When it comes to choosing the perfect pair of wireless earbuds, there are so many options out there, each with their own features and benefits. Two recent contenders in this space are the Realme Buds Air6 Pro and the OnePlus Buds 3.
These earbuds have caught people’s attention with their impressive specs and attractive price points.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at what each earbud has to offer, comparing them side by side to help you decide which one is the right fit for you.
Price and Availability
When it comes to price, the Realme Buds Air6 Pro and OnePlus Buds 3 are relatively close.
At the time of writing this review, the Realme Buds Air6 Pro is priced at around $75, while the OnePlus Buds 3 retails for $99.
Both earbuds offer excellent value for money, considering their impressive features and specifications.
Best Deals:
Realme Buds Air6 Pro: View on AliExpress
OnePlus Buds 3: View on AliExpress
Realme Buds Air6 Pro vs OnePlus Buds 3: Specs Comparison
| Specifications | Realme Buds Air6 Pro | OnePlus Buds 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Drivers | 6mm micro-plane tweeter and an 11mm woofer Hi-Fi Level Coaxial Dual Unit | 10.4mm Bass Driver, 6mm Tweeter |
| Noise Cancellation | 50dB Intelligent Deep Sea Noise Cancellation 2.0 4000Hz Ultra-Wide Frequency Noise Reduction 6 Mic AI Noise cancellation | 3 levels of ANC support – Mild (10 dB), Moderate (20 dB), and Depth (49 dB) Transparency mode |
| Audio Quality | Hi-Res Certified, LDAC Audio Dynamic Bass, 3D Spatial Sound Effect | LHDC 5.0 Hi-Res Audio support; up to 1Mbps wireless transmission rate 3D surround space sound effects; Dynamic Bass technology Frequency Range: 15Hz-40KHz |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth Version: 5.3 Audio Codec: LDAC, AAC, SBC 55ms ultra-low latency | Bluetooth Version: 5.3 Audio Codec: AAC, SBC 94ms low-latency |
| Battery Life | Up to 40 hours total playback Supports fast charging, USB-C | Battery: 58mAh (buds); 520mAh (case) ANC ON – up to 6.5h (buds)/28h (with case) ANC OFF – up to 10h (buds)/44h (with case) Fast Charging support (10 min charge = up to 7 hours of music playback) |
| Additional Features | Custom Listening Experience Algorithm Dual Device Connection 2.0 Listening Mode Touch controls IP55 Water resistance Realme link app | Touch controls including volume control 3 mics Type C port |
Design and Fit
Realme takes a bold approach with the design of the Buds Air 6 Pro. Available in Titanium Twilight and Silver Blue, the glossy case stands out with its metallic sheen, although it tends to attract fingerprints. The ergonomic design of the buds themselves ensures a snug fit and IP55 water resistance, making them suitable for workouts and daily use.
OnePlus Buds 3, on the other hand, sport a sleek, matte finish case that resists fingerprints, though the glossy buds themselves may be polarizing. IP55 rated, they offer dust and water resistance, suitable for active use.
Sound Quality
One of the most crucial aspects of any pair of earbuds is sound quality. The Realme Buds Air6 Pro features a 6mm micro-plane tweeter and an 11mm woofer, delivering Hi-Fi level coaxial dual-unit audio. With Hi-Res certification and LDAC audio support, the Realme Buds Air6 Pro promises a dynamic bass and 3D spatial sound effect, ensuring an immersive listening experience.
On the other hand, the OnePlus Buds 3 comes equipped with a 10.4mm bass driver and a 6mm tweeter, offering a frequency range of 15Hz-40KHz. The earbuds support LHDC 5.0 Hi-Res Audio with up to 1Mbps wireless transmission rate, ensuring high-quality audio transmission. Additionally, the OnePlus Buds 3 features 3D surround space sound effects and Dynamic Bass technology for an enhanced listening experience.
While both earbuds deliver impressive sound quality, the Realme Buds Air6 Pro’s Hi-Res certification and LDAC audio support might give them a slight edge for audiophiles seeking the highest quality audio experience.
Noise Cancellation
In today’s world, noise cancellation has become a must-have feature for earbuds. The Realme Buds Air6 Pro boasts 50dB Intelligent Deep Sea Noise Cancellation 2.0 and 4000Hz ultra-wide frequency noise reduction. With 6 microphones and AI noise cancellation, the earbuds promise to effectively block out unwanted background noise.
