OnePlus Buds 4 - The $130 Earbuds Taking on AirPods, Galaxy Buds, and More

The OnePlus Buds 4 are the latest true wireless earbuds from OnePlus, promising premium features like adaptive noise cancellation, dual drivers, and long battery life at a mid-range price. In this detailed comparison report, we’ll break down the Buds 4’s full feature set, analyze expert reviews and user feedback, see how they stack up against rivals (Apple AirPods, Samsung Galaxy Buds, Nothing Ear, etc.), evaluate their pricing and value, and cover the latest news and upcoming releases in the wireless earbuds space. Read on to find out if the OnePlus Buds 4 live up to the hype and where they stand in 2025’s crowded earbuds market.

Key Features & Highlights

• Dual Drivers & Premium Audio – Each earbud packs an 11mm woofer + 6mm tweeter with dual DACs for rich, bassy yet balanced sound. This dual-driver setup yields punchy bass that doesn’t drown out vocals or highs, delivering a lively sound profile techradar.com techradar.com. The Buds 4 support Hi-Res Audio Wireless via LHDC 5.0 codec (up to 24-bit/192 kHz) for enhanced clarity on compatible OnePlus devices techradar.com techradar.com.
• Adaptive ANC up to 55 dB – OnePlus Buds 4 feature adaptive active noise cancellation that can automatically adjust between multiple ANC modes (High, Moderate, Low, Auto) based on your environment techradar.com. In lab tests they reduced ambient noise by ~84%, on par with premium ANC earbuds soundguys.com. Impressively, OnePlus claims up to 55 dB noise reduction, noticeably higher than many rivals (Nothing Ear (2) are rated ~45 dB) soundguys.com gizmodo.com. Reviewers confirm the Buds 4’s ANC is effective – “basically all” gym noise was silenced in one test techradar.com – though opinions vary (more on that below). A transparency mode is also available and has been praised as natural-sounding for conversations soundguys.com tomsguide.com.
• Battery Life & Fast Charging – The Buds 4 boast up to 11 hours per charge (ANC off) and ~6 hours with ANC on, plus around 45 hours total with the charging case (24 hours total with ANC on) techradar.com techradar.com. Real-world tests found ~5.5–6 hours of continuous playback with ANC enabled soundguys.com techradar.com, aligning with OnePlus’s claims. While not class-leading, this is nearly double the playtime of AirPods Pro 2 or Bose QC buds on a single charge tomsguide.com. The case charges via USB-C (no wireless charging) and supports fast charging – just 10 minutes plugged in gives ~3.5 hours extra listening soundguys.com.
• Lightweight, Comfortable Design (IP55) – Weighing only 4.7 g per earbud, the Buds 4 are ultra-light and comfortable for hours of wear soundguys.com soundguys.com. They include three sizes of silicone ear tips and even an in-app earbud fit test to optimize seal tomsguide.com. The design is somewhat plain (available in Storm Gray or Zen Green) – a “minimalist” look that some find boring compared to flashier rivals gizmodo.com. Both buds and case have a matte finish and IP55 dust/water resistance for sweat and rain protection (just don’t submerge them) soundguys.com tomsguide.com. The charging case is compact (40 g) and adopts a pebble-shaped style similar to OnePlus’s Pro lineup techradar.com tomsguide.com.
• Feature-Rich (3D Audio, EQ, Multipoint) – OnePlus stuffed these earbuds with features usually seen on higher-end models. Spatial audio is supported via “OnePlus 3D Audio” (with head-tracking on OnePlus phones) to add an immersive surround effect techradar.com. The HeyMelody companion app (Android/iOS) offers a 6-band equalizer with presets plus a BassWave booster techradar.com. A Golden Sound personalized tuning test creates a custom sound profile by scanning your ear canal and hearing sensitivity, further improving audio fidelity techradar.com. Gamers get a 47 ms low-latency mode for better sync in mobile games techradar.com. The Buds 4 can pair with two devices at once for seamless multipoint switching tomsguide.com tomsguide.com, and they have wear detection to auto-pause music when removed soundguys.com. Voice assistant support, “find my earbuds” function, and even a remote camera shutter control are included as well techradar.com tomsguide.com. (Note: Some advanced perks like LHDC codec, full control customization, and AI translation require a OnePlus phone soundguys.com tomsguide.com.)
• Price & Value – Launched in July 2025 at $129.99 / £119 (roughly ₹10,999 or AU$200) techradar.com, the OnePlus Buds 4 sit in the mid-range bracket. This is a jump from the previous OnePlus Buds (3) which cost ~$99, but still significantly undercuts flagship earbuds (AirPods Pro 2 at $249, Sony WF-1000XM5 at $299, etc.) techradar.com. Reviewers overwhelmingly consider the Buds 4 excellent value for money, given their robust feature set and performance at this price techradar.com techradar.com. One TechRadar editor noted you’d “be hard-pressed to get buds for cheaper with ANC and a feature set like this” and even at full price they’re “really good value” techradar.com. Plus, OnePlus often bundles these buds free or at a steep discount with new phone purchases techradar.com techradar.com, making them an even sweeter deal for many buyers.

