OnePlus Buds Pro 3 vs. AirPods Pro 2

OnePlus unveils the Buds Pro 3 earbuds with a striking resemblance to Apple's AirPods Pro. Despite lacking Apple's exclusive features, the earbuds boast an in-ear design with a unique oval case, covered in faux leather. Surpassing the AirPods Pro in sound quality, the Buds Pro 3 offer a balanced mix of bass and high frequencies, enhanced by dual DACs per earbud. The Adaptive Noise Cancellation effectively reduces ambient sounds, although it may not be as exceptional as the sound quality. With a long battery life of up to 43 hours, the earbuds feature ear detection for iPhones, but lack Apple-specific features such as quick connect and automatic device switching. Although designed for Android devices, the Buds Pro 3 function as standard Bluetooth earbuds for Apple users, lacking spatial audio unless paired with a compatible Google Pixel phone. OnePlus's affordable price of $179 makes the Buds Pro 3 a potential alternative for those seeking a budget-friendly yet feature-rich earbuds. The earbuds provide a comfortable fit with silicone tips, and squeeze gestures enable easy control of music and volume. Despite the lack of EQ adjustment, the Buds Pro 3 deliver a crisp and clear sound experience with good separation. Call quality is satisfactory, and the charging case utilizes a USB-C port. For Apple users, the Buds Pro 3 may not offer the same seamless integration as AirPods, but they remain a solid option for those prioritizing sound quality and battery life.