In 2026, quality earbuds have become a daily necessity rather than a luxury. Users often rely on them for music during commutes, workouts or office hours when loud playback is not possible. The OnePlus Nord Buds 4 arrived for testing shortly after the Nord Buds 4 Pro, offering a chance to evaluate its value at a lower price point. After several days of use, the question remains whether it delivers strong performance for the cost.
The earbuds feature a simple, understated appearance consistent with OnePlus design. At Rs 3,299, they include active noise cancellation, extended battery life and a lightweight fit typically found in higher-priced models. Initial expectations were modest, viewing them as standard budget wireless earbuds.
The charging case has a premium look similar to the more expensive Pro version. The Astral Teal model includes a matte texture with subtle details. It supports up to 54 hours of total playback with noise cancellation disabled, suiting frequent travellers. The earbuds are light, connect quickly and work with the HeyMelody app for custom controls, noise settings and equaliser options.
The case weighs 42.5 grams and fits easily in a pocket. Each earbud weighs 4.3 grams, supporting extended wear during work, exercise or media viewing. An IP55 rating provides resistance to dust and water. The buds stay secure during movement but show some susceptibility to marks. Sound comes from 12mm drivers with a bass emphasis suited to pop, blues and hip-hop. Vocals remain clear and separation is adequate for the price, though refinement is limited compared with costlier options.
The 52dB noise cancellation reduces common background sounds such as fans, air conditioners and traffic. Battery performance stands out, with claimed totals of 54 hours without noise cancellation and 27 hours with it enabled. Real-world results support several days of mixed use including streaming, video and calls. Fast charging restores power in about 45 minutes.
Overall, the Nord Buds 4 handle core functions well and add features normally seen in pricier models. They offer comfort, long battery life, capable noise reduction and balanced audio for the segment.
