TWS true wireless earphones - $50 to $100
FIVE STARS - Within a year of the Realme Buds Air 5 Pro, Realme has already released two updated models. The Realme Buds Air 6 Pro is a direct update of last years model, while the Realme Buds Air 6 is a more budget-oriented version.
How do they fare against each other, against the Buds Air 5 Pro - and against the insane competition of $50 and $100 wireless earbuds?
Realme Buds Air 6 specs and features:
Bluetooth 5.3 with AAC and LDHC codec
IP55 waterproof (dust and water resistant)
5 - 8 hours listening on a single charge (ANC on/ off)
Charging case can charge earpieces fully 3 times
Has: ANC, Transparency mode, app support
Doesn't have: multipoint connection, spatial audio, wireless charging
Comes with 3 sets of ear tips, USB-C cable, English manual
$50 - $75 - See price on Amazon US, your Amazon country or AliExpress
Realme Buds Air 6 Pro specs and features:
Bluetooth 5.3 with AAC and LDAC codec
IP55 waterproof (dust and water resistant)
7,5 - 10 hours listening on a single charge (ANC on/ off)
Charging case can charge earpieces fully 3 times
Has: ANC, Transparency mode, multipoint connection, app support, spatial audio
Doesn't have: wireless charging
Comes with 3 sets of ear tips, USB-C cable, English manual
$70 - $100 - See price on Amazon US, your Amazon country or AliExpress
In and underneath this Realme Buds Air6 vs Realme Buds Air6 Pro review, you will also find comparisons with the Realme Buds Air 5 Pro, OnePlus Buds 3, Earfun Air Pro 4, Huawei Freebuds 6i, and Soundcore Liberty 4 NC.
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Design, comfort and battery life
The Realme Buds Air 6 Pro feels like a continuation of last year's Realme Buds Air Pro 5 in every way. Not just because it has the same $70 to $100 asking price - I mean in every way. The earbuds have the exact same stem shape, and the case is just as slim and comfortable to wear in a jeans pocket. On the top side, you'll still find a transparent rubber that hides the brands logo.
The only noticeable thing that has changed, are the available colours. The Buds Air 6 Pro is available in a ‘titanium’ colour that looks stunning. It's hands-down the most shiny, reflective case I've seen in my more than 400 earbud reviews, but while it looks metal, it is plastic.
The Realme Buds Air 6 Pro looks stunning in ‘titanium’
Due to the shiny effect, you can see your fingerprints on the case, but they don't prevent that the case looks premium. This trend continues down to the earphones, which combine comfortable oval earpieces with stems that have the same shiny effect (and even less noticeable finger prints). These earbuds look more expensive than they are.
The new cheaper sibling, the $40 to $50 Realme Buds Air 6, looks a little less slick - but far from bad. It has a very comparable pebble-like charging case, although it wears the brand on the front. It has the same LED-light that indicates the case charging status, but placed just a little lower.
The regular Realme Buds Air 6 looks great too
The earbuds have the precise same shape of earbuds as the Pro models hiding inside them. Instead of the glossy finish of the Air 6 Pro, the Air 6 has a matte finish with a subtle shiny effect, and it too, looks great in your ears. Green rarely looked so good on earbuds.
The specs of both the Air 6 and Air 6 Pro are comparable - and solid overall. Both earbuds boast an IP55 dust and water resistant rating, and have quick charging-cases that can provide you with multiple hours of listening time by just recharging the earbuds in the case for mere minutes. On a full charge, the Air6 lasts around the industry average 5 hours, while the Air6 Pro sets itself apart with 7 hours playtime - both with Active Noise Cancelling turned on.
Realme Buds Air 6 score:
Realme Buds Air 6 Pro score:
Controls, connectivity and app
The biggest difference between the Realme Buds Air 6 and Buds Air 6 Pro is that only the Pro supports multipoint connection, meaning you can connect it two devices at the same time and it will switch when it detects playback or a call on your other device.
The regular Buds Air 6 doesn't have multipoint, and even at its friendly $40 price, that's a missed opportunity that many competitors do better in 2024. Once you’re used to the ease of switching between calls, videos and music on your laptop and phone, you don't want to go back anymore.
