After hundreds and hundreds of hours of listening, testing, and comparing all of these earbuds. Here are the best budget earbuds under ₹3000 in India as an audio engineer for the best true wireless Bluetooth earbuds.
The ₹3000 rupees price range is a good Goldilocks Zone to get you the best value. I have brought all the true wireless earbuds (TWS) you can find on Amazon and Flipkart for under 3000 rupees and found the best seven earbuds for you. As always, I ranked all these earbuds across different categories.
Best Earbuds Under ₹3000
- SkullCandy Dime 3
- Boat Nirvana Space
- Oppo Enco Air 2 Pro
- CMF Buds Pro
- Realme Buds Air 6
- Redmi Buds 5
- OnePlus Nord Buds 3 Pro
7. SkullCandy Dime 3
This wireless earbuds are over five times cheaper than Apple’s AirPods, but they’re actually not terrible. I’ll tell you about the Skullcandy Dime 3 and its extremely cheap and portable pair of true wireless earbuds.
SkullCandy Dime 3 Review
Specifications
- Product Type: True Wireless In-Ear
- Connection Type: Bluetooth® 5.3
- Impedance: 16Ω ± 15%
- Driver Diameter: 6mm
- THD: <3%
- Sound Pressure Level: 104dB ± 3dB
- Frequency Response: 20Hz – 20KHz
- Weight: 34g
Design and Build Quality
The case is one of the smallest I’ve ever seen for wireless earbuds. It has a pretty unique design where the earbuds actually shine through the case itself. The case has an orange lanyard with a hook on the end of it, so you can even hook it onto your keychain if you would so like.
The earbuds are made from plastic, so it’s not the nicest or most luxurious material you’ll find Earbuds Under ₹3000. However, the plastic makes the earbuds super durable. They’re IPX4 water and sweat resistant, making them suitable for the gym or kids without worrying about breaking them.
Each earbud features a clicky button on the outside, which isn’t as nice as the capacitive touch controls on premium earbuds. However, there is a learning curve, as the onboard controls have eight different combinations of button presses, taps, and holds. Learning to use these earbuds feels a bit like solving a Rubik’s Cube, and you’ll likely need to reference the user manual multiple times.
Lack of App Support
While Skullcandy does have an app for some of its earbuds and headphones, the Dime 3 is not currently supported. This means you miss out on some core functionalities, such as firmware updates and the ability to customize your controls.
Bluetooth Features
The Dime 3 doesn’t have fancy Bluetooth audio codecs such as aptX. However, it does support Bluetooth multipoint, which is impressive for such an affordable pair of wireless earbuds.
Battery Life and Fast Charging
In our battery testing, the Skullcandy Dime 3 lasted an impressive 6 hours and 48 minutes on a single charge, even outperforming the latest version of Apple’s AirPods. Throwing the earbuds in their charging case gives you an extra charge and a bit more.
The Skullcandy Dime 3 supports fast charging, allowing you to get multiple hours of playback from only about 10 minutes of charging inside the case.
Call Quality and Noice Cancelling
The microphones on the Skullcandy Dime 3 are acceptable for taking calls on the go. While they don’t reproduce high frequencies well, which can make your voice sound slightly muffled, they do a good job of blocking out background noise.
The main drawback of the Skullcandy Dime 3 is the lack of active noise cancelling. They also struggle with passive noise isolation, particularly against low and mid frequencies. Noise blocking largely depends on the fit, and while I was able to get a good seal, this may vary for others.
To my surprise, the Dime 3 earbuds actually sound pretty good. Unlike many cheap earbuds, they strike a balance with just the right amount of bass, mids, and highs, making them suitable for most genres of music.
Equalizer Presets
The Dime 3 comes with two additional equalizer presets: one that boosts bass and another that reduces it. This ensures most users will find a sound profile they enjoy.
Pros & Cons
6. Boat Nirvana Space
If you cannot live without bass, check out the new boAt Nirvana Space. Unlike the Skullcandy Dime 3, this thing has been tuned the opposite way—with a lot of bass.
Boat Nirvana Space Review
Bass-Heavy Tuning
To be honest, there is too much bass for my musical taste. It leaves little room for other frequencies to shine, especially the mid-frequencies. Thankfully, though, boAt gives me two options to customize the audio here.
