OnePlus Buds Pro 2 review: A feature-packed upgrade at an affordable price

OnePlus continues to push its audio narrative beyond smartphones, steadily building a lineup of earbuds that fuse smart features with strong value. The OnePlus Buds Pro 2 arrive as a refined follow-up to the Buds Pro, aiming to deliver a richer feature set, more intelligent performance, and a design language that aligns with its ecosystem ambitions. Priced at $180, a step up from the prior generation’s $150, these earbuds promise a more polished experience for OnePlus enthusiasts and audio lovers who want deep integration with their devices. After hands-on use, here is a thorough, field-tested look at what the Buds Pro 2 bring to the table, how they perform, and whether they justify their premium in a crowded market.

Design and Build Quality

The OnePlus Buds Pro 2 retain a design philosophy that leans into familiarity while pushing toward a more refined silhouette. The charging case preserves the clamshell form factor that made the original Buds Pro so portable, but with noticeable enhancements in materials and finish that suggest a more premium feel. The case remains slim enough to slip into a pocket or a small bag without drawing attention, yet sturdy enough to withstand everyday use. On the back, a USB-C charging port anchors the device in a modern, widely adopted ecosystem. The Buds Pro 2 also support wireless charging, a feature that many users find convenient for desk setups or bedside charging routines, especially when they want to minimize cable clutter.

The earbud design itself maintains a familiar shape that echoes the AirPods Pro in a few key aspects, notably in the external profile and the decision to employ squeeze controls. Those tactile controls are clearly inspired by the most successful wireless earbuds on the market, providing intuitive surface pressure gestures that respond quickly and predictably. In practice, the squeeze controls are responsive and easy to master, making it straightforward to adjust playback, switch ANC modes, or invoke voice assistants without fumbling with a phone. The Buds Pro 2 are available in a few colorways, and for this review, a green model was used as the primary example. The color options help distinguish OnePlus’s lineup in a busy market and give users a chance to express personal style while still maintaining a conservative, professional appearance.

In terms of fit and comfort, the Buds Pro 2 project a design that is visually appealing and ergonomic, with a compact footprint that makes them reasonably portable. The fit is comfortable enough for daily wear, and the lightweight construction helps minimize ear fatigue over extended listening sessions. However, there is a caveat: the fit does not feel as secure as some competing models for high-intensity activities like running or intense workouts. While they stay in place well enough for casual use, they may shift a bit during vigorous movement. This has implications for sports or workouts where stability is a priority. As with most in-ear designs, comfort is highly subjective and strongly dependent on selecting the right eartip size. OnePlus includes multiple ear tip options to tailor the seal, and trying a few sizes is essential to achieving the best balance of comfort, seal, and passive noise isolation.

Overall, the Buds Pro 2 present a visually appealing, compact, and well-built package. The case’s design and the earbuds themselves communicate a sense of durability and premium construction that fits neatly within OnePlus’s broader ecosystem. The design philosophy centers on usability, portability, and a clean aesthetic, making these earbuds an attractive option for OnePlus fans and everyday listeners who value a cohesive hardware environment.

Features, Controls, and Smart Capabilities

The OnePlus Buds Pro 2 are positioned as a flagship within OnePlus’s earbud lineup, with a feature set designed to compete with top-tier rivals while optimizing the user experience for OnePlus devices. A primary selling point is the suite of smart features that integrate tightly with OnePlus phones, yielding a level of convenience that can feel effortless for long-time OnePlus users. The result is a pairing of hardware and software that makes the Buds Pro 2 feel like a natural extension of a OnePlus smartphone.

Active Noise Cancellation, or ANC, is a core feature, and the Buds Pro 2 offer a noticeable ability to reduce ambient noise. The ANC performance is solid, but it does not quite reach the best-in-class levels seen in some premium rivals. The effect is nonetheless meaningful for everyday commuting, office environments, and other typical listening scenarios, where the goal is to reduce distraction without creating an overly sealed or unnatural sound. Additionally, the Buds Pro 2 provide a noise-cancellation customization capability. Users can run a quick test to tailor the ANC to their ears, a feature that helps optimize the listening experience by accounting for the unique geometry of each ear canal and how the earbuds interact with individual ear shapes.

