If you’ve got your eye on high-end earbuds but don’t want to pay AirPods prices, then you should buy OnePlus’ new Buds 4—they’re the smarter purchase at this very moment, especially during their sale price. They offer solid sound in a confident fit, good-enough active noise cancellation, and modern conveniences that include quicker pairing and switching between Apple devices for just a fraction of what Apple usually charges.
Why some of these are better than AirPods for the money
As you know, list price matters. So does what you get for it. AirPods Pro still stand as some of the pricier mainstream options, and the OnePlus Buds 4 dropped to $100. That’s a massive delta for earbuds that, for most users, won’t feel like sort of a downgrade in day‑to‑day usage.
Market trackers like Canalys and IDC have reported that midrange earbuds are growing faster than premium as buyers focus on “good enough” features at sane prices. And for years, independent test labs have demonstrated that subjective sound quality doesn’t scale in the same way as MSRP. In short: You can spend less and not sacrifice good audio, ANC, and reliability.
Great sound and ANC for the price you pay
The Buds 4 take a lively, bass-forward tuning without the added crime of drowning out vocals or smearing treble. Each speaker has a dual DAC construction, so low‑end control is tight and detail from the mids up is well retained. The highs here eschew the brittle edge that afflicts many budget sets, so listening for longer periods is a less painful experience.
Active noise cancellation is very capable—competitive with OnePlus’ more expensive Buds Pro 3 in daily use. On a subway platform or an airplane, they tamp down low‑frequency rumble to a dull roar, and office chatter is lowered into the background hum. Labs like Rtings have proven time and again that the efficacy of ANC depends more on tuning and mic placement than the price bracket, and for the Buds 4 it’s textbook.
And there’s a substantial transparency mode for brief conversations and situational awareness. The sound can be additionally tailored in the companion app using custom EQ, so if you want a flatter response or extra sparkle, it’s only a few clicks away.
Comfort-first design, one control oddity
OnePlus improved the fit with a flatter stem and a shell that sits securely without any hot spots. The shape takes a cue from the brand’s Nord Buds line, which is known for being comfortable as you wear them during marathon sessions. I found that in testing, seal stability was great through brisk walks and lightly paced workouts.
The touch zone is located on the outside of the stem and can be used for tap and swipe movements. It’s responsive, though swiping can nudge the bud if you aren’t careful. A basic hack: Press two fingers on the stem (you can use your thumb and index finger), then swipe with an index finger to keep it still. This is a small change for otherwise intuitive controls.
The connectivity and features that most people actually use
The Buds 4 deliver where it matters for Android and Windows users: fast pairing, reliable Bluetooth 5.x stability, low‑latency mode for video and gaming, and true multipoint connection — so you can be as connected as you need to be. AirPods work well across Apple’s ecosystem, but they lack the flexibility of cross‑platform multipoint.
Codec support extends to the mainstream standards and lower-resolution streams for compatible phones. Clarity on calls is good, and a multi-mic array combined with noise reduction copes well with wind and traffic. The water‑ and sweat‑resistant tech makes them perfect for the gym, and a pocketable charging case has strong magnets.
Battery life is easy “all‑day with the case” territory. Leave ANC on, and you’re ready to go for a full day of commutes and calls; when you do need to charge, 15 minutes gives you another 2.5 hours. A swift top‑up via USB‑C gets you back in action.
Who might still want AirPods over OnePlus Buds 4
If you live in Apple’s world, AirPods Pro continue to have advantages that are difficult or impossible for competitors to emulate: instant iCloud syncing across devices, rock‑solid H2 chip latency, industry‑leading Find My integration, and Adaptive Audio features that offset ANC against awareness on the fly.
Spatial audio with head tracking is also a highlight in Apple’s services.
But beyond that walled garden — or if price is a primary consideration — the Buds 4 are 90% of what most people will want at a reasonable price.
The sale: what you get for the current discount
For a limited time during OnePlus’ current promotion, the Buds 4 are $30 off automatically, bringing the price to approximately $100. The deal is available on both Zen Green and Storm Gray colors. Inside the box you’ll get the earbuds themselves, a USB‑C charging case, a Type‑C cable, and three ear tip sizes to customize the fit.
Bottom line: if you’ve been considering AirPods simply because it’s a habit, give the OnePlus Buds 4 a shot on sale. You will thank me later: it costs you nothing, you will end up with more cash in your pocket, and give up surprisingly little — if anything — where it matters.