Full Features & Specifications

Official Specs: The OnePlus Buds 4 were unveiled on June 16, 2025 and released July 8, 2025 techradar.com techradar.com. Below is a rundown of their core specifications and features:

• Drivers: Dual dynamic drivers (11 mm woofer + 6 mm tweeter per bud) for two-way sound techradar.com techradar.com. Each driver is fed by its own DAC, which helps deliver cleaner, more accurate audio across frequencies techradar.com techradar.com. Frequency response is rated 15 Hz – 40 kHz (slightly narrower in bass than the Pro model’s 10 Hz floor) androidcentral.com.
• Active Noise Cancellation: Yes, adaptive ANC with multiple modes (High/Moderate/Low/Auto) and transparency mode techradar.com techradar.com. Up to 55 dB noise reduction claimed soundguys.com. Three MEMS microphones per earbud handle ANC and calls, using AI noise reduction for voice clarity.
• Audio Codecs: Supports LHDC 5.0 (24-bit hi-res audio) on OnePlus devices techradar.com. Also supports standard AAC and SBC codecs (Note: no aptX/LDAC) androidcentral.com. Certified for Hi-Res Audio Wireless. OnePlus 3D Audio (spatial audio) available, with head-tracking on OnePlus phones techradar.com.
• Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.4 wireless soundguys.com, backward compatible. Fast Pair support for Android. Multipoint pairing (dual-device connection) is available via the app tomsguide.com. Gaming mode reduces latency to ~47 ms techradar.com. Range is standard ~10 m, with a special long-range mode to maintain connection over longer distances gizmodo.com.
• Battery & Charging: Each bud has ~60 mAh battery, case ~500 mAh. Battery life is rated ~11 hrs (buds, ANC off) / 6 hrs (ANC on); 45 hrs total with case (ANC off) / 24 hrs (ANC on) techradar.com techradar.com. Our cited tests confirmed ~5.5–6 hrs per charge with ANC on soundguys.com techradar.com. The USB-C charging case lacks wireless charging (a notable omission vs. many competitors soundguys.com). However, quick-charge is supported: a 10-minute charge gives ~3.5 hrs of playback soundguys.com. Full charge takes ~1.5 hrs for buds, ~2 hrs for case (via USB-C).
• Water Resistance: IP55 rating for earbuds (protected against dust and low-pressure water jets) soundguys.com. The case is not officially water-resistant (likely IPX4 equivalent based on similar OnePlus models). Suitable for workouts and rain, but not for swimming or heavy water exposure.
• Controls: Touch/tap controls and capacitive swipe on the stems. Single/double/triple taps can play/pause, skip tracks, etc., and a touch-and-hold toggles ANC/transparency. Volume is adjustable by swiping the stem (a new addition over Buds 3) tomsguide.com tomsguide.com. Some reviewers found the touch controls fiddly or laggy (a ~2-second delay at times) tomsguide.com, but generally functional. There’s no stem-squeeze mechanism (unlike AirPods Pro or OnePlus Pro buds).
• App & Special Features: HeyMelody app (Android/iOS) enables firmware updates, ANC mode selection, custom EQ (6-band) & presets, Golden Sound personal EQ test techradar.com, Earbud Fit Test, toggle LHDC high-res mode, and more techradar.com tomsguide.com. “Find My Earbuds” emits sound to help locate a lost bud techradar.com. OnePlus-exclusive perks: LHDC codec, Live Translation (supports real-time language translation for conversations), and full control mapping require a OnePlus phone with OxygenOS 14+ soundguys.com tomsguide.com. The buds integrate with OnePlus phones for low-latency Dolby Atmos and Dirac Audio Tuner as well. Voice assistant support (Google Assistant/Siri) is built-in; voice commands are picked up well thanks to a “powerful mic array” tomsguide.com.
• Design & Dimensions: In-ear design with silicone tips (S/M/L). Bud weight 4.7 g; case weight 40 g techradar.com. The charging case is a small rounded rectangle (66 × 49 × 25 mm approx.), with a side pairing button and USB-C port. Available in Storm Gray (charcoal/black) and Zen Green, with a smooth matte finish. The Buds 4’s look is understated – “very plain design” and not as flashy as translucent Nothing Ear buds gizmodo.com gizmodo.com. Still, the build quality feels solid, and the IP55 rating indicates durability for daily use tomsguide.com.

Performance Reviews & User Feedback

Sound Quality: The consensus is that OnePlus Buds 4 deliver excellent audio quality for their class, especially if you enjoy a bass-forward sound. Out of the box, the default tuning leans warm and bass-heavy – OnePlus “absolutely stuffed” these buds with low-end thump techradar.com techradar.com. However, unlike some bass-centric earbuds, the Buds 4 manage to keep mids and highs “crystal clear and defined” thanks to the dual-driver setup and improved tuning balance techradar.com techradar.com. Vocals, guitars, and other details cut through the bass surprisingly well techradar.com. For those who prefer a more neutral sound, the heavy bass can be dialed back via the EQ or OnePlus’s Golden Sound personalization – which reviewers found very effective. Gizmodo’s audio test noted that after running the ear tuning test, the Buds 4 “really sing” with mids and highs coming alive, making the sound more nuanced and tailored gizmodo.com gizmodo.com. With LHDC high-res mode on (OnePlus phones only), the Buds 4 reveal even more detail and instrument separation. One reviewer observed subtle cymbal and instrument layers in familiar tracks that “weren’t discernible on other similarly priced buds”, highlighting the Buds 4’s clarity tomsguide.com tomsguide.com. Overall, experts rate the sound quality highly – TechRadar gave 4/5 for sound, praising the energetic bass that “doesn’t obscure the rest of your music” techradar.com techradar.com. SoundGuys’ lab measurements likewise showed an impressively high audio fidelity score (4.8/5 overall in their MOS testing) and near-perfect timbre accuracy soundguys.com soundguys.com.

