The OnePlus Buds 4 offer great value at ₹5,999, featuring premium elements often found in pricier TWS earbuds. They have a sleek and sturdy design, though some users may find them slightly uncomfortable for extended use. The audio quality is impressive, with dual drivers and LDAC support delivering a bass-heavy yet balanced sound. The 55dB adaptive ANC is top-notch, though the Transparency mode could be improved. Battery life is excellent, and features like low-latency gaming and AI translation enhance their appeal.
However, the Buds 4 have some drawbacks, such as missing certain high-frequency sounds with ANC. They also lack wireless charging and broader codec support. While they excel in bass and ANC compared to competitors like the Realme Buds Air 7 Pro, they may not satisfy those seeking intricate sound detail. Overall, for users wanting a feature-rich, reliable, and affordable TWS option, the OnePlus Buds 4 are a strong choice in the sub-₹6,000 segment.
The Good
- Excellent audio quality with dual drivers for deep bass and clear mids/highs.
- Impressive adaptive Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) rated at up to 55dB.
- Comfortable and lightweight design with a secure fit for various activities.
- Extensive battery life of up to 45 hours with the charging case.
The Bad
- Slight discomfort during extended wear for some users.
- Lack of wireless charging options.
- Call quality may struggle in very noisy environments
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Build & Design
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Sound
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Battery
The OnePlus Buds 4, alongside the OnePlus Nord 5 series, is the latest addition to the company’s true wireless stereo (TWS) lineup. Priced at ₹5,999 (with a launch offer reducing the price to ₹5,499), these earbuds aim to deliver flagship-grade features in the competitive mid-range segment. With dual drivers, up to 55dB adaptive Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), LDAC 5.0 codec support, and a claimed 45-hour battery life, the OnePlus Buds 4 promises a lot for their price. But do they live up to the hype? Let’s find out.
Design & Build
The OnePlus Buds 4 features a sleek, minimalist design that maintains the aesthetic of previous OnePlus earbuds, especially the Buds Pro 3, with some notable improvements. The charging case has been redesigned from a rectangular shape to a compact, oval, puck-like form, making it more pocket-friendly. Weighing 49.42 grams, including the earbuds, the case feels sturdy yet lightweight. The matte finish, available in Storm Grey and Zen Green, resists fingerprints and smudges, giving it a premium appearance thanks to the Non-Conductive Vacuum Metallization (NCVM) coating and CO2 laser engraving, which adds a subtle metallic texture. The hinge mechanism operates smoothly, and the lid closes with a satisfying click, reflecting OnePlus’s attention to detail. A small LED indicator on the front glows green or red to signal the charging status, while the USB Type-C port is conveniently located at the bottom, with a function button positioned on the side for easy pairing.
The earbuds themselves are crafted from high-quality plastic with a matte finish, maintaining the brand’s signature look. They feature a stem design and come with silicone ear tips in multiple sizes for a secure fit. With an IP55 rating, they are resistant to dust and water, making them suitable for workouts or light rain, although the charging case does not have this protection. While generally comfortable for most users, including me, some may experience slight discomfort during extended wear (over 2–3 hours) due to the oval-shaped earbuds pressing against certain ear structures. Nevertheless, their lightweight design (approximately 4.5 grams per earbud) and ergonomic shape help ensure they stay secure during activities like running or cycling. The touch controls, which include a unique swipe gesture for volume adjustment, are intuitive and customizable via the HeyMelody app. Accidental triggers are rare due to their precise sensitivity.
Audio & Features
The OnePlus Buds 4 offer impressive audio performance, featuring a dual-driver setup that includes an 11mm ceramic-metal woofer for deep bass and a 6mm precision tweeter for clear mids and highs. The earbuds support multiple audio codecs, including SBC, AAC, and the high-resolution LDAC 5.0, which provides superior audio streaming on compatible devices, particularly high-end Android phones like OnePlus models. Unlike the LHDC codec used in earlier models, LDAC has broader support, making the Buds 4 a universal option for budget-conscious audiophiles.
The default sound profile is bass-heavy, making it well-suited for genres like hip-hop, EDM, and rock while keeping vocals and instruments clear without being overwhelmed. The HeyMelody app enhances the audio experience by offering various customization options, including a 6-band equalizer and preset modes such as Balanced, Serenade, and Bass. The Golden Sound feature tailors the audio to individual hearing profiles, while 3D Spatial Audio with head tracking provides an immersive experience, particularly with compatible OnePlus devices. The soundstage is wide for true wireless (TWS) earbuds in this price range, delivering crisp highs and detailed mids, though there a slight lack of texture compared to pricier models like the Realme Buds Air 7 Pro.
A standout feature is the adaptive active noise cancellation (ANC), rated at up to 55dB, with a noise reduction frequency range up to 5,500Hz. It effectively minimizes low-frequency sounds like traffic, ceiling fans, or background office noise, creating a serene listening environment. While it may not completely eliminate higher-pitched sounds, such as voices or keyboard clicks, it performs well for its price, rivalling more expensive models. However, the Transparency mode can sound slightly artificial and tinny, making it less effective for conversations or environmental awareness. Call quality is reliable, thanks to a triple-microphone setup with AI-powered noise reduction that isolates your voice effectively in noisy environments.
The OnePlus Buds 4 feature Bluetooth 5.4 with dual-device connectivity and a low-latency Gaming Mode (47ms). Additional features like Google Fast Pair and wear detection improve usability. While they lack wireless charging, they maintain a strong overall feature set.
Battery life is impressive, with up to 45 hours of playback using the charging case (ANC off). Each earbud has a 62mAh battery, while the case contains a 530mAh battery. I could use 4–5 hours with ANC on and settings optimized for performance. With ANC off, the earbuds can last up to 9 hours, and a quick 10-minute charge provides 7 hours of listening. Full charging from 10% takes about 1.5 hours with a fast charger.