The battle for your ears just got more interesting. OnePlus has officially launched its latest mid-range true wireless earbuds, the OnePlus Buds 4, globally, pitching them as a compelling blend of premium features at a surprisingly accessible price point, headlined by a new focus on "Hi-Res Audio" certification.
Targeting users who crave high-quality sound without breaking the bank, the Buds 4 aim to deliver on several fronts that typically demand a higher investment. The star of the show is the promise of enhanced audio fidelity. OnePlus touts the Buds 4 as their first affordable earbuds to achieve "Hi-Res Audio Wireless" certification. This is enabled by support for the LDAC codec, capable of transmitting audio data at up to 990kbps – significantly higher than the standard SBC or AAC codecs used in many budget and mid-range buds. This theoretically allows for much greater detail and a richer listening experience, if you're streaming from a compatible Hi-Res source and your phone supports LDAC.
But OnePlus hasn't stopped at just the codec. The Buds 4 pack dual dynamic drivers – an 11mm woofer for bass and a 6mm tweeter for mids and highs. This dual-driver setup is designed to offer better separation and clarity across the frequency range compared to single-driver competitors. Combined with OnePlus' BassWave enhancement algorithm, the buds aim to deliver a powerful yet balanced sound signature.
Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) is another key battleground, and the Buds 4 come equipped with Hybrid ANC rated at up to 49dB of noise reduction. This dual-microphone setup (three microphones per bud total) promises to effectively dampen a wide range of ambient noise, from the rumble of a commute to the chatter of an open office. Smart features like Adaptive Noise Cancellation automatically adjust the ANC level based on your surroundings, while Transparency Mode lets essential sounds in when needed.
Battery life is often a major concern, and OnePlus claims the Buds 4 deliver up to 36 hours of total playtime with the charging case (with ANC off). A quick 10-minute charge in the case provides up to 7 hours of listening. The buds themselves offer up to 9 hours on a single charge (ANC off), or around 6.5 hours with ANC active. The case supports fast charging via USB-C, and thankfully, wireless charging is also included – a feature sometimes omitted at this price point.
Learn more and see the full specs directly on OnePlus' official site:
https://www.oneplus.com/us/product/oneplus-buds-4
Adding to the feature set is support for spatial audio with head tracking (when paired with compatible OnePlus devices running OxygenOS 14 or later), creating a more immersive, multi-dimensional soundscape for movies and music. Bluetooth 5.3 ensures a stable connection, and the IP55 rating provides solid protection against sweat and dust, making them suitable for workouts.
Design-wise, the Buds 4 follow the stem-style popularized by brands like Apple but with OnePlus' own twist. They feature a glossy stem and a matte-finish bud, and come in two distinct colorways: Deep Sea Black and a striking Arctic Blue. The compact charging case continues the sleek aesthetic OnePlus is known for.
Perhaps the most compelling argument for the Buds 4 is their price. Positioned aggressively in the competitive mid-range market, they launch globally at $99 / €99 / £89. This places them significantly below flagship offerings from Sony, Bose, or Apple, while promising many of the core features – Hi-Res audio potential, strong ANC, good battery life, wireless charging, and spatial audio – that users seek.
"With the OnePlus Buds 4, we're challenging the notion that truly premium audio experiences come with a premium price tag," said a OnePlus spokesperson at the virtual global launch event. "We've focused intensely on delivering high-resolution sound, effective noise cancellation, and all-day comfort without compromise, making exceptional audio truly accessible."
The global availability starts today, July 8th, 2025. Pre-orders placed during the initial launch window may also include limited-time incentives like additional discounts or bundled accessories, depending on the region.
For consumers looking to upgrade their wireless audio experience without venturing into the $200+ territory, the OnePlus Buds 4 present a strong case on paper. The combination of Hi-Res audio support, robust ANC, long battery life, and a sleek design at under $100 makes them a contender worth serious consideration in the crowded TWS market. The real test, as always, will be how they perform in everyday listening and how effectively they deliver on that Hi-Res promise. But on launch day, OnePlus seems confident they've hit a sweet spot.
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