The $150 true wireless earbud market is crowded, but Nothing and OnePlus stand out with distinctive designs and feature sets that punch above their price. The Nothing Ear 3 and OnePlus Buds 4 both offer active noise cancellation, good sound quality, and stems that look unique. After testing both, here is which $150 pair earns the recommendation.
Sound quality favors the Nothing Ear 3. The 11mm ceramic driver produces a warm, detailed sound that competes with $200+ earbuds. Bass is present without overwhelming. The Nothing X app includes a parametric EQ for fine-tuning. The OnePlus Buds 4 has a more V-shaped tuning — boosted bass and treble — that is fun for pop and hip-hop but less refined for acoustic music.
ANC is about equal. Both reduce low-frequency noise effectively for commutes and coffee shops. Neither matches the $300 flagship earbuds from Sony or Bose, but at $150, the performance is impressive.
Comfort and design go to Nothing. The transparent stems and compact in-ear body look distinctive without being flashy. The fit is secure and comfortable for hours. The OnePlus Buds 4 has longer stems and slightly more ear protrusion.
Verdict: Nothing Ear 3 for better sound, better design, and better EQ control. OnePlus Buds 4 if you find them on sale or prefer the OnePlus ecosystem.