That said, not everyone will love the default bass emphasis. If you’re “not a bass fan,” the Buds 4’s powerful low-end might be fatiguing techradar.com techradar.com. Audiophiles seeking a flat reference sound may need to tinker with EQ. Additionally, Tom’s Guide noted that on bass-heavy hip-hop tracks, the monstrous bass could “knock hard, at the expense of minimizing highs” – meaning some treble details aren’t as crisp as on certain competitors like Sony’s buds tomsguide.com. However, this was a minor quibble, and overall the Buds 4’s sound was described as “warm and refined” with lively dynamics tomsguide.com. Importantly, the Buds 4’s dual drivers and acoustic design give them virtually the same sound hardware as OnePlus’s pricier Buds Pro 3, so the sound quality difference between the two is minimal in practice androidcentral.com androidcentral.com. Unless you’re specifically listening for wider soundstage or the absolute crispest highs, the Buds 4 hold their own even against $150–$200 earbuds in audio performance androidcentral.com androidcentral.com.

Active Noise Cancellation: OnePlus Buds 4’s noise cancelling has drawn strong praise from some experts – and more lukewarm feedback from others, indicating performance close to top-tier but perhaps shy of the very best (like Bose or Sony). On the positive side, TechRadar’s reviewer was “absolutely floored” by how much background noise the Buds 4 removed in a noisy gym, saying in High ANC mode it wiped out “basically all of it” techradar.com techradar.com. They stressed the ANC is top-of-the-line, claiming “I can’t stress just how impressive the OnePlus Buds 4 noise cancellation is. If you hate background sound, buy it.” techradar.com. SoundGuys’ objective tests support this: the Buds 4 cut ambient noise by ~84% on average and up to ~40 dB across low, mid, and high frequencies – a level “on par with most premium noise canceling earbuds” soundguys.com soundguys.com. In real-world terms, that means they effectively hush everything from airplane engine droning to office chatter. Gizmodo’s head-to-head found Buds 4 blocked slightly more subway and street noise than Nothing Ear (2), aligning with the spec advantage (55 dB vs 45 dB) gizmodo.com gizmodo.com.

On the other hand, Tom’s Guide had a different take – their reviewer found the Buds 4’s ANC “doesn’t live up to its billing”, ranking it as less stellar than expected tomsguide.com tomsguide.com. They didn’t find the noise reduction as dramatic as the 55 dB claim suggests, especially compared to class leaders. This discrepancy could be due to testing conditions or firmware (OnePlus may yet improve ANC via updates). Notably, Tom’s still praised the transparency mode as “terrific,” saying ambient sounds came through very naturally tomsguide.com. And in SoundGuys’ view, transparency works “well for having conversations without removing the earbuds” soundguys.com, though not singled out as exceptional. So, while the Buds 4’s ANC is widely considered very good – easily sufficient to silence daily commotion and compete with high-end buds – a few experts stop short of calling it the absolute best in industry. It may depend on user expectations: if you’re coming from older or budget earbuds, the difference will wow you; if you’re comparing directly against something like Bose QuietComfort Ultra, you might find a small gap. Overall, for $130 earbuds, the Buds 4’s noise canceling performance is outstanding, and most reviewers agree it’s a major selling point.

Comfort & Fit: The Buds 4 have an ergonomic in-ear fit that most users find comfortable for extended periods. At 4.7 g, they are lighter than many competitors (for reference, AirPods Pro are ~5.4 g each). TechRadar noted the buds are “incredibly lightweight…you’ll forget they’re in your ear” techradar.com techradar.com. The inclusion of multiple eartip sizes and the fit test helps ensure a good seal, which is crucial for both sound and ANC. Tom’s Guide reported being able to wear them for 3 hours straight before any fatigue, with the silicone tips keeping them stable even during jogging tomsguide.com tomsguide.com. The IP55 rating also means sweat won’t be an issue for workouts soundguys.com. There have been no widespread complaints of pressure or discomfort in reviews – the Buds 4 seem to have achieved a universally comfortable design (“no news is good news on the comfort front,” as Gizmodo quipped gizmodo.com gizmodo.com). The only minor gripe came from the design perspective: the Buds 4 look plain and use a fully plastic build (whereas the previous Buds 3 had a fancier aluminum stem). Some reviewers preferred the older glossy finish and styling tomsguide.com, but that’s aesthetic; functionally, the lighter matte design attracts less fingerprint and feels secure. The touch controls on the stems, while feature-rich, can be a bit tricky until you get used to them – accidental taps or the slight lag might frustrate initially tomsguide.com. But having volume swipe control directly on the stems is a welcome upgrade (no need to reach for your phone or use voice for volume) tomsguide.com. In summary, comfort is a strong suit for the Buds 4, and most users will find them easy to live with daily.

Call Quality & Connectivity: With their triple-mic array and AI noise reduction, the OnePlus Buds 4 perform very well for voice calls. SoundGuys tested the mics in various noisy settings and were “impressed by how well the microphones block out street and wind noise”, keeping the speaker’s voice clear soundguys.com soundguys.com. In quiet conditions, voices come through distinctly, and even in wind or traffic, the Buds 4 suppress background din effectively for the listener. Tom’s Guide also noted the wind resistance was consistent and voice calling was perfectly adequate tomsguide.com tomsguide.com. They might not surpass something like AirPods Pro’s beamforming mics, but any differences are minor. Bluetooth connectivity is rated Bluetooth 5.4 – in practice, connection is rock-solid. Reviewers experienced no dropouts or stutters; “throughout testing, the connection…was flawless, never dropping once,” according to TechRadar techradar.com. The Buds 4 also pair quickly (especially with OnePlus Fast Pair or Google Fast Pair) and have stable range. The dual-device multipoint works as advertised – you can be connected to, say, a laptop and phone simultaneously and the buds will intelligently switch when a call comes in or when you play media on the other device tomsguide.com. One thing to keep in mind: if you want to use the highest-quality LHDC codec, it only engages with OnePlus devices; otherwise, the buds will default to AAC, which is still fine for call stability and quality. Overall, as daily drivers for calls, video meetings, and media, the Buds 4 are reliable and clear.

