When it comes to budget-friendly earbuds, the OnePlus Nord Buds 3r and Realme Buds T200 are two options that stand out, both packed with some solid features, and priced under ₹2,000. But the question remains — are they really worth your money, or is it just all hype? Let's dive in.
OnePlus Nord Buds 3r vs Realme Buds T200: Design & Comfort
Let’s start with design. Both of these earbuds follow the AirPods-style stem look, but they feel quite different once you get your hands on them.
The OnePlus Nord Buds 3r has a fresh rectangular design with sharp lines, which feels premium. However, they’re a bit chunkier, which makes them a little less pocket-friendly. But, that extra size comes with a larger battery, which we’ll discuss later. The matte finish resists fingerprints, giving it a clean and sleek look.
On the other hand, the Realme Buds T200 are more practical. They’re lighter, super easy to hold, and just slip into your coin pocket. However, the glossy plastic scratches easily, and the neon green colour isn’t up to my taste. But Realme does offer a variety of colours, so you might find something you like.
In terms of fit, both are solid. I shook my head pretty violently while wearing both of them, and they stayed put without any issues. However, I found Realme’s buds to feel a bit more snug, which is ideal if you’re planning to wear them for extended periods. Both buds come with extra eartips for a more customisable fit. Plus, with IP55 water and dust resistance, you don’t have to worry about getting them wet from sweat or rain.
OnePlus Nord Buds 3r vs Realme Buds T200: Touch Controls
Now, let's talk about touch controls. Both of them support gesture controls, but they work a little differently. With the OnePlus Nord Buds 3r, a single tap is enough to play/pause your music, which is pretty simple and intuitive.
With the Realme Buds T200, you’ll need to double-tap to play/pause. It’s not a huge deal, but it feels slightly less natural than the single tap on the Realme buds.
Both of these earbuds also allow you to control volume with taps, and you can even customise the gestures using their respective apps. The Realme buds pair with the the Realme Link app, which requires you to sign in first, before you do anything. This can be inconvenient and a bit annoying, but it’s manageable.
One downside with both buds, is that neither of them offer wear detection. So if you take the buds out, your music will keep playing. It’s a pretty irritating miss, especially considering that it's 2025.
OnePlus Nord Buds 3r vs Realme Buds T200: Audio
Now, let’s get to the audio quality, the most important part while testing any audio product. Both earbuds come with 12.4mm drivers, but they performed pretty differently.
When I tested Bohemian Rhapsody with the Realme Buds T200, the vocals came out crystal clear, and the bass was punchy without drowning out the rest of the track. Tu Jhoom also sounded great — the bass was strong, but not overpowering, and the treble got a little sharp at times, though it wasn’t a dealbreaker. The Realme T200 offers a well-balanced sound, with clean mids and highs and a solid low end that doesn’t muddy everything.
The OnePlus Nord Buds 3r, on the other hand, are more bass-heavy. I enjoy a punchy bass, but with these, the bass felt a little too overpowering. In Bohemian Rhapsody, the vocals were muffled, and the highs were distorted. Tu Jhoom had a similar issue; the bass completely drowned out the vocals, which is a shame because it’s hard to fully enjoy the song. If you’re a bass-head, you might enjoy these, but they lack clarity and detail in the higher frequencies.
OnePlus Nord Buds 3r vs Realme Buds T200: ANC & Transparency Mode
When it comes to ANC (Active Noise Cancellation) and Transparency Mode, Realme clearly comes out on top because the OnePlus Nord Buds 3r, doesn't have ANC. Realme Buds T200 offers ANC that blocks up to 32dB of noise. It's not perfect, but it definitely does a better job than most buds in this price range. It’s good enough to block out things like the hum of a fan or the noise of an AC, but don’t expect it to silence a busy cafe or your local trains and metros.
Transparency Mode in the T200 lets you hear the world around you pretty well, but it can sound a little unnatural at times, and your own voice might sound muffled.
OnePlus Nord Buds 3r vs Realme Buds T200: Battery Life
Battery life is another critical factor when choosing earbuds. And here’s where the OnePlus Nord Buds 3r really shines. The OnePlus Nord Buds 3r gets a total of 560mAh so you get up to 54 hours of total playback. The buds themselves last around 12 hours, which is excellent. And with fast charging, just 10 minutes gives you 8 hours of playback, which is perfect for when you’re in a rush.
The Realme Buds T200 come with a 530mAh battery, giving you 50 hours of total playback and 10 hours on the earbuds. They’re close, but OnePlus still takes the crown when it comes to charging speed. Realme’s fast charging gives you 5 hours of playback in 10 minutes, which is still solid, but not as good as the OnePlus.
OnePlus Nord Buds 3r vs Realme Buds T200: Verdict
So what’s the final word on both of these? Well, the Realme Buds T200 are perfect if you want balanced audio, and ANC. They’re also great for portability and have a fun, vibrant design. For those looking for a more feature-packed option, they’re a clear winner.
On the other hand, if you want better sound clarity, bass-heavy audio, faster charging, and a sleek design, the OnePlus Nord Buds 3r are the better choice. They’re great for anyone who prioritises fast charging and long battery life. Both are solid picks, but it ultimately comes down to what you value more: features, sound quality or battery life.
