I’ve been exploring the world of affordable wireless earbuds, and two pairs keep grabbing attention: the Realme Buds Air7, which cost $70, and the Redmi Buds 6, a bargain at $40.
Both claim to offer high-end features without the high-end price, but with a $30 difference, I wanted to find out if the Realme’s higher price is justified or if the Redmi gets the job done for less.
So, I compared them looking at every important feature side by side. Here’s what I discovered, along with my personal take on how they measure up.
Design and Build Quality
Both the Realme Buds Air7 and Redmi Buds 6 sport square charging cases, but they bring different vibes.
The Realme’s case is a bit more angular with a glossy, transparent lid that shows off the earbuds inside—think Lavender Purple or Moss Green for a pop of style. I love how it feels like a tiny jewelry box, though that glossy top is a fingerprint magnet.
On the other hand, the Redmi’s case is slightly rounder, with a shiny finish that resists scratches better. It’s got this cool dynamic LED strip that pulses to show battery status when charging, which I found surprisingly handy.
They both feel well-built, but the Realme’s IP55 rating gives it a slight edge over the Redmi’s IP54 for dust and water resistance. I’d trust the Realme more for a sweaty gym session or a rainy jog. The Redmi’s case, though, is noticeably smaller, slipping into my pocket with ease, while the Realme’s is just a tad bulkier.
My Take: I lean toward the Realme for its flashy, premium look, but the Redmi’s compact case is a win for portability. If durability’s your thing, Realme’s got the edge.
Comfort and Fit
Both pairs are comfy for long listening sessions, and they share in-ear detection that pauses music when you pop an earbud out—worked like a charm every time I tested it.
The Realme Buds Air7 feel a bit chunkier with sharper edges, but they lock into my ears securely, making them my pick for running or lifting weights. The included silicone tips helped me nail the fit.
The Redmi Buds 6, by contrast, are sleeker and more rounded, sitting lightly in my ears. They’re great for casual use but felt a touch less stable during intense movement.
My Take: If I’m hitting the gym, I’d grab the Realme for their grip. For chilling with music or podcasts, the Redmi’s lighter feel is hard to beat. It’s a close call—depends on your vibe.
Connectivity and Features
They share Bluetooth 5.4 for reliable connections and support Google Fast Pair, making setup a breeze. However, the Realme Buds Air7 pull ahead with support for SBC, AAC, and the high-res LHDC 5.0 codec, which I noticed gave music a crisper edge.
The Redmi Buds 6 stick to SBC and AAC, which are fine but lack that extra sparkle. Both have apps for customization—the Realme Link app lets me tweak ANC, touch controls, a 45ms gaming mode, and even spatial audio, while the Xiaomi AirBuds app covers similar ground but feels less polished. I did hear some iOS users had trouble with Realme’s app, but it was smooth on my Android device.
One catch: Realme’s LHDC mode shortens Bluetooth range, so I switched to AAC for better distance (up to 10 meters). The Redmi held steady at the same range with no hiccups. Both were great for gaming, with low latency that kept my Valorant sessions lag-free.
My Take: The Realme’s LHDC and deeper app features make it a tech nerd’s dream, but the Redmi’s simplicity and reliability are plenty for most. I’d give Realme the nod for customization.
Sound Quality
Both earbuds pack 12.4mm dynamic drivers, but their sound signatures differ. The Realme Buds Air7, with an N52 magnet and copper coil, deliver punchy bass, clear mids, and crisp highs across a 20-40kHz range. Paired with LHDC 5.0, tracks like The Weeknd’s Blinding Lights had a vibrant, detailed kick.
The Realme app’s equalizer (with modes like Pure Bass) let me fine-tune the sound to my liking. The Redmi Buds 6, with a titanium-plated driver and a 5.5mm piezoelectric ceramic driver, emphasize mids, making vocals in songs like Adele’s Easy on Me shine. Bass is solid but less thumpy, and the narrower soundstage feels less immersive.
I noticed the Realme could distort slightly at max volume, while the Redmi stayed clean. Still, at 50-70% volume with ANC, the Realme’s clarity won me over. The Redmi’s app offers basic equalizer tweaks, but it’s not as flexible.
My Take: The Realme sounds richer and more customizable, especially for bass lovers. The Redmi’s balanced audio is great for casual listening but doesn’t match the Realme’s depth.
Active Noise Cancellation and Transparency
They both offer active noise cancellation (ANC), but the Realme Buds Air7 hit up to 52dB, edging out the Redmi Buds 6’s 49dB. In noisy cafes or busy streets, the Realme blocked more background hum, thanks to its six-mic system.
However, I felt more ear pressure at max ANC, which got uncomfortable after an hour. The Redmi’s ANC is slightly less intense but comfier for long wear, with less pressure.
Both have transparency modes that let me hear my surroundings clearly, though the Realme’s voice-boost feature felt a bit more natural, while the Redmi had a faint hiss in quiet settings.
My Take: The Realme’s stronger ANC is great for loud environments, but the Redmi’s comfort makes it my pick for all-day use. Transparency is a draw—both work well.
Microphone Quality
They share solid call quality, but the Realme Buds Air7’s six-mic setup with de-wind tech stood out. During calls on windy streets, my voice came through clearer with less background noise.
