Is the OnePlus Buds 3 worth the upgrade from the Sony WF-1000XM6?
Verdict
Downgrade
The OnePlus Buds 3 actually scores 12.7 points below the Sony WF-1000XM6, so on aggregate review consensus this is a step backwards. It loses ground on noise cancelling (9.2 to 6.0) and battery (8.4 to 7.0). On paper: driver size 8.4 mm to 11 mm, drivers per side 1 to 2 and case weight 47.1 g to 40.8 g. Worth checking: battery life goes 12 h to 10 h and battery life (anc on) goes 8 h to 6.5 h. It is at least $180 cheaper, so the lower score comes with a saving. Only worth it if a specific feature above matters more to you than overall quality does.
What actually changes
Sub-scores both products have, on the same 0-10 scale. Bars extend right for a gain, left for a loss.
- Sound9.38.0
- Noise cancelling9.26.0
- Battery8.47.0
- Calls8.48.0
- Value8.18.0
Spec differences
Only where the two genuinely differ - everything they share is omitted.
| Spec | WF-1000XM6 | Buds 3 | Direction |
|---|---|---|---|
| Battery life | 12 h | 10 h | |
| Codecs | SBC, AAC, LC3, LDAC | SBC, AAC, LHDC | |
| Water resistance | IPX4 | IP55 | |
| Battery life (ANC on) | 8 h | 6.5 h | |
| Driver size | 8.4 mm | 11 mm | |
| Drivers per side | 1 | 2 | |
| Microphones | 8 | 6 | |
| Case weight | 47.1 g | 40.8 g | |
| Wireless charging | Yes | No | |
| Wear detection | Yes | No | |
| ANC type | adaptive | hybrid | |
| Quick charge | 3 min → 1 h | 10 min → 7 h | |
| Driver | 8.4 mm dynamic | 2-driver hybrid | |
| Frequency response | 20 Hz - 40 kHz | 15 Hz - 40 kHz |
About this verdict
Direction matters here: this page answers "WF-1000XM6 to Buds 3". The other direction is a separate question with a different answer. Scores blend published review verdicts across true wireless and shift as new reviews land, so a marginal call today may not be one next quarter.