The OnePlus Buds 3 offers three levels of Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) support – Mild (10 dB), Moderate (20 dB), and Depth (49 dB). It also features a Transparency mode, allowing users to hear their surroundings when necessary. The earbuds are equipped with 3 microphones for effective noise cancellation.
Both earbuds offer impressive noise cancellation capabilities, but the Realme Buds Air6 Pro’s 50dB Intelligent Deep Sea Noise Cancellation 2.0 and 6 microphones might provide a more comprehensive noise cancellation experience.
Battery Life and Charging
Battery life is a crucial factor to consider when choosing wireless earbuds. The Realme Buds Air6 Pro offers up to 40 hours of total playback time and supports fast charging via USB-C. This means you can enjoy your music for extended periods without worrying about running out of power.
The OnePlus Buds 3 provides up to 6.5 hours of playback time with ANC on and up to 10 hours with ANC off. With the charging case, you can get up to 28 hours of total playback time with ANC on and up to 44 hours with ANC off. The earbuds also support fast charging, providing up to 7 hours of music playback with just a 10-minute charge.
While the OnePlus Buds 3 offers slightly longer playback time with ANC off, the Realme Buds Air6 Pro’s 40 hours of total playback time is still impressive and should suffice for most users.
Connectivity and Additional Features
Both the Realme Buds Air6 Pro and OnePlus Buds 3 support Bluetooth 5.3 for stable and seamless connectivity. The Realme Buds Air6 Pro features Dual Device Connection 2.0, allowing users to connect to two devices simultaneously. It also offers a Custom Listening Experience Algorithm and supports touch controls for easy operation.
The OnePlus Buds 3 boasts a low latency of 94ms, making them suitable for gaming and video content. The earbuds also feature touch controls, including volume control, for convenient usage. Additionally, the OnePlus Buds 3 comes with an IP55 water resistance rating, ensuring protection against sweat and light rain.
Both earbuds offer convenient touch controls and additional features that enhance the user experience. The Realme Buds Air6 Pro’s Dual Device Connection 2.0 might be appealing for users who frequently switch between devices, while the OnePlus Buds 3’s low latency and IP55 water resistance rating could be attractive for gamers and fitness enthusiasts.
Realme Buds Air6 Pro vs OnePlus Buds 3: Pros and Cons
Realme Buds Air6 Pro
Pros:
- Hi-Res Certified, LDAC Audio
- 50dB Intelligent Deep Sea Noise Cancellation 2.0
- Up to 40 hours total playback
- Dual Device Connection 2.0
- IP55 Water resistance
Cons:
- Slightly higher latency compared to OnePlus Buds 3
- No volume control on the earbuds
OnePlus Buds 3
Pros:
- LHDC 5.0 Hi-Res Audio support
- 94ms low-latency
- Touch controls including volume control
- Up to 44 hours total playback with ANC off
- Fast Charging support (10 min charge = up to 7 hours of music playback)
Cons:
- Lower water resistance rating compared to Realme Buds Air6 Pro
- No Dual Device Connection feature
Realme Buds Air6 Pro vs OnePlus Buds 3: Final Verdict
When it comes to the battle between the Realme Buds Air6 Pro and OnePlus Buds 3, both earbuds are strong contenders, each with their own unique strengths and features.
The Realme Buds Air6 Pro really stands out with its Hi-Res certification, LDAC audio support, and Intelligent Deep Sea Noise Cancellation 2.0, making them a great choice for audiophiles and those who want effective noise cancellation. With a playback time of up to 40 hours and Dual Device Connection 2.0, the Realme Buds Air6 Pro offers convenience and long-lasting performance.
On the other hand, the OnePlus Buds 3 boasts LHDC 5.0 Hi-Res Audio support, low latency, and IP55 water resistance, making them perfect for gamers, fitness enthusiasts, and those who need durable earbuds for outdoor activities. The earbuds also have customizable ANC levels and a Transparency mode, allowing users to adapt to different environments.
When deciding between these two earbuds, it’s important to consider your own needs and priorities. If you want the best audio experience and top-notch noise cancellation, the Realme Buds Air6 Pro might be the better choice for you. However, if you value low latency, water resistance, and slightly longer battery life with ANC turned off, the OnePlus Buds 3 could be the way to go.
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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.
