OnePlus’s all new OnePlus Buds Pro 3 isn’t just the best audio product that the company has unveiled in India, it’s also part of a bigger trend. We’ve seen features previously reserved for premium TWS Bluetooth earbuds trickle down to earbuds in the Rs 10K-20K price range. The Buds 3 Pro are a ‘case in point’. These buds don’t just deliver a stellar soundstage but also come with a premium design that includes a faux leather, textured case. It’s not just OnePlus, we’ve seen Bluetooth earbuds from brands like Sennheiser and Samsung debut at this price band with a slew of top-class features and premium design. It’s why now might be a great time to upgrade to a cool pair of TWS Bluetooth earbuds that tick most boxes:
OnePlus Buds Pro 3
Pass the key mid-level volume test with flying colours. Earbuds that ace sound quality at volume levels of around 50 to 60 per cent are likely to get a nod of approval from audiophiles. OnePlus has master tuned these buds with Danish audio major Dynaudio. The acoustics are elevated thanks to a 11mm woofer that teams up with a 6mm tweeter. These buds come with a premium build quality and also offer wireless charging. Battery life is one of its selling points — 43 hours with ANC off — while OnePlus’ fast charging solution (13 hours of playback with a 10-minute charge) sweetens the deal.
Sennheiser Accentum True Wireless
One of the most comfortable and well-designed buds at this price range, the Accentum True Wireless offer all-day comfort. Sennheiser claims these buds feature an ergonomic shape that was designed for extended listening comfort, based on the brand’s in-ear research. The Accentum is powered by 7mm drivers that deliver Sennheiser’s signature sound stage. You can tweak your settings with Sennheiser’s Smart Control App. A hybrid ANC solution ensures an immersive experience and shuts external sounds out. They deliver 28 hours of battery life (including the case) and offer wireless charging for extra convenience.
Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II
The headline feature in Bose’s sub Rs 20K earbuds is its CustomTune technology that auto-adjusts it to your ear’s liking. The earbuds auto adjust to your ear canal’s unique shape for the best sound performance and noise cancellation and also learn from your ear canal’s unique space. You can customise your ear tips and stability bands (that come in three sizes) for the perfect fit. You get six hours of battery life for the buds and 24 hours with the case for each charge.
Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro
Samsung’s new flagship buds recently debuted along with the brand’s top-of-the-line foldables for 2024 — the Z Flip 6 and Z Fold 6. AI has been a recurring theme in Samsung’s recent product launches and these buds are no exception. The Buds 3 Pro features Galaxy AI-assisted Adaptive ANC. The AI solution also augments your voice call experience. But most of all, these buds score with their acoustics. The Buds 3 Pro comes with a 2-way speaker and features a planar tweeter. Samsung is also playing up its unique V-shaped sound that results in elevated and distinct bass and treble.
Marshall Minor IV
Marshall brings its signature sound to these sub-Rs 15K TWS earbuds. Marshall is playing up the sound pedigree of these buds — they are acoustically tuned to deliver an expertly balanced sound. Marshall has kitted these buds with 12mm drivers and the Minor IV has a redesigned shape for a better fit. We dig the fact that the Minor IV has been crafted with 42 per cent recycled plastic and almost all the plastic in the build is made from post-consumer recycled plastics like CDs and washing machines. With an IPX-4 certification, they are also geared for the elements. Battery life (30 hours with the case) is quite solid too.
Jabra Elite 8 Active
If you’re looking for a pair of TWS earbuds to complement your active lifestyle, these buds ought to be in your consideration set. Jabra calls them the world’s toughest earbuds. These buds are waterproof, dustproof and drop resistant — just what you need for an outdoor run. They’re unlikely to pop out of your ears thanks to Jabra’s ‘ShakeGrip’ technology. Battery life is a big win too — these buds deliver 32 hours of battery life (with the case). Sound quality gets a boost with spatial sound powered by Dolby.