Audio Customization Options
First, this adaptive EQ is a hearing test that tries to adjust based on my hearing ability. It worked perfectly for me to restore some of the details in the treble region. But I had the best luck with creating a custom equalizer by myself. It still sounds thin with a narrow soundstage, although this is a significant improvement over that bloated default tuning.
360° Spatial Audio
The Nirvana Space even has 360° spatial audio if you like that surround sound effect in everything you listen to. But honestly, I’ve never really been a fan of such tech.
Noise Canceling & Battery Life
Then again, the active noise cancellation on the boAt Nirvana Space is pretty impressive for the price. So is its microphone quality and battery life, since boAt promises a ridiculous 100 hours of playback time with the case.
Pros & Cons
5. Oppo Enco Air 2 Pro
Next, we have the Oppo Enco Air 2 Pro. I’m actually pretty shocked to see a pair of Oppo earbuds this far down my list because they usually sit in the top three positions. But considering its price and all the competition that we have right now.
Oppo Enco Air 2 Pro Review
Build Quality and Durability
The Oppo Enco Air 2 Pro has held up well in durability and build quality over the past several months. The overall design remains sturdy, but there are noticeable scratches on the rear and front of the case, mainly due to the Oppo branding placement on the hinge.
Even after a drop, the hinge alignment and closure remain intact, and the case remains compact and easy to carry. The unique “moon” design is a standout feature, although the branding placement could have been more tastefully executed.
Earbud Design and Comfort
Cleaning the earbuds is necessary over time as dirt collects in the small gap between the housing and stem, but this can be easily cleaned. The ear tips also feature a mesh that helps prevent earwax or dirt from clogging the mesh, making maintenance easier. Comfort, however, is a concern. While the earbuds initially felt comfortable, prolonged use caused discomfort, particularly for those with smaller ears.
Features and Functionality
The Enco Air 2 Pro comes with several useful features. The touch controls are intuitive, with volume adjustment available via a press-and-hold function, which is more seamless than the tap-and-hold method used by some competitors. The multi-device pairing works well when media playback is paused, with a quick switch between devices in about 2-2.5 seconds.
Active Noise Cancelling (ANC) effectively reduces ambient noise, but it doesn’t perform as well as other premium options. The earbuds also offer a low-latency game mode, improving gaming and video playback experiences. The environmental noise cancellation (ENC) feature is practical, with microphones capturing your voice clearly while reducing background noise.
Battery Life
Battery life is another strong point. Even after a month of inactivity, the earbuds retained a full charge, which most don’t manage. On a typical day, you can expect 3-4 hours of playback before recharging, with quick recharging in the case.
Sound Quality
Sound quality is impressive, with the 12.4mm dynamic drivers delivering a warm, natural sound. While the earbuds initially felt lacking in bass, using the bass boost mode in the HeyMelody app dramatically enhances the sound, making it more enjoyable and rich.
Pros & Cons
4. CMF Buds Pro
The CMF Buds Pro is one of the most exciting and underrated products that CMF has launched.
CMF Buds Pro Review
Design
The case design is distinctive, often prompting my friends to ask what buds they are. It sits flat on surfaces and features a minimal logo on top. The lid lacks a lip or indent, making it a two-hand operation to open.
Inside, the buds are neatly presented in a way uncommon in most cases. The buds look similar to AirPods Pro, which isn’t necessarily bad. They have a gloss finish on the buds and a matte finish on the stems. Magnets securely hold the buds in place, making them easy to remove and replace.
The case is made of hard plastic, which isn’t very resistant to scratches or scuffs. The hinge has a chrome finish and feels reasonably sturdy, but it has a slight wobble when closed, raising concerns about long-term durability. There’s an almost invisible recessed setup button on the case.
Sound Quality
The music quality is good. I’ve tested various music and podcasts, and with the default preset, the sound feels balanced with a nicely tuned bass—not overpowering. The Nothing X app enhances the experience with customization options, including:
- Predefined tunings or the ability to create your own.
- Touch control customization, although I’m personally not a fan of using touch controls on buds in my ears.
