Balancing premium ANC performance with OnePlus's signature value proposition
The OnePlus Buds 4 represent a strategic mid-tier offering that brings flagship-level active noise cancellation to a more accessible price point. Buyers should understand these earbuds prioritize hybrid ANC technology and battery life while maintaining OnePlus's characteristic design language, as evidenced by the distinctive Zen Green colorway and E513A model designation.
Key Considerations Before Buying
- Evaluate the hybrid ANC performance specifically in your daily environments—commuting, office settings, or travel—as this dual-driver system handles both low-frequency rumble and mid-range chatter differently than single-driver competitors.
- Consider the 36-hour total battery life with the charging case against your usage patterns; heavy ANC users should note the 6.5-hour single-charge rating drops to 4.5 hours with ANC active.
- Assess compatibility with your existing devices, as OnePlus phones unlock additional features like Dolby Atmos and personalized sound profiles through proprietary software integration.
What Our Analysts Recommend
Quality indicators for the Buds 4 include consistent Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity with minimal dropouts, effective touch controls that differentiate between taps and holds, and proper IP55 rating validation for sweat and dust resistance. Pay attention to how the 11mm dynamic drivers handle bass response without muddying mids in your preferred music genres.
Earbud Headphones Market Context
Market Overview
The true wireless earbud market has bifurcated into budget options under $100 and premium models exceeding $200, creating intense competition in the $100-$150 segment where the Buds 4 compete. Brands like Samsung, Sony, and Apple dominate with ecosystem advantages, while OnePlus leverages its smartphone user base for cross-device features.
Common Issues
Mid-range ANC earbuds frequently struggle with inconsistent noise cancellation across frequency ranges, with many models excelling at blocking constant hum but failing against human voices. Battery degradation after 12-18 months and fit-related microphone performance during calls remain persistent pain points across the category.
Quality Indicators
Superior products demonstrate minimal latency for video content (under 100ms), multi-point connectivity that switches seamlessly between devices, and companion apps offering meaningful customization beyond basic EQ presets. The presence of wear detection sensors and reliable transparency mode switching also separates competent from exceptional implementations.
Review Authenticity Insights
Grade B Interpretation
A Grade B authenticity rating with 15% estimated fake reviews indicates generally trustworthy feedback, though shoppers should remain cautious of overly enthusiastic 5-star reviews lacking specific usage context. The 0.36-point drop from the displayed 4.56 to adjusted 4.20 rating suggests some review inflation exists but doesn't fundamentally misrepresent the product experience.
Trust Recommendation
Focus on reviews that mention specific use cases like gym workouts, commute noise reduction, or work-from-home scenarios rather than generic praise. The 229-review sample size provides sufficient data points, but prioritize feedback discussing the Zen Green color's visibility or the E513A model's particular firmware quirks for maximum relevance.
Tips for Reading Reviews
Look for mentions of the 'Ultra Bass Mode 2.0' implementation and how it affects different music genres, as this feature separates the Buds 4 from previous OnePlus models. Reviews discussing call quality in windy conditions or the physical button vs. touch control preference provide more actionable insights than general comfort statements.
Expert Perspective
The OnePlus Buds 4 present a compelling value proposition for users seeking 40dB hybrid ANC without paying premium brand premiums. The adjusted 4.20 rating from verified authentic reviews suggests genuine satisfaction with core features, though the authenticity analysis indicates some review manipulation exists. These earbuds particularly shine for OnePlus smartphone owners who can access the full feature suite, while still delivering competent performance for general Android and iOS users. The Zen Green option provides visual differentiation in a market dominated by black and white colorways.
Purchase Considerations
Weigh the importance of ecosystem integration against pure audio performance—the Buds 4 offer better value within the OnePlus environment than as standalone purchases. Consider whether the 4.5-hour ANC battery life meets your longest continuous usage needs, and verify that the in-ear design with multiple tip sizes accommodates your ear anatomy for both comfort and effective noise isolation.
Comparing Alternatives
Shoppers should compare the Buds 4 against similarly priced offerings like the Samsung Galaxy Buds FE and Nothing Ear (2), which offer different approaches to ANC implementation and companion app functionality.
