If your budget is around under $100 and you’re looking for top-notch earbuds packed with features, then this article is for you. After extensive research, I’ve narrowed it down to two standout options: the Realme Buds Air 6 Pro and the OnePlus Buds 3.
Both earbuds offer an impressive array of specifications, ensuring a fantastic audio experience, but they also have their unique characteristics that set them apart.
If you find yourself caught between these two fantastic choices, read on!
This article will guide you through their similarities and differences, helping you make an informed decision on which earbuds best suit your needs.
Table of Contents
Pricing and Availability
Before we dive into features, let’s talk about pricing. The Realme Buds Air 6 Pro is typically priced around $70-$75, while the OnePlus Buds 3 usually costs about $80.
These prices can vary based on sales and discounts, so keep an eye on promotions from retailers like Amazon or AliExpress.
Best Deals:
Realme Buds Air 6 Pro: View on AliExpress
OnePlus Buds 3: View on AliExpress
Realme Buds Air 6 Pro vs OnePlus Buds 3: Specs Comparison
| Specification | Realme Buds Air 6 Pro | OnePlus Buds 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Colors | Splendid Blue, Metallic Gray | Splendid Blue, Metallic Gray |
| Driver Size | 11mm woofer + 6mm microplanar tweeter | 10.4mm woofer + 6mm tweeter dual drivers |
| Microphones | 2 microphones | 3 microphones per side |
| Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) | Yes, Active Noise Reduction | Yes, Smart Adaptive Noise Cancellation (up to 49dB) |
| Transparency Mode | No | Yes |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.3 | 5.3 |
| Bluetooth Codec | LDAC, AAC, SBC | LHDC, AAC, SBC |
| Connection Range | 10 meters | 10 meters |
| Charging Interface | USB Type-C (Charging Cable Included) | USB Type-C |
| IP Rating | IP55 (Earbuds Only) | IP55 (Earbuds) |
| Battery Type | Rechargeable Li-ion battery | Rechargeable Li-ion battery |
| Battery Capacity (Earbuds) | 58mAh(Earbuds) | 58mAh |
| Battery Capacity (Charging Case) | 460mAh | 520mAh |
| Playback Time (ANC off, 50% volume) | 10 hours (Only Earbuds), 40 hours (with Charging Case) | 10 hours (Only Earbuds), 44 hours (with Charging Case) |
| Charging Time | 120 Minutes for Case | 10 minutes for 2 hours (Earbuds), 10 minutes for 7 hours (with Case) |
| Audio Latency | 55ms | 94ms |
| Touch Controls | Yes (Double Tap, Triple Tap, Press & Hold) | Yes (Tap twice: Next song / Answer call; Tap three times: Previous song; Tap and hold: Reject call) |
| Special Features | Nano-Level Electroplating Process | 2000 Times Charging Port Stability Tested | 10000 Times Charging Case Open & Close Tested | 96 Hour High Temperature & Humidity Tested | Control via Realme Link App | OnePlus Audio ID 2.0 | OTA Upgrades | Custom Settings | Support by HeyMelody App |
Design and Build Quality
Both earbuds are designed for long-lasting comfort, allowing you to wear them for extended periods without discomfort. The ergonomic design ensures a secure fit in the ear, making them suitable for various activities, from commuting to exercising.
The Realme Buds Air 6 Pro features a sleek and stylish design with a glossy finish. However, this glossy surface can be prone to scratches, so users may want to handle them with care.
Despite this, the earbuds offer an IP55 rating, making them resistant to dust and water splashes, which is great for workouts and outdoor use.
On the other hand, the OnePlus Buds 3 boasts a matte finish that not only looks premium but also reduces the likelihood of scratches. Like the Realme model, it also comes with an IP55 rating.
In terms of aesthetics, the OnePlus Buds 3 feels slightly more refined and luxurious, appealing to those who prioritize style.
Sound Quality
The Realme Buds Air 6 Pro is equipped with dual drivers, featuring an 11mm bass driver and a 6mm tweeter. This setup ensures a balanced sound profile with clear vocals and robust bass.
It supports LDAC for high-resolution audio streaming, providing a rich listening experience. Additionally, the earbuds feature active noise cancellation (ANC), which effectively reduces background noise, enhancing your listening experience.
The OnePlus Buds 3 also offers impressive sound quality with dual drivers and supports high-resolution audio. The sound profile is well-balanced, with solid bass and clear mids and highs.
The ANC technology in these earbuds performs comparably to the Realme model, effectively minimizing ambient noise. Both earbuds excel in audio quality, but the choice may come down to personal preference regarding sound signature.
Features and Controls
The Realme Buds Air 6 Pro comes with a touch control system, allowing you to easily manage playback, adjust volume, and answer calls. Additionally, the Realme Link app offers customization options, including equalizer settings and touch control mapping, providing a personalized listening experience.
Similarly, the OnePlus Buds 3 also features touch controls with customizable options through the HeyMelody app. The app provides various settings, including noise cancellation modes and equalizer settings, enabling users to tailor their audio experience to their preferences.
Microphone Quality
The microphone quality in the Realme Buds Air 6 Pro performs well, offering clear voice pickup during calls. The ANC feature enhances call clarity, making it suitable for outdoor usage where background noise may be an issue.
The OnePlus Buds 3 also features an impressive microphone setup, ensuring clear audio during calls. Users have reported that their voice comes through clearly, even in slightly noisy environments.
Overall, both earbuds perform excellently in this regard, with minor differences that may not be significant for most users.
Gaming Performance
For gamers, latency is crucial. The Realme Buds Air 6 Pro claims a low latency of around 55 milliseconds, while the OnePlus Buds 3 boasts a slightly lower latency of 94 milliseconds.
Both provide a gaming mode, but for competitive gaming, the Realme model may offer a slight advantage due to its lower latency.
Battery Life
The Realme Buds Air 6 Pro boasts an impressive battery life, providing around 40 hours of playback time with the charging case. If you’re in a hurry, a quick 10-minute charge gives you about 7 hours of playback, making it convenient for users on the go.
The OnePlus Buds 3 offers slightly less battery life, totaling around 44 hours with the charging case. It also supports fast charging, where 10 minutes of charging provides approximately 7 hours of playback.
While both options offer great battery life, the OnePlus model edges out slightly in total playback time.
Realme Buds Air 6 Pro vs OnePlus Buds 3: Final Verdict
Picking between the Realme Buds Air 6 Pro and the OnePlus Buds 3 boils down to what you like and what matters most to you. Here’s a brief rundown:
Choose the Realme Buds Air 6 Pro if:
- You prefer a slightly lower price point.
- You value a compact and stylish design.
- You want a marginally better gaming performance.
Choose the OnePlus Buds 3 if:
- You prefer a more premium and durable build quality.
- You want slightly longer battery life.
- You appreciate brand reliability and after-sales support.
Both models offer excellent sound quality, features, and performance, making either a solid choice for true wireless earbuds. Your choice should reflect your personal needs, usage habits, and aesthetic preferences.
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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.