Software & Compatibility: The HeyMelody companion app is feature-packed but has room for improvement. TechRadar encountered some app friction, describing the pairing process with the app as “infuriating and long-winded” in their pre-release testing (having to re-add the buds, weird navigation quirks) techradar.com techradar.com. It’s possible these issues have been ironed out in updates since launch; other reviews didn’t emphasize app bugs as much. On the plus side, the app gives non-OnePlus users access to most settings (ANC modes, EQ, firmware updates, etc.), which is great since many brands lock features to their own phones. However, a few perks remain exclusive if you’re on a OnePlus phone running the latest OxygenOS: notably the “High-Res Audio” mode (LHDC), customizable touch controls, and the AI Translate function tomsguide.com. The translation feature is more a novelty – it works via the OnePlus Translate app and the buds’ mics, but reviews found it only “serviceable” and certainly not better than using Google Translate on your phone tomsguide.com. It’s a neat extra for travel, but not a reason alone to buy these. One genuine advantage for OnePlus device owners is how seamlessly the Buds 4 integrate: instant pairing pop-ups, Dolby Atmos support, and Dirac audio tuning, similar to how AirPods work in Apple’s ecosystem soundguys.com soundguys.com. But even on other Androids or iPhone, you still get a very full feature set via HeyMelody (aside from LHDC codec, which iPhone wouldn’t support anyway).

User Feedback: Early user feedback has generally been positive, echoing the expert reviews. Users appreciate the sound quality for the price, the effective ANC for commuting, and the comfortable fit. Some common user comments praise the Buds 4 as “great all-around budget earbuds” that “get the job done for most people” soundguys.com. The fact that they don’t have any major weakness is noted – they offer a little bit of everything. A few negative reports mention the lack of wireless charging (a convenience some expected at this price) and that the best audio features feel gated to OnePlus phone owners (those on Samsung/Apple miss out on LHDC codec, for example) soundguys.com tomsguide.com. Battery life, while solid, is another aspect where user expectations must be managed: the advertised 11 hours requires turning ANC off and moderate volume; real usage with ANC/music at higher volume will be ~5–6 hours, which some wish were higher (especially since long-haul travelers might need to recharge during a flight). In fairness, ~5–6 hours ANC runtime is about average in 2025, but it’s a notch below the very best (Sony’s can reach ~8–9 hours) soundguys.com. Given the price though, most find it acceptable – SoundGuys bluntly listed “mediocre battery life” as a con soundguys.com yet still gave the Buds 4 a thumbs-up overall. Summing up the sentiment, SoundGuys concluded: “While the OnePlus Buds 4 don’t stand out for any one feature, they are solid all-around performers with no notable drawbacks…an easy recommendation for most people.” soundguys.com soundguys.com. That neutrality and consistency in every area might be the Buds 4’s greatest strength.

Comparison to Competing Wireless Earbuds

The mid-range true wireless earbuds segment is fiercely competitive in 2025, so how do the OnePlus Buds 4 measure up against key rivals? Below we compare them to popular alternatives in terms of features, performance, and value:

• Apple AirPods: Apple’s closest equivalent to the Buds 4 in price are the standard AirPods (4th Generation), which reportedly introduced noise cancellation at ~$169 (bridging the gap toward the $249 AirPods Pro 2) tomsguide.com tomsguide.com. The OnePlus Buds 4 have clear advantages in specifications: they offer active ANC (the AirPods 4 are said to include ANC, but likely not as advanced as Buds 4’s adaptive multi-mode system), a secure in-ear fit with silicone tips (base AirPods use open fit), and customizable EQ/features via an app – features traditionally lacking in standard AirPods. Battery life is another win: Buds 4 can hit 6 hours with ANC on, whereas even AirPods Pro 2 top out ~6 hours (AirPods 3 do ~5 hours, with no ANC). One Tom’s Guide editor noted the Buds 4 have “almost double the playtime of any AirPods or Bose model” on a single charge (thanks to OnePlus’s 11-hour no-ANC spec) tomsguide.com tomsguide.com. Where Apple leads is in the seamless integration with iOS/macOS – AirPods Pro 2 are still “the industry blueprint in design and comfort,” with effortless device switching and Find My integration in Apple’s ecosystem soundguys.com soundguys.com. AirPods Pro also have excellent transparency mode and very good ANC, likely comparable to Buds 4 (some tests rank AirPods Pro 2’s noise canceling slightly below Sony/Bose but in the top tier). For iPhone users, the AirPods’ convenience and spatial audio with head-tracking might be compelling. However, for Android users or budget-conscious buyers, the Buds 4 deliver far more bang for the buck. You’re getting AirPods Pro-like features (dual drivers, ANC, spatial audio) at roughly half the price of Apple’s flagship buds. Unless one is deep in the Apple ecosystem, the OnePlus Buds 4 present a strong value alternative to AirPods – arguably “the $130 AirPods killer” in the Android world.
• Samsung Galaxy Buds: Samsung’s lineup in 2025 includes the high-end Galaxy Buds 2 Pro (launched 2022 at $229) and the newer Galaxy Buds FE (Fan Edition) launched in late 2024 at $149. The OnePlus Buds 4 position themselves between these. Galaxy Buds 2 Pro share some similarities: they use a dual-driver system (10 mm woofer + 5.3 mm tweeter), offer 24-bit Hi-Fi audio (via Samsung’s proprietary codec), and have ANC. In pure performance, Buds 2 Pro have excellent sound and ANC on par with top competitors, but they cost significantly more (often on sale around $150–$180 by 2025). The Buds 4 actually beat Buds 2 Pro in battery life (Samsung’s rated ~5 hrs ANC on, 18-20 total) and arguably in app features (Samsung’s app has EQ presets but no hearing test personalization like OnePlus’s Golden Sound). The Galaxy Buds FE are a closer price competitor – $149 MSRP. They feature ANC (rated up to ~6 hrs ANC playtime, similar to Buds 4) and are designed as a budget-friendly option with solid fundamentals news.samsung.com sammyguru.com. Buds FE have slightly larger 12 mm drivers (single dynamic) and decent ANC (specs suggest ~<25 dB reduction). One advantage for Samsung buds is seamless integration with Galaxy phones – features like Auto Switch between Samsung devices, Bixby voice wake, and the Samsung Scalable Codec for higher quality on Galaxy phones. However, outside the Samsung ecosystem, those extras aren’t as useful. The OnePlus Buds 4 likely offer better sound customization and a more premium build than Buds FE (which use a basic plastic design and lack water resistance beyond IPX2-4). Also, Buds FE do not support hi-res codecs like LDAC or LHDC, whereas OnePlus Buds 4 do (albeit only on OnePlus phones). In short: Galaxy Buds 2 Pro remain better (but pricier) earbuds overall, with wireless charging and slightly more refined sound/ANC, while Galaxy Buds FE come close in price but are outclassed by the Buds 4 in features like dual drivers, hi-res audio, and water resistance soundguys.com news.samsung.com. Samsung is expected to release Galaxy Buds 3 Pro perhaps in late 2025 or 2026, but as of now OnePlus Buds 4 comfortably hold their own against Samsung’s offerings, especially for the cost.
• Nothing Ear (2): Nothing’s Ear (2) (often just called “Nothing Ear”) is a notable rival at $149 – it’s a stylish pair of ANC earbuds known for their transparent design and balanced sound. A direct OnePlus Buds 4 vs. Nothing Ear (2) comparison reveals each has its strengths. Design: Nothing Ear (2) sport a unique clear stem and case that many find futuristic and cool, whereas Buds 4 have a conventional look. If you want to make a style statement, “the Nothing Ear will likely be your frontrunner” due to its see-through aesthetic, as Gizmodo’s reviewer put it gizmodo.com gizmodo.com. The Buds 4 are more low-key – great if you prefer something that “fades into the background.” Sound: Both use custom drivers (~11 mm in Nothing vs dual drivers in OnePlus). Out of the box, they deliver quality sound and offer personalized EQ tests via their apps. OnePlus Buds 4 have a stronger bass impact and after personalization, OnePlus’s tuning made a more pronounced improvement in clarity than Nothing’s did gizmodo.com gizmodo.com. Gizmodo found the Buds 4’s low-end more natural-sounding (less over-processed) and gave OnePlus the edge for audio, stating “more nuanced sound is hard to beat, and OnePlus brings more to the party in this case.” gizmodo.com gizmodo.com. Features: Both buds have adaptive ANC, ambient mode, wear detection, and support multipoint. Buds 4 pull ahead with slightly better battery – rated 6 hours ANC vs ~5 hours on Nothing Ear (2) gizmodo.com gizmodo.com – and they actually achieved that advantage in testing gizmodo.com gizmodo.com. OnePlus also offers a few more perks like the ultra-low latency mode and that long-range Bluetooth mode, plus the fancy Golden Sound test (Nothing Ear 2 has a hearing test too, but reviewers said OnePlus’s effect was more noticeable gizmodo.com gizmodo.com). Nothing Ear (2) do support LHDC 5.0 codec as well (Carl Pei’s team worked with Qualcomm on that), so on a OnePlus phone you could use LHDC with either buds. Neither case has wireless charging (Ear (2) actually does have wireless charging despite their small size, correction: Nothing Ear 2’s case supports Qi charging, which Buds 4 lack). In terms of ANC performance, OnePlus Buds 4 cancel a bit more noise – 55 dB vs 40–45 dB – and users have noted Buds 4 perform slightly better for constant low-frequency noise gizmodo.com gizmodo.com. Verdict: OnePlus Buds 4 are arguably more feature-packed and deliver better ANC and bass response, while Nothing Ear (2) win on style and have very comparable sound quality for most content. Gizmodo’s comparison ended with the author personally favoring Nothing Ear (2) “just because I love the look”, but conceded that “if you’re more substance over style, do yourself a favor and pick up the OnePlus Buds 4, which are a great pair…for the value, albeit pretty boring to look at.” gizmodo.com gizmodo.com.
• Google Pixel Buds: Google’s closest current offering is the Pixel Buds Pro (launched 2022 at $199). Pixel Buds Pro have ANC, a single 11 mm driver, and tight integration with Google Assistant and Android (hands-free “Hey Google” commands, real-time translation via Assistant). They have a warm sound with strong bass as well, and a very effective transparency mode, but their ANC was just average in our experience. OnePlus Buds 4 likely beat Pixel Buds Pro on ANC strength (Pixel’s ANC is decent but not class-leading). Battery is similar (~7 hrs Pixel vs 6 hrs Buds 4 ANC on; Pixel’s case gives 31 hrs total). Pixel Buds Pro do offer wireless charging and multipoint out of the box (which OnePlus matches on multipoint, misses on wireless charge). A major factor is price: Pixel Buds Pro retail around $150–$199, though they often discount to ~$150. At $130, Buds 4 undercut them while offering more customization (Pixel’s app has a 5-band EQ but no hearing test or sound profiles). For Android users not tied to Pixel’s ecosystem, the Buds 4 might be a better value with similar or better audio performance. It’s worth noting Google is rumored to be developing Pixel Buds 2A, a second-gen affordable model around $129 that could launch in 2025 techradar.com soundguys.com. Supposedly, these Pixel Buds 2a would aim to be “the $129 earbuds to beat” with ANC and Google’s software smarts techradar.com. If that materializes, OnePlus will face a direct challenge at the exact same price from Google. But until then, Buds 4 hold an edge in specs over current Pixel Buds A-Series (which cost $99 but have no ANC and fewer features).
• Sony and Others: In the broader market, high-end options like Sony WF-1000XM5 ($299) and Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds ($299) still stand at the top for noise cancellation and sound quality, but they are in a different price league. SoundGuys notes the Sony XM5 can attenuate up to 50 dB of noise and lasts 9.5 hours with ANC – truly best-in-class soundguys.com. The OnePlus Buds 4 can’t quite match that (especially in battery), but they also cost less than half as much. Mid-range competitors around $100–$150 abound: Sony WF-C700N ($119) offer ANC and a compact build; Jabra Elite 5 ($149) with multipoint and balanced sound; Anker Soundcore Liberty 4 (~$130) with dual drivers and LDAC; EarFun Air Pro 4 ($89) with even aptX Lossless codec support soundguys.com soundguys.com. Each has pros and cons, but notably the Buds 4’s feature set even rivals some of these. For example, EarFun Air Pro 4 have wireless charging and aptX Lossless, but use single drivers and their ANC (75% noise reduction) is a bit behind OnePlus soundguys.com soundguys.com. Ultimately, OnePlus Buds 4 stack up extremely well against anything in the $100–$150 bracket. They often bring a flagship-like experience to a midrange price, whereas competitors either drop certain features at that price (no hi-res codec, or only single driver, etc.) or charge more for equivalent capabilities.