Realme Buds Air 6
Happily, both earbuds are great when it comes to basic connectivity. They hold their Bluetooth connectivity strongly slightly more then ten meters away from your device, and in my extensive two weeks of testing, I haven't experienced a single sound dip.
Both models are also supported by the Realme Link app for iPhone and Android phones. While it requires an account, it offers a plethora of options for both the Air 6 and Air 6 Pro:
See battery percentage of each earbud
Switch between Active Noise Cancelling on, off, and Transparency mode
(De)activate the wind noise reduction for the ANC mode
Choose between four sound presets or make your own equalizer
(De)activate high-definition sound (note: makes connection less table)
(De)activate Dynamic bass and setup how many bass you want
(De)activate Game mode
(De)activate in-ear detection = auto pause/play when taking an earbud out
(De)activate automatic call answering
Do an earbud fit test
MindFlow mode: listen to soundscapes or background music
Setup the controls for the double-tap, triple-tap and hold on the earbuds
Without a doubt, the latest option is the most convenient, as it allows you to add volume controls to the earbuds. As a single-tap isn't an option, you probably will have to sacrifice at least one control option you'd like - like return a song, for instance. As always, any change you make is stored to the earbuds itself.
The Realme Link app for the Air 6 Pro
The control scheme I setup on both models
Golden Sound, Spatial Audio and Dual-deivce are exclusive to the Pro
The MindFlow mode is a fun little addition that adds basically one or two useful background settings to help you focus or relax, although some samples are quite short, and you can of course find similar soundscapes on any music or video app.
Next to these options, Realme Link has some extra features for the Realme Buds Air 6 Pro:
Personalized noise cancellation (see the ANC part of this review)
Golden Sound (see the sound part of this review)
Spatial Audio (see the sound part of this review)
Check the devices used in the dual-device/ multipoint connection mode
The Air 6 also has two fun app features the Pro doesn't have: it shows the total amount of hours you've used the earbuds, and it has an Find my phone option: a setting that lets your phone ring when you tap your earbuds four times in a row. Handy, if it wasn't for the fact you need to have the Realme Link app active all the time.
Both the Realme Buds Air 6 and Air 6 Pro feel like proper high-segment earbuds with so many useful options from the app. The lack of multipoint connection on the cheaper model makes a difference though.
Realme Buds Air 6 rating:
Realme Buds Air 6 Pro rating:
Phone and video calls
The Realme Buds Air 5 Pro was an outstanding choice for phone calls, and the successors aren't any different. The great news is that both the Realme Buds Air 6 and Air 6 Pro are great in handling phone and video calls. Their execution varies a little, however.
Buds Air 6
The Realme Buds Air 6 puts your voice through natural and clear, but it will also show some background noise like footsteps or chatter around you. These sound comfortably reduced in volume for the other end of the line and they don't interfere with your voice, but they're there. It also handles a bit of wind noise well. It is audible, but not constantly; the Buds Air 6 seems to adjust to it quite quickly.
Buds Air 6 Pro
The Realme Buds Air 6 Pro reduces noise around you more effectively. Here, it's harder to hear effects like footsteps or background chatter - and even if they're audible at first, they will be reduced or entirely removed from the line very shortly after. Wind noise is also handled a bit better. The Air 6 Pro seemingly adjusts to it even more quickly than the regular Air 6, and focuses quickly on your voice instead. Because of this extra processing, your voice sounds a little bit less natural on the Air 6 Pro. Your voice is louder, but fuller and less clear.
Overall though, these earbuds are great choices for phone and video calls. They're comparable to the OnePlus Buds 3 and are only slightly beaten by competitors like the Earfun Air Pro 4 and Huawei Freebuds 6i.
Realme Buds Air 6 rating:
Realme Buds Air 6 Pro rating:
Video and games playback
Playing videos on all major video services, like YouTube and Netfix, is a flawless experience on the Realme Buds Air 6 and Realme Buds Air 6 Pro. Thankfully, as this wasn't always the case on the Air 5 Pro on Android phones.
Both new models also come with a Game mode you can activate from the app, or from the earbuds itself, if you've setup the controls for it. Sadly, the Game mode on the Buds Air 6 and Buds Air 6 Pro still comes with a noticeable delay between the action on your screen and the sound effects of gunshots and explosions in Call of Duty mobile.
