Is the OnePlus Buds Pro 3 worth the upgrade from the Apple AirPods Pro 3?
Verdict
Downgrade
The OnePlus Buds Pro 3 actually scores 6.0 points below the Apple AirPods Pro 3, so on aggregate review consensus this is a step backwards. The gains are concentrated in battery (8.0 to 8.5) and value (7.5 to 8.0). You do give up ground on noise cancelling (9.5 to 8.0) and calls (8.5 to 7.5). On paper: battery life 8 h to 10 h, codecs SBC, AAC to SBC, AAC, LHDC 5.0 and bluetooth 5.3 to 5.4. Worth checking: case weight goes 43.99 g to 50.62 g. It is at least $103 cheaper, so the lower score comes with a saving. Only worth it if a specific feature above matters more to you than overall quality does.
What actually changes
Sub-scores both products have, on the same 0-10 scale. Bars extend right for a gain, left for a loss.
- Sound8.58.0
- Noise cancelling9.58.0
- Battery8.08.5
- Calls8.57.5
- Value7.58.0
Spec differences
Only where the two genuinely differ - everything they share is omitted.
| Spec | AirPods Pro 3 | Buds Pro 3 | Direction |
|---|---|---|---|
| Battery life | 8 h | 10 h | |
| Codecs | SBC, AAC | SBC, AAC, LHDC 5.0 | |
| Bluetooth | 5.3 | 5.4 | |
| Water resistance | IP57 | IP55 | |
| Battery incl. case | 24 h | 43 h | |
| Drivers per side | 1 | 2 | |
| Case weight | 43.99 g | 50.62 g | |
| Quick charge | 5 minutes in case = about 1 hour listening time | 10 min = 5 h | |
| Driver | dynamic | hybrid | |
| Frequency response | 20 Hz - 20,000 Hz | 10 Hz - 40,000 Hz |
About this verdict
Direction matters here: this page answers "AirPods Pro 3 to Buds Pro 3". The other direction is a separate question with a different answer. Scores blend published review verdicts across true wireless and shift as new reviews land, so a marginal call today may not be one next quarter.