OnePlus Nord Buds Review: Compact TWS You Can Buy in 2023
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The OnePlus Nord Buds have garnered significant attention in the audio market lately. They have a sleek design and promising features.
In fact, we have classified it as one of the best earbuds in our list of the 9 Best Bluetooth Headphones with MIC in India.
By the way, if you are in too hurry to browse through the entire post but want to quickly have glance, we will help you below.
The OnePlus Nord Buds have garnered significant attention in the audio market lately. They have a sleek design and promising features.
These TWS earbuds strive to deliver a top-notch listening experience without breaking the bank. In this extensive review, we will delve deep into the realm of OnePlus Nord Buds.
We will look at their design, sound quality, battery life, connectivity options, and more.
Indeed, OnePlus took a leap beyond its primary smartphone range when it introduced the Nord, offering it at an affordable price compared to its flagship number-series models.
Since then, the Nord smartphone lineup has expanded significantly and now includes audio products.
One of the company’s recent releases is the OnePlus Nord Buds, a true wireless headset.
Let’s discover whether these earbuds truly live up to the excitement surrounding them.
OnePlus Nord Buds Review: An Overview
My maternal uncle gifted me this audio device on my birthday occasion. I used this wireless earbuds 1for six months and gave it to my younger brother.
The OnePlus Nord Buds represent a set of true wireless earbuds designed to deliver outstanding audio performance.
Packed within a compact charging case that also doubles as a storage solution, these earbuds offer Bluetooth 5.2 technology, ensuring seamless connectivity and a reliable connection.
They come with advanced features such as active noise cancellation, ambient mode, and touch controls, catering to the needs of music enthusiasts looking for versatility.
While company kept them on an average price they are not at a lower end as compared to other few brands. But the, this is and brand the price is quite affordable.
To be honest, the OnePlus had positioned the OnePlus Nord Buds as the most affordable true wireless headset offered by the company.
Similar to the Nord-branded smartphones, these earbuds offer an affordable and more fundamental option compared to the feature-rich OnePlus Buds Z2 and OnePlus Buds Pro.
While they deliver average active noise cancellation, this pair of true wireless earphones promises solid sound quality and impressive battery life. Are they the best true wireless headset you can buy even now in 2023.
Let’s explore in this review.
OnePlus Nord Buds Review: Design and Build Quality
The OnePlus Nord Buds come with a sleek and minimalist design. With their compact form factor and matte finish, these earbuds exude elegance.
They are lightweight and ergonomic, ensuring a comfortable fit. I have used these in ear earphones during my travel from Bali to Delhi. And I didn’t have much to complain about their fitting.
The charging case is also impressively built, featuring a magnetic lid and LED indicators that display the battery status.
Overall, the OnePlus Nord Buds showcase impressive design and build quality.
OnePlus has maintained a consistent design language for its true wireless earphones, characterized by curved earpieces, slim rounded stems, and charging cases without sharp lines.
However, the OnePlus Nord Buds take a unique approach. They feature notably larger stems on the earpieces and large distinct touch areas for controls. I really love these features of these TWS earbuds.
The charging case follows a boxier design, with sharp edges and flat surfaces at the top and bottom. This distinct design sets the OnePlus Nord Buds apart.
Indeed, I am very impressed with their rich features, particularly with their eye-catching mirror-like touch-sensitive areas on each earpiece.
These earphones provide an in-canal fit, which can be customized using replaceable silicone ear tips of various sizes.
Since these wireless earbuds have the matte finish on the earpieces, they maintain a neat appearance, and the unit I had did not accumulate much grime or dust.
OnePlus Nord Buds Review: Features and Specification
The OnePlus Nord Buds come with three pairs of ear tips in different sizes, packaged alongside a short USB Type-A to Type-C charging cable. These earpieces are IP55 rated, providing dust and water resistance.
The charging case prominently features a large OnePlus logo on the top, while the back houses the USB Type-C port for charging and the pairing button.
A single LED indicator is located on the front. However, I personally found the shape and size of the case somewhat inconvenient to comfortably carry in my pocket.
The touch controls on the OnePlus Nord Buds are designed to be convenient and user-friendly.
The earpieces feature large and tactile touch-sensitive areas, allowing easy customization through the HeyMelody app.
With touch gestures, you can control playback, activate the default voice assistant on your smartphone, and swiftly switch between the last two paired devices.
The app also provides battery level information for both the earpieces and the charging case, offers four equalizer presets to choose from, and enables firmware updates for the earphones.
These features make the OnePlus Nord Buds stand out from the competition.
