The Apple AirPods Pro 3 and OnePlus Buds 4 are two of the most talked-about true wireless earbuds of 2025, but they target different priorities. The AirPods Pro 3 lean on Apple's ecosystem integration and class-leading noise cancelling, while the OnePlus Buds 4 counter with a lower price, richer codec support, and a longer single-charge battery. This head-to-head uses only recorded specifications and published review consensus from the HearWiki database to help you decide which pair fits your needs.
Both earbuds offer active noise cancellation and wireless connectivity, but their strengths diverge sharply. Below, we break down the numbers and the practical differences, then close with a clear recommendation for each type of buyer.
Price and positioning
The Apple AirPods Pro 3 retail at $179, placing them firmly in the premium tier. The OnePlus Buds 4 cost $115, which is about 36% less. That price gap is significant, but it does not tell the whole story: the AirPods Pro 3 include wireless charging and a higher IP57 water-resistance rating, while the OnePlus Buds 4 skip wireless charging and offer a more modest IP rating (not recorded in the database).
Positioning matters here. The AirPods Pro 3 are designed primarily for iPhone users who want seamless pairing, spatial audio, and a polished ecosystem experience. The OnePlus Buds 4 aim at a broader Android audience, with support for LHDC and LDAC high-resolution codecs (the database records LHDC; LDAC is mentioned in the summary but not listed as a confirmed codec). If you are on Android, the OnePlus pair is the more natural fit; if you live in Apple's world, the AirPods will integrate more smoothly.
The scores, side by side
The headline HearWiki score is a buyability score derived from published review consensus, price/value, and availability. It is not a weighted average of the sub-scores. The Apple AirPods Pro 3 score 88/100, while the OnePlus Buds 4 score 83/100. That is a five-point gap—real but not enormous. Both are strong products, and the difference reflects the AirPods' higher overall polish and noise-cancelling performance, not a fundamental flaw in the OnePlus.
Looking at the sub-scores, the picture gets more nuanced. The OnePlus Buds 4 actually beat the AirPods on sound (8.8 vs 8.6) and value (8.5 vs 8.3). The AirPods win on ANC (9.3 vs 8.4), battery (7.3 vs 6.3—though that sub-score refers to the charging case experience, not just the buds), and calls (7.4 vs 8.0, so the OnePlus actually wins there). The headline score is not a simple average of these, so do not try to reverse-engineer it; treat it as a separate overall judgement.
For a direct comparison table, see the full comparison.
Sound
Both earbuds deliver well-regarded sound, but they approach it differently. The AirPods Pro 3 use a single 10.7 mm dynamic driver and support only SBC and AAC codecs. That is fine for iPhone users, but it caps the audio quality ceiling on Android devices. The OnePlus Buds 4 use a hybrid dual-driver setup and support LHDC, which can carry higher-resolution audio streams on compatible Android phones.
Published reviews consistently describe the OnePlus Buds 4 as rich and detailed, with a slightly more energetic tuning. The AirPods Pro 3 are more neutral and balanced, which some listeners prefer for long sessions. If you are an Android user with a phone that supports LHDC, the OnePlus pair has the technical edge. If you are on an iPhone, the AirPods' AAC implementation is well-optimised, and you are unlikely to notice the codec limitation in practice.
Noise cancelling and battery
Active noise cancellation is a clear win for the Apple AirPods Pro 3. Their ANC sub-score of 9.3 is among the best in the database, and published tests consistently praise their ability to silence low-frequency rumble and chatter. The OnePlus Buds 4 are no slouches—their adaptive ANC adjusts to your environment—but they score 8.4, which is a step behind. If you commute on noisy trains or work in open-plan offices, the AirPods will give you more quiet.
Battery life is a mixed bag. The OnePlus Buds 4 claim up to 11 hours per charge, which is excellent for a pair with ANC. The AirPods Pro 3 manage 8 hours per charge, which is respectable but shorter. However, the AirPods' charging case supports wireless charging and adds several extra charges, while the OnePlus case does not support wireless charging. The database records the AirPods' battery sub-score as 7.3 and the OnePlus as 6.3, suggesting the overall battery experience—including the case—favours Apple.
Calls and everyday use
Call quality is close, but the OnePlus Buds 4 edge ahead with a sub-score of 8.0 versus the AirPods' 7.4. The OnePlus pair uses six microphones for call pickup, and published reviews note clear voice transmission even in windy conditions. The AirPods Pro 3 are also good on calls, but their sub-score suggests slightly more variability in noisy environments.
Everyday use comes down to fit and controls. The AirPods Pro 3 have a stem design with squeeze controls, but some reviewers report that the fit can be finicky and the seal may break with movement. The OnePlus Buds 4 have touch controls that take some getting used to, but their fit is generally described as comfortable and stable. Neither is perfect, so if fit is your top concern, you should try them in a store if possible.
Which one should you buy?
If you are an iPhone user who values top-tier noise cancelling, wireless charging, and a seamless ecosystem experience, the Apple AirPods Pro 3 are the better choice. The extra $64 buys you the best-in-class ANC and a more polished overall package.
If you are on Android, want longer battery life per charge, and prefer a richer sound with high-resolution codec support, the OnePlus Buds 4 offer better value at $115. They are not as strong on ANC, but they are close enough in most areas that the price difference tips the scale.
For a side-by-side spec sheet, head to the comparison page. You can also browse other top picks in our best true wireless guide or filter by budget in the best earbuds under $100 section.
FAQ
Are the AirPods Pro 3 worth the extra money over the OnePlus Buds 4?
Yes, if you are an iPhone user who prioritises noise cancelling and wireless charging. The AirPods Pro 3 score higher overall (88/100 vs 83/100) and their ANC is clearly better. If you are on Android or on a tight budget, the OnePlus Buds 4 deliver most of the experience for $64 less.
Do the OnePlus Buds 4 work with iPhones?
They work as standard Bluetooth earbuds, so you can pair them with an iPhone, but you will lose LHDC support and some advanced features. AAC is supported, so audio quality will be decent, but you will miss the seamless integration that the AirPods Pro 3 offer on iOS.
Which earbuds have better battery life?
The OnePlus Buds 4 last longer per charge at 11 hours versus 8 hours for the AirPods Pro 3. However, the AirPods' charging case supports wireless charging and offers more total listening time with the case, so the overall battery experience favours Apple. If you rarely use the case, the OnePlus pair wins.
