OnePlus Buds 4: Disrupting the Audio Market with Affordable Excellence

In an era where premium earbuds like Apple's AirPods dominate with hefty price tags, OnePlus is shifting the landscape. The newly discounted OnePlus Buds 4, now just $100 with code "BACK2COLLEGE" (down from $130), offer a compelling blend of flagship features and affordability. According to ZDNET's in-depth review by Prakhar Khanna, these earbuds excel in active noise cancellation (ANC) and audio quality, challenging the notion that high performance requires deep pockets.

Flagship ANC and Bass-Heavy Audio on a Budget

Prakhar Khanna's testing reveals that the Buds 4's ANC is "on par" with OnePlus's pricier Buds Pro 3, effectively muffling urban clamor and even airplane engines during flights. This is powered by a novel dual DAC (digital-to-analog converter) system that enhances each speaker, resulting in a bass-heavy sound profile. Khanna notes, "Lower frequencies receive a significant boost, while the rest of the output is more balanced. High frequencies don't pierce the ear, and mids are pleasant." Such performance positions the Buds 4 as a rare find—delivering immersive audio without the $200+ investment typical of competitors.

Design Tweaks Enhance Comfort, But Gestures Lag

OnePlus has refined the ergonomics, adopting a flatter stem inspired by their Nord Buds lineup. This design ensures a secure, comfortable fit that stays put during daily use. However, Khanna highlights a drawback: the touch-sensitive area on the stem causes slight movement during swipe gestures, requiring users to stabilize the earbuds for reliable control. Despite this, the overall package—including a charging case, USB-C cable, and multiple eartips—emphasizes user-centric design.

Caption: Prakhar Khanna/ZDNET

Why This Deal Matters for Tech Consumers

At a 25% discount, this sale marks the lowest price since the Buds 4's July 2025 release. For developers and tech enthusiasts, it signals a broader trend: brands like OnePlus are leveraging hardware innovation to democratize premium features. The dual DAC system and ANC capabilities reflect advancements in audio engineering trickling down to mid-range products, empowering users to prioritize value without sacrificing quality. As supply chain efficiencies improve, such deals could pressure industry giants to rethink pricing strategies.

The sale ends September 14, making it a timely opportunity to experience how thoughtful engineering can eclipse brand prestige. In a market saturated with overpriced options, the Buds 4 exemplify that exceptional tech needn't break the bank—proof that disruption often sounds best when it's affordable.

Source: ZDNET