OnePlus has quietly expanded its audio lineup with the introduction of its first clip-on earbuds, simply called the OnePlus Buds Clip. The announcement came without the usual fanfare, but the product itself is generating plenty of interest thanks to a compelling mix of advanced audio technology and long battery life. While OnePlus smartphones are no longer sold in Europe and the US, the Buds Clip will be available in select global markets, as confirmed by their listing on the company’s international website.
The Buds Clip are designed for those who prefer an open-ear listening experience without sacrificing sound quality. They feature dual drivers—an 11mm woofer and a 9mm tweeter—alongside dual DACs, all tuned in collaboration with Danish audio brand Dynaudio. This setup promises rich bass, clear highs, and a balanced sound profile. The earbuds support Bluetooth 6.1 and a range of codecs including LHDC 5.0, AAC, and SBC, ensuring high-quality wireless audio. With up to 40 hours of total battery life, they are built for extended use. In this article, we dive deep into the specifications, design, and everything else you need to know about the OnePlus Buds Clip.
Design and Comfort: A Closer Look
The clip-on form factor is becoming increasingly popular, and OnePlus has put its own spin on it. The Buds Clip feature a lightweight, ergonomic design that hooks over the ear, leaving the ear canal open. This design is ideal for users who find traditional in-ear buds uncomfortable or who want to stay aware of their surroundings. The earbuds are made from a combination of plastic and silicone, with a soft-touch finish that feels premium. They come in two color options: Midnight Black and Cloud White, both with a matte texture that resists fingerprints.
Each earbud weighs just 5.5 grams, making them easy to wear for hours on end. The clip mechanism is adjustable, allowing users to find the perfect fit. OnePlus claims the buds have been tested for durability and can withstand sweat and light rain, thanks to an IP54 rating. The charging case, on the other hand, is a compact pill-shaped box that easily slips into a pocket. It has a USB-C port for charging and a pairing button on the side. The case also supports wireless charging, a feature that is becoming standard in premium earbuds.
Comfort and Fit
Comfort is subjective, but the open-ear design of the Buds Clip is generally well-received by users who dislike the pressure of in-ear tips. The adjustable clip ensures a secure fit during activities like running or cycling. However, because the earbuds don’t seal the ear canal, bass response may vary depending on how they sit. OnePlus includes a set of silicone ear hooks in different sizes to help users achieve a stable fit. Overall, the Buds Clip are designed for all-day wear, whether you’re working, commuting, or exercising.
Audio Performance: Dual Drivers and Dynaudio Tuning
The headline feature of the OnePlus Buds Clip is undoubtedly the dual-driver setup. Each earbud houses an 11mm dynamic woofer for deep, punchy bass and a 9mm tweeter for crisp, detailed highs. This configuration is similar to what we’ve seen in high-end earbuds, but it’s rare in the clip-on segment. The dual DACs (digital-to-analog converters) further enhance audio quality by processing each driver separately, reducing distortion and improving clarity.
OnePlus has partnered with Dynaudio, a renowned Danish loudspeaker manufacturer, to tune the sound signature. Dynaudio is known for its neutral, studio-quality sound, and the collaboration aims to deliver a balanced profile that appeals to audiophiles and casual listeners alike. The earbuds support LHDC 5.0, a high-resolution Bluetooth codec that allows for detailed audio transmission. AAC and SBC codecs are also supported for compatibility with a wide range of devices.
In practice, the Buds Clip deliver a surprisingly full sound for open-ear earbuds. The bass is present but not overwhelming, and the mids are clear and forward. The highs are well-extended without being harsh. The soundstage is wide, thanks to the open design, which creates a more immersive listening experience. However, because there’s no seal, isolation is minimal, so you’ll hear ambient noise. This is a trade-off that many users are willing to make for comfort and awareness.
Codec Support and Connectivity
The Buds Clip are equipped with Bluetooth 6.1, the latest version of the wireless standard, which offers improved stability, lower latency, and better power efficiency. They support multipoint connection, allowing you to connect to two devices simultaneously—say, a smartphone and a laptop—and switch between them seamlessly. The earbuds also feature Google Fast Pair for quick pairing with Android devices and Microsoft Swift Pair for Windows PCs. For gamers, a low-latency mode is available, which reduces audio lag when watching videos or playing games.
