From Buses to Trains: How the OnePlus Buds 4 Makes Public Transit Bearable

If you, like me, rely on public transportation to get to work, school, or just about anywhere, you already know what a battle that journey can be. The screeching brakes of buses, honking cars, train station chaos, random loud conversations, and the never-ending announcements all combine to create a soundscape that can wear you down before your day even starts.

That’s exactly why the OnePlus Buds 4 have become my everyday essential. These tiny, stylish earbuds have completely transformed how I experience my commute. Let me take you through exactly why I swear by them, and why I think they’re an underrated savior for public transport warriors like us.

1. A Noise-Cancelling Shield Against the City

Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) was just a buzzword to me—until I put these on during rush hour on a Mumbai local. The transformation was instant. The Buds 4 feature intelligent noise cancellation that adjusts to your environment in real time. It doesn't block everything, but it mutes the chaos enough to help you breathe.

Whether it’s the rumble of a train or a bus full of people on speakerphone, the noise fades into the background. That little bit of peace can be the difference between a stressful ride and a calm transition from home to work.

2. Sound Quality That’s Actually Worth Listening To

You don’t want to just cancel the noise—you want something better in its place. The OnePlus Buds 4 deliver on that with crisp highs, balanced mids, and satisfying bass that doesn’t overpower. Whether I’m listening to music, catching up on podcasts, or watching downloaded Netflix shows, the audio experience is immersive.

They support Dolby Atmos when paired with compatible phones, and you can feel the directional sound. That’s a big deal when you’re sitting at a window seat, trying to lose yourself in your playlist instead of someone else’s argument.

3. Battery Life That Lasts Through the Day

Long commutes often mean you need your buds to work hard—especially if you’re out all day. The OnePlus Buds 4 boast a 38-hour total battery life with the case, and around 10 hours of playback on a single charge.

Even better? Just 10 minutes of charging gets me up to 5 hours of use. I charge them while I get dressed in the morning, and by the time I lock the door, they’re ready for the day.

4. Comfort that Doesn’t Hurt After Hours

I’ve tried a bunch of earbuds over the years—some too bulky, others that make my ears sore after an hour. The OnePlus Buds 4 have a lightweight ergonomic design that sits comfortably in my ears for extended wear. I often forget I’m even wearing them until I reach work.

They stay secure even when I’m standing in a crowded metro, hanging onto a rail with one hand and trying not to lose my balance.

5. Smart Controls and Instant Pairing

OnePlus has nailed the seamless experience. As soon as I open the case, the Buds 4 pair instantly with my phone. No fiddling around or random disconnections. Plus, the touch controls are easy to master—play, pause, skip, ANC toggle—all with just a tap or swipe on the earbud stem.

You can customize the gestures in the HeyMelody app or through your OnePlus phone, making it personal and practical. I’ve set mine so a double-tap pauses music (for when the conductor wants to check tickets), and a triple tap switches ANC modes.

6. Transparency Mode = Situational Awareness

Sometimes, you need to hear your surroundings—like platform announcements or someone asking for directions. The Buds 4 have a Transparency Mode that lets ambient sound in without removing the earbuds. One tap, and I can hear clearly again.

This balance between noise isolation and situational awareness is exactly what a public transport commuter needs: private audio without completely shutting out the real world.

7. Dust and Water Resistant: Built for Real Life

Public transport isn’t clean, and neither is life. Sweat, dust, drizzle, you name it—I’ve been through it all. Thankfully, the Buds 4 come with IP55 water and dust resistance, so they can handle humid weather, light rain, and even gym sessions if I sneak one in after work.

I don’t baby these buds—they’ve fallen under seats, gotten rained on, and still worked without a glitch.

8. A Stylish Accessory That Doesn’t Scream for Attention

Let’s be honest—most tech gear can look clunky or too flashy. The OnePlus Buds 4 have a sleek, minimalist design that looks good without trying too hard. The matte finish and case design give off a premium vibe, and the compact charging case slips easily into my jeans pocket or bag.

Whether I’m dressed up for a meeting or just running weekend errands, these buds fit right in.

9. Value for Money: Feature-Rich Without Breaking the Bank

What makes the Buds 4 truly stand out is the price-to-performance ratio. Compared to more expensive options from Apple or Samsung, these offer similar features—ANC, battery life, audio quality—at a much more affordable price.

For daily users who want reliable tech without overspending, the Buds 4 deliver excellent value. And when you consider how often you’ll use them, it’s an investment that pays off fast.

10. The Commute Game-Changer

Before the OnePlus Buds 4, commuting was an endurance test. The noise, the fatigue, the lack of personal space—it all added up. Now, my mornings start with a favorite playlist, a podcast that informs or entertains, or just peace and quiet with ANC on.

They’ve made commuting feel less like a chore and more like "me time"—a small pocket of control in an otherwise chaotic day.

Final Thoughts: A Daily Essential I Can’t Travel Without

The OnePlus Buds 4 have become more than just earbuds—they’re a daily survival tool. Whether it's zoning out on a packed train, enjoying a podcast while walking to a bus stop, or blocking the madness of the rush hour crowd, these earbuds deliver consistently, comfortably, and stylishly.

If you commute by public transport and want to reclaim some peace, sanity, and joy during your travels, the OnePlus Buds 4 might be your best investment this year.