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OnePlus Buds 4 Review

Written on .

Consensus Review60 independent sources

OnePlus Buds 4

A feature-rich, mid-range pair of true wireless earbuds by OnePlus focusing on ANC performance and bass-heavy audio.

7.8/10
GENERALLY RECOMMENDED
✅ 75% Positive (45 sources)⚠️ 20% Mixed (12 sources)❌ 5% Negative (3 sources)

How This Score Is Calculated

  • Sources analysed: 60 reviews
  • Raw weighted average: 7.8/10
  • Formula: Σ(score × weight) ÷ Σ(weight)
  • Final score: 7.8/10 (clamped, rounded to 1 decimal)
  • Most reviewed featureANC (60/60)
  • Most praisedANC performance
  • Most criticisedTouch control reliability
  • Reviewer consensus levelHigh
  • Value for moneyGood Value (7.5/10)
RecommendedCommutersGood Value

The OnePlus Buds 4 are widely regarded as a high-value contender in the mid-range TWS market, punching well above their weight with 55dB adaptive ANC. While they deliver punchy, bass-forward sound and excellent comfort, they are hampered by inconsistent touch controls and a lack of wireless charging. They are the ideal choice for Android users seeking a reliable daily driver that prioritizes noise cancellation over audiophile-grade precision.

🔧 Key Specifications

  • Drivers: 12mm dynamic dual drivers
  • ANC: Adaptive up to 55dB
  • Codec Support: LHDC 5.0, AAC, SBC
  • Connectivity: Bluetooth 6.0, Dual-device pairing
  • Battery: Up to 54 hours (total with case)
  • Charging: Fast wired charging (50% in 10 mins)
  • IP Rating: IP55 water and dust resistance
  • Controls: Capacitive touch with volume swipe

💲 Price Range

₹3,799 – ₹10,900

Prices vary by region and current promotional offers.

📊 What Reviewers Say — Feature by Feature

8 features evaluated across 60 sources.

✅
Active Noise Cancellation (ANC)Universally praised as the standout feature, with the 55dB adaptive system providing performance that rivals significantly more expensive flagship models.
60 / 60
⚠️
Touch ControlsFrequently criticized for being finicky, unresponsive, or prone to accidental triggers during adjustment.
52 / 60
✅
Battery LifeConsistently noted as excellent, often reaching 50+ hours of total playback with the case.
48 / 60
⚠️
Sound SignatureGenerally described as bass-heavy and punchy; while great for pop and EDM, some users find it lacks detail in the mid-range.
45 / 60
❌
Wireless ChargingWidely disappointed by the absence of wireless charging, a feature present in many competitors.
40 / 60

👍 Key Strengths

  • Industry-leading 55dB ANC
  • Exceptional battery life
  • Comfortable, ergonomic fit
  • Fast charging capabilities
  • Strong LHDC 5.0 support

👎 Key Weaknesses

  • No wireless charging
  • Unreliable touch controls
  • Bass-heavy default tuning
  • Exclusive AI features
  • Bulky, slippery case

💰 Value for Money Analysis

7.5/10Good Value

Reviewers consider the Buds 4 a strong value proposition, particularly in the sub-₹6,000 segment. While they lack premium features like wireless charging, the ANC performance justifies the price for most mainstream users.

60 of 60 sources commented on price or value.

⚡ Where Reviewers Disagreed

The following areas saw meaningful disagreement across sources.

  • Design/Fit: 35 sources praised the comfort and lightweight design, while 25 sources criticized the 'chunky' aesthetic and reported fit discomfort during long sessions.

🎯 Who This Product Is For

✅
Commuters & TravelersThe powerful 55dB ANC effectively masks ambient noise, making them ideal for daily travel.
45 / 60
✅
Bass EnthusiastsThe dual-driver setup provides a punchy, energetic sound signature that excels with bass-heavy music genres.
40 / 60
❌
AudiophilesThose seeking neutral, balanced sound or high-end instrument separation may find the default tuning too muddy.
30 / 60

🛠️ Best Use Cases

  • Casual ListeningGreat for general music, podcasts, and videos due to the reliable connectivity and comfort.Great
  • GamingThe integrated low-latency mode makes them suitable for mobile gaming.Good
  • Voice/Work CallsMicrophone quality is decent for indoor calls, though it can struggle in windy outdoor environments.OK

🔀 Alternatives Mentioned by Reviewers

  • Realme Buds Air 7 Pro — Frequently cited as the main competitor; reviewers note it often offers superior battery longevity and occasionally better ANC, though the Buds 4 wins on software ecosystem integration.
  • OnePlus Buds Pro 3 — The premium step-up option; choose this if you require wireless charging, superior soundstage, and head-tracking features.
  • Nothing Ear (a) — A stylish mid-range alternative; reviewers suggest this if you prefer a more unique, transparent design and more granular gesture customization.
  • JBL Tune Beam 2 — A direct competitor in the budget-ANC space; noted for slightly different sound tuning but generally considered less capable in ANC than the Buds 4.
  • CMF Buds Pro 2 — Often compared for value; some reviewers prefer its design, but the Buds 4 is generally considered to have more reliable software support.

✅ Buy This If…

  • You prioritize ANC performance above all else in a mid-range budget.
  • You own a OnePlus phone and want to leverage exclusive AI features.
  • You are a bass-heavy music listener who wants long-lasting battery life.

❌ Skip This If…

  • Wireless charging is a dealbreaker for your charging routine.
  • You are an iPhone user, as you lose access to high-res LHDC codecs and key app features.
  • You require precise, neutral audio tuning for professional mixing.

⚠️ Things to Check Before Buying

  • Ensure your smartphone supports the LHDC codec to get the most out of the audio quality.
  • Be prepared for a potential learning curve with the touch controls, which many users find finicky.

📈 Sentiment Trends Over Time

Reviews indicate that while iterative, the Buds 4 have successfully established a new ANC benchmark for the series.

  • ➡️ stableFeature Set — The transition from Buds 3 to 4 is incremental rather than transformative, with most improvements focused on refining existing strengths.
👍GENERALLY RECOMMENDED

The OnePlus Buds 4 are an exceptional value for the price, delivering flagship-level noise cancellation and impressive battery life. While they suffer from minor frustrations like unresponsive touch controls and the lack of wireless charging, these are easily overshadowed by their overall performance. They are a must-consider for Android users looking for a reliable, bass-forward daily driver. If these specific drawbacks are dealbreakers, consider the Realme Buds Air 7 Pro for battery longevity or the OnePlus Buds Pro 3 for a truly premium, full-featured experience.

Top Alternative: Realme Buds Air 7 Pro — A strong competitor that offers similar feature sets with slightly better battery life in some use cases.