| Product | OnePlus Nord Buds 4 Pro |
| Price | Approximately ₹4,999 (India) |
| Best For | Budget-conscious listeners seeking premium features like strong ANC and high-resolution audio support. |
| Verdict | A feature-packed budget contender that delivers impressive noise cancellation and sound quality for the price, with some expected trade-offs in polish. |
What We Liked
- Powerful 55dB Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) that is notably effective for the price.
- Support for high-quality LHDC 5.0 audio codec for improved wireless fidelity.
- Excellent overall battery life, especially with ANC off.
- Comfortable, secure fit suitable for workouts and daily use.
- Useful AI features like Adaptive Noise Cancellation and Clear Voice Enhancement.
Where It Falls Short
- Transparency mode performance is described as just average, lacking naturalism.
- Build quality and case feel functional but not premium.
- Lacks multipoint Bluetooth connectivity, a feature found on some rivals.
- Microphone call quality in noisy environments can be inconsistent.
When a pair of wireless earbuds costs less than $100 but promises premium features like high-res audio and serious noise cancellation, you should be skeptical. I know I was. The OnePlus Nord Buds 4 Pro make that exact promise. Here's what happens when you actually use them.
Design, Comfort, and Everyday Usability
They look like every other stem-style bud out there, and that's fine. The priority here is staying in your ears, and they do that well. They're light, they seal tight, and I forgot I was wearing them after an hour. That's a win. The case is small and slips into a jeans pocket, but you won't mistake it for a luxury item. It's plastic, it clicks shut, it gets the job done. The touch controls on the stems work without fuss, and you can remap them in the app. It's all very straightforward and gets out of your way.
Sound Quality and Audio Performance
This is the surprise. OnePlus packed in support for the LHDC 5.0 codec. If your phone supports it (many Android phones do), you get a real jump in wireless sound quality. Music has more detail, the bass has punch without turning to mud, and the highs are crisp. Switch back to a standard codec like AAC, and they still sound good for the price, but that LHDC mode is the secret sauce. It's the kind of feature that makes you think, "Wait, these really cost fifty bucks?"
High-Resolution Audio Support
Let's be clear about LHDC 5.0. It's a cheat code for the budget segment. Almost no one else offers this at this price. It means if you care about streaming high-res tracks from Tidal or Qobuz, or if you just want the cleanest possible Bluetooth signal, these buds are a genuine option. It's a spec sheet bullet point that actually matters.
Noise Cancellation and Ambient Modes
OnePlus claims 55dB of ANC, and for once, the marketing isn't lying. On a bus or in a noisy office, these things quiet the world down in a way that's frankly shocking for the cost. The low rumble of an airplane cabin or an air conditioner just disappears. You've got a few strength levels and a smart Adaptive mode that works pretty well. Now, flip on the transparency mode to hear your surroundings, and the magic fades. It sounds tinny and artificial, like you're listening through a cheap intercom. It's functional for a quick chat, but you won't want it on for long.
Call Quality and Microphone Performance
They have an AI feature called Clear Voice Enhancement. In a quiet room, calls are fine. Take them outside into wind or a crowded street, and things fall apart. Your voice can get thin and processed, and while some background noise is cut, it's not enough for a truly clear call. For a quick check-in, they're okay. For an important work call from a noisy cafe, I'd grab my phone instead.
Battery Life and Connectivity
No complaints here. With ANC on, you'll get close to the stated 6.5 hours. Turn it off, and they last forever. The case adds several full charges, so a weekend trip is no problem. They use Bluetooth 5.4, so the connection is rock solid. But here's the real bummer: no multipoint pairing. You can't be connected to your laptop and phone at the same time. For buds packed with fancy tech, missing this basic convenience feature feels like a weird choice.
Software and Features
You need the OnePlus HeyMelody app to do anything useful. It's simple and clean, letting you tweak the ANC, set up the touch controls, and fiddle with EQ. The Adaptive ANC feature, which automatically adjusts to your environment, is the standout here. It works, and it means you don't have to constantly dig into the app. It's a good, no-fuss companion.
OnePlus Nord Buds 4 Pro Ratings Breakdown
| Category | Assessment |
|---|---|
| Sound Quality | Very Good. LHDC 5.0 support provides a tangible boost in clarity and detail for a budget model. Tuning is engaging and versatile. |
| Noise Cancellation | Excellent (for the price). The 55dB ANC is a standout feature, offering silencing power typically found in more expensive earbuds. |
| Design & Comfort | Good. Functional, secure, and comfortable for all-day wear, though the case and materials are basic. |
| Battery Life | Excellent. Meets or exceeds claims, especially with ANC off, providing all-day endurance. |
| Call Quality | Average. Fine for quiet environments but inconsistent in noisy conditions despite AI enhancements. |
| Features & Value | Excellent. Exceptional feature set (LHDC 5.0, strong ANC, Bluetooth 5.4) for a budget-friendly price point. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Do the Nord Buds 4 Pro support wireless charging?
No, the charging case only supports charging via a USB-C cable.
Can I use the LHDC 5.0 codec with an iPhone?
No, iPhones do not support the LHDC codec, you will be limited to the standard AAC codec.
Are these earbuds good for workouts?
Yes, their IP55 rating for dust and water resistance and secure fit make them suitable for exercise.
Do they have wear detection (auto-pause)?
Yes, in-ear detection is supported and can be managed within the HeyMelody app.
Final Verdict
So what's the catch? With specs this good for the money, there has to be one. And it's this, the Nord Buds 4 Pro are brilliant at the two things you do most, listening to music and blocking out the world. They're mediocre at the ancillary stuff, like taking calls in chaos or letting sound in naturally. If you want the absolute best core audio experience on a tight budget, buy these. If you need your buds to be a perfect all-in-one communications hub, you'll need to spend more. OnePlus put the money where it counts.
Sources
- notebookcheck.net
- youtube.com
- instagram.com