Wireless earbuds need to do far more than simply play music. They must act as a buffer against the din of the road during a commute, deliver clear vocals in windy conditions, and more — all while looking suitably stylish. The OnePlus Nord Buds 4 Pro ticks many of these boxes. Here’s what we made of them over a week of use.

OnePlus is offering larger drivers for improved clarity and deeper bass, enhanced ANC, longer playback, and a new swipe gesture for quick volume adjustments. There is also support for the Hi-Res LHDC codec.

The case — with its soft matte finish — is smaller than before while still feeling premium. Its compact form means it slips easily into a pocket, weighing just 43g, while the buds themselves come in at a mere 4.4g each.

The IP55 rating means you can comfortably use the buds in the gym, on a run, or even in light rain. That said, the case itself has no waterproofing.

On the technology front, OnePlus has included Bluetooth 6, which enables more stable connectivity and can aid battery efficiency. In addition to SBC and AAC, there is support for the LHDC 5.0 codec.

On any Android phone, the HeyMelody app is essential to get the most out of the earbuds. There is an iPhone version as well, though — as is often the case — functionality is somewhat limited within Apple’s ecosystem.

The box includes a range of ear tips to suit different ear shapes and sizes, ensuring a secure fit. This is crucial, as a proper seal directly improves sound quality. Once fitted correctly, they stay put without fuss.

Clarity meets balance

In the sound department, the 12mm dynamic drivers deliver strong bass and commendable clarity. Much depends on the listening profile you choose in the app. Balanced mode will suit most listeners, though Bass mode adds a bit more heft. You can further dial things in using BassWave, while a modest level of EQ customisation is also available.

OnePlus 3D Audio, accessible via the app, creates a surround-like effect, making music feel as though it is coming from all directions. It is an interesting addition, though not one that suits every genre.

A more practical improvement comes in Game Mode. A new “Sound Effects for Shooting Games” setting enhances cues such as gunfire and footsteps — a handy feature for the sizeable gaming community in India.

ANC is rated at up to 55dB. It can be toggled via the app and is set to high by default, though the ‘auto’ mode proves more effective, adjusting levels based on your surroundings. Naturally, there is also a transparency mode, allowing you to remain aware of your environment while wearing the earbuds.

Phone calls are better than average. With six microphones, voice pickup is clear, and background noise — including wind — is handled reasonably well. That said, call output could still do with some refinement.

OnePlus has introduced a swipe gesture on the stem for volume control, making day-to-day use far more convenient — no need to reach for your phone. There is also in-ear detection, pausing playback when you remove a bud and resuming when you put it back. Dual-device connectivity is present as well — features that, not too long ago, were reserved for pricier pairs.

The case houses a 530mAh battery, while each earbud packs a 62mAh cell. Without ANC, you can expect around 10-12 hours of playback depending on volume levels, extending up to 54 hours with the case. With ANC enabled, those figures naturally dip.

All told, these are strong contenders in the affordable segment for everyday use. Whether it’s for the gym, a run, or working at your laptop in the office, they fit the bill rather neatly. The OnePlus Nord Buds 4 Pro is, at its core, about delivering solid value — and it largely succeeds.

Mathures Paul

At a glance

Device: OnePlus Nord Buds 4 Pro

Price: ₹3,999 (available on sale March 23)

High notes

Strong bass and good clarity

Effective ANC with auto mode

Comfortable, lightweight design

Long battery life

Handy swipe volume controls

Dual-device connectivity

Good fit with multiple ear tips

Stable Bluetooth connectivity

Muffled notes

Case lacks water resistance

3D Audio not suited for all content