Spatial Audio is another notable inclusion, a feature that, in theory, should broaden the sense of immersion for compatible content. In practice, Spatial Audio is a welcome addition, though it is not something many users will rely on constantly. It’s a sophisticated feature that adds depth to soundstage, particularly for supported media, but it isn’t essential for every listening scenario. Also present is the automatic activation of Dolby Atmos, which some users may want to disable for a more traditional stereo presentation or when using apps that do not support Atmos. The ability to toggle Dolby Atmos and Spatial Audio gives users control over how immersive they want their experience to be.

Beyond noise control and spatial features, the Buds Pro 2 come with a robust set of software-driven capabilities. The EQ is accessible from the OnePlus phone’s settings, giving users a straightforward way to shape the sound without resorting to third-party apps. Importantly, OnePlus offers a six-band EQ, allowing for more granular tuning and a greater degree of customization. This capability is especially valuable for users who want to tailor the sound to particular genres, artists, or playback environments. The ecosystem benefits extend to dual-device pairing, a feature that enables simultaneous connections to two devices. This is particularly useful for users who switch between a phone and a computer or a tablet without the inconvenience of re-pairing.

Another handy feature is Find My Earbuds, which, when activated, helps locate misplaced buds. This is a practical addition for anyone who frequently misplaces small accessories and wants a quick way to retrieve them. In terms of charging and endurance, the Buds Pro 2 offer a balance of speed and flexibility. The case supports USB-C charging and wireless charging, and the buds themselves deliver a respectable amount of juice for daily use. The combination of robust software features and hardware intelligence helps set the Buds Pro 2 apart from more basic earbud options, particularly for users who are deeply embedded in OnePlus’s device ecosystem.

From a usability perspective, the OnePlus Buds Pro 2 deliver a strong overall feature set that aligns well with their target audience. The integration with OnePlus devices is a definite advantage, making it easier to access fine-grained sound controls, pairing options, and quick access to essential features. While the feature set is broad, the implementation is thoughtful and practical, avoiding feature bloat while still giving users meaningful tools to tune the listening experience to their preferences. For users who value customization, personalization, and seamless ecosystem integration, the Buds Pro 2 provide a compelling baseline.

Battery Life, Charging, and Durability

OnePlus has built a battery profile for the Buds Pro 2 that aims to cover both all-day listening and extended sessions, particularly when ANC is disabled to maximize playback time. With ANC enabled, battery life targets are roughly around 25 hours for the entire system, including the case and earbuds. When ANC is turned off, the total endurance expands to about 39 hours, giving users a robust buffer for travel, commutes, and longer listening sessions without frequent recharging. This balance mirrors the expectations set by high-quality wireless earbuds in this tier and provides practical endurance for typical daily use.

Charging is straightforward and flexible. The buds themselves rely on the USB-C connection for charging, a standard that ensures compatibility with most modern devices and power sources. Wireless charging adds another layer of convenience, allowing users to top up the case with a compatible charger without plugging in. In everyday usage, wireless charging is a time-saving feature that helps maintain a clutter-free charging routine, particularly for those who keep the case on a nightstand or desk. The case’s clamshell design remains a practical, portable solution for keeping the earbuds protected when not in use and for charging on the go.

The battery experience is complemented by the general efficiency of the hardware and software integration. With careful tuning of ANC and listening habits, users can optimize battery life for their own needs. For instance, turning down or temporarily disabling features like Spatial Audio during extended listening sessions can yield additional minutes of playback and help minimize the need for frequent top-ups. For travelers or heavy listeners, the Buds Pro 2’s battery performance offers a reliable cushion that aligns with the expectations of premium wireless earbuds.

Durability is an important, though often overlooked, aspect of any earbud design. The Buds Pro 2’s construction suggests resilience in regular daily use, with a design that can withstand the typical knocks and micro‑impacts of daily commuting and office life. While the buds are not explicitly described as rugged or athletic-grade, the overall build quality and case protection provide a reasonable level of confidence for everyday environments. Users who require waterproofing for workouts or rainy-day use should verify the IP rating and ensure it aligns with their specific activity level and environment.

