The greatly anticipated OnePlus 8 and 8 Pro are already making waves. There’s, unfortunately, no headphone jack. That doesn’t mean that there aren’t some great headphone options out there, including OnePlus’ own Bullets Wireless Z. Here are some of the best headphones you can get for the OnePlus 8 and 8 Pro.
This list of the best headphones for the OnePlus 8 series was updated on July 21, 2020, to include the OnePlus Buds.
The best headphones for the OnePlus 8 and 8 Pro:
- OnePlus Bullets Wireless Z
- OnePlus Buds
- OnePlus Bullets Wireless 2
- Sony WH-1000xM3
- Jabra Elite Active 75t
- Edifier TWS1
Editor’s note: We will update this list of the best OnePlus 8 and 8 Pro headphones regularly as new ones launch.
OnePlus Wireless Z: The best for most users
The OnePlus Bullets Wireless Z boasts incredibly efficient fast charging. 10 minutes of charging via USB-C yields 10 hours of playtime, which is half of the 20-hour standalone playtime. The Bluetooth 5.0 earbuds are IP55 dust- and water-resistant and are a fine option for rock climbers and runners alike. OnePlus retains the recognizable neckband design that makes it easy to keep track of the earbuds when inactive. This also allows for larger battery cells than true wireless housings.
Magnetic housings automatically pause music playback when you connect the earbuds. Onboard controls include playback and volume adjustments along with direct access to your virtual assistant. You can also immediately switch between paired devices thanks to Quick Switch functionality. If you stream video often, then the low-latency mode is ideal for you. These are the ultimate headphones for the OnePlus 8 or 8 Pro smartphone.
OnePlus Buds: The best true wireless
The OnePlus Buds are the best true wireless option for OnePlus smartphone owners who want a streamlined experience, and access to a wide array of features. Users benefit from the same Warp Charging technology used in the company’s smartphones, so plugging the case into a USB-C cable for just 10 minutes yields 10 hours of listening. What’s more, OnePlus crammed ear-detecting sensors into each bud, so music automatically pauses and resumes when the buds are removed and inserted.
Athletes benefit from the IPX4 rating, which denotes water-resistance. This means you can sweat in them, or find yourself caught in a springtime deluge without worry. The earbuds don’t support Bluetooth multipoint, but allow you to quickly switch between a current and last-used source device.
Microphone quality is very good for an embedded mic system, and this is in large part due to OnePlus’ triple-mic array and noise-reducing technology. Ambient noise is effectively reduced, including wind noise which is quite the feat. These buds aren’t perfect, though: they don’t seal to the ear and may not stay in place for some listeners, especially when exercising. In that case, you may want to keep looking at other options below.
OnePlus Bullets Wireless 2: The best for phone calls
The earbuds are magnetized. When clasped together, music playback is automatically paused.
The OnePlus Bullets Wireless 2 was the companion headset to the OnePlus 7 series, but it remains a great option for OnePlus 8 and 8 Pro owners. The Bullets Wireless 2 use Bluetooth 5.0 and support aptX HD for high-quality streaming. Sound quality and isolation are both top-notch. But that, of course, depends on finding a proper fit.
Just like the OnePlus Bullets Wireless Z, these earphones support fast charging via USB-C. Just 10 minutes of charging also supplies 10 hours of playtime. It takes an hour to fully charge the earphones and SoundGuys testing measured 14.23 hours of playtime on a single charge.
The microphone quality is also excellent. So it’s a great option for telecommuters and anyone whose days are filled with conference calls. Unfortunately, these earphones aren’t water-resistant. If you’re an athlete, you may be better off getting the newest model or consider Jabra’s workout true wireless earbuds.
