The OnePlus Nord Buds 3r have landed as OnePlus’ newest budget TWS earbuds, packing a bunch of tempting features for under ₹2,000. With their sharp design and an impressive spec sheet, these buds are gunning for anyone who wants solid audio without spending big.

But with so many cheap wireless earbuds out there, does the Nord Buds 3r actually have what it takes to stand out from the crowd? Let’s see if these are worth a spot in your daily setup. 

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OnePlus has switched things up with the Nord Buds 3r, going for a clean, rectangular design with sharp edges that gives these earbuds a more modern vibe compared to the rounded, pebble-like cases we’re used to seeing. The matte finish isn’t just for looks—it actually does a great job at keeping annoying fingerprints at bay, so the buds stay looking fresh even after a few days in your pocket.

The case, however, is noticeably chunkier than some of the slimmer budget models out there. That added bulk isn’t just for show; it allows for a bigger battery inside, which means more playtime between charges.

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Of course, this does mean the case isn’t as pocket-friendly as some ultra-compact options. If you’re someone who prefers the smallest possible case, this might take some getting used to. But honestly, considering the bigger battery life you get out of it, it feels like a fair compromise.

In terms of comfort and fit, the Nord Buds 3r get the basics right. The earbuds sit securely in your ears and are comfortable enough for long listening sessions. I gave my head a good shake and the buds stayed put, which is always reassuring. You also get extra eartips in the box to help you find the perfect fit for your ears. And with an IP55 rating for water and dust resistance, these can easily handle sweaty workouts or a quick dash in the rain without any stress.

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The OnePlus Nord Buds 3r come with all the essential touch controls you’d expect. You can play or pause your music with a quick tap, and even adjust the volume by tapping and holding on the buds—so you don’t have to keep reaching for your phone.

What’s actually cool is the level of customisation you get through the HeyMelody app, which works on both Android and iOS.

You can tweak what different taps do, and even set up a double-tap to snap selfies, which is surprisingly handy. The only real letdown is the lack of wear detection. If you pull the buds out, your music doesn’t pause automatically, which feels like a missed trick in 2025.

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Audio on the OnePlus Nord Buds 3r is all about the bass—no surprises there. With those chunky 12.4mm drivers, the low-end is punchy and front-and-centre from the second you hit play. If you’re someone who lives for deep, thumping beats, these earbuds will definitely scratch that itch.

But, there’s a flip side. When I tested tracks like Bohemian Rhapsody, the vocals felt pushed back, almost muffled, and the highs didn’t have the sparkle I was hoping for. On some songs, there was even a bit of distortion in the upper frequencies, especially if you turn up the volume.

The experience was pretty similar with tracks like Tu Jhoom. The bass boomed, but it tended to overshadow the vocals, which could be a bit much if you prefer clarity and detail in your music.

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While a powerful low-end can make genres like EDM or hip-hop sound more energetic and fun, the overall sound profile here just leans a little too far into the bass for my liking. It’s the kind of tuning that will appeal to bass-heads, but it comes at the cost of mid and treble clarity.

Still, not everything’s lost if you’re after a different sound. The OnePlus Nord Buds 3r let you play around with custom EQ settings via the HeyMelody app, so you can tweak the sound signature and try to balance things out a bit.

But even after some adjustments, the overall vibe is still pretty bass-forward. If you want a punchy sound that really emphasises low-end, you’ll probably love these. If you’re looking for something a bit more balanced with clearer vocals and highs, these might feel a little too overwhelming.

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Battery life is definitely one of the strongest points of the OnePlus Nord Buds 3r. With a chunky 560mAh battery in the case, you get up to 54 hours of total playback, which is seriously impressive for buds in this price range.  

The earbuds themselves can go for about 12 hours on a single charge, so you won’t find yourself reaching for the charger every day.

What really seals the deal is the fast charging—just 10 minutes plugged in gives you up to 8 hours of playtime. That’s a lifesaver if you’re in a hurry and forget to charge the night before. For anyone always on the move, these buds are super convenient.

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If you’re looking for a pair of affordable wireless earbuds with a thumping bass, marathon battery life, and quick charging, the OnePlus Nord Buds 3r deliver exactly that. They’re a great choice for anyone who loves energetic, bass-focused sound and doesn’t want to worry about charging every night.

However, if you care more about balanced audio, crisp vocals, or want features like active noise cancellation, these might not hit the mark.

At the end of the day, the Nord Buds 3r are all about fun, bass-heavy listening without stretching your budget.