The Huawei FreeBuds Pro 3 and OnePlus Buds Pro 4 are two strong contenders in the true wireless space, but they approach the same job from different angles. One is a premium 2023 flagship now available at a steep discount; the other is a newer, feature-packed model that undercuts most rivals at launch. This head-to-head uses only recorded specifications and published review consensus from the HearWiki database to help you decide which pair fits your listening habits and budget.
Neither pair is a clear winner across every category. The FreeBuds Pro 3 lead on headline score and codec support, while the Buds Pro 4 counter with far longer battery life, a newer Bluetooth version, and a lower asking price. Read on for the breakdown.
Price and positioning
The Huawei FreeBuds Pro 3 launched in 2023 at a premium price, but the HearWiki database currently records them at $51. That places them firmly in budget territory, despite their flagship ambitions. The OnePlus Buds Pro 4 are newer, with a 2026 release year, and are listed at $88. That is still a competitive price for a pair with this feature set, but it is roughly 70% more than the Huawei.
Positioning matters here. The FreeBuds Pro 3 are an older flagship that has fallen in price, so you are getting high-end hardware at a budget cost, but with older software and battery tech. The Buds Pro 4 are a modern mid-range release that aims to deliver most of what a flagship offers without the flagship price tag. If your priority is absolute lowest cost, the Huawei wins outright. If you want the newest features and are willing to pay a bit more, the OnePlus is the better fit.
The scores, side by side
The headline HearWiki buyability score for the FreeBuds Pro 3 is 95/100, while the Buds Pro 4 sit at 86/100. That is a nine-point gap, which is meaningful but not enormous. The score reflects published review consensus, price-to-value, and current availability; it is not a simple average of sub-scores.
For the FreeBuds Pro 3, none of the sub-scores (sound, ANC, battery, calls, value) are recorded in the database, so we cannot break down their strengths by category. The Buds Pro 4 have full sub-scores: sound 8.5/10, ANC 8/10, battery 8.5/10, calls 7.5/10, and value 9/10. That gives you a clear picture of where the OnePlus excels and where it is merely good.
The headline gap suggests the Huawei is the better overall buy right now, largely because of its discounted price. But the OnePlus has a more balanced, documented profile. Do not treat the nine-point difference as a verdict on sound quality alone; it is a composite measure.
Sound
Sound is where the two diverge most in philosophy. The FreeBuds Pro 3 use a 2-driver hybrid setup, which typically allows for better separation between bass and treble. They support SBC, AAC, and LDAC codecs, so Android users with compatible devices can stream high-resolution audio. The summary notes "excellent sound quality with dual-driver design," which is a strong endorsement.
The Buds Pro 4 use a single 11 mm dynamic driver, which is simpler but often well-tuned. They support SBC, AAC, and LHDC, a codec that competes with LDAC on paper but is less widely supported across phones. The summary describes "rich dual-driver sound," which is slightly contradictory given the single-driver spec, but the recorded pros list it as a strength. The sound sub-score of 8.5/10 supports that.
In practice, the Huawei likely has the edge in raw detail and frequency extension thanks to the hybrid driver and LDAC. However, the OnePlus is no slouch, and its tuning is reportedly more consumer-friendly. If you own a phone that supports LDAC, the FreeBuds Pro 3 are the safer bet for audiophile-leaning listening. If you just want a pleasant, energetic sound out of the box, the Buds Pro 4 will satisfy most people.
Noise cancelling and battery
Both pairs have active noise cancellation (ANC). The FreeBuds Pro 3 are described as having "effective adaptive noise cancellation," which is a hallmark of Huawei's recent earbuds. The Buds Pro 4 also have "effective adaptive ANC and transparency mode," with an ANC sub-score of 8/10. Without recorded sub-scores for the Huawei, we cannot compare them numerically, but published reviews suggest both are competent for their price brackets. The OnePlus may have a slight edge in transparency mode clarity, but that is anecdotal.
Battery life is where the gap is stark. The FreeBuds Pro 3 offer 6.5 hours per charge, which is average for 2023 but now looks modest. The Buds Pro 4 deliver 13 hours, exactly double. That is a massive difference for commuters or frequent travellers. Even accounting for the charging case, the OnePlus will last significantly longer between charges. If battery endurance is a top priority, the Buds Pro 4 are the clear winner here.
Calls and everyday use
The FreeBuds Pro 3 have an IP54 rating, which handles dust and light splashes. The Buds Pro 4 are rated IP55, which is slightly better against water jets. Both support multipoint connectivity, so you can pair them with a phone and laptop simultaneously. Wireless charging is present on both.
Call quality is only recorded for the Buds Pro 4, with a sub-score of 7.5/10. That is decent but not class-leading. The Huawei's call performance is not recorded in the database, so we cannot compare directly. The OnePlus summary mentions touch controls that "may require a learning curve," while the Huawei's app interface is described as "awkward to navigate." Neither is a dealbreaker, but both are minor annoyances.
The Buds Pro 4 also lack an official mention of wear detection, so they may not pause music when you remove them. The Huawei does not have this issue mentioned, but it is not confirmed either. For everyday use, the OnePlus has longer battery and better water resistance, but the Huawei is lighter on the wallet.
Which one should you buy?
Buy the Huawei FreeBuds Pro 3 if you want the highest headline score and the lowest price. At $51, they are a steal for a dual-driver pair with LDAC support and adaptive ANC. They are ideal for Android users who value audio fidelity over battery stamina and do not mind an older app. The 6.5-hour battery is fine for short commutes but will struggle on long flights.
Buy the OnePlus Buds Pro 4 if you need battery life above all else. Thirteen hours per charge is exceptional, and the IP55 rating makes them more durable for workouts. They cost more, but the value sub-score of 9/10 suggests they justify it. They are also the better choice if you want a newer Bluetooth version (5.4 vs unrecorded for the Huawei) and a more balanced, documented feature set.
If you are torn, consider your phone. LDAC support on the Huawei is a big plus for high-res streaming, but LHDC on the OnePlus is less universal. For most people, the OnePlus offers a more practical, future-proof package. The Huawei is the budget pick for purists.
For a full spec-by-spec comparison, see the comparison table. You can also browse other options in our best true wireless and best budget earbuds under $50 guides.
FAQ
Which earbuds have better battery life?
The OnePlus Buds Pro 4 last 13 hours per charge, while the Huawei FreeBuds Pro 3 manage 6.5 hours. That is a doubling of endurance, so the OnePlus is the clear winner for long listening sessions or travel.
Are the Huawei FreeBuds Pro 3 worth it at $51?
Yes, if you prioritise sound quality and codec support. The dual-driver design and LDAC support are rare at this price, and the 95/100 headline score reflects strong review consensus. Just be prepared for shorter battery life and an older app.
Do the OnePlus Buds Pro 4 support wireless charging?
Yes, the OnePlus Buds Pro 4 support wireless charging through their case, as do the Huawei FreeBuds Pro 3. Both pairs also support multipoint connectivity, so you can switch between devices easily.
