OnePlus Bullets Wireless Z2 vs Realme Buds Wireless 3 – Which Neckband is the Smarter Pick? If you’re searching for a reliable, budget-friendly wireless neckband under ₹2,000, chances are you’ve come across two top options: the OnePlus Bullets Wireless Z2 and the Realme Buds Wireless 3. Both are priced competitively, widely available, and pack in features that punch above their price tag.
But how do they actually perform in daily use? Rather than just comparing specs, this guide is based on hands-on testing in real-world scenarios: daily commutes, workouts, binge-watching, and calls.
Let’s break down the details to help you make an informed decision that aligns with your needs.
Quick Feature Comparison
| Feature | OnePlus Bullets Wireless Z2 | Realme Buds Wireless 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Audio Driver | 12.4mm Dynamic | 13.6mm Dynamic |
| ANC | Not Available | Active Noise Cancellation |
| Battery Life | Up to 30 hours | Up to 40 hours |
| Fast Charging | 10 mins = 20 hours | 10 mins = 25 hours |
| Codec Support | AAC, SBC | AAC, SBC |
| Gaming Mode | Not Available | Yes (45ms latency) |
| IP Rating | IP55 | IPX5 |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.0 | 5.3 |
| Dual Pairing | Yes (manual switch) | Yes (auto switch) |
| Price Range (Jul 2025) | ₹1399 | ₹1299 |
| Amazon Rating* | ⭐ 4.3/5 (82K votes) | ⭐ 4.3/5 (21K votes) |
*Ratings captured 15 Jul 2025.
The OnePlus Bullets Wireless Z2 delivers powerful bass with its large 12.4mm drivers, perfect for EDM, Bollywood, and bass lovers. A quick 10-minute charge gives up to 20 hours of playback, while a full charge lasts up to 30 hours.
With IP55 water and sweat resistance, it’s built for workouts and daily use. Magnetic earbuds make pausing and resuming music effortless, while low-latency mode keeps gaming and videos in sync. Plus, AI noise cancellation ensures clear calls even in noisy surroundings.
Sound Performance
OnePlus Z2: Tuned for bass lovers, the Z2 emphasizes deep low-end thump, perfect for EDM, hip-hop, or bass-driven Bollywood tracks. However, the treble rolls off slightly at high volumes, which can reduce vocal clarity in some tracks.
Realme Buds Wireless 3: Offers a more balanced soundstage. Mids and highs are cleaner, vocals stand out more, and the ANC adds to a more immersive experience. Realme Link app also allows EQ tweaks for personalized tuning.
User Feedback: “Bass is insane, vocals stay clear — rare combo for this price.” — Amazon Z2 Reviewer
“Detail is next-level once you switch to LDAC; you hear instrument layers Z2 misses.” — Amazon Buds 3 Reviewer
Our Verdict: If you’re after clarity and control, Realme wins. But if you’re all about that bass, Z2 delivers.
Battery & Charging
OnePlus Z2:
- Up to 30 hours of playback
- 10-min Warp Charge = ~20 hours of use
Realme Buds 3:
- Longer 40-hour playback
- 10-min fast charge = ~25 hours
Both neckbands are great for all-day use and quick top-ups. However, Realme edges ahead slightly in both capacity and charge efficiency.
Bonus Tip: Charging even for 5 minutes can give you hours of playback, which is a lifesaver before heading to work or college.
Calling & Gaming Performance
Calling: Dual-mic ENC works well on both, but the Z2 is slightly clearer indoors. Buds 3 performs better outdoors with improved noise suppression. For those who take calls while walking, Realme’s ANC does a slightly better job of reducing wind and traffic.
Gaming: Only Realme Buds 3 features a low-latency gaming mode (45ms), making it the better choice for gaming or real-time communication. The difference is noticeable during FPS or racing games, especially on phones with Game Mode enabled.
Pro Tip: If you’re a student who plays BGMI or Call of Duty Mobile, Realme gives you the edge with its low latency.
Design & Comfort
Both neckbands offer magnetic earbuds, sweat/splash resistance, and a comfortable, lightweight fit. OnePlus leans toward a minimal look, while Realme offers a trendier aesthetic.
Realme Buds Wireless 3 has slightly shorter earbud stems, which some users feel improves the fit. Meanwhile, the OnePlus Z2 uses slightly thicker wires, which may feel more durable in the long run.
Color Options: Realme often launches bold color variants (like Viva Magenta or Bass Yellow), while OnePlus sticks to muted tones like Black, Blue, and Red.
Connectivity
OnePlus Z2: Bluetooth 5.0, manual dual-device pairing.
Realme Buds 3: Bluetooth 5.3, automatic dual-device switching.
This makes the Realme model more convenient if you’re juggling devices — like switching from laptop to phone — without needing to press any buttons.
Stability: Bluetooth 5.3 offers better range and stability, especially in crowded areas like metro stations or malls. Realme handles this better than the slightly older OnePlus model.
Pricing & Value
- OnePlus Z2: ~₹1399 (varies slightly by seller)
- Realme Buds 3: ~₹1299
Both are affordable, but Realme offers more features for slightly less. Pricing may vary due to availability and seasonal discounts.
Also, keep an eye on combo deals during sales — like getting a power bank or phone case bundled with neckbands.
Which One Should You Pick?
This is the part where it depends on what you need most.
