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OnePlus Nord Buds 3 Review: Low-Latency Gaming Earbuds Under 3000

OnePlus Nord Buds 3 Review: Low-Latency Gaming Earbuds Under 3000

Last updated 3rd December 2025

8 min read

The wireless earbuds market has become increasingly competitive, with brands packing more features into lower price ranges. The OnePlus Nord Buds 3 stand out as budget TWS earbuds under ₹3,000 that focus on essentials rather than gimmicks. These true wireless earbuds offer clear vocals, punchy bass, long-lasting battery life, and practical features for music, calls, and daily use, making them a reliable and value-for-money option in the affordable earbuds segment.

If you're comparing premium models before buying, you can also check our deep dive on the

Best Earbuds in India 2026: Top Wireless Earbuds for Music, Calls, and Gaming

Best Earbuds in India 2026: Top Wireless Earbuds for Music, Calls, and Gaming

Top 10 Best TWS Earbuds Under ₹1,000 in India for Clear Sound and Call Quality

Top 10 Best TWS Earbuds Under ₹1,000 in India for Clear Sound and Call Quality

which includes popular picks like boAt, Sony and more.

It gives you a clear picture of where the Nord Buds 3 sit among the best models available right now.

How We Evaluated

This review is based on in-depth research, verified specifications, and real user feedback rather than personal hands-on testing. Multiple reliable sources were analyzed to understand how the OnePlus Nord Buds 3 perform in everyday use.

What this evaluation is based on:

  • Verified customer reviews and repeated feedback patterns
  • Official specifications and feature details shared by OnePlus
  • Independent reviews from established and trusted tech publications
  • User opinions on sound quality, comfort, call clarity, and battery reliability
  • Reported real-world performance during calls, gaming, travel, and daily use

Buy OnePlus Nord Buds 3

You can check the latest price and availability below. Prices change based on stock and offers.

Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.2/5)

Specifications

SpecificationDetails
Product nameOnePlus Nord Buds 3
Launch DateSeptember 17, 2024
Model numberE514A
Drivers12.4 mm Titanized Diaphragm Dynamic Drivers
ANCUp to 32 dB
Battery lifeUp to 43 hours with ANC off
Fast charging10 minutes charge gives 11 hours of playback
BluetoothVersion 5.4
Latency94 ms
Weight46.2 grams
ControlsTouch controls
Water resistanceIP55 (earbuds) and IP54 (case)
Connectivity featuresDual connection and Google Fast Pair
MicrophoneEnvironmental noise reduction for calls
Country of originChina

Who Should Buy and Who Should Not

The OnePlus Nord Buds 3 are made for budget-focused users who want solid features without overspending. Here’s a quick breakdown to help you decide.

Best For

  • Users looking for budget earbuds under ₹3,000 with balanced performance.
  • Casual gamers who want low-latency audio for mobile gaming.
  • Music listeners who enjoy bass-heavy genres like EDM, pop, or Bollywood.
  • Commuters and travelers needing long battery life with fast charging.
  • Users who want dual device connectivity and stable Bluetooth 5.4.
  • Buyers looking for decent ANC at an affordable price.

Not Ideal For

  • Users who need top-tier ANC for very noisy environments.
  • Those who want wireless charging support.
  • Audiophiles seeking high-end or spatial audio beyond the OnePlus ecosystem.
  • Competitive gamers needing ultra-low latency performance.
  • Buyers expecting a premium or luxury design.

Design and Build Quality

The OnePlus Nord Buds 3 feature a smooth, modern earbuds design with a Harmonic Gray finish that feels premium. These budget TWS earbuds are lightweight, and the in-ear fit remains comfortable during long listening sessions.

Weighing just 46.2 grams with the case, these true wireless earbuds are easy to carry. The sturdy plastic build and water-resistant design make them suitable for gym workouts and outdoor use. Touch controls are responsive, and the earbuds sit securely for daily use, calls, music, and casual gaming.

Driver Performance and Audio Quality

The OnePlus Nord Buds 3 use 12.4 mm titanized diaphragm drivers to deliver punchy bass, clear mids, and crisp highs. The balanced sound tuning works well for most listeners, while BassWave 2.0 boosts low frequencies without overpowering vocals, making these budget TWS earbuds a good fit for EDM, Bollywood, and hip-hop.

When paired with a OnePlus smartphone, the 3D audio feature creates a wider soundstage and adds depth, making movies and streaming content feel more immersive.

Those who want to compare this with a premium sound experience can check this:

Sony WF-1000XM5 Review: Best Premium Wireless Earbuds for 2026

Sony WF-1000XM5 Review: Best Premium Wireless Earbuds for 2026

This helps you understand the difference between budget-friendly earbuds and high-end audio devices.

Active Noise Cancellation Performance

The OnePlus Nord Buds 3 offer up to 32 dB Active Noise Cancellation, which is impressive for budget ANC earbuds. It effectively cuts down everyday noise like fans, office chatter, traffic hum, and general outdoor sounds, making them suitable for daily use and commuting.

