Here’s the short version: the OnePlus Buds 4 deliver the core features most people actually need—strong noise cancellation, lively sound, comfortable fit, and reliable connectivity—at a price that undercuts AirPods and other premium earbuds by a wide margin. And with a current promo code knocking $30 off the $130 list price, they’re compelling value at $100.
Why I’d pick these over pricier options
Flagship buds from Apple, Sony, and Bose still lead in certain niceties, but the gap has narrowed enough that midrange sets like the Buds 4 make more sense for most listeners. You get active noise canceling that tames commutes and flights, punchy sound with a tasteful bass lift, multipoint for two devices, and fast USB-C charging—all for less than half the price of many “halo” models.
Market data backs up this shift. Canalys and Counterpoint have both reported that sub-$150 true wireless earbuds are growing faster than the premium tier as features trickle down. The Buds 4 are a textbook example of why: they prioritize the essentials, not edge-case features you’ll use twice.
Noise cancellation that punches up
In real use—subway platforms, open-plan offices, and a cross-country flight—the Buds 4 cut low-frequency rumble and drone to a degree that surprised me. While industry tests from groups like Rtings routinely crown Sony and Apple at the top of the ANC charts, the difference between those leaders and the Buds 4 felt smaller than the price gap suggests. You still hear sharp transients and voices in very loud spaces, but the overall hush is on par with many $200 competitors.
Transparency mode is equally important, and the Buds 4 avoid the hollow, hissy effect common to cheaper sets. Street sounds come through naturally, which matters for safety as much as convenience.
Sound tuned for modern listening
OnePlus leans into a dual-DAC architecture per earbud and a tuning that favors a clean sub-bass lift. The result is a fun, modern profile that flatters pop, hip-hop, and streaming mixes without turning cymbals into sandpaper or burying vocals. Highs are smoothed just enough to prevent fatigue, and mids carry podcasts and acoustic tracks well.
If you want more control, the companion app (the same HeyMelody platform used across OnePlus/Oppo audio) gives you EQ presets and custom curves. On a OnePlus phone, you also get tighter integration, including a low-latency gaming mode that keeps taps and gunfire in sync without the usual Bluetooth lag. That “just works” seamlessness—often cited as the AirPods advantage inside the Apple ecosystem—is genuinely good here on Android.
Comfort, fit, and everyday reliability
The Buds 4 adopt a flatter stem and lightweight shell that distributes weight well, staying secure through runs without inviting ear fatigue. Three sizes of tips are included, and the fit test in the app helps lock in a seal (critical for both bass and ANC). I’d rank comfort above AirPods Pro for small ears, thanks to the shallower insertion and lighter feel.
Controls are responsive, with precise tap and slide gestures for volume and mode switching. Because the touch area sits on the outer stem, you may occasionally steady the bud when adjusting volume—minor, but worth noting if you constantly fiddle with controls.
Battery, calls, and the connectivity checklist
Battery life comfortably clears a full workday with mixed ANC use, and the case stretches total playtime well beyond what most people need between charges. A quick top-up over USB-C gives you hours in minutes—clutch when you’re heading out the door.
Call quality is solid: beamforming mics kept my voice intelligible on city streets, and wind rejection is better than average for this tier. Multipoint pairing worked reliably between a laptop and phone, and Google Fast Pair made first setup painless on Android. Stability over Bluetooth was rock-steady; no random desyncs, even in busy RF environments like airports.
How they stack up to AirPods and $300 flagships
AirPods Pro still win if you live inside Apple’s ecosystem and care about head-tracked spatial audio, deep iOS integration, or ultra-polished ANC in edge cases. Sony and Bose lead in absolute noise-canceling strength and offer more expansive soundstage options with their apps.
But for core listening and commuting, the Buds 4 deliver roughly 85–90% of the experience at a fraction of the price. You sacrifice niche features—wireless charging, advanced spatial effects—but gain better battery endurance than AirPods on paper, snappier Android integration, and a sound signature many mainstream listeners will prefer out of the box.
The deal that seals it
Right now, a checkout code for OnePlus knocks $30 off the OnePlus Buds 4, bringing them to $100 in Zen Green or Storm Gray. The box includes the buds, charging case, USB-C cable, and three ear tip sizes. At that price, they undercut AirPods Pro by well over $100 and beat most midrange rivals on value-per-feature.
If you’re buying earbuds to commute, work, work out, and unwind—not to chase audiophile rabbit holes—the OnePlus Buds 4 hit the sweet spot. Spend less, get what matters, and pocket the difference.