In summary, OnePlus Buds 4 hold their own against major competitors. They offer a rare combination of dual-driver hi-fi sound, strong ANC, and extensive features at $129. They outshine Apple’s base AirPods for Android users, go toe-to-toe with Samsung and Nothing’s offerings, and present a better value proposition than many pricier earbuds. Unless you specifically need a competitor’s unique benefit (e.g. AirPods for iPhone synergy, or Sony for absolute top ANC), the Buds 4 are one of the most well-rounded choices in their class.

Pricing and Value Analysis

With an MSRP of $129.99 in the US (₹9,999–₹10,999 in India, £119 in UK), the OnePlus Buds 4 are positioned as mid-tier earbuds delivering premium-tier features. This price represents a slight increase from the previous OnePlus Buds 3 (which launched at $99) techradar.com, yet it’s still far more affordable than flagship earbuds from Apple, Bose, Sony, Sennheiser, etc. Let’s break down the value proposition:

For $130, the Buds 4 provide adaptive ANC, dual drivers with hi-res audio support, multipoint Bluetooth, water resistance, and robust battery life – a combination that is hard to find at this price from big-name brands. Many competitors in the $100–$150 range force trade-offs. For instance, Apple’s $169 AirPods (4th gen) may add ANC but lack customizable fit and still cost more tomsguide.com tomsguide.com. The $119 Sony WF-C700N have ANC but only single drivers and no high-bit-rate codec. OnePlus is basically trickling down features from its $180 Pro line to a cheaper model, which is a win for consumers seeking value. TechRadar’s review explicitly noted that at full price, the Buds 4 are “really good value for money due to the stand-out features”, and that you’d struggle to get a similar feature set for cheaper techradar.com. They rated Value 3.5/5, reasoning that while $130 is no longer “budget basement,” the buds easily justify the cost – and on sale they become a steal techradar.com techradar.com.

Speaking of sales, OnePlus often runs promotions. At launch, they offered a $30 discount code (bringing them to ~$99) on their website androidcentral.com androidcentral.com. Just weeks after release, one could find the Buds 4 in the UK for £85.99 on Amazon (about $109) tomsguide.com tomsguide.com. These discounts put the Buds 4 in direct contention with budget models while still outclassing them in specs. Additionally, OnePlus frequently bundles free earbuds with new phone pre-orders – many buyers might effectively get Buds 4 at no added cost with a OnePlus phone purchase techradar.com. In those cases, the value is undeniable (“100% discount is pretty good value for money!” TechRadar joked techradar.com techradar.com).

Comparatively, let’s consider the cost-to-benefit: You pay roughly half of what top-tier ANC earbuds cost, yet you get about 80–90% of the performance (in ANC and sound) and in some areas even more features (dual connection, personalized sound, etc.). Only a few compromises exist, like the missing wireless charging and slightly shorter battery life vs. the best – which, for many users, are minor trade-offs. Android Central pointed out that the Buds Pro 3 (OnePlus’s own higher-end model at ~$150–$180) might be worth the extra $20–$50 if you demand things like wireless charging and a more “premium” build androidcentral.com androidcentral.com. However, with the Buds 4 often on sale or bundled, that gap can be larger than $20. When the Buds 4 are near $100, they undercut almost all name-brand competitors offering ANC. Only some Chinese brands (Soundcore, EarFun, etc.) compete on price, but they lack the polish and brand integration OnePlus offers, not to mention OnePlus’s wide distribution and support.

From a longevity perspective, the Buds 4 benefit from OnePlus’s track record of software updates. They will likely see firmware improvements over time (perhaps optimizing ANC or adding EQ presets). OnePlus isn’t as fast as Apple in updates, but their community often gets bugs addressed. There’s also value in the ecosystem synergy: if you have a OnePlus phone or plan to get one, these earbuds unlock high-quality audio and neat tricks (like camera control, LHDC) that you wouldn’t get with other third-party buds. So for OnePlus phone owners especially, the Buds 4’s value is amplified.