The Redmi Buds 6, with a three-mic system, did well in quieter settings but picked up more ambient sound outdoors. Both handled Zoom calls and voice notes like champs, but the Realme felt more professional.
My Take: If I’m taking calls on the go, the Realme’s clarity is a game-changer. The Redmi’s fine for casual chats but falls short in noisy spots.
Battery Life
They both deliver solid battery life, but there are differences. With ANC on and volume at 50%, I got about 7 hours from the Realme Buds Air7 per charge, while the Redmi Buds 6 stretched to around 7.5 hours—impressive for their smaller size. Turn ANC off, and the Realme jumps to 13 hours, outpacing the Redmi’s 10 hours.
The Realme’s 480mAh case offers a whopping 52 hours total (without ANC), compared to the Redmi’s 42 hours.
Both support fast charging via USB-C—a 10-minute charge gives roughly 10 hours of combined playback—but neither offers wireless charging, which I didn’t expect at these prices.
My Take: The Realme’s case is a battery beast for long-term use, but I was surprised by how efficient the Redmi is per charge. If you’re always on the go, Realme’s got the endurance.
Pricing
The Realme Buds Air7 cost $70, while the Redmi Buds 6 are just $40—sometimes even less during sales.
They both deliver way more than their price suggests, but the Realme justifies its cost with high-res audio, stronger ANC, and better mics.
The Redmi, though, covers all the essentials with style and efficiency, making it a budget superstar.
My Take: The Realme feels like a premium upgrade, but the Redmi’s value is hard to beat. For $30 less, you’re getting 90% of the experience.
Best Deals:
Realme Buds Air 7: View on AliExpress
Redmi Buds 6: View on AliExpress
Realme Buds Air7 vs Redmi Buds 6: Specs Comparison
| Feature | Realme Buds Air 7 | Redmi Buds 6 |
|---|---|---|
| Release Date | March 19, 2025 | December 9, 2024 |
| Design | Square jewelry-box case, transparent lid (Lavender Purple, Moss Green), matte/glossy finish, 45g | Square case with rounded edges, glossy/matte finish, LED battery strip, 43.2g |
| IP Rating | IP55 (dust and water resistant) | IP54 (dust and splash resistant) |
| Driver Size | 12.4mm dynamic bass driver | 12.4mm titanium-plated dynamic driver + 5.5mm piezoelectric ceramic driver |
| Audio Codecs | SBC, AAC, LHDC 5.0 (Hi-Res, 24-bit/192kHz) | SBC, AAC |
| Frequency Range | 20Hz – 40kHz | 20Hz – 20kHz (estimated) |
| Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) | Up to 52dB, adaptive ANC with 6-mic system | Up to 49dB, dual-mic system |
| Transparency Mode | Yes, with voice-boost feature | Yes (Deep, Balanced, Light modes) |
| Microphones | 6 (with de-wind technology) | 2 (AI noise cancellation) |
| Bluetooth Version | Bluetooth 5.4 | Bluetooth 5.4 |
| Companion App | Realme Link (ANC, EQ, spatial audio, dual-device) | Xiaomi EarBuds (ANC, 5 sound profiles, touch controls) |
| Battery Life (Earbuds, ANC On) | 7.5 hours (AAC), 5 hours (LHDC) | 7 hours |
| Battery Life (Earbuds, ANC Off) | 13 hours (AAC), 9 hours (LHDC) | 10 hours |
| Total Battery Life (with Case, ANC On) | 30 hours (AAC), 20 hours (LHDC) | 42 hours |
| Total Battery Life (with Case, ANC Off) | 52 hours (AAC), 36 hours (LHDC) | 42 hours (estimated) |
| Charging | USB-C, 10 min for 10 hours (buds + case) | USB-C, 5 min for 2 hours, 10 min for 4 hours |
| Battery Capacity | Earbuds: 62mAh each, Case: 480mAh | Earbuds: 54mAh each, Case: 475mAh |
| Additional Features | Google Fast Pair, dual-device connection, in-ear detection, 360° spatial audio, volume enhancer | Google Fast Pair, dual-device connection, in-ear detection, 5 sound profiles, Find My Earbuds |
| Colors | Ivory Gold, Lavender Purple, Moss Green | Night Black, Cloud White, Coral Green |
The Final Call
So, which should you buy? Both the Realme Buds Air7 and Redmi Buds 6 are fantastic, but they cater to different needs. So:
Choose Realme Buds Air7 if:
- You prioritize high-resolution audio with LHDC 5.0 support.
- You need stronger ANC for noisy environments.
- You value extensive app customization and features like spatial audio.
- You make frequent calls in outdoor or windy conditions.
- You want a secure fit for workouts and a durable IP55 rating.
Choose Redmi Buds 6 if:
- You’re on a tighter budget and want great value for under $40.
- You prefer a compact, pocket-friendly design.
- You need comfortable ANC with minimal ear pressure.
- You want reliable performance for casual listening, gaming, and calls.
- You don’t need advanced codecs or extensive sound customization.
Nick, the Co-founder of Earbuds Arena, is a seasoned freelance tech journalist with over ten years of experience covering wearables, apps, headphones, and gadgets. When he’s not immersed in the tech world, you’ll likely find him unwinding with video games, going for a run, or enjoying a game of soccer on the field.