Comfort, Fit, and Long-Wear Viability

Comfort is a central consideration for any pair of in-ear headphones, and the OnePlus Buds Pro 2 meet this requirement with a well-judged balance of weight, grip, and seal. For many listeners, the buds sit comfortably within the ear, with a gentle pressure that does not cause fatigue during extended listening sessions. However, as with most in-ear designs, the fit can vary from person to person. In this review, the Buds Pro 2 didn’t fit as snugly or securely as some competitors, especially for users with more active lifestyles. The comfort compared with rival models like the AirPods Pro shows nuanced differences; the AirPods Pro might offer a more secure fit for certain ear shapes, but the Buds Pro 2 remain a comfortable option for daily listening and commute time, particularly if you experiment with the included ear tip sizes.

For everyday wear, the Buds Pro 2 perform admirably, delivering a secure enough fit for casual use and office environments. The design makes them easy to wear for several hours without excessive discomfort, which is a critical factor for people who spend long periods listening to music or taking calls. The ease of use—paired with quick, responsive squeeze controls—contributes to a smooth user experience in which the user is less distracted by the device and more focused on listening.

In terms of security during more active activities, the Buds Pro 2 may not be the first choice for someone who runs or performs high-intensity workouts. The fit can feel less secure during rapid movements, and the potential for micro-movements could lead to occasional shifts in the ear. For those who prioritize reliability during workouts, alternative models with more aggressive ear tips or additional stability features might be preferable. That said, for daily wear, learning to adjust the eartip fit and ensuring a proper seal can mitigate most concerns, allowing the Buds Pro 2 to shine in everyday use—listening to podcasts, catching up on audio books, or enjoying music during a commute.

The overall combination of comfort and usability makes the Buds Pro 2 a sensible choice for a broad audience. The ergonomic shape, lightweight design, and responsive controls combine to create a user experience that is intuitive and pleasant. For OnePlus fans, the comfort profile is likely to feel familiar and well integrated with the accompanying ecosystem, further enhancing the sense that these earbuds are a natural extension of a OnePlus device setup.

Audio Quality and Tuning

Sound quality is perhaps the most subjective—and also the most scrutinized—aspect of any earbud review. The OnePlus Buds Pro 2 deliver a sound profile that strives to balance warmth, detail, and overall musicality, with the added complexity of a collaboration that hints at higher-fidelity ambitions. The sound is built in collaboration with Dynaudio, a name that carries with it expectations of a certain level of refinement. In practice, the out-of-the-box sound profile leans toward a bass-forward presentation that can be satisfying for many listeners, but it isn’t always ideal for every genre or listening preference.

Bass response is strong, featuring pronounced kicks and the presence of bass guitars that can anchor the groove of many tracks. The low end isn’t overpowering, but without adjustment through the EQ, it can sound a touch muddy or somewhat muffled, especially on tracks with complex bass lines or dense mixing. The midrange is present and forward, but it can drift toward lower-midelity texture that slightly muddies vocal clarity. This is a common trade-off in many consumer-oriented earbud designs; the goal is to offer engaging bass without sacrificing too much midrange fidelity. In some music, the mids may feel a touch recessed or less articulate, which can affect vocal presence and lyric intelligibility in certain pieces.

Tonal balance overall is respectable for the price point, but it benefits greatly from targeted EQ tuning. OnePlus provides a six-band EQ within the OnePlus settings, enabling more granular control over the sound signature. For listeners who want a crisper vocal presence or a tighter, more defined midrange, a carefully crafted EQ setting can elevate the listening experience substantially. Users who enjoy bass-forward genres—electronic, hip-hop, and certain rock tracks—may prefer leaving a bit more low-end energy, while those who prize vocal clarity or acoustic instrumentation can dial back some of the bass to reduce muddiness and bring voices to the forefront.

