If you’re in the market for premium TWS earbuds, chances are you’re debating between the OnePlus Buds Pro 3 vs OnePlus Buds Pro 2. Both are flagship earphones from OnePlus, offering Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), sleek design, excellent sound, and feature-rich companion apps. But when it comes to price, performance, and features, which one truly deserves your money in 2025?
In this in-depth comparison, we’ll break down design, sound quality, ANC performance, battery life, and real-world usability to help you choose the right one for your needs.
Quick Specs – OnePlus Buds Pro 3 vs OnePlus Buds Pro 2
| Feature | Pro 3 | Pro 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth | v5.4 with Steady connect | v5.3 |
| Codec | LHDC 5.0 | LHDC 4.0 (upgraded to 5.0) |
| Microphone | 3 mics + VPU | 3 mics |
| ANC | 50dB | 48dB |
| Spatial Audio | All Android & iOS | OnePlus phones only |
| Battery Life (ANC off) | Up to 43 hrs (with case) | Up to 39 hrs (with case) |
| Price (Aug 2025) | ₹9,999 (Check latest price on Amazon) | ₹6,470 (Check latest price on Amazon) |
| Volume Control on Stem | Yes | No |
| Water Resistance | IP55 | IP55 earbuds, IPX4 case |
Design & Build Quality – Buds Pro 3 vs Buds Pro 2
Both the front and rear of the Buds Pro 3 case are wrapped in vegan leather, which enhances its grip and adds a sophisticated touch. On the front, you’ll find OnePlus branding, while the back sports the Dynaudio logo. The glossy side frame is actually plastic, keeping the case lightweight. The bottom houses a USB Type-C charging port alongside an LED indicator, and the side has the reset/pairing button.
Compared to this, the Buds Pro 2 sports a matte surface and keeps the branding low-key for a minimal look. Its rounded edges make it pocket-friendly and resistant to scratches. Personally, I find the Buds Pro 2 design more elegant and timeless, whereas the Buds Pro 3’s leather finish feels more modern but also slightly more prone to wear over time.
Winner – Design: Buds Pro 2 earphones of OnePlus
Connectivity & Codec Support in OnePlus Buds Pro 3 vs Buds Pro 2
OnePlus has upgraded the Buds Pro 3 to Bluetooth v5.4, offering improved connection stability and slightly reduced latency compared to the Buds Pro 2’s Bluetooth v5.3. Both support LHDC 5.0 codec, as Buds Pro 2 also upgraded now from LHDC 4.0, delivering Hi-Res Audio for supported devices.
Important note: Hi-Res Audio via LHDC is only available on select OnePlus phones. On other devices, they fall back to AAC/SBC.
Winner – Connectivity: Buds Pro 3 earbuds of OnePlus
Spatial Audio & Golden Sound Features
This is one of the biggest upgrades. The Buds Pro 3 allows Spatial Audio on any Android or iOS device, giving you an immersive surround-sound experience while watching movies or gaming. The Buds Pro 2, however, only enables Spatial Audio when paired with a OnePlus phone.
Each model includes the Golden Sound feature, which adjusts the audio output to match your ear’s unique hearing profile. A minor yet impactful touch, especially if you enjoy long music sessions.
Winner – Features: Buds Pro 3 TWS of OnePlus
Sound Quality Comparison – OnePlus Buds Pro 3 vs Buds Pro 2
Both models share the same dual-driver setup — an 11mm woofer for deep bass and a 6mm tweeter for crisp highs — tuned by Dynaudio.
With the Buds Pro 3, you get new EQ tuning in the Sound Master EQ of the HeyMelody app, resulting in smoother mids and a wider sense of space in the audio. The bass response feels a touch tighter, and vocals are slightly more forward.
In real-world use, the improvement is noticeable with high-bitrate tracks, but for casual streaming (Spotify, YouTube), the difference is subtle.
Winner – Audio Output: Buds Pro 3 TWS earphones of OnePlus
Comfort & Fit – Which One Feels Better?
Both models come with three sizes of silicone ear tips for a secure fit. Their ergonomic shape ensures they stay in place during workouts or commutes. Buds Pro 2 feels marginally lighter, which can be a plus for extended wear.
Neither causes ear fatigue easily, but Buds Pro 2 might feel more comfortable for users with smaller ears.
