Choosing new earbuds can feel like navigating a jungle sometimes, especially when so many options promise the world without breaking the bank. Today, we’re diving into two popular contenders in the affordable true wireless (TWS) segment that have been grabbing a lot of attention in India: the OnePlus Nord Buds 3R and the Realme Buds Air 5.
If you’re on the hunt for solid sound, good features, and a price that won’t make your wallet cry, you’ve probably stumbled upon these two. But which one should you pick? Let’s break it down, real talk style.
First Impressions & Design: Looking Good, Feeling Good?
When you unbox a new gadget, the first thing you notice is how it looks and feels.
The OnePlus Nord Buds 3R comes with a slightly more minimalist, pebble-like case. It feels smooth in the hand and fits nicely into a pocket. The earbuds themselves have a stem design, which is pretty common these days, and generally feel light and comfortable for long listening sessions. They often have a matte finish which helps with grip.
Realme Buds Air 5, on the other hand, usually sport a more distinctive, sometimes bolder, design. Their case might be a bit more angular, and the earbuds themselves often have a slightly different aesthetic – sometimes a bit more glossy. Comfort is subjective, but Realme generally does a good job here too, ensuring a snug fit without being too intrusive.
My Take: Both are well-built for their price. If you prefer subtle elegance, the Nord Buds 3R might edge it. If you like a bit more flair, Realme often delivers.
Sound Quality: What Do Your Ears Say?
This is where the rubber meets the road, right? We buy earbuds to listen to music, podcasts, and calls.
OnePlus Nord Buds 3R often leans towards a balanced sound profile, maybe with a slight emphasis on bass that’s pleasing but not overpowering. It’s the kind of sound that works well for most genres – pop, Bollywood, podcasts, or even some classical. The vocals usually come through clear, and the overall experience is enjoyable for casual listening.
The Realme Buds Air 5 frequently boasts a more vibrant and bass-heavy signature. If you’re someone who loves their music with a punchy beat, especially for genres like EDM, Hip-Hop, or even some high-energy Bollywood tracks, the Realme Buds Air 5 might be more up your alley. They tend to offer a more “fun” sound.
My Take: If you like a more neutral, versatile sound, Nord Buds 3R. If you crave deeper bass and a more energetic sound, Realme Buds Air 5 could be your jam.
Active Noise Cancellation (ANC): Tuning Out the World
Here’s a feature that’s becoming non-negotiable for many, even in budget earbuds.
The OnePlus Nord Buds 3R offers ANC, and for its price point, it does a decent job of cutting out common background noises like the hum of an AC, office chatter, or maybe even some mild traffic sounds. Don’t expect silence like premium earbuds, but it’s effective enough to help you focus.
The Realme Buds Air 5 also comes with ANC, and often aims for a slightly higher reduction in decibels. In practice, this can mean it might just give you that extra bit of quietness, especially against low-frequency rumbles like bus engines. Both will have transparency modes to let sound in when you need to be aware.
My Take: Both offer usable ANC. Realme might have a slight edge in raw noise reduction, but both are great for daily commutes or noisy cafes.
Battery Life: Power Through Your Day
Nobody likes dead earbuds in the middle of a crucial call or favorite song.
Both of these typically offer competitive battery life. You can generally expect somewhere in the range of 5-7 hours of continuous playback with ANC on, and more with ANC off. The charging case will provide multiple additional charges, extending your total listening time to well over 25-30 hours. Specific numbers might vary slightly, but both are solid for getting you through a full day, and then some.
My Take: Both are reliable. You won’t be constantly scrambling for a charger with either.
Call Quality: Heard and Understood?
Using earbuds for calls is essential. Both OnePlus and Realme usually integrate decent microphones with environmental noise cancellation (ENC) to reduce background noise during calls.
In my experience, both perform adequately for calls in quiet to moderately noisy environments. For super noisy places like a bustling market, both might struggle a bit, but they do a commendable job for their price.
Connectivity & Features: The Smart Stuff
- Bluetooth: Both will use modern Bluetooth versions (like 5.3) for stable connections.
- Low Latency: Gamers will appreciate low latency modes, which both usually offer, helping to sync audio with video.
- App Support: Both OnePlus and Realme have companion apps (HeyMelody for OnePlus, Realme Link for Realme) that let you customize settings, EQ, and touch controls. This is a huge plus!
- IP Rating: Expect some level of water and sweat resistance (e.g., IPX4), making them suitable for workouts.
The Head-to-Head: OnePlus Nord Buds 3R vs Realme Buds Air 5
Here’s a quick comparison to help you visualize the differences:
| Feature | OnePlus Nord Buds 3R | Realme Buds Air 5 |
| Design | Minimalist, pebble-like case, matte finish often | Potentially bolder, more angular case, sometimes glossy |
| Sound Profile | Balanced, clear vocals, pleasing bass | Energetic, punchy bass, vibrant sound |
| ANC | Decent for price, cuts out common hums/chatter | Potentially stronger ANC, deeper noise reduction |
| Battery Life | 5-7 hrs (ANC on), 25-30+ hrs total with case | 5-7 hrs (ANC on), 25-30+ hrs total with case |
| Call Quality | Good in quiet/moderate environments, with ENC | Good in quiet/moderate environments, with ENC |
| Latency | Low latency mode for gaming | Low latency mode for gaming |
| App Support | Yes (HeyMelody) | Yes (Realme Link) |
| Resistance | Typically IPX4 (sweat/splash) | Typically IPX4 (sweat/splash) |
| Price (approx.) | Usually competitive | Usually competitive |
Honestly, both the OnePlus Nord Buds 3R and the Realme Buds Air 5 are excellent choices in their segment. The “best” one truly depends on your personal preferences.
- Go for the OnePlus Nord Buds 3R if: You prioritize a balanced sound profile, a more understated design, and a comfortable fit for everyday listening.
- Go for the Realme Buds Air 5 if: You’re a bass-head, love a more energetic sound for your music, and want potentially stronger ANC performance.