In my testing:
- Double-tap to skip tracks worked well.
- Triple-tap to skip back and tap-and-hold for noise control were functional but slightly tedious.
- Double tap-and-hold didn’t always work reliably.
Features
These buds are packed with features like:
- In-ear detection: Music stops when you remove the buds and resumes if they detect placement in the ear.
- Find My Buds: Plays loud music through one earbud, working surprisingly well.
- Low-latency mode: Great for gaming.
Noise Cancellation
Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) works impressively for the price:
- Performance: It effectively blocks out white noises like fans, air conditioners, and engines. However, it only partially blocks conversations unless the volume is higher.
- Customization: ANC levels can be adjusted in the app.
Transparency mode: This mode could be more effective. It amplifies background noises to the point that it becomes unusable.
Battery Life
The battery life is solid. I used the case for approximately one hour of daily use for about two weeks. With heavier usage and ANC on, charging is needed weekly.
Pros & Cons
3. Realme Buds Air 6
These are the brand-new Realme Air Pro 6. Quite a mouthful, right? Let\’s dive into what they offer, what has changed compared to the previous generation, and whether they\’re worth your money.
Realme Buds Air 6 Review
Battery Life
First, let’s talk about battery life. It’s significantly better than the industry standard, which is quite impressive.
- Playback Time with ANC On: 7.5 hours — uncommon in this price range and most earbuds.
- Total Playback Time: 40 hours with the charging case.
- Playback with ANC Off: Up to 10 hours of continuous playtime.
Realme Buds Air 6 has one of the best battery performances in wireless earbuds, especially for this price.
Audio Quality and LDAC
These earbuds include LDAC, a high-quality Bluetooth codec for lossless audio streaming.
- LDAC works only on Android devices, not iOS.
- If you use apps like Tidal and have an Android phone, LDAC is a great bonus.
Spec-wise, the Realme Air Pro 6 is impressive. But how do they sound?
Build and Comfort
One major downside is the glossy finish. While they are IPX55-rated for water and sweat resistance, the shiny surface causes them to slip out during exercise.
Comfort-wise, these aren’t the best:
- The ear tips are too small, snug, and tightly attached.
- They mimic the AirPods Pro design, but the snug fit may be uncomfortable for longer sessions (5–6 hours).
- For shorter uses (1–4 hours), they’re fine.
Active Noise Cancellation (ANC)
The ANC on these earbuds is impressive, canceling up to 50 dB.
- It Works well on airplanes, buses, and busy streets.
- Includes a pass-through mode for hearing your surroundings.
You can control these settings via touch controls or the dedicated app, which is relatively user-friendly.
Latency and Gaming
These earbuds boast a low latency of 55 ms, making them ideal for competitive gaming.
- Perfect for games like Fortnite and PUBG.
- Latency can also be adjusted via the app.
Sound Quality
Sound-wise, the Realme Air Pro 6 delivers well-rounded audio:
- Highs: Clear, though less intense than desired for certain songs.
- Mids: Extremely clean and detailed.
- Bass: Adjustable through the app’s EQ settings. Surprisingly powerful after an update.
These earbuds are versatile, catering to bass enthusiasts and those who prefer balanced sound.
Microphone Performance
The microphone quality is decent, making it suitable for:
- Professional calls (depending on your standards).
- Casual conversations and non-critical uses.
Pros & Cons
2. Redmi Buds 5
Redmi Buds 5 Review
Design and Comfort
The Redmi Earbuds 5 by Xiaomi—the brand behind the Poco and other Xiaomi phones—are incredibly thin and boast a sleek design. These earbuds are designed for comfort and can easily be worn all day.
However, suppose you plan to use them for exercise. In that case, there’s a downside: the glossy interior finish causes them to slip when you sweat, making them unsuitable for activities like running or intense workouts.
Application and Features
The companion app for the Redmi Earbuds 5 is impressive for its price range. It allows you to:
- Map touch inputs for each earbud.
- Customize audio preferences, such as increasing treble, mids, or bass.
- Update the firmware to improve performance.
- Adjust settings for noise cancellation and transparency mode, which can enhance awareness of your surroundings.
