Introduction
In today’s fast-paced world, wireless earbuds have become an everyday essential. From commuting and gym sessions to gaming and online calls, users want compact audio devices that combine comfort, performance, and convenience. The Realme Buds Air stand out as one of the most popular choices in the budget segment, offering wireless charging support, low-latency gaming mode, dual-mic ENC, and smart touch controls—all at an affordable price point.
If you’re considering buying new wireless earbuds, this detailed review covers everything you need to know about the Realme Buds Air: design, comfort, audio quality, battery life, smart features, pros and cons, and more.
Design & Comfort
The Realme Buds Air are designed with comfort in mind. Each earbud weighs just 4.2 grams, making them as light as a sheet of paper. Thanks to their ergonomic fit, you can wear them for hours without discomfort.
The earbuds come with a stylish, curved charging case that is compact enough to slip into your pocket. The case features LED indicators that show battery and charging status. Available in vibrant color options like Yellow, Black, and White, the design is youthful, modern, and minimalistic—perfect for users who value both functionality and aesthetics.
Connectivity & Instant Pairing
One of the key highlights of the Realme Buds Air is its R1 chipset with Bluetooth 5.0, which ensures strong and stable connections. The earbuds connect instantly when you open the case lid, saving you the hassle of manually pairing every time.
For gamers and video watchers, the Buds Air provide dual-channel transmission that sends audio signals to each earbud independently. This not only reduces lag but also ensures better synchronization of sound with video.
Gaming Mode with Low Latency
Mobile gaming requires fast response times, and Realme addresses this with a dedicated Gaming Mode. By activating this mode, latency is reduced by up to 51%, bringing the delay down to approximately 119 ms. This feature makes the earbuds highly suitable for online gaming, where precise audio cues are critical.
Audio Performance
The Realme Buds Air deliver surprisingly powerful sound considering their affordable price. Equipped with a 12 mm LCP diaphragm driver and Dynamic Bass Boost (DBB) technology, these earbuds offer deep, punchy bass without compromising on mids and highs.
Whether you enjoy energetic Bollywood tracks, soothing acoustic music, or intense gaming sound effects, the Buds Air deliver a well-balanced and enjoyable listening experience.
Smart Touch Controls
Convenience is at the core of the Realme Buds Air experience. Both earbuds feature touch-sensitive controls, allowing you to manage calls, music, and even voice assistants with simple gestures.
Double-tap: Play/pause music or answer a call
Triple-tap: Skip to the next track
Long press on one earbud: End a call or activate voice assistant
Long press on both earbuds: Enter or exit Gaming Mode
With Google Assistant or Siri support, you can control your phone hands-free, making tasks like checking the weather or setting reminders much easier.
Smart In-Ear Detection
The Realme Buds Air are equipped with optical sensors that detect when the earbuds are worn. Music automatically plays when you put them on and pauses when you take them out. This smart feature not only saves battery but also enhances the overall listening experience.
Battery Life & Charging
Battery performance is a crucial factor when buying wireless earbuds, and the Realme Buds Air don’t disappoint. On a single charge, each earbud offers about 3 hours of playback, while the case extends total usage to 17 hours. For calls, the earbuds deliver up to 1.5 hours of continuous talk time.
Charging options include USB-C fast charging and 10W wireless charging. Place the case on any Qi-compatible wireless charger, and it begins recharging instantly—no cables required. This flexibility makes the Realme Buds Air one of the most convenient options in its price range.
Call Quality & Noise Cancellation
To ensure clear calls, the Realme Buds Air use a dual-microphone system with Environmental Noise Cancellation (ENC). This feature minimizes background noise, ensuring that your voice remains clear even in noisy environments such as traffic, cafes, or busy office spaces.
User Experience & Tips
Many users appreciate the lightweight comfort and simple pairing process of the Realme Buds Air. A few users have noted that enabling or disabling dual-device connection can sometimes fix persistent notifications or connectivity issues.
The earbuds also display charging status via LED indicators. A green light indicates full charge, while a red light signals low battery. For accurate battery percentages, the Realme Link app can be used.
Pros and Cons
Pros
Lightweight and comfortable (only 4.2 g per earbud)
Wireless charging case + USB-C fast charging
Gaming Mode with low latency (~119 ms)
Smart in-ear detection
Dual-mic ENC for clear calls
Sleek, compact design with vibrant colors
Affordable price in India
Cons
No Active Noise Cancellation (only ENC for calls)
Battery life per bud could be longer (3 hours average)
No advanced audio codecs like aptX or LDAC
Limited sweat/water resistance rating
Who Should Buy the Realme Buds Air?
These earbuds are perfect for:
Budget-conscious buyers who want wireless charging at an affordable price
Gamers looking for low latency and responsive sound
Frequent callers who need good microphone clarity with ENC
Casual listeners who value convenience and portability
They may not be the best choice for audiophiles demanding high-resolution audio formats or for heavy users who expect all-day battery without recharging.
Final Verdict
The Realme Buds Air offer an impressive package at a budget-friendly price. With features like wireless charging, low-latency gaming mode, in-ear detection, and smart touch controls, they provide excellent value for everyday use. While they don’t include advanced sound customization or Active Noise Cancellation, they perform exceptionally well for their price bracket.
If you are looking for a pair of affordable true wireless earbuds that balance design, sound, and smart features, the Realme Buds Air are definitely worth considering.