In summary, OnePlus Buds 4 deliver tremendous value at their price point. They challenge the notion that you need to spend $200+ for premium wireless audio. As SoundGuys wrote in their recommendation, the Buds 4 “offer great value on a lightweight design—offering great value all together”, even earning a “SoundGuys Recommended” badge soundguys.com. If you find them on sale or bundled (bringing effective cost down to double digits), they become arguably one of the best bargains in the wireless earbuds market of 2025.

Upcoming Earbuds and Latest News

Staying updated in the fast-moving earbuds landscape is important – both OnePlus and its competitors are continually iterating. Here are some notable recent news and what’s on the horizon for OnePlus Buds 4 and competing products:

• OnePlus Buds 4 Launch & Reception: The OnePlus Buds 4 were first revealed on June 16, 2025 via an exclusive TechRadar announcement techradar.com. They launched officially on July 8, 2025 alongside OnePlus’s Nord 5 series phones techradar.com techradar.com. Early media coverage highlighted OnePlus dropping the confusing “Nord” branding for its mid-range buds – these are simply Buds 4, implying a focus on a unified flagship-like quality techradar.com. At launch, one headline touted the Buds 4’s ANC as “the best ANC performance I’ve ever tested in a set of earbuds” techradar.com, indicating the strong first impressions. Over the following weeks, numerous reviews came out (as covered above) generally praising the Buds 4. Tom’s Guide’s review carried an eye-catching title that they’re “equally impressive and disappointing,” reflecting a mixed take on some features tomsguide.com, but that was a rare somewhat negative voice. On the whole, the Buds 4 have been well-received as one of 2025’s top mid-range earbuds, frequently making “best earbuds” lists for their price category. For example, Gizmodo included them in “The Best Gadgets of August 2025” round-up, noting them as “hi-fi wireless earbuds” worth your attention gizmodo.com.
• Software Updates & Improvements: Since release, OnePlus has rolled out at least one firmware update addressing the HeyMelody app connectivity issues some reviewers faced. User reports indicate the app now more reliably recognizes the Buds 4 and retains settings between sessions (the clunky pairing loop TechRadar mentioned techradar.com seems to have been fixed in an update). OnePlus also added a couple of EQ presets and made minor improvements to ANC in a post-launch update, according to community forum posts (though official changelogs are sparse). It’s recommended to keep the buds’ firmware updated via the app for the best experience. No major new features (like additional spatial audio modes or such) have been added yet, but OnePlus could potentially enable things like multi-band EQ control on non-OnePlus phones in the future (pure speculation based on requests).
• Upcoming OnePlus Earbuds (Buds Pro 4?): OnePlus’s flagship Pro earbuds tend to follow a roughly 18-month cycle. The last OnePlus Buds Pro 3 launched in August 2024 techradar.com. Following that cadence, the OnePlus Buds Pro 4 are expected around early 2026 (likely Spring 2026) soundguys.com. SoundGuys analyzed OnePlus’s timeline and noted the pattern (Buds Pro in Sep 2021, Pro 2 in Feb 2023, Pro 3 in Aug 2024) and predict about an 18-month gap to the next generation soundguys.com soundguys.com. While there have been no official details or credible leaks yet for Buds Pro 4 as of late 2025 soundguys.com, tech enthusiasts have their wishlists. Desired features for Buds Pro 4 include even better transparency mode, intelligent “conversation awareness” (auto pause and ambient when talking), longer battery life, improved volume controls, and perhaps new materials or design tweaks (some found the Buds Pro 3’s glossy parts to attract fingerprints) soundguys.com soundguys.com. OnePlus has shown interest in user feedback – a SoundGuys writer polled users and many voted for Conversational Awareness and improved transparency in the next Pro model soundguys.com soundguys.com. We can expect Buds Pro 4 to carry forward dual drivers (perhaps improved), wireless charging, Bluetooth 5.4 or 5.5, and likely a similar $179–$199 price. For now, the Buds Pro 3 remain on sale (often discounted to ~$150) and are recommended if you need the extras like wireless charging and slightly better soundstage androidcentral.com androidcentral.com. But if you’re eyeing an upgrade, keep Spring 2026 in mind for OnePlus’s next flagship earbuds.
• Apple & Samsung – What’s Next: In the Apple world, the big earbud news of 2025 was the launch of AirPods (4th Gen), which for the first time brought Active Noise Cancellation to the non-Pro AirPods and switched the charging case to USB-C (following the EU regulations) soundguys.com soundguys.com. Priced around $169, these AirPods 4 essentially give Apple fans a cheaper ANC option below the AirPods Pro. Reviews indicate they perform well, though with shorter battery life (~4–5 hours) and not quite Pro-level ANC. Looking ahead, AirPods Pro (3rd Gen) rumors suggest Apple may update their flagship buds in late 2025 or 2026, potentially adding features like lossless audio support (via a new wireless protocol) and improved fitness tracking sensors. There’s also talk of Apple working on health-related earbuds (with heart rate or temperature sensors), but nothing concrete yet. On the Samsung side, after the Buds FE in 2024, the next expected release is Galaxy Buds 3 Pro (name speculative). If following past patterns, Samsung could reveal these alongside the Galaxy S lineup or Foldables in 2025/26. One clue: Samsung filed trademarks for “Galaxy Buds 3” and “Buds 3 Pro”, and a TechRadar snippet humorously noted Samsung “seemingly set to bypass Buds 2 FE to go straight to Buds 3 FE” techradar.com – which indeed they did by naming the 2024 model Buds FE. So Buds 3 Pro might be on deck. Expected improvements might include larger batteries (some leaks pointed to bigger 100 mAh batteries in each bud for longer playtime settingsinfotech.com), enhanced “Galaxy AI” features (like voice detect, 3D audio), and new designs/materials. Until then, Samsung users have the current Buds2 Pro or Buds FE to choose from, but it’s worth watching 2025 Samsung Unpacked events for new earbuds.
• Nothing & Other Competitors: Nothing Tech hasn’t announced an “Ear (3)” yet, but given the roughly annual cycle, an Ear (3) or Ear (2) refresh in 2025/2026 is possible. Carl Pei’s company also launched a sub-brand “CMF by Nothing” with cheaper earbuds (the CMF Buds Pro at $49) in late 2023, which actually offer shockingly good value – ANC and 10 mm drivers at a rock-bottom price androidcentral.com. Those are clearly aimed at the ultra-budget market, but they underline how competitive the earbud space is becoming at every price tier. Google’s Pixel Buds 2A (the rumored $129 model) are anticipated in 2025, potentially alongside the Pixel 9 phone. TechRadar speculated these could be “the $129 earbuds to beat”, possibly offering Google Assistant smarts, ANC, and spatial audio at the same price as Buds 4 techradar.com. One “key way they disappoint,” per that report, might be limited availability or one missing feature (perhaps no multipoint or shorter battery) – we’ll have to see. Sony released its mid-range WF-1000XM5 in 2023 and might refresh its entry-level or sports lineup in 2025, but nothing confirmed. Bose launched the QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds in late 2023 with class-leading ANC; Bose likely won’t release another model until 2025/26, focusing on software updates for now.
• Notable News and Trends: A few trends in recent earbud news that contextualize the OnePlus Buds 4: Many manufacturers are adding personalized sound features (OnePlus and Nothing have hearing tests; Sony and Bose do too). Adaptive ANC is becoming standard, even in mid-range, as OnePlus has done. Battery life gains have plateaued around 6–8 hours for ANC earbuds – Gizmodo noted an “ANC battery life ceiling around 6 hours” which Buds 4 and others seem to hit gizmodo.com gizmodo.com. Where OnePlus jumped ahead is Bluetooth 5.4 adoption – this newer spec improves efficiency and latency. We might see more buds adopt BT 5.4/5.5 soon. Lastly, regulations (like the EU’s common charger law) are pushing all brands to USB-C cases – OnePlus already uses USB-C, so no concern there, but Apple’s adoption of USB-C in AirPods Pro and 4 is a notable change in 2023/24 that levels the playing field for accessories.