With Bluetooth 5.2 technology, the OnePlus Nord Buds offer seamless connectivity to your device, whether it’s an Android or iOS device.
Pairing is quick and hassle-free, ensuring a smooth experience. Once connected, you can enjoy uninterrupted audio streaming without any lag or latency issues.
Notably, the OnePlus Nord Buds impress with their remarkable battery life. The earbuds alone provide up to 7 hours of continuous playback on a single charge, and when combined with the charging case, the total battery life extends to an impressive 20 hours.
This means you can enjoy your favorite music throughout the day without worrying about running out of battery.
Managing your music playlist and handling calls is effortless with the intuitive touch controls of the OnePlus Nord Buds.
A simple tap or swipe on the earbuds allows you to play or pause music, adjust the volume, skip tracks, and even answer or reject calls.
Built to withstand an active lifestyle, the OnePlus Nord Buds have an IPX4 water resistance rating, making them capable of handling splashes and sweat.
This makes them an ideal companion for workouts or outdoor activities. Additionally, the integrated voice assistant support allows you to conveniently access your phone’s voice assistant with just a tap on the OnePlus Nord Buds.
Whether you need to send a message, check the weather, or get directions, your voice assistant is just a command away.
OnePlus Nord Buds Review: Sound Quality and Performance
When it comes to sound quality, the OnePlus Nord Buds deliver very well truly stand out. Equipped with 12.4mm dynamic drivers, these earbuds deliver a rich and immersive audio experience.
The bass is powerful, the mids are clear, and the highs are detailed. Whether you’re listening to your favorite music or watching movies, these earbuds provide a delightful sound experience.
Furthermore, the earbuds support high-quality audio codecs like AAC and SBC, ensuring a lossless connection.
While you may say the OnePlus Buds Z2 as the successor to the OnePlus Buds Z, the OnePlus Nord Buds perform better than both of siblings.
Indeed, they offer features like fast charging and Dolby Atmos support, and I am happy with that, the core focus of these earbuds lies in delivering excellent sound quality.
In my six months experience, keeping in mind their price, OnePlus has done a commendable job in this regard.
I tried quite a few music genres to experience their sound performance in real time. For example, I tried “I Can’t Stop” by Flux Pavilion and track “Hot Like Dimes” by Pretty Lights.
I could feel the impressive volume capabilities of the Nord Buds in not time. Even at around 50 percent volume, these earphones provided a loud and immersive listening experience.
It’s very exciting, it’s further enhanced by the in-canal fit that offered good noise isolation.
The bass-forward sound signature added plenty of impact and energy to this electronic sample-based track, especially in the atmospheric intro.
Despite the emphasis on bass, the OnePlus Nord Buds maintain a balanced sound without overpowering other frequencies. This is an impressive improvement over the similarly positioned OnePlus Buds Z.
However, the mid-range and highs felt slightly restrained in comparison to the lows. When I listened to “Sail” by AWOLNATION, the vocals and softer elements sounded clean and enjoyable.
But the strong bass in the beats at the center of the track took center stage.
Talking of detail, the OnePlus Nord Buds is satisfactory.
The sound is comfortable and easy to listen to even at low volumes. I found it lacking the level of revealing intricacies.
The Nord Buds excel with popular genres, but those seeking more nuance and tonality in their sound may not be particularly impressed.
Dolby Atmos support on OnePlus smartphones had a minor impact on the soundstage when playing supported tracks in Apple Music.
But the effect felt somewhat unnatural, and I personally preferred the sound without it. The “Quick Switch” feature worked well when switching between my iPhone, OnePlus 9, or laptop.
It functions almost as effectively as multi-point connectivity, with each switch taking around three seconds to complete.
OnePlus Nord Buds Review: Battery Life and Charging
When it comes to wireless earbuds, battery life is an important consideration, and the OnePlus Nord Buds deliver in this aspect. These earbuds offer an impressive battery life of up to 7 hours on a single charge.
Additionally, the charging case extends the playback time by providing an extra 20 hours, ensuring that you can enjoy your music throughout the day without interruption.
The OnePlus Nord Buds also support fast charging, allowing for a quick 10-minute charge to provide approximately 2 hours of playtime. This feature makes them highly convenient for on-the-go use.
Considering the price, the battery life of the OnePlus Nord Buds is exceptional. The earpieces give you almost a day long non-stop music play time.
This is evident to me when I played with the earpieces at moderate volume levels. I am quite happy with it.