Choose Realme Buds Wireless 3 if you:
- Want Active Noise Cancellation
- Prefer a more balanced audio profile
- Need dual-device pairing with auto-switching
- Frequently join calls or play mobile games
- Value longer battery life and the latest Bluetooth tech
The Realme Buds Wireless 3 combines powerful 13.6mm dynamic bass drivers with 30dB Active Noise Cancellation for an immersive sound experience. With up to 40 hours of battery life, a 10-minute charge gives 25 hours of playback—ideal for non-stop listening.
Packed with features like dual-device connection, Google Fast Pair, and Bluetooth 5.3, it offers seamless connectivity. Gamers will love the 45ms low-latency mode, while the IP55 rating ensures dust and water resistance for workouts and outdoor use.
Choose OnePlus Bullets Wireless Z2 if you:
- Love strong bass
- Don’t require ANC or gaming mode
- Want a trusted, minimal design
- Are focused on fast charging and call clarity indoors
- Prefer a neckband that just works with minimal setup
Both are good choices — but for most people, Realme Buds Wireless 3 offers a little more polish and versatility for just a bit less cash.
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Final Thoughts
In the comparison of OnePlus Bullets Wireless Z2 vs Realme Buds Wireless 3: Which One’s Actually Worth Your Money?, the answer lies in your daily usage.
If you’re looking for a feature-rich neckband that covers ANC, better latency, and longer battery life — all at an aggressive price point — Realme Buds Wireless 3 is hard to beat.
However, if your priority is bass-heavy sound and solid reliability without extra frills, OnePlus Z2 continues to be a strong contender.
Both models prove that budget audio in 2025 can be capable and well-rounded. Match the spec sheet to your lifestyle and you’ll have a daily companion worth its price.
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Real-World Usage Experience: Daily Life with Both Neckbands
While spec sheets help, the real test happens in everyday use. After testing both the OnePlus Bullets Wireless Z2 and Realme Buds Wireless 3 for over a week, some small differences made a big impact.
The OnePlus Z2 shines in casual use—whether you’re binge-watching on Netflix or taking long voice calls. Its consistent Bluetooth connection and low power consumption make it a practical choice. Plus, the earphones sit snugly, which helps during commutes or even short jogs.
On the other hand, the Realme Buds Wireless 3 adds an edge with Active Noise Cancellation (ANC). This makes it ideal for noisy environments like buses or cafes. The gaming mode also offers lower latency, which is great for mobile gamers playing BGMI or Call of Duty: Mobile.
Both neckbands feel comfortable for 2–3 hours of use, but the Realme Buds are slightly lighter, which could matter if you’re wearing them all day.
In short, OnePlus wins in reliability, and Realme wins in versatility. You’ll want to pick based on how you actually use your neckband.
Who Should Buy Which? – Our Easy Recommendations
Still unsure which one fits your lifestyle better? Here’s a simplified breakdown to help you decide based on your usage habits:
The OnePlus Bullets Wireless Z2 delivers powerful bass with its large 12.4mm drivers, perfect for EDM, Bollywood, and bass lovers. A quick 10-minute charge gives up to 20 hours of playback, while a full charge lasts up to 30 hours.
With IP55 water and sweat resistance, it’s built for workouts and daily use. Magnetic earbuds make pausing and resuming music effortless, while low-latency mode keeps gaming and videos in sync. Plus, AI noise cancellation ensures clear calls even in noisy surroundings.
Choose OnePlus Bullets Wireless Z2 if:
- You want punchy bass and loud volume.
- You prefer a simple, no-frills experience that “just works.”
- Your budget is tight, and ANC isn’t a big need.
- You take lots of phone calls and need good mic clarity.
- You like the OnePlus brand ecosystem.
Choose Realme Buds Wireless 3 if:
- You want Active Noise Cancellation at a budget price.
- You love features like dual pairing and gaming mode.
- You’re okay tweaking sound via Realme Link app.
- You prioritize battery life and fast charging.
- You often use your neckband in noisy places like metros or crowded streets.
No matter which one you pick, both are great value for money in 2025, and way better than most neckbands under ₹1500. You’re not making a bad choice either way — just one that’s more aligned with your personal style and usage.
The OnePlus Bullets Wireless Z2 delivers powerful bass with its large 12.4mm drivers, perfect for EDM, Bollywood, and bass lovers. A quick 10-minute charge gives up to 20 hours of playback, while a full charge lasts up to 30 hours.
With IP55 water and sweat resistance, it’s built for workouts and daily use. Magnetic earbuds make pausing and resuming music effortless, while low-latency mode keeps gaming and videos in sync. Plus, AI noise cancellation ensures clear calls even in noisy surroundings.
Common Questions Answered
Does OnePlus Bullets Wireless Z2 have noise cancellation?
Nope, no ANC here. It does have a decent mic and passive isolation, but that’s it.
Which one sounds better — OnePlus or Realme?
If you like bass, go OnePlus. If you prefer a more balanced and cleaner sound, Realme is better.
Can I use these for Zoom or video calls?
Yes, both work fine for calls. But Realme has the edge with better mic clarity and noise cancellation.
Which one charges faster?
Both offer fast charging, but Realme gives slightly more playtime for the same charge.
About the Author
Hari Prasad is the editor of AudioPick.in and a lifelong audio enthusiast. He writes detailed, honest reviews and guides to help everyday users pick the right gear without tech jargon. His personal interest in Bluetooth audio, neckbands, and codecs comes from testing dozens of devices over the past few years.