In terms of notable coverage, the OnePlus Buds 4 have been consistently in the news since launch, from initial reviews to comparison tests. They have been cited as a standout in the mid-range category and have likely pressured other brands to offer more for less. One article even commented that OnePlus delivered such strong ANC in Buds 4 that it’s “probably the best I’ll ever test”, showing how OnePlus is punching above its weight techradar.com. This bodes well for consumers – the success of Buds 4 will encourage competitors to step up their game, and we’re already seeing that with Google and Samsung’s moves.

Conclusion: The OnePlus Buds 4 have proven to be a feature-packed, high-performing pair of wireless earbuds that validate their marketing promises. They bring many flagship-grade features into an affordable product, earning praise from users and experts alike. When comparing to other earbuds on the market, the Buds 4 either match or exceed what’s offered at a similar (or even higher) price, making them one of the best value buys of the year. With OnePlus continuing to invest in the audio category (and a Buds Pro 4 on the horizon), it’s clear they intend to remain a serious competitor to the likes of Apple, Samsung, Google, and Nothing in the personal audio space. Whether you’re simply looking for an ANC upgrade without breaking the bank, or you’re a OnePlus phone owner wanting the optimal accessory, the Buds 4 are a compelling choice in 2025. As always, keep an eye on upcoming releases – but rest assured that OnePlus Buds 4 are already setting a high bar that others will strive to meet soundguys.com gizmodo.com.

Sources:

• SoundGuys – “OnePlus Buds 4 review: A great mid-range earbud option” (Chase Bernath, Aug 14, 2025) soundguys.com soundguys.com
• TechRadar – “OnePlus Buds 4 review: the best earbuds for noise-cancellation I’ll ever test (probably)” (Becky Scarrott, July 2025) techradar.com techradar.com
• TechRadar – “OnePlus Buds 4 revealed with high-spec dual DAC design…” (Becky Scarrott, June 16, 2025) techradar.com techradar.com
• Tom’s Guide – “I just tested the OnePlus Buds 4 — and they’re equally impressive and disappointing” (Alex Bracetti, 2025) tomsguide.com tomsguide.com
• Gizmodo – “OnePlus Buds 4 vs. Nothing Ear: Which Pair of Wireless Earbuds Wins?” (Raymond Wong, Aug 2025) gizmodo.com gizmodo.com
• Android Central – “I put OnePlus’ Buds 4 up against Buds Pro 3 — they’re more similar than you think” (Brady Snyder, July 22, 2025) androidcentral.com androidcentral.com
• SoundGuys – “OnePlus Buds Pro 4 wishlist: All the features I want to see” (Simon Cohen, updated Oct 2025) soundguys.com soundguys.com
• TechRadar – “4 reasons why Google Pixel Buds 2a may be the $129 earbuds to beat in 2025…” (Becky Scarrott, 2024) techradar.com techradar.com
• Samsung Newsroom – “Samsung Introduces Galaxy Buds FE…” (Sept 2024 press release) news.samsung.com sammyguru.com