On the other hand, the charging case offers a little over three additional charges, resulting in a total runtime of around 20-21 hours per charge cycle.
With fast charging, you can enjoy 5 hours of listening time with just 10 minutes of charging. It takes approximately 25 minutes to fully charge both the case and the earpieces.
OnePlus Nord Buds Review: Connectivity Performance
The OnePlus Nord Buds are equipped with Bluetooth 5.2 technology, ensuring a strong and reliable connection.
They offer a good range, allowing you to maintain a connection with your device even while moving around the room.
These earbuds support dual-device pairing, enabling seamless switching between two connected devices.
Whether you’re using them with your smartphone, tablet, or laptop, the OnePlus Nord Buds provide a hassle-free wireless experience.
In my experience, I didn’t have a bad taste, the connectivity of the OnePlus Nord Buds was stable and they didn’t give me any trouble.
I could use the earphones without any issues at distances of up to 4 meters from the source device. The call quality was decent, both indoors and outdoors.
However, I noticed that I needed to increase the volume slightly when receiving or making calls, and then quickly lower it again for music playback.
As said the earphones utilize Bluetooth 5.2 for connectivity, and support the SBC and AAC Bluetooth codecs.
Impressive! Each earpiece is equipped with two microphones, and there is AI noise reduction technology to enhance voice clarity during calls.
The earphones functioned without any trouble within a distance of up to 4 meters from the source device. The call quality was decent, whether I was indoors or outdoors.
However, I did find that I needed to increase the volume slightly when answering or making calls and then promptly lower the volume again for music playback.
With dual-device pairing, the OnePlus Nord Buds offer practical functionality, allowing seamless switching between two connected devices.
While the switch between devices takes approximately three seconds to complete, it performs almost as effectively as multi-point connectivity.
OnePlus Nord Buds Review: Comfort and Fit
Comfort is a crucial factor to consider when selecting earbuds, and the OnePlus Nord Buds excel in providing a comfortable fit for extended listening sessions.
These earbuds are accompanied by various sizes of ear tips, enabling you to find the ideal fit for your ears.
The lightweight design and ergonomic shape ensure a secure and comfortable placement, even during active pursuits such as workouts or running.
The earphones feature an in-canal fit that can be customized with replaceable silicone ear tips available in different sizes.
OnePlus Nord Buds Review: Noise Cancellation and Ambient Mode
The OnePlus Nord Buds are equipped with noise isolation technology, ensuring a more immersive listening experience by effectively blocking out external noises.
Whether you find yourself in a noisy environment or commuting on public transport, these earbuds allow you to enjoy your music without distractions.
Moreover, they offer an ambient mode that enables you to stay aware of your surroundings when necessary, making them suitable for outdoor use.
With two microphones per earpiece and AI noise reduction, the OnePlus Nord Buds enhance voice clarity during calls, ensuring clear communication.
I used these earbuds at around 50 percent volume to make my point. And these earphones deliver a powerful and immersive listening experience.
Thanks in part to their in-canal fit, which provides effective noise isolation.
However, it is worth noting that I felt a little of no active noise cancellation on the OnePlus Nord Buds places them at a slight disadvantage compared to competing models.
OnePlus Nord Buds Review: Price and Value for Money
The OnePlus Nord Buds offer excellent value for money with their impressive features and affordable price tag.
Packed with advanced technology such as Bluetooth 5.2, active noise cancellation, and dual-device pairing, these earbuds provide a seamless and immersive listening experience.
The sleek and ergonomic design ensures comfort during extended wear, while the customizable in-canal fit enhances noise isolation.
With a commendable battery life of up to 7 hours and fast charging support, they are perfect for on-the-go use.
Although lacking active noise cancellation, the OnePlus Nord Buds deliver exceptional sound quality.
This makes them a compelling affordable choice for budget-conscious consumers seeking affordable yet feature-rich wireless earbuds.
OnePlus Nord Buds Review: OnePlus Nord Buds vs. Competitors
In the highly competitive market of wireless earbuds, the OnePlus Nord Buds stand out with their unique offerings.
When compared to competitors, these earbuds excel in several aspects. The inclusion of Bluetooth 5.2 ensures a strong and stable connection, while the dual-device pairing feature adds convenience.
Though lacking active noise cancellation, the OnePlus Nord Buds make up for it with their impressive sound quality and immersive listening experience.
Additionally, their comfortable fit, customizable with different ear tip sizes, sets them apart. With a compelling price point, the OnePlus Nord Buds prove to be strong contender in the wireless earbuds lineup.
