models, but this bulk allows for a larger battery, but, this makes case not that pocket-friendly.
If you're used to ultra-compact designs, the OnePlus Nord Buds 3r might feel a little on the bulkier side. But when you factor in the larger battery, it's a trade-off I’m willing to accept.
Fit-wise, the OnePlus Nord Buds 3r offers a solid and comfortable fit. I even tested them how well they stay seated by shaking head violently a few times, and I must say, the buds stayed in place, which is always a good sign for a secure, snug fit. The buds also come with extra eartips, so you can find the perfect size for your ears.
Plus, with IP55 rating for water and dust resistance, you don’t have to worry about sweat or light rain.
OnePlus Nord Buds 3r: Touch Controls
You get some basic touch and tap controls with the earbuds. A single tap allows you to play/pause your music. Volume control is also sorted on these; just tap and hold to adjust the volume.
What’s even better is that the OnePlus Nord Buds 3r let’s you customise various gesntures and taps for the touch controls via the HeyMelody app, which is available on both Android and iOS.
You can also even set the double tap function on the OnePlus Nord Buds 3r to take selfies, which I found fun and practical.
I did miss the wear detection feature, though. So when you take the buds out, your music keeps playing. Not exactly a a dealbreaker, but it’s definitely a miss in 2025.
OnePlus Nord Buds 3r: Audio
When it comes to audio quality, the OnePlus Nord Buds 3R are definitely bass-heavy. They come with a 12.4mm driver, and right off the bat, the bass is punchy. If you’re someone who loves deep, thumping lows, these earbuds will deliver.
I tested these buds with a few tracks, starting with Bohemian Rhapsody, and I noticed that the vocals felt a bit muffled. The highs weren’t as crisp as I would have liked, and there was some distortion in the higher frequencies. The bass, though powerful, was clearly the dominant feature in the sound profile.
I switched to Tu Jhoom, and the story was somewhat the same. The bass was strong, but it also drowned out the vocals. While I do enjoy a good, punchy bass, having too much of it can make it difficult to truly enjoy other aspects of the song. It’s all about balance, and for me, the OnePlus Nord Buds 3R tipped the scale too far towards bass, making the experience a little too overwhelming.
However, it’s not all bad. If you're a bass lover, the OnePlus Nord Buds 3R will definitely satisfy your cravings. They have a fun, punchy sound that works well with genres that thrive on low-end frequencies, like EDM or hip-hop. But if you’re someone who prefers a more balanced sound with clearer vocals and detailed highs, you might find the OnePlus Nord Buds 3R a bit too overpowering in the bass department.
The OnePlus Nord Buds 3r do come with custom EQ settings, so you can adjust the sound to suit your preferences.
OnePlus Nord Buds 3r: Battery Life
Now, let’s discuss battery life, which is an area where the OnePlus Nord Buds 3r really impresses.
With a 560mAh battery, these buds provide up to 54 hours of total playback with the case. The earbuds themselves last around 12 hours on a full charge, which is fantastic considering the price point. You won’t have to charge these every day, and for someone like me who is always on the move, that’s a win.
But the real winner here is how quickly it charges. In just 10 minutes of charging, you get 8 hours of playback, which is insanely good when you’re in a rush. If you forget to charge them the night before, you’ll still be able to use them for hours with just a quick top-up.
OnePlus Nord Buds 3r: Software & Features
The OnePlus Nord Buds 3r comes with the HeyMelody app for Android and iOS, which allows you to customise your EQ settings and adjust the touch controls. The app is easy to navigate and does its job well. Real-time adjustments to sound, control, and features make it a breeze to personalise your experience.
Another great feature is dual-device connection. You can connect the OnePlus Nord Buds 3r to two devices at once, which is super handy if you need to switch between your phone and laptop without having to disconnect and reconnect each time.
Another feature worth mentioning is spatial audio. It adds a sense of depth to the audio, but it’s not quite as immersive as it would be on higher-end headphones. Still, for budget earbuds, it’s a nice addition that enhances the listening experience.
OnePlus Nord Buds 3r: Verdict
If you’re looking for budget wireless earbuds with bass-heavy sound quality, long battery life, and great fast charging, the OnePlus Nord Buds 3r are a solid pick. The bass-heavy audio is perfect for bass lovers, and the battery life is outstanding for the price.
However, if you’re someone who prioritises balanced sound, clear vocals, and ANC in your earbuds, you might want to look elsewhere. These earbuds are built for people who want fun, bass-heavy sound without paying a premium price.
