OnePlus Buds 4 Review: Raising the Bar for Budget ANC Earbuds in 2025
In a market flooded with wireless earbuds promising immersive sound and intelligent noise cancellation, OnePlus continues to stand tall as a brand that delivers quality without breaking the bank. With the OnePlus Buds 4, the company takes a confident step forward in refining its audio identity — offering Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), sleek design, and long-lasting battery life, all for a price that keeps audiophiles and budget-conscious buyers equally intrigued.
But do they live up to the hype? Let’s dive deep into the OnePlus Buds 4 in this hands-on review to find out why they might just set the new benchmark for value ANC earbuds in 2025.
Design & Comfort: Sleek, Lightweight, and Premium Feel
Right out of the box, the OnePlus Buds 4 impress with their polished, minimalist aesthetic. The dual-tone finish, available in classic matte black, serene white, and a new “Celestial Blue” shade, gives them a flagship-grade appearance. The case is compact yet sturdy with a satisfying magnetic lid and a USB-C charging port at the base.
The earbuds themselves are lightweight (only 4.2g per bud) and ergonomically designed to fit snugly in most ears without fatigue—even after hours of use. IP55 water and sweat resistance means they can survive a run in the rain or an intense workout session.
Pros:
- Comfortable for long usage
- Premium build for mid-range pricing
- Pocket-friendly case design
Audio Quality: Balanced and Immersive
The Buds 4 are powered by 11mm dynamic drivers that deliver rich bass, crisp mids, and detailed highs. Whether you’re listening to a lo-fi track, Bollywood beats, or watching a high-octane action movie, the soundstage remains expansive and lively.
Thanks to LHDC 5.0 codec support (on compatible devices), audiophiles will appreciate the improved resolution and detail. For casual users, the OnePlus Buds app allows for custom EQ settings, offering flexibility for those who prefer more bass-heavy or treble-forward profiles.
Standout Feature: The “BassWave” technology subtly boosts low frequencies without muddying the mids — a definite win for EDM and hip-hop lovers.
Active Noise Cancellation (ANC): Surprisingly Powerful
Perhaps the biggest highlight of the OnePlus Buds 4 is its Smart Adaptive ANC, which offers up to 48dB of noise reduction. It adjusts dynamically based on your surroundings, and in our testing, it easily cut out most low-frequency background noise like traffic, air conditioners, and distant chatter.
Three ANC modes — Mild, Balanced, and Max — give users control, while the Transparency Mode is perfect for staying aware during commutes or conversations.
Tested Scenario: On a crowded metro ride, the Max ANC mode blocked out up to 80–90% of ambient noise without impacting music clarity. Impressive for the price.
Call Quality: Clear, Even in Crowds
Equipped with triple microphones and AI noise reduction for voice calls, the Buds 4 offer solid call quality. Whether indoors or outdoors, callers reported minimal background interference, even in windy environments.
Verdict: These may not rival ultra-premium buds like the AirPods Pro or Sony WF-1000XM5, but they punch above their price class.
Battery Life: All-Day Power
With ANC off, the Buds 4 offer up to 10 hours of playback on a single charge, and a total of 38 hours with the case. With ANC enabled, you still get a respectable 6–7 hours per charge. A quick 10-minute Warp Charge gives you up to 5 hours of playback, making them ultra-convenient for busy lifestyles.
Features & App Integration
- OnePlus Fast Pair for instant connection
- Low latency mode (94ms) — ideal for gamers
- Wear detection for auto pause/resume
- Find My Buds feature
- Works seamlessly with OxygenOS; the HeyMelody app adds compatibility for non-OnePlus devices
Price & Verdict: The Best Budget ANC Buds Yet?
Price in India: ₹5,499 | Global Price: ~$69
At this price point, the OnePlus Buds 4 are a no-brainer for users wanting premium features at a mid-range cost. With solid ANC, robust audio, attractive design, and all-day battery, these earbuds offer value that’s hard to match in 2025.
Why Buy the OnePlus Buds 4?
- Flagship-grade ANC for half the price
- Punchy sound with adjustable EQ
- Great comfort and call quality
- Excellent battery life with fast charging
- Seamless OnePlus integration
Consider If:
- You need multi-device pairing (not yet supported)
- You prefer a flatter, more neutral audio profile
- You’re using an Apple ecosystem (better integration with AirPods)
Final Verdict:
⭐ 4.6/5 — The OnePlus Buds 4 are the new gold standard in value ANC earbuds. Feature-packed, stylish, and sonically satisfying, they make premium audio accessible to the masses.
