OnePlus Nord Buds 4 Review: Premium Sound Without Breaking the Bank!

OnePlus has introduced the OnePlus Nord Buds 4. After the recent review of the Pro variant in the OnePlus Nord Buds series, the more budget-friendly Nord Buds 4 has now become part of the collection. Priced significantly lower than the Pro model, it aims to provide much of the premium experience at a more accessible cost. But does it truly stand out on its own, or does it feel like a compromised version? Let’s dive into this detailed review to find out.

Design & Build

The OnePlus Nord Buds 4 sport a clean, modern design that feels strong and premium for its segment. The earbuds feature a stem-style form with a matte finish that resists fingerprints and smudges effectively, giving them a refined look compared to glossier alternatives. They are exceptionally lightweight, making them comfortable for extended wear without causing fatigue, even during long commutes or workout sessions.

The charging case is compact and pocket-friendly, with a rounded, matte exterior that feels solid in hand. It has a satisfying magnetic lid closure and strong internal magnets that keep the buds securely in place. The case weighs roughly 34–43 grams total with buds inside, striking a good balance between portability and durability. An IP55 rating for the earbuds (dust and water resistance) means they can handle sweat, rain, and gym sessions confidently.

Overall build quality impresses at this price point. The flattened sides on the stems aid in easy touch controls and volume adjustments via swipe gestures, a thoughtful touch. Compared to the Pro variant, the Nord Buds 4 feel nearly as premium but shed some weight and perhaps a bit of the ultra-luxe materials, making them more everyday-friendly.

Audio Quality and Features

Audio performance is where the Nord Buds 4 shine, making them an affordable pair. They use a dual-driver setup, an 11mm woofer for rich lows and mids, paired with a 6mm tweeter for crisp highs. This configuration, backed by dual DACs, delivers balanced, detailed sound with good separation. Bass is punchy and controlled without overwhelming the mix, vocals come through clearly, and trebles have sparkle without harshness. Support for Hi-Res Audio via LHDC 5.0 enhances the user experience, though AAC works well across devices.

Out of the box, the tuning leans fun and engaging, ideal for pop, EDM, and hip-hop. The HeyMelody app offers extensive customization via EQ presets, a personalized hearing test, and sound profiles. Features like spatial audio add immersion for movies and gaming. Latency drops to around 47ms in game mode, making them suitable for casual gaming and video playback.

Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) is “doable” and surprisingly effective for the price, with up to 55dB reduction and real-time adaptive modes. It handles low-frequency rumble (traffic, engines) well and improves noticeably over predecessors, though it may not match flagship levels in very windy or high-frequency scenarios. Transparency mode works naturally for conversations.

Battery life is a strong suit. The buds offer 6–11 hours per charge (depending on ANC and codec), with the case extending that to 24–45 hours. Real-world tests often align closely: 5–6+ hours with ANC on is reliable for daily use. Fast charging also provides hours of playback from a quick top-up. No wireless charging, but USB-C is quick and convenient.

Additional features include Bluetooth 5.4 for stable connectivity, multipoint pairing, volume swipe controls, in-ear detection, and IP55 resistance. The app integration enhances usability with firmware updates, gesture customization, and find-my-device options. While not as loaded as the Pro variant, the Nord Buds 4 cover essentials exceptionally well.