Treble performance sits in a comfortable range—clear and present without becoming harsh or fatiguing. The highs are not aggressively etched with excessive sizzle, which helps maintain listening comfort over long sessions. The combination of the treble and the mids supports a reasonable sense of detail and air without creating a glittery or overly bright character that can tire listeners after a while. The overall soundstage is fairly cohesive, and Spatial Audio can impart a subtle sense of space when used with compatible content, though it is not a must-have feature for every track. The sense of width is modest but perceptible, helping certain tracks feel a touch more expansive than standard stereo presentations.

In practice, the Buds Pro 2 offer a solid baseline for listening across genres. The sound signature is not radical; it aims to be adaptable across a broad spectrum of music, podcasts, and video content. The most compelling way to enjoy these earbuds is to spend a little time with the six-band EQ, adjust the ANC balance to the listening environment, and tailor the sound to individual preferences. For most listeners, a few incremental tweaks will yield a noticeably more enjoyable experience, particularly for vocal-centric tracks or acoustic material where vocal presence and clarity are essential. For audiophiles seeking ultra-precise monitoring or a highly specialized sound signature, these buds may fall short of the most exacting expectations. However, for casual listening and everyday multimedia consumption, the Buds Pro 2 offer a very compelling and enjoyable experience, especially when optimized with a personal EQ curve.

Connectivity, Ecosystem Integration, and Use Cases

OnePlus has designed the Buds Pro 2 to pair seamlessly with its own ecosystem, and the results are evident in day-to-day usage. The proximity of the buds to OnePlus devices translates into smoother pairing, quicker access to settings, and a more intuitive path to sound customization. The ability to quickly adjust the EQ, toggle ANC modes, and access other features directly from a OnePlus phone is a notable convenience that enhances the overall value proposition for OnePlus owners. The dual-device pairing capability is another highlight, enabling hands-free or background connectivity to two devices at once—an especially valuable feature for users who frequently switch between a phone and a laptop or a tablet without needing to re-pair.

Compatibility with other ecosystems remains solid but not as tightly integrated as with OnePlus devices. While the Buds Pro 2 function well with mainstream platforms, users outside the OnePlus environment may notice a more generic experience in terms of feature depth. The company’s emphasis on ecosystem integration is part of a broader strategy to entice current OnePlus phone users to adopt more of its hardware lineup, including earbuds, wearables, and other accessories. For users who value the strongest possible integration with their smartphone, particularly OnePlus devices, the Buds Pro 2 represent a natural choice that minimizes friction and maximizies available controls.

In terms of use cases, the Buds Pro 2 are well-suited for daily listening, work-from-home setups, and casual travel. The hybrid mix of ANC, effective passive isolation, and a flexible EQ allows listeners to adapt to noisy commutes, busy coffee shops, or quiet office environments. The dual-device pairing ensures that switching contexts—say from a phone call on a mobile device to a video conference on a computer—feels seamless and efficient. For media consumption, the Spatial Audio feature adds an extra layer of immersion that can be enjoyable, particularly with supported content. For gaming on mobile devices, there is a noticeable latency improvement compared to older models, though the experience remains dependent on the game’s optimization and the device’s overall performance.

The hard truth is that the Buds Pro 2 are not the best option in every category. In serious ANC performance, competitors like the Sony WF-1000XM4 have historically offered more aggressive noise cancellation and a more refined overall audio profile. In pure sports reliability or the most secure fit during intense workouts, some rivals may deliver a tighter grip and more stable seal. Yet when considered in the context of OnePlus’s broader ecosystem and the value proposition, the Buds Pro 2 present a compelling package that balances smart features, sound versatility, and a practical, everyday design.

Value, Pricing, and Market Position

Pricing is a central factor in evaluating the Buds Pro 2. At $180, they sit above some entry-to-mid-level rivals while undercutting the most premium assortment from competitors, including top-tier models that command even higher price tags. The financial positioning places the Buds Pro 2 squarely in a region aimed at OnePlus users who want deep ecosystem integration without paying a premium that is out of step with overall value. The improvements over the previous generation—especially in the software suite, higher‑quality design, and expanded feature set—help justify the price increase for many buyers who are already sold on OnePlus devices and want a cohesive experience.