Winner – Comfort: Buds Pro 2 wireless earphones of OnePlus
Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) – Buds Pro 3 vs Buds Pro 2
Active noise cancellation on the Buds Pro 2 is set at 48dB, whereas the Buds Pro 3 upgrades this to 50dB. Tests in busy environments like public transport and coffee shops reveal that the Buds Pro 3 filters out chatter and low rumbles more efficiently.
For calls, the noise reduction is also better on Buds Pro 3, making it the choice for travellers and frequent callers.
Winner – ANC: Buds Pro 3 earbuds of OnePlus
Touch Controls & Extra Features in Both TWS
Both TWS earphones include touch controls for play/pause, track skipping, and ANC/transparency mode switching. The Buds Pro 3 adds volume control by sliding on the stem from front side, a much-requested upgrade.
While I wish OnePlus had placed the slide area at the center of the stem for easier access, it’s still a valuable improvement.
Winner – Controls: Buds Pro 3 Audio-buds of OnePlus
Battery Life & Charging – OnePlus Buds Pro 3 vs Buds Pro 2
- Buds Pro 2: Up to 39 hours total playback with the case (ANC off), about 9 hours on earbuds alone.
- Buds Pro 3: Up to 43 hours total playback with the case, about 10 hours on earbuds alone.
OnePlus claims Buds Pro 3 offers ~4 hours more total battery life. The earbuds themselves have slightly less capacity, but the larger case battery compensates.
Both models support Warp Charge — 10 minutes of charging gives ~10 hours of playback — and Qi wireless charging.
Winner – Battery: Buds Pro 3 TWS earphones of OnePlus
Durability, Waterproofing & Portability
Buds Pro 2 carry an IP55 rating for earbuds (dust and water resistance) and IPX4 for the case, making them sweat-resistant and splash-proof, while Buds Pro 3 carry an IP55 rating for earbuds only.
The Buds Pro 2 case is a tad smaller and fits more easily in pockets, while the Buds Pro 3 case’s leather finish makes it slightly bulkier.
Winner – Portability: Buds Pro 2 Audio-buds of OnePlus
Gaming & Call Performance – Buds Pro 3 vs Buds Pro 2
For gamers, both models perform well in casual gaming. Buds Pro 3’s newer Bluetooth version offers marginally reduced latency in low-latency mode, but it’s not a massive leap.
In calls, Buds Pro 3’s microphones handle wind noise slightly better, making voices sound cleaner to the listener.
Winner – Calls: Buds Pro 3 in-ear earbuds of OnePlus
Price & Value for Money – Which TWS Earbuds Should You Buy?
- Buds Pro 2 TWS earphones: ₹6,470 (Check current price on Amazon) – Outstanding value for premium earbuds under ₹7,000.
- Buds Pro 3 TWS earphones: ₹9,999 (Check current price on Amazon) – Best for those who want the latest features.
If budget is tight, Pro 2 is the better buy. If getting the newest upgrades matters more to you than sticking to a budget, the pro 3 is a sensible choice.
Winner – Budget: Buds Pro 2 wireless earphones of OnePlus
Also Read: You’ll instantly enjoy the design of the OnePlus Buds 4 – it’s truly eye-catching and premium. They have a glossy shine and a smooth premium touch, which makes them look stylish and expensive. Read More
Final Verdict – OnePlus Buds Pro 3 vs OnePlus Buds Pro 2
The decision depends on what matters most to you:
- Choose Pro 3 (new earphones) if you want universal Spatial Audio, stronger ANC, longer battery life, and stem-based volume control.
- Choose Pro 2 (old earphones) if you’re looking for premium TWS earphones under ₹7,000 without sacrificing much in performance.
In short:
- Latest features → Buds Pro 3
- Best value for money → Buds Pro 2
FAQs about OnePlus Buds Pro 3 vs Buds Pro 2
Q1: Can I use OnePlus Buds Pro 3 with iPhones?
Yes, you can, and unlike Buds Pro 2, you’ll also get Spatial Audio support on iOS.
Q2: Do both models support wireless charging?
You get Qi wireless charging on both the Buds Pro 2 and Buds Pro 3, in addition to quick wired charging support.
Q3: Is there a big sound quality difference between Buds Pro 2 and Buds Pro 3?
The difference is noticeable with high-bitrate music, but casual listeners may find them very close.
Q4: Are they good for workouts?
Yes, both are IP55 water-resistant and fit securely, making them suitable for gym and running.
Q5: Which OnePlus Buds has better call quality?
Buds Pro 3 handles wind and background noise slightly better during calls.
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