If competitive gaming is important to you, turn the high-definition audio off in the app. It makes the synchronization of audio and video better. A competitor like the Earfun Air Pro 4 handles games better.
Score for both earbuds:
ANC quality test: Realme Buds Air 6 vs 6 Pro
Quite a few new releases of wireless earbuds under 100 dollars have excellent Active Noise Cancelling, and the Realme Buds Air 6 and Air 6 Pro are no exception. More than on the most competitors though, there's one must-do: twist the earbuds in your ears a little.
As these buds are immediately comfortable to wear, it's easy to forget you don't have the perfect fit yet. Push the top a little more backward, while you push the stems a little more forward, and you get a better seal that changes everything for the ANC. Without this, even constant background traffic sounds aren't entirely removed. The earbuds will still feel comfortable.
With it, sounds of all sorts are filtered or greatly reduced in volume. Traffic, electronic humming, higher sounds like birds chittering, and a radio in the background are all much softer or can't be heard anymore. Sudden middle sounds aren't filtered as well, however, so you'll likely still hear voices, door slams, and things like keyboard typing.
Realme Buds Air 6 Pro
The Air 6 Pro adds a ‘Smart’ setting and 'Personalized Noise Cancelling’ option in the Realme app wich the regular Air 6 don't have, but they don't make much of a difference, as the Max setting performs and adjusts to your surroundings just as good without putting too much pressure on your ears.
Putting them side to side, the differences are minor. If anything, I found that the Air 6 actually blocks a bit more noise, as it filters the middle frequencies a tad better. The Air 6 Pro blocks higher sounds a little more; they slip through easier on the Air 6.
The biggest difference is that the Air 6 Pro seems to leave out wind noise a bit better when you're on the run or cycling with the ANC turned on.
If you actually want to hear traffic and conversations while you're on the move, the Transparency mode… isn't helping you much. While car tyres and accelerating scooters are audible through your music, you won't hear much around you when you're also playing music on moderate volume. This goes for both the Realme Buds Air 6 and the Buds Air 6 Pro.
Both earbuds have usable Active Noise Cancelling, and in the Air Buds 6's $40 - $50 price range, it competes for the strongest ANC.
In the $100 segment of the Air Buds 6 Pro, the ANC competes with the OnePlus Buds 3, and falls a tad behind the Redmi Buds 5 Pro, Soundcore Liberty 4NC, the Earfun Air Pro 4 and class-leading Huawei Freebuds 6i. It doesn't take a noticeable step up from the Realme Buds Air 5 Pro, sadly.
Redmi Buds Air 6 rating:
Realme Buds Air 6 Pro rating:
Also read: The best wireless earbuds under $100
Sound quality of Realme Buds Air 6 and 6 Pro
The Realme Buds Air 6 Pro sounds so much the same as the Realme Buds Air 5 Pro, that it raises the question why there's a new model at all. The cheaper Realme Buds Air 6 chases for the same sound as well.
If you've read this part of the review before, it's because I've heard this part of the the review before. Let's start in the lower frequencies.
The Buds Air 6 has a solid mid-bass that fires thumps that last too long to be called ‘tight’, but they do entertain with their fullness. Acoustic drums can have a gentle kick, while electronic basses vary from slaps to punches depending on the song itself - it hasn't that type of bass that always wants to push hard out of itself.
The sub-bass, the darkest bass tones you can feel as much as hear, is in the same league. It's capable of a fierce and deep rumble, but doesn't always show its teeth. In James Blake's great test track Limit to Your Love, it could be a little more textured.
In the higher frequencies, you'll find both warmth and clarity in the sound. Center mid-tones like guitars and piano play have a warm undertone but still sound natural. Vocals over the entire range are forward and have no trouble touching lower tones or the absolute highest. Björk's stabs you in It's Oh So Quiet, but she doesn't kill your with out-of-bounds brightness. The Realme keeps the highest highs in tone.
The truth is, the Realme need proper volume to clear up and become more engaging. On moderate volume, the lows can become a little cosy, as the bass can overflow into the subtly lifted lower mid-tones. Instruments are separated well from each other in higher quality recordings, but don't really have their own place in more crowded tracks, and as such, the sound can sometimes feel a little restless.
