Realme Buds Air6 Pro review
Realme’s latest flagship wireless earbuds bring all the high-end features you’d expect from a pair of TWS buds in 2024. The Buds Air6 Pro come with dual drivers, active noise cancellation (ANC) up to 50dB, and LDAC support for high-quality streaming.
Additional features include dual device pairing, 360 spatial audio, and an IP55 rating, all packaged in a sleek case that, along with the buds, offers up to 40 hours of playback.
Priced at €89/$100, how do the Buds Air6 Pro compare to their competitors, and are they worth the cost?
Design
In terms of design, the Buds Air6 Pro closely resemble their predecessor, the Buds Air5 Pro, but now offer new color options. Our review model came in a “Titanium Twilight” color with a reflective finish, which, though prone to smudging, serves as a handy pocket mirror.
The compact, oval-shaped case easily fits into small pockets, and both the case and buds feel lightweight—47 grams in total, with each earbud weighing 4.5 grams. The buds also offer a comfortable in-ear fit, thanks to their ergonomic design and silicone tips. Even during physical activities like running, they remained securely in place.
Each earbud has three microphones, touch controls, and is IP55-rated against dust and water splashes. The retail package includes a USB-C cable and silicone ear tips in various sizes.
Features and Companion App
The Buds Air6 Pro feature dual drivers with 11mm dynamic bass drivers and 6mm planar tweeters, providing a clear separation of low and high frequencies for more detailed sound. They support SBC, AAC, and LDAC codecs for high-bitrate streaming.
They pair via Bluetooth 5.3 and offer dual device pairing, Google Fast Pair, and low-latency mode at 55ms. ANC is rated up to 50dB, supported by a dedicated chip, and includes call noise cancellation and wind-resistance technology.
Using the Realme Link app, users can personalize their audio experience with a custom sound profile, adjust ANC levels, and tweak sound output via a six-band EQ. The app also offers a bass boost feature and 360 Spatial Audio for an immersive surround sound experience.
While the earbuds’ touch controls can be customized for taps and gestures, they lack volume controls, which is a drawback.
Performance and Sound Quality
Out of the box, the Buds Air6 Pro deliver vibrant sound with a strong bass and bright treble, but this can be adjusted using the app. Once fine-tuned, the buds offer a spacious sound with good detail and separation across frequencies. Vocals and instruments come through clearly, while the high treble is well-balanced.
The dual device pairing works smoothly, though switching between devices requires pausing media on one before starting on another. Call quality is excellent, and ANC effectively reduces background noise.
While Transparency mode wasn’t impressive, as it introduced a slight hiss, the overall touch controls were responsive, though the absence of volume controls was noticeable.
Battery Life
With ANC off, the Buds Air6 Pro offer up to 10 hours of battery life, and with the case, a total of 40 hours. With ANC on, users can expect around 7 hours of playback. The case provides four additional full charges, with a full recharge taking around two hours.
Verdict
The Realme Buds Air6 Pro deliver premium features like dual drivers, LDAC support, and powerful ANC, all for just under €90/$100. However, they face competition from similarly equipped but more affordable models like the CMF Buds 2 Pro.
Still, with excellent sound, a comfortable fit, and a customizable EQ, the Buds Air6 Pro are a solid choice for those seeking high-end earbuds with a premium design and long battery life.