Having said that, they fall behind Oppo Enco Air in comparison to active noise cancellation. Still better that its siblings, OnePlus Buds Z2 and OnePlus Buds Z.
User Experience and Feedback of OnePlus Nord Buds
I have had a sizeable number of users, community members and TWS earbuds enthusiasts and sked to share their experience.
The user experience of the OnePlus Nord Buds has been overwhelmingly positive, with many users praising their performance and features.
Users have found the earbuds to be comfortable to wear for extended periods, thanks to their lightweight design and customizable fit.
The touch controls on the earpieces have been lauded for their convenience and responsiveness, allowing users to easily manage playback and calls.
The sound quality has received high praise, with the bass being described as punchy and the overall audio experience being immersive.
Users have also appreciated the stable connectivity and battery life, making the OnePlus Nord Buds a reliable choice for wireless listening.
However, there are a few users who grossly missed the active noise cancelation feature with the OnePlus Nord Buds TWS earbuds.
Pros and Cons: The Good and The Bad of OnePlus Nord Buds
Like every other audio device, the OnePlus Nord Buds also have their own share of advantages and drawbacks. Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of the OnePlus Nord Buds:
Conclusion: Making it Easy for You to Make Informed Decision
In conclusion, the OnePlus Nord Buds shine in every essential aspect, encompassing design, comfort, sound quality, and intelligent features.
These wireless earbuds deliver an excellent audio experience, ensuring that you can savor your favorite music, podcasts, or calls with utmost clarity and convenience.
With their sleek design, impressive battery life, and intuitive controls, the OnePlus Nord Buds truly distinguish themselves in the market.
Moreover, OnePlus has successfully established its Nord sub-brand by offering affordable, value-for-money smartphones, and the first audio product under the Nord line follows the same philosophy.
The OnePlus Nord Buds provide a good performance, featuring an appealing design, very excellent sound quality, and useful functionalities like fast charging and Quick Switch.
However, it’s worth noting that the absence of active noise cancellation puts the OnePlus Nord Buds at a disadvantage when compared to competitors, particularly the highly regarded Oppo Enco Air 2 Pro.
Again, it is available for just a slightly higher price. If you’re a OnePlus enthusiast or seeking lively, vibrant earphones priced at an affordable price, and can do without ANC, the OnePlus Nord Buds are a worthwhile choice.
Investing in these earbuds can elevate your music, movie, and call experiences, granting you wireless freedom and exceptional audio quality.
Whether you’re a casual listener or a dedicated audiophile, the OnePlus Nord Buds offer a wealth of features and benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): Things You Must Know Before Buying
Q: Are the OnePlus Nord Buds waterproof?
A: No, the OnePlus Nord Buds do not have an official IP rating for water resistance. It is recommended to keep them away from water or excessive moisture.
Q: Can I use only one earbud at a time?
A: Yes, the OnePlus Nord Buds support mono mode, allowing you to use either the left or right earbud independently.
Q: Do the OnePlus Nord Buds have a companion app?
A: Yes, the OnePlus Buds app is available for both Android and iOS devices. It allows you to customize the touch controls, update firmware, and access additional features.
Q: Do the OnePlus Nord Buds support wireless charging?
A: No, the OnePlus Nord Buds do not support wireless charging. They can be charged using the included USB Type-C cable.
Q: Can I use the OnePlus Nord Buds for phone calls?
A: Yes, the OnePlus Nord Buds have built-in microphones and support crystal-clear voice calls.
Q: Do the OnePlus Nord Buds have a warranty?
A: Yes, OnePlus provides a warranty for the Nord Buds. The duration may vary depending on your region, so it's advisable to check the warranty terms and conditions.
Q: Do the OnePlus Nord Buds have volume control buttons?
A: No, the OnePlus Nord Buds do not have dedicated volume control buttons. However, you can adjust the volume using your connected device or customize the touch controls through the companion app.
Q: What audio codecs do the OnePlus Nord Buds support?
A: The OnePlus Nord Buds support high-quality audio codecs such as AAC and SBC.
Q: Can I use the OnePlus Nord Buds with non-OnePlus devices?
A: Yes, the OnePlus Nord Buds are compatible with a wide range of devices, including smartphones, tablets, and laptops from various brands. They can be connected via Bluetooth, ensuring versatility and convenience.
Q: Are the OnePlus Nord Buds suitable for workouts?
A: Yes, the OnePlus Nord Buds are designed to be lightweight and secure, making them suitable for workouts and physical activities. Their comfortable fit and stability ensure that they stay in place, even during rigorous movements.