The Realme's less likeable aspect is that there's some white-noise like splashiness in the sound, on both the Air 6 and Air 6 Pro. Medium to higher vocals appear a bit hissy and splashy, and their forwardness can make them feel a bit same-y as well. It hits cymbals and claps (like in Michael Jackson's ideal test track Stranger in Moscow) as well: they have a bit of a hiss and can feel artificial.
This custom EQ trades in some air for less hiss on the Air 6
What surprised me, is that there are almost no sound differences between the Realme Air 6 and Air 6 Pro. While the first is said to have a 12.4mm driver and the latter a 11mm bass driver and a micro-planar tweeter, and they use different high-definition audio codecs on Android (LDHC vs LDAC), the sound tuning is so much the same, it's hard to pinpoint differences. That said, definition and placement in the center-mids seems a tad higher on the Air 6 Pro, while the mid-bass of the Air 6 feels a bit thumpier, but less precise.
Both the Air6 and Air6 Pro also have plenty of options to tweak the sound.
For both models, you can create a custom equalizer in the Realme app and town down the 4, 8 and 16k frequencies a little, to reduce the hissy undertone. You'll also lose some air in the sound as a result.
Other sound options are more geared toward the amount of bass. Compared to the default ‘Original sound’ EQ preset, the presets Clear/ Pure Bass and Deep Bass add bass strength in either the mid- or sub-bass, and then there's an independent Dynamic bass slider that lets you tone down or swing the bass further up. These settings can make the bass hit a bit harder perhaps, but mostly increase the bass depth and thickness.
Like the Air 5 Pro and unlike the Air 6, the Air 6 Pro adds an impressive Spatial Audio setting that actually makes music more expansive, without oversteering certain effects or instruments. There's a ‘Golden sound’ feature as well, that creates a preset for your own hearing - but ultimately sounds less balanced than the standard EQ's.
The Air 6 and especially Air 6 Pro aren't perfect, but their entertaining sound is highly tweakable and as the bass can be upped to guilty pleasure levels, both Realme's are sure to entertain lots of people.
Realme Buds Air 6 rating:
Realme Buds Air 6 Pro rating:
Realme Buds Air 6 comparisons
Realme Buds Air 6 Pro vs Realme Buds Air 6: What are the differences?
The Realme Buds Air 6 and Air Pro 6 have a lot in common. They have the same sound character, they are just as comfortable in your ears, have the same IP55 waterproof level and deliver nearly the same Active Noise Cancelling. Which one should you get?
The Realme Buds Air Pro 6 is the only one with dual-device multipoint connection, meaning you can connect it to two devices at the same time. This very convenient feature misses on the regular Buds Air 6.
When you decide to pick the Buds Air 6 Pro, you'll also get around 2,5 hours more playtime on a single charge, and a Spatial Audio feature that ‘places’ music more around you without overhauling the sound too much. Other app features, like Personalized Noise Cancellation or the Golden Sound equalizer, aren't very useful additions. The Pro does however handle phone calls with lots of noise around you a tiny bit better - and the earbuds look more unique and expensive on top.
So, when you have the budget for it: go for the Realme Buds Air 6 Pro.
Realme Buds Air 6 Pro vs Realme Buds Air 5 Pro
It's hard to pinpoint the differences between the Realme Buds Air 5 Pro and Air 6 Pro. Although it's released nearly a year later, the 6 Pro isn't very different from its predecessore. There are minor changes for the better, however. It offers around 2 hours playtime on a single charge more than the Air 5 Pro.
YouTube and other video streaming services play more fluently on the Air 6 Pro on Android versus Air 5 Pro as well... and the Realme Buds Air 6 Pro is available in different colours, like the striking shiny copper tested in this review. That's it. If you already have the Buds Air 5 Pro, there's no reason to upgrade.
$60 - $90 on Amazon US, your Amazon country or AliExpress
Realme Buds Air 6 Pro vs OnePlus Buds 3
The Realme Buds Air 5 Pro was a worthy competitor to the OnePlus Buds 3, so the successor is too. The Realme Buds Air 6 Pro takes the same excellent features as the OnePlus - extensive app support, multipoint and a comfortable fit. The Active Noise Cancelling strength is comparable, but the Realme has an easier fit to get the most out of it. It also controls easier, with touch panels on top of the stem instead of the stem-pinches the OnePlus requires.
