In the always-changing world of wireless earbuds, two rivals have shown up in the mid-range market, both trying to grab your interest and your cash.
The OnePlus Nord Buds 3 Pro and the Realme Buds Air 6, each costing less than $50, provide an appealing set of features that make picking between them a tough job.
Let’s explore the specifics and see how these earbuds measure up to each other.
OnePlus Nord Buds 3 Pro vs Realme Buds Air 6: Specs Comparison
| Category | OnePlus Nord Buds 3 Pro | Realme Buds Air 6 |
|---|---|---|
| Design | Compact teardrop shape, IP55 rating | TWS earbuds, IP55 rating |
| Colors | Starry Black, Soft Jade | Not specified |
| Drivers | 12.4mm titanized dynamic drivers | 12.4mm dynamic drivers |
| Active Noise Cancellation | Up to 49dB | Up to 50dB (Smart AI ANC) |
| Battery Life (with case) | Up to 44 hours | Up to 40 hours (ANC off) |
| Battery Life (earbuds only) | Up to 12 hours (ANC off), 6 hours (ANC on) | Up to 10 hours (ANC off), 6 hours (ANC on) |
| Fast Charging | 10 minutes for 11 hours playback | Not specified |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.4 | 5.3 |
| Audio Codecs | SBC, AAC | Not specified |
| Microphone System | Three-mic system | Six-mic system |
| Low Latency Mode | 40ms | 55ms low latency |
| Companion App | Hey Melody app | Realme Link app |
| Weight (per earbud) | 4.4 g | 4.5g |
| Weight (with case) | 38.2 g | 46.2g |
| Frequency Response | 20~40KHz | 20 Hz – 20 kHz |
| Best Deal | View on AliExpress | View on AliExpress |
OnePlus Nord Buds 3 Pro vs Realme Buds Air 6: Detailed Review
Design and Build Quality
When it comes to aesthetics and build quality, both earbuds sport a full-stem design that’s become increasingly popular in recent years.
The OnePlus Nord Buds 3 Pro edges ahead slightly in terms of overall feel and finish, but make no mistake – both pairs offer excellent build quality for their price point.
It’s worth noting that the Realme Buds Air 6 boast an IP55 dust and water-resistant rating, giving them an extra layer of protection for those who lead active lifestyles or frequently use their earbuds outdoors.
Features and Specifications
Both earbuds come equipped with 12.4mm dynamic sound drivers, promising rich and immersive audio experiences.
The OnePlus Nord Buds 3 Pro supports the AAC audio codec and features Bluetooth 5.4, while the Realme Buds Air 6 ups the ante with LDAC high-res audio codec support and Bluetooth 5.3.
Both models offer active noise cancellation (ANC), touch controls, and fast charging capabilities.
The OnePlus model stands out with its dual device pairing feature and slightly lower gaming latency at 40ms, compared to the Realme’s 55ms.
However, the Realme Buds Air 6 counters with voice assistant support and a marginally better battery life when it comes to quick charging – a 10-minute charge provides 7 hours of playback, versus 11 hours for the OnePlus.
Audio Quality and Performance
When it comes to sound quality, both earbuds deliver impressive performance for their price range.
The OnePlus Nord Buds 3 Pro offers a slightly better overall music output with powerful bass, while the Realme Buds Air 6 isn’t far behind, especially in the bass department.
Both models allow for bass level adjustment through their respective apps, giving users the flexibility to fine-tune their listening experience.
In terms of microphone quality, both perform admirably indoors, but the Realme Buds Air 6 has a slight edge when it comes to voice clarity in outdoor settings. For those who frequently take calls on the go, this could be a deciding factor.
Active Noise Cancellation and App Support
The Realme Buds Air 6 truly shines when it comes to active noise cancellation. It offers the best ANC performance in its price range, canceling up to 95% of background noise indoors and performing admirably in outdoor environments as well.
While the OnePlus Nord Buds 3 Pro also offers good ANC, it falls slightly short of the Realme’s impressive performance in this area.
In terms of app support, the Realme Buds Air 6 takes the lead with more customization options, including an auto-answer feature, extra equalizer settings, and a new “Mind Flow” mode.
The OnePlus app, while offering all necessary features, provides fewer options for personalization.
OnePlus Nord Buds 3 Pro vs Realme Buds Air 6: Making Your Choice
Picking between these two top-notch earbuds boils down to what you like and value most.
The OnePlus Nord Buds 3 Pro might suit you better if you want somewhat improved sound less delay for gaming, and the ability to connect to two devices at once.
The Realme Buds Air 6 could be just right for you if you care more about better noise cancellation, support for the LDAC high-quality audio format, and more ways to tweak settings in the app.
Both models work great overall, and you’ll be happy with whichever one you choose.
Think about what matters to you, like how much you’ll use noise cancellation, whether you play games and need the least possible delay, or if you’re into high-quality audio formats. If you can, try listening to both models in person before you make up your mind.
To wrap up, the OnePlus Nord Buds 3 Pro and the Realme Buds Air 6 both give you a lot for your money costing less than $50. No matter which one you pick, you’ll get earbuds that do more than you’d expect for their price sounding great and working well overall.
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Nick, the Co-founder of Earbuds Arena, is a seasoned freelance tech journalist with over ten years of experience covering wearables, apps, headphones, and gadgets. When he’s not immersed in the tech world, you’ll likely find him unwinding with video games, going for a run, or enjoying a game of soccer on the field.
