Apps and tools for a calm, enjoyable life

OnePlus Buds Pro

$149.99

OnePlus Buds Pro offer smart adaptive noise cancellation and a balanced sound profile. They feature a sleek design and a long-lasting battery life.

Our take

Stylish and smart, these earbuds are a great choice.

Alright, so I got these OnePlus Buds Pro, and let me tell you, they're pretty nifty. First off, the design is slick and modern — they look good without shouting "hey, I'm expensive tech!" They fit snugly in the ears, which is a big deal if, like me, you hate constantly adjusting earbuds. The comfort level is solid for long listening sessions. I wore them during a couple of long Zoom calls, and they didn't bug me at all. Plus, the case is compact and easy to pop in a pocket, which is always a win.

Now, let's talk sound quality. These buds pack quite a punch for their size — the audio is clear, and the bass is surprisingly deep. If you’re a bass-head, you won’t be disappointed. The highs and mids are well-balanced, too, which is great because nobody wants earbuds that only do one thing well. Whether you're jamming out to your favorite playlist or catching up on podcasts, the sound is immersive and crisp. Sure, they might not match up to some high-end audiophile gear, but for everyday use, they more than deliver.

Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) is another standout feature here. It’s not going to completely block out a jackhammer, but it does a decent job of muting the world around you. Think of it as a nice bubble where you can enjoy your music without too many interruptions. Transparency mode is handy when you need to be more aware of your surroundings, like crossing a busy street or when you just want to eavesdrop on a conversation — not that I’m encouraging it, of course!

Battery life is pretty solid, too. You get about five hours of juice with ANC on and a bit more with it off, plus the case gives you extra top-ups. The wireless charging is a sweet touch if you're already in that ecosystem. It's not groundbreaking, but it's dependable, which is what you want. Fast charging is also a lifesaver if you forget to plug them in overnight — a quick charge gets you a few hours of use, which is perfect if you're running out the door.

Of course, there are a couple of quirks. The touch controls can be a bit finicky; sometimes they don’t register taps, or they register them as double taps. It’s not a dealbreaker, but it's something you'll notice. Also, these buds are pretty tied into the OnePlus ecosystem, so if you’re using them with a different device, you might miss out on some features. All in all, they’re a great choice if you want something reliable without breaking the bank. Just keep in mind those few tradeoffs, and you'll be golden.

Free with premium options

$10/month