Sony WH-1000XM3: The best noise-cancelling option
Sony’s flagship WH-1000XM3 headset has been on the top of our list for what seems like ages, and for good reason. It’s a powerhouse pair of headphones that marries performance and affordability. Active noise-canceling (ANC) technology works wonders here, as midrange and high-pitched sounds are rendered anywhere from four- to six-times quieter than they sound without ANC. Whether you’re stuck working from home or trying to mute out the rumbles of a subway car, these ‘phones are perfect for you.
Sony supports a host of Bluetooth codecs (LDAC, aptX HD, aptX, and AAC) for all your music streaming needs. No matter what operating system you subscribe to, you’ll enjoy optimal wireless audio quality. Heck, there’s even a headphone jack for wired listening, so you can enjoy FLAC files from services like Amazon Music HD or Tidal HiFi. These are some of the best headphones around, and are really only outperformed by the even pricier Shure Aonic 50.
Jabra Elite Active 75t: The best for athletes
Jabra’s workout earphones are expensive but well worth it for listeners looking for versatile earbuds with fantastic microphone quality.
Athletes in need of a reliable pair of workout earbuds to go with their OnePlus 8 handset should turn their attention to the Jabra Elite Active 75t. These IP57-rated earphones are dust- and water-resistant, making them a great option for a wide variety of applications. Battery life is solid for true wireless earphones, with over seven hours of listening on a single charge. You also get fast charging support: 15 minutes in the case supplies an hour of battery life.
Microphone quality is excellent, and other neat features like automatic ear detection and multipoint are supported. The latter allows you to connect the Elite Active 75t to two devices at a time as is also supported by the standard Elite 75t and the company’s noise-cancelling headphones. Whether you’re a cardio kid or a calisthenic king, the Jabra Elite Active 75t will serve you well.
Edifier TWS1: The best budget pick
The Edifier TWS1 use Qualcomm True Wireless Stereo Plus for more stable connectivity and minimized latency.
Spent all your hard-earned cash on the new OnePlus 8 Pro? If expensive headphones are out of your budget, the Edifier TWS1 is for you. These earbuds forgo features for raw performance and premium perks usually only afforded by more expensive alternatives. Aside from the sleek design and covert charging case, you benefit from aptX support and Qualcomm True Wireless Stereo Plus for reliable connectivity, something rarely seen unless you want to bump up to something quadruple the price like the 1More True Wireless ANC.
Although microUSB charging is a bummer, it can be forgiven as the earbuds are durable and merit an IPX5 rating. They also afford just over seven hours of listening, which is excellent considering how small the battery cells must be. Sound quality won’t blow you away but is surprisingly good for $50, midrange frequencies in particular.
Honorable mentions
The Sony WF-1000XM3 are currently the best ANC earbuds you can get, true wireless or not.
- AKG N60NC: This is a rare variant of on-ear noise-cancelling headphone that’s actually comfortable and effective. Midrange frequencies are filtered out and sound five times quieter when the fit is proper. As we expect from AKG, audio is accurately reproduced and bodes well for all genres of music.
- Beats Powerbeats: Beats’ standard wireless headphones afford nearly everything that the Powerbeats Pro include without the high-cost of true wireless technology. iPhone users are granted hands-free access to Siri, seamless device switching, and power efficiency benefits.
- OnePlus Type-C Bullets: Although we’re not huge advocates of USB-C audio, these are the earbuds to get for anyone committed to the once-promising connector.
- Samsung Galaxy Buds Plus: Although these are Samsung-branded, OnePlus 8 series owners will enjoy all the Galaxy Buds Plus have to offer including Qi Wireless charging, great mic quality, over 11 hours of battery life, and Spotify integration.
- Sony WF-1000XM3: These are Sony’s flagship true wireless earphones and the best true wireless ANC option — yes, even better than the AirPods Pro. The fit is extremely comfortable there is quick charge support.
These are our picks for the best companion headphones for the two smartphones. Looking for more accessories for these excellent flagships? Check out our roundups of the best protective cases and covers you can get for the OnePlus 8 and OnePlus 8 Pro!