It is not on the same level as premium ANC earbuds, but for daily use, it performs well. If you want to see how top-tier ANC feels, you can refer to this:

Apple AirPods Pro 3 Review: Powerful ANC, Sound Quality, and Comfort

Apple AirPods Pro 3 Review: Powerful ANC, Sound Quality, and Comfort

This gives an idea of how Apple’s noise cancellation compares with budget earbuds.

Transparency mode also works smoothly, allowing you to hear important announcements or talk to people without removing the earbuds.

Battery Life and Charging

Battery life is a major highlight of the OnePlus Nord Buds 3, offering up to 43 hours of total playback with ANC off. Even with Active Noise Cancellation enabled, the battery backup is strong enough for full-day use.

Fast charging is equally impressive, with a 10-minute charge delivering up to 11 hours of playback. The earbuds also carry TÜV Rheinland Battery Health Certification, helping maintain long-term battery health with regular use.

Connectivity Features and Latency

The OnePlus Nord Buds 3 support Bluetooth 5.4, offering stable connectivity, better range, and improved power efficiency. The dual device connectivity feature lets you stay connected to two devices at once, making it easy to switch between a laptop and smartphone without reconnecting.

With Google Fast Pair, setup is quick for Android users. Gamers also get a 94 ms low latency mode, which helps reduce audio delay in mobile games. This performance is good for casual gaming, though not meant for competitive play.

OnePlus Nord Buds 3 vs Other Budget Earbuds Comparison

If you are comparing budget wireless earbuds in India, this table shows how popular models differ in noise cancellation, sound tuning, battery backup, and gaming performance. It helps identify which earbuds fit everyday listening, travel, office calls, or mobile gaming without overspending.

FeatureOnePlus Nord Buds 3OnePlus Nord Buds 3RRealme Buds Air 7Samsung Galaxy Buds Core
Audio Driver12.4 mm titanized diaphragm dynamic driver12.4 mm titanium-coated dynamic driver12.4 mm dynamic bass driversDynamic drivers
Sound SignatureBalanced with punchy bassBass-forward with clear vocalsBass-forward, energetic, cleanBalanced and natural
Active Noise CancellationUp to 32 dB ANCNot availableUp to 52 dB hybrid ANCBasic ANC
Call QualityDual-mic AI noise cancellationDual-mic AI noise cancellation6-mic ENC systemENC for calls
Total Battery LifeUp to 43 hours (ANC off)Up to 54 hoursUp to 52 hoursUp to 35 hours
Fast Charging10 min = up to 11 hours10 min = up to 8 hours10 min = 6–7 hours10 min = ~1.5 hours
Low Latency / Gaming ModeYes, ~94 msYes, ~47 msYes, ~45 msNo dedicated gaming mode
Dual Device ConnectionYesYesNoYes (works best with Samsung phones)
App SupportHeyMelodyHeyMelodyRealme LinkGalaxy Wearable
Water ResistanceIP55 (buds) / IP54 (case)Water resistantIP55IP54
Best Use CaseDaily use, commuting, ANCLong battery life, gaming, travelStrong ANC, sound quality, gamingSamsung users, calls, daily use

Final Verdict

The OnePlus Nord Buds 3 deliver a well-rounded budget TWS earbuds experience under ₹3,000. They offer lively sound with clear vocals and punchy bass, excellent battery life, and practical features like dual device connectivity and fast charging that make them reliable for everyday use. The Active Noise Cancellation is effective for common environments, and the lightweight, comfortable design makes long listening sessions easy.

For anyone looking for affordable true wireless earbuds under ₹3,000 for music, travel, workouts, or daily use, the Nord Buds 3 are a solid and dependable choice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, they are lightweight, comfortable, and deliver reliable performance across music, calls, and travel.
No, the OnePlus Nord Buds 3 do not support wireless charging. The charging case can only be recharged via the wired USB-C port on the bottom.
Yes, the OnePlus Nord Buds 3 are suitable for gaming, especially for casual mobile gaming. They feature a dedicated Game Mode to reduce audio lag and provide an immersive experience with their bass-heavy sound signature.
The Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) on the OnePlus Nord Buds 3 is considered decent and satisfactory for its budget-friendly price point, effectively handling low-frequency sounds but struggling with higher-pitched or sudden noises. It provides up to 32dB of noise cancellation.
Yes, the OnePlus Nord Buds 3 can connect to iPhones. They use a standard Bluetooth connection for audio playback and calls.

Published 3rd December 2025

About the Author

Sahed Badsha

Sahed Badsha | Tech Journalist

Hi, I’m Sahed a professional blogger and content strategist focused on technology, products, and digital innovation. I specialize in writing clear, research-backed articles that simplify complex topics for everyday readers. Over the years, I’ve worked on blogs, product reviews that help readers make smarter digital choices while staying informed about emerging product trends.

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