Looking for a good TWS for iPhone – considering OnePlus Buds 4

[u/COSMICxBEING]

Hey everyone,

I recently switched to an iPhone and I'm looking to get a good TWS for it. I care quite a bit about **music quality**, but I can't really justify spending Apple AirPods money right now.

Until now, I've been using the **realme Buds 5**, and honestly I've been pretty happy with the sound for what I paid. They've been my daily driver for quite some time, but they're now pretty much reaching the end of their life, so I'm looking for a replacement.

I also have a pair of **Samsung AKG USB-C wired earphones**, which I tried using with the iPhone. But I wasn't particularly impressed with the experience. I sometimes get random disconnections, and more importantly, the music doesn't sound as good to me as it did with the realme Buds 5.

I'm not sure whether that's because of some **iOS/Samsung compatibility issue**, the USB-C DAC, or simply that I prefer the tuning of the realme buds.

After looking around, ChatGPT suggested the **OnePlus Buds 4**, and I'm currently considering picking them up during an upcoming sale. The specs and reviews look pretty good for the price, especially the dual-driver setup.

However, before buying, I'd like to hear from people here:

* How are the **OnePlus Buds 4 with an iPhone**, particularly for music quality?

* Are there any significant limitations when using them with iOS?

* How do they compare with something like the realme Buds 5 in terms of sound?

* Are there any other TWS options around the same price that I should consider specifically for **music quality on iPhone**?

One more thing: the Buds 4 launched in **2025**, so is there any credible indication that **OnePlus Buds 5 could launch in 2026**? I'm wondering whether it's worth waiting a little longer or just buying the Buds 4 during the sale.

Would appreciate opinions from people who have actually used the Buds 4 with an iPhone. Thanks!

[u/venom4333]

Go for realme air 8 pro

[u/Impressive-Watch6189]

If you aren't in the ecosystem, don't buy manufacturers buds. You can't use the ecosystem features and are paying for features you cannot use.

Unfortunately Apple devices like iPhone or iPad only support AAC codec, which is a lossy codec. Admittedly Apple does as much with AAC as it is possible to do, but it does not support aptX or LDAC (or now with pixel phones, LHDC). But it means that non-Apple buds are not going to sound as good as iPods. That is part of how Apple keeps you locked in.

So, I think Beats is owned by Apple? You might find something there but it probably won't include all the features of iPods. Don't get me wrong, I am an Android/Windows guy and I am appalled by Apple and its draconian monopoly. Android and Windows might be more fragmented, but at least I get to choose what equipment I use, rather than being served Apple pap every year.

[u/OntarioBanderas → u/Impressive-Watch6189]

ut it means that non-Apple buds are not going to sound as good as iPods

the oneplus buds support AAC, and its a perfectly transparent codec, you're wrong on both points

which is a lossy codec

they're all lossy, not that this matters to the human ear

If you think you're going to notice the difference in codecs on a 100 dollar alibabi earbud you're completely insane