In the crowded TWS earbuds market, finding an option that balances affordability, sound quality, comfort, and features can be tough. The OnePlus Nord Buds 3r aim to hit just that sweet spot. At a price of around ₹1,799, these budget earbuds promise reliable specs without breaking the bank. In this review, I’ll walk you through design, performance, battery life, call quality, pros & cons, and whether they’re worth your money.
Key Specifications — At a Glance
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Price | ₹1,799 |
| Drivers | 12.4 mm dynamic driver (titanised diaphragm) |
| Codecs | SBC, AAC |
| Bluetooth Version | BT 5.4 |
| IP Rating | IP55 (dust & splash resistant) |
| Battery Life | ~11 hours (buds alone at moderate volume), ~50-54 hours with case |
| Charging Case | 560 mAh battery, USB-C charging |
| Fast Charging | 10 minutes → ~4 hours playtime |
| Extras | Dual-pairing support, sound presets, 6-band EQ, spatial/3D audio |
| Missing Features | No ANC, no wear-detection sensors |
Design & Comfort of OnePlus Nord Buds 3r
The Nord Buds 3r have a unique charging case design. Closed, it looks like a rounded-corner rectangle; open it, and the interior reveals hexagonal features. The sharp inside corners of the lid may snag or scratch, so some users might find that slightly uncomfortable. The matte black finish gives a clean aesthetic.
Each earbud weighs ~4.5 grams, which is fairly light. There are three sizes of silicone ear tips in the package to help adjust fit. Fit is generally comfortable, though for long sessions or rigorous movement (exercise, jogging) you may need to re-adjust occasionally. The IP55 rating helps with sweat and light exposure.
Features & Firmware
The OnePlus Nord Buds 3r offer multiple features for daily users. These include dual-pairing, which allows connection to two devices at once, and sound presets with a 6-band EQ via the HeyMelody app (for non-OnePlus/Oppo phones; for OnePlus devices, it’s built into system settings). You also get touch controls for play/pause, track skip, and volume adjustment.
They also support spatial / 3D audio for more immersive listening. However, they lack ANC (active noise cancellation) and wear detection sensors.
Performance & Sound Quality
The sound quality of the Nord Buds 3r is impressive for the price. They deliver a V-shaped sound signature with punchy bass that suits genres like EDM, hip-hop, and pop. The mids are not very strong, which means vocals or instruments may sometimes lack detail, but casual listeners will enjoy the lively sound.
Volume levels are solid — indoors you’ll be fine at 50%, while outdoors you may need around 65%. Latency is low, making video playback smooth, with “Game Mode” claiming ~47 ms delay. The EQ settings and sound presets like Balanced, Bass, and Serenade help tune the audio to personal taste.
OnePlus Nord Buds 3r Launched in India
Call Quality of OnePlus Nord Buds 3r
The call quality is a standout feature. Each earbud uses dual microphones for effective noise reduction, ensuring your voice remains clear even in outdoor or noisy conditions. For people taking frequent calls or video meetings, the OnePlus Nord Buds 3r provide excellent clarity compared to many budget TWS earbuds.
Battery Life & Charging
| Usage Scenario | Expected Battery Life |
|---|---|
| Listening at moderate volume (buds only) | ~11 hours |
| With charging case | ~50-54 hours |
| Fast charging | 10 minutes → ~4 hours of playtime |
| Full charge time for buds | ~60 minutes |
| Full charge time for case | ~60 minutes |
The battery life of the OnePlus Nord Buds 3r is excellent. You get up to 11 hours from the earbuds alone and nearly 54 hours with the case. The fast charging feature gives ~4 hours of playback with just a 10-minute charge, making them highly practical for daily use.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Loud, punchy, lively sound quality
- Great call clarity outdoors
- Comfortable fit for most users
- Long battery life and fast charging
- Dual-pairing support
- Very affordable earbuds under ₹2000
Cons
- No ANC for noise cancellation
- No wear detection sensors
- Mids lack detail for audiophiles
- Case design may feel sharp inside
- Fit needs adjustment during workouts
Verdict: Who Should Buy OnePlus Nord Buds 3r?
The OnePlus Nord Buds 3r are ideal for anyone seeking budget wireless earbuds with strong battery life, enjoyable sound, and reliable call performance. They are perfect for students, casual listeners, and anyone who wants affordable earbuds with essential features.
However, if you need premium audio, ANC, or audiophile-grade mids, you may want to explore higher-tier OnePlus earbuds or rivals.
Compare With Rivals
| Model | Price Range | Key Edge Over Nord Buds 3r | Key Lacking Compared to Nord Buds 3r |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oppo Enco Buds 3 Pro | Similar price | Similar specs, good comfort for some users | Case design preference may differ |
| Realme Buds T200 or T310 | Slightly more/less | Comparable sound and design | Battery or firmware differences |
| OnePlus Nord Buds 3 | Higher cost | Adds ANC and improved clarity | Higher price, slightly lower battery life |
Conclusion
The OnePlus Nord Buds 3r deliver great value: lively sound quality, long battery backup, reliable call clarity, and practical features — all for a budget price. They won’t replace premium ANC earbuds, but for those seeking basic, enjoyable, and affordable TWS earbuds, they are one of the best picks under ₹2000.