Battery Life and Charging
Battery life is another area where the OnePlus Buds Clip shine. OnePlus claims up to 10 hours of playback on a single charge, with the charging case providing an additional 30 hours, bringing the total to 40 hours. These figures are impressive for true wireless earbuds, especially those with dual drivers. Real-world usage will vary depending on volume levels and codec choice, but even at higher volumes, you can expect around 8 hours per charge. The case supports fast charging via USB-C, and a quick 10-minute charge provides up to 3 hours of playback. Wireless charging is also supported, adding convenience.
The charging case has a 600mAh battery, which is enough to recharge the earbuds multiple times. A full charge of the case takes about 2 hours via USB-C. The case also has a LED indicator to show battery status. Overall, the battery performance of the Buds Clip is among the best in the clip-on category, making them ideal for long trips or busy days.
Features and Controls
The OnePlus Buds Clip come with a range of smart features. They have touch controls on each earbud for music playback, calls, and voice assistant activation. The controls are customizable through the OnePlus Buds app, available for both Android and iOS. The app also allows you to adjust the EQ, update firmware, and check battery levels. The earbuds have wear detection sensors that automatically pause music when you remove them and resume when you put them back on.
For calls, the Buds Clip feature dual microphones with AI noise reduction, which helps isolate your voice from background noise. This is particularly useful for outdoor calls or in noisy environments. The earbuds also support Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa for voice commands. Additionally, they have a find-my-earbuds feature that helps locate misplaced earbuds via the app.
Water and Dust Resistance
With an IP54 rating, the Buds Clip are protected against dust and splashes of water. This means they can handle sweat during workouts and light rain, but they shouldn’t be submerged in water. The charging case, however, does not have an IP rating, so it’s best to keep it dry.
Comparison with Competitors
The clip-on earbuds market has grown in recent years, with options like the Sony LinkBuds, Bose Sport Open Earbuds, and Shokz OpenFit. The OnePlus Buds Clip competes directly with these products, offering a similar open-ear design but with the added benefit of dual drivers and Dynaudio tuning. In terms of battery life, the Buds Clip’s 40 hours total is on par with the Sony LinkBuds (35 hours) and better than the Bose Sport Open Earbuds (24 hours). The dual-driver setup is unique in this segment, potentially giving OnePlus an edge in audio quality.
However, the Buds Clip lack active noise cancellation (ANC), which is expected given the open design. Competitors like the Shokz OpenFit also don’t have ANC. In terms of price, the Buds Clip are positioned competitively, though exact pricing varies by region. They offer a compelling package for users who prioritize comfort, battery life, and sound quality over noise isolation.
Availability and Pricing
The OnePlus Buds Clip will be available in select global markets, including parts of Asia and Europe, though not in the US. The exact pricing and release date vary by region. In Europe, they are expected to retail for around €99, while in India, they may be priced at around ₹9,999. OnePlus has not yet announced availability for the Middle East and other regions, but the global listing suggests a broader rollout is planned. The earbuds will be sold through OnePlus’s official website and select retailers.
It’s worth noting that while OnePlus smartphones are no longer officially sold in Europe and the US, the company continues to launch audio products and wearables in these regions. The Buds Clip are part of that strategy, aiming to maintain a presence in the consumer electronics market. OnePlus has not commented on whether future audio products will also be available globally.
Conclusion
The OnePlus Buds Clip represent a strong entry into the clip-on earbuds market. With dual drivers, Dynaudio tuning, and up to 40 hours of battery life, they offer a compelling alternative to traditional in-ear buds. The open-ear design prioritizes comfort and situational awareness, making them ideal for outdoor activities and all-day wear. While they lack ANC and have minimal isolation, the sound quality and feature set are impressive for the price. If you’re in the market for comfortable, long-lasting earbuds that let you stay connected to your surroundings, the Buds Clip are worth considering. Keep an eye out for their release in your region.