The app’s customization options add significant value, especially considering the earbuds’ affordability.
Battery Life
One of the standout features of these earbuds is their exceptional battery life. You can enjoy up to 10 hours of continuous playback, and the charging case extends this to a whopping 40 hours. Remember that these numbers are without noise cancellation and depend on the volume level. While battery performance is above average, it will naturally decline over time.
Noise Cancellation and Transparency Mode
The noise cancellation is excellent, offering adjustable levels from deep to mild. Transparency mode is another helpful feature, enhancing surrounding sounds when needed. However, the earbuds don’t indicate when transparency mode is enabled—just a subtle chime—which can lead to confusion.
Audio Quality
Regarding the sound, the Redmi Earbuds 5 are suitable for casual listening but fall short for audiophiles.
- Highs and clarity: Decent but not exceptional.
- Mids: Weak and tend to blend with vocals at higher volumes, resulting in a subpar listening experience.
- Bass: Average—good enough for non-bass enthusiasts but nothing groundbreaking.
It’s important to note that transparency mode significantly reduces audio quality, with absent bass and chaotic vocals. Ensure this feature is off for the best listening experience.
Pricing
The most significant selling point of the Redmi Earbuds 5 is their affordability. Priced between ₹300 and ₹3000, depending on the color, they’re an excellent budget Earbuds Under ₹3000 option. Their compact design, long battery life, and customizable app make them great for travelers or those looking for everyday earbuds.
Pros & Cons
1. OnePlus Nord Buds 3 Pro
These are the new OnePlus Nord Buds 3 Pro — designed to combine style, functionality, performance, and a price point that won\’t burn a hole in your pocket.
OnePlus Nord Buds 3 Pro Review
Design
Available in Starry Black and Soft Jade, the matte finish reduces scratches and gives a sleek, premium look.
Active Noise Cancellation (ANC)
Let’s start with ANC.
- Hybrid Noise Cancellation System: Up to 49 dB
- Options for moderate ANC at 25 dB or mild ANC at 15 dB
The ultra-wide frequency range of up to 4,000 Hz helps block out noises like traffic or even airplane noise. When I used them on a flight to Paris last week, they performed decently — especially considering the price point.
Additionally, an in-house algorithm adapts noise reduction based on background sounds. A triple stereo microphone setup on each earbud detects and analyzes ambient noise in real time, drowning out daily disturbances so you can focus on the music.
Bonus Features:
- A manual test detects sound leakage and adjusts settings to suit your ear shape.
- Powered by one digital and two analog mics, these earbuds rival flagship-level ANC, pushing toward top-tier performance.
Noise Reduction for Calls
Using the triple stereo microphone system, OnePlus has included a noise reduction algorithm for calls.
This feature shines when you’re outdoors in windy conditions, thanks to:
- Wind cancellation technology
- Outer metal mesh, cavity structure, and internal acoustic mesh
This setup filters out wind and other noises for you and the person on the other end of the call
Transparency Mode
If you’re commuting or need to stay connected, the Transparency Mode lets you listen to music while being aware of the world.
Sound Performance
Let’s talk about sound:
- Driver: 12.4 mm
- Materials: TPU and titanium for a slimmed-down dome diaphragm, reducing vibrating mass by 60%
- Algorithm: BassWave 2.0 for enhanced bass
The BassWave 2.0 algorithm boosts the bass by 2 dB for a more prosperous, punchier experience. If you’re a bass enthusiast, toggle this on for maximum impact.
Customizable EQ Settings:
- Serenade: Highlights vocals
- Bass: Focused on low frequencies
Default: Balanced sound
Connectivity Features
- Bluetooth 5.4: Connect to two devices simultaneously, even across operating systems.
- Google Fast Pair: Automatically connects to previously paired devices.
Battery Life
- Total Playback: 44 hours (with the case)
- Without Case: 12 hours (without ANC)
- Flash Charge: 10 minutes gives you 11 hours of playback
Pros & Cons
Conclusion
And there you have it! Our top picks for the best earbuds under ₹3000 rupees in India. We hope this guide has helped you make an informed decision. Let me know in the comments which one you’re going for or if you’ve already found a favorite.