The value proposition strengthens for OnePlus loyalists who want a simple, integrated workflow. The quick access to customization tools, the reliable pairing with OnePlus phones, and the inclusion of features like dual-device connectivity and Find My Earbuds add tangible benefits beyond raw audio quality. For shoppers who are deciding between the Buds Pro 2 and other premium offerings, it’s important to weigh ecosystem alignment against the benefits of stronger off-ecosystem performance, such as superior ANC, more neutral tuning, or better passive isolation offered by some competitors. In other words, the Buds Pro 2 are a smart buy for those who prioritize ecosystem synergy and a feature-rich software experience—especially if they own other OnePlus devices.

For those comparing with alternative options, it’s useful to consider models like the Sony WF-1000XM4, which may offer stronger ANC and more refined sound in certain genres, but at a higher price and with a less integrated OnePlus experience. The OnePlus Buds Pro 2 thus occupy a well-defined niche: a premium-feeling, feature-rich earbud that emphasizes ecosystem polish, user-friendly customization, and reasonable endurance, with a design that remains accessible to a broad audience.

Who Should Buy the OnePlus Buds Pro 2?

• OnePlus device owners who want the easiest, most integrated experience with their phones and tablets.
• Listeners who value a strong feature set, robust customization options, and flexible playback across devices.
• Those who enjoy bass-forward music but are comfortable dialing in a tailored EQ to achieve vocal clarity and balance.
• Commuters and office workers seeking reliable ANC that, while not the strongest on the market, still effectively reduces ambient noise for daily environments.
• People who appreciate wireless charging, USB-C charging, and a compact, portable case that travels well.

Who might want to look elsewhere:

• Buyers who require the strongest possible ANC for noisy environments like airplanes or industrial settings may prefer rivals with more aggressive cancellation.
• Athletes or those who need a truly secure fit during vigorous movement may want to consider options with a more specialized sports design or additional stability features.
• If you’re not invested in OnePlus devices, you may sacrifice some software depth and ecosystem integration for broader cross-platform support and potentially different tuning choices.

What We Like and What Could Be Improved

Pros:

• Solid, modern design with a premium feel and portable charging case
• Rich feature set, including robust EQ controls, dual-device pairing, and Find My Earbuds
• Strong integration with OnePlus devices for a seamless user experience
• Good battery life, with 25 hours of ANC-enabled listening and 39 hours with ANC off
• Wireless charging and USB-C provide flexible charging options

Cons:

• ANC is solid but not class-leading; Sony and some rivals offer more aggressive cancellation
• Out-of-the-box audio can lean bass-heavy and may require tuning for vocal clarity
• Fit stability may not satisfy users with a highly active lifestyle or the most secure fit during workouts

Bottom line: the OnePlus Buds Pro 2 deliver a compelling package that emphasizes ecosystem integration, feature depth, and practical sound customization. They are an excellent choice for OnePlus device owners and listeners who prize a thoughtfully designed software experience alongside solid audio performance. They are not the absolute best for ANC or for those seeking the most secure sport-ready fit, but they represent a strong value proposition in their category and price range.

Conclusion

The OnePlus Buds Pro 2 mark a meaningful step forward for OnePlus’s earbud lineup, combining a refined design, a rich feature set, and practical performance that resonates with users who value ecosystem cohesion and customization. They strike a careful balance between sound quality, intelligent features, and everyday usability, offering a flexible toolkit for tuning the listening experience to personal preferences. Battery life is solid, charging options are convenient, and the dual-device pairing capability adds a layer of convenience that many users will appreciate as they juggle multiple devices in daily life.

For OnePlus enthusiasts and users who prioritize a tightly integrated experience with their hardware, the Buds Pro 2 are a strong contender that deserve serious consideration. They deliver a well-rounded, thoughtful package that can satisfy a wide range of listening needs—from music and podcasts to videos and calls—while maintaining a design and feature set that feels contemporary and capable. In short, if you want a premium, feature-rich pair of wireless earbuds that plays nicely within the OnePlus ecosystem, the Buds Pro 2 deserve a place on your shortlist.