OnePlus Buds 4 Review: Bass-Boosted ANC Kings or Just Another Mid-Range Contender?

Introduction: A New Player in a Crowded Field

In an audio market teeming with sub-₹6,000 wireless earbuds, OnePlus is back with the Buds 4, priced at ₹5,999. With strong competition from Realme, Oppo, and Boat, consumers are spoilt for choice. So, what makes the OnePlus Buds 4 stand out in 2025? The brand is known for balancing quality with affordability, and with features like Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), Golden Sound customization, and spatial audio, OnePlus hopes this new model hits the sweet spot again. But does it really offer a compelling upgrade, or is it just a rebranded rehash of past success?

Summary: What the OnePlus Buds 4 Brings to the Table

The OnePlus Buds 4 carry forward the brand’s reliable audio legacy in the mid-range category. With a launch price of ₹5,999, they target users who want premium features without the flagship price. These earbuds feature a familiar stem-style design and are available in Zen Green and Storm Gray. Weighing just 4.73g per bud, they’re lightweight and comfortable for extended wear. The charging case is compact, pocketable, and equipped with a USB-C port, ensuring convenience on the go.

Design-wise, not much has changed from previous models, but it retains a clean aesthetic and practical build. The real charm of the Buds 4 lies in their ANC capabilities. In real-world tests—like inside noisy gyms or busy streets—turning on the high ANC mode significantly cut down background noise. There’s also a transparency mode and an adaptive setting that toggles between ANC and ambient sound, but the app required to control these modes—HeyMelody—struggles with usability.

On the audio front, these buds favor a bass-heavy sound signature. While tracks with strong low-end like “Malang” benefit from this tuning, more vocal-focused tracks feel overpowered unless you use OnePlus’ Golden Sound feature. This personalization tool uses an ear scan and hearing test to create a tailored sound profile, improving clarity and balance in most cases.

Other features include Spatial Audio (3D audio) and a BassWave enhancer for even more punch. Connectivity is stable via Bluetooth, but battery life varies significantly depending on usage. Without ANC, users get up to 11 hours; with ANC, that drops to about 6 hours per charge. The case extends usage to 45 hours without ANC and 24 with it.

Ultimately, the OnePlus Buds 4 delivers impressive noise cancellation and solid sound at a competitive price, though it falls short in battery efficiency and app reliability.

What Undercode Say: OnePlus Buds 4 – Sticking to the Formula, But Is That Enough?

The OnePlus Buds 4 sit in a tricky spot. They’re not trying to redefine the wireless earbuds category — instead, they’re reinforcing what OnePlus already does well. From a technical standpoint, they hit several high notes: excellent ANC, a comfortable fit, and deep bass that appeals to today’s music trends. But this formula, while familiar and effective, doesn’t excite as much as it once did.

Let’s talk sound tuning. The default bass-heavy profile might please EDM and hip-hop lovers, but it compromises vocal clarity in softer tracks. Golden Sound is a smart workaround, but relying on it to fix fundamental tuning issues is not ideal. While the addition of spatial audio is a modern touch, it’s still more of a gimmick unless you’re using them for specific formats like movies or Dolby Atmos content.

Then there’s the battery. It’s just average — nothing game-changing. For heavy users or travelers who lean on ANC, the six-hour limit per charge can become inconvenient quickly. This makes the Buds 4 less of a “long-haul” device and more of a daily commuter companion.

Design-wise, OnePlus is clearly playing it safe. Nothing about the aesthetics feels new or adventurous. This isn’t necessarily bad — the minimalist look will appeal to many — but it won’t turn heads either. At a time when even budget earbuds come in bold shapes and finishes, the Buds 4 feels visually stagnant.

The biggest disappointment, however, is the companion app. The HeyMelody app’s lack of polish — failed detection, clunky navigation — undermines the overall experience. For tech-savvy consumers in 2025, seamless integration across devices is expected, not optional. If the app doesn’t work smoothly, that reflects poorly on the brand’s ecosystem thinking.

Yet, despite all this, the OnePlus Buds 4 remain a good deal — not amazing, but definitely “good enough.” If your primary needs are effective ANC, strong bass, and a reputable brand name at a modest price, they check all the boxes. They’re an easy recommendation for students, commuters, and budget-conscious bass lovers. But if you’re looking for standout innovation or superior versatility, you’ll find better-rounded packages elsewhere — perhaps even from brands like Oppo or Realme who are upping their game fast.

In short, the Buds 4 are more evolution than revolution. OnePlus isn’t trying to outdo itself; it’s just trying to hold its ground. And for ₹5,999, that’s not necessarily a bad strategy — but it’s one that may start to wear thin unless future models dare to take bolder risks.

🔍 Fact Checker Results

✅ ANC Performance: Verified through multiple test conditions including gym and traffic scenarios. Strong performance in high ANC mode.
✅ Golden Sound Personalization: Tested and confirmed to improve clarity in vocal tracks.
❌ HeyMelody App Stability: Multiple user reports and reviewer experiences confirm glitches and device detection failures.

📊 Prediction: The Future of OnePlus Buds in the Mid-Range Battle

Looking ahead, OnePlus will need to step up in the software and battery departments if it wants to remain competitive. ANC is no longer a standout — it’s becoming standard. Expect future OnePlus Buds (possibly Buds 5 or a Pro refresh) to include smarter adaptive sound, improved app experience, and better battery optimization. Also, as AI-enhanced audio processing becomes more mainstream, OnePlus will likely follow suit. But if the brand continues with minor iterative updates, it risks losing ground to faster-moving rivals like Nothing and Realme who are rapidly innovating both hardware and software ecosystems.