The Realme has a more customisable sound than the OnePlus. The Air 6 Pro offers an impressive Spatial Audio feature and its bass is more adjustable, but the OnePlus’ bass actually has more kick. Both also feel a tad metallic in their treble area. These are so close to each other, you may just your favourite design or the model that is more affordable at the moment.
$80 - $100 on Amazon US or other Amazon countries
Realme Buds Air 5 Pro vs Huawei Freebuds 6i
The Huawei Freebuds 6i has stronger Active Noise Cancelling than the Realme Buds Air 6 Pro. It filters even more darker and middle sounds. It also puts your voice through just a tad louder in phone and video calls, meaning the Huawei have a slight edge for business purposes. The Freebuds also has slightly easier controls, as you can swipe the volume up or down easily on the stems.
In the sound department, both these earbuds are great all-rounders, but as the Realme puts the center-mids and treble more forward, it shows more detail and vibrancy in the higher frequencies. The Realme throws in a decent spatial audio setting as well, but the Huawei is a more comfortable ride as it has less treble hiss.
Mind you though: it's in another price league in the United States.
$90 and $150 on Amazon US or your Amazon country
Realme Buds Air 6 Pro vs Soundcore Liberty 4 NC
The Soundcore Liberty 4NC was the first sub-$100 earphone to offer strong Active Noise Cancelling, and it still has slightly stronger ANC than the Realme Buds Air 6 Pro, as it filters out medium and higher sounds better. It has an hour longer playtime on a single charge as well, and adds wireless charging too. The Realme handles wind and thus outdoor phone calls better.
Both combine a strong bass with elevated treble, which can sound more hissy on the Realme and more metallic on the Soundcore. The Soundcore has much more bass bleed, however - the thicker mid-bass and lower-mids give it so much body in the lows, it sounds a bit made up next to the slimmer, more natural Buds Air 6 Pro. That doesn't mean the Soundcore can be more of a guilty pleasure, however.
$60 - $90 on Amazon US or your Amazon country
Realme Buds Air 6 Pro vs Earfun Air Pro 4
The Earfun Air Pro 4 is the newest headline in the $100 wireless earbuds category, and proves fierce competition for the Realme Buds Air 6 Pro. The Realme is more comfortable to wear thanks to the oval instead of round ear tips, and it looks better too. The Earfun has stronger Active Noise Cancelling, capable of blocking louder sounds around you. It also has half an hour more playtime on a single charge, more control options, a fantastic game mode, and its case supports wireless charging.
Sound-wise, the Realme puts the center-mids and treble more forward. This gives it a bit of its hissy undertone, but also adds to the detail and vibrancy in the higher frequencies. It has tighter drum kicks than the Earfun, but the Air Pro 4 has more texture and therefore detail in the lower frequencies. It can go louder and its warmer profile make it a smoother listen. Both sound great, but the Earfun is a bit more versatile.
Verdict: Realme Buds air 6 vs Air Buds 6 Pro
The Realme Buds Air 6 and Air 6 Pro are both competing with the best earbuds in the price class.
It's unfortunate that the Realme Buds Air 6 doesn't have multipoint connection, while more and more competitors have it. Even without, though, it's among the best $50 wireless earbuds, with its entertaining sound, clear calls, and solid Active Noise Cancelling.
On the other hand, not having multipoint gives the Realme Buds Air 6 Pro a reason to exist. Switching between two devices without problems, gives the Buds Air 6 Pro an edge. It also makes it a great overall package for wireless earbuds under $100 - delivering entertaining sound, solid ANC, clear calls and great battery life and comfort.
Overall score for the Realme Buds Air 6 and Buds Air 6 Pro:
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I bought the Realme Buds Air6 and Air6 Pro for myself to test and review. My reviews are 100% independent and non-commercial - read about it here.
Consider buying this earphone? I'd really appreciate it if you use the links in this article. It won't cost you extra, yet it will financially support me a bit in my ongoing quest for great affordable audio. <3
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