Realme keeps growing its range of budget-friendly earbuds, with the Realme Buds T200 and the Realme Buds T200 Lite now in the spotlight.
You might think these two models are almost the same at first look. Their names are pretty much identical, and the price gap is just five to ten bucks.
But in the tech world little things can make a big difference—and those little things could mean the difference between getting a good pair of earbuds and feeling like you settled for less.
So, which one should you buy? Let’s look at the design, battery life, features, and sound quality to see what sets these two apart.
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Design and Comfort
The first difference you’ll notice is in the build. The Buds T200 Lite come in a matte plastic finish with a slightly more rounded charging case, while the standard T200 opts for glossy plastic that feels a bit sturdier in the hand.
Neither one screams premium, but the T200 definitely leaves a better impression when you’re holding it.
When it comes to the earbuds themselves, the Lite model has slightly chunkier stems and a larger touch-control area, which some people may find easier to use. The T200, on the other hand, looks more refined and polished.
Comfort is good on both—these are lightweight earbuds that stay put whether you’re on the move or working out.
But the T200 gets another small win with its IP55 water and dust resistance, compared to the more basic IPX4 rating on the Lite. For gym-goers or anyone worried about sweat and rain, that’s worth considering.
Features and Connectivity
Both models support Bluetooth 5.4, so the connection is quick, stable, and energy-efficient. But codec support is where the gap widens.
The T200 Lite is limited to AAC, which is perfectly fine for everyday streaming and most casual users. The T200, however, supports LDAC, which can deliver near Hi-Res quality at up to 990 kbps. If you care about audio fidelity and you’re using a compatible phone, that’s a big advantage.
The Realme Link app works with both, letting you customize touch controls, tweak the EQ, or activate game mode for lower latency.
But the T200 once again offers more flexibility thanks to ANC controls, a transparency mode, and even spatial audio. The latter is purely digital processing and not the most convincing experience, but it’s an extra option Lite users simply don’t get.
Sound Quality
On paper, both earbuds use the same 12.4 mm dynamic drivers, so their sound signatures are very similar: punchy bass, energetic presentation, and tuning that leans towards mainstream listeners.
The Lite version, however, emphasizes the low end even more, which can sometimes drown out vocals. The T200 feel a touch more balanced, particularly in the midrange, making them the better all-rounders if you like a bit more detail in your music.
And with LDAC support, they can scale higher if your phone and streaming app can take advantage of it.
That said, for the average listener, the difference is subtle. If you mainly listen to bass-heavy tracks, the Lite model will keep you satisfied, but if you’re after a slightly more refined profile, the T200 are the ones to go for.
Call Quality and Extras
In calls, both earbuds perform surprisingly well. Voices come through clear, background noise is kept in check, and there’s little difference between the two. Latency in gaming mode is also low on both, making them reliable if you want to watch videos or play fast-paced mobile games.
The big extra, of course, is active noise cancellation. The T200’s ANC tops out at around 32 dB of reduction, which isn’t class-leading but makes a noticeable difference on a noisy bus or train. The Lite has no ANC at all, relying only on passive isolation from the in-ear fit.
Battery Life
Battery life is one of the clearest areas where the Realme Buds T200 pull ahead. With active noise cancellation switched on, they manage around seven hours of playback.
Switch ANC off and you can stretch that even further. The Lite version, meanwhile, doesn’t offer ANC at all and still tops out around six to six and a half hours.
That means you’re getting more endurance out of the T200 even with extra features running in the background.
Price
Here’s the kicker: the Realme Buds T200 Lite usually sell for around $20, while the standard T200 can be found between $25 and $30.
That’s not a massive gap, but the list of upgrades you get with the T200—better build, LDAC support, ANC, longer battery life, and higher water resistance—make the extra few euros feel like a bargain.
Realme Buds T200 vs T200 Lite: Specs Comparison
| Features | Realme Buds T200 | Realme Buds T200 Lite |
|---|---|---|
| Drivers | 12.4 mm dynamic driver | 12.4 mm dynamic driver |
| Audio Codec | SBC / AAC / LDAC (Hi-Res) | SBC / AAC |
| Active Noise Cancellation | Yes — up to ~32 dB | No (passive isolation only) |
| Battery (earbuds / total with case) | 7–10 hr per bud (ANC off/varies) · Up to ~50 hr total (with case) 5 hr with ANC. Fast charge: 10 min → ~5 hr | 6–7 hr per bud Up to ~48 hr total (with case). Fast charge: 10 min → ~5 hr |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.4 (multipoint supported) | Bluetooth 5.4 (multipoint supported) |
| Water / Dust Resistance | IP55 (better dust/splash protection) | IPX4 (sweat & splash resistant) |
| Microphones | Quad-mic system with AI noise reduction (good call quality) | Quad-mic system with AI noise reduction (similar call performance) |
| Latency / Gaming Mode | Low-latency / game mode (advertised ~45 ms) | Low-latency / game mode (comparable) |
| App Support | Realme Link — EQ, ANC/Transparency controls, touch customization | Realme Link — EQ, touch customization, game mode (no ANC controls) |
| Weight (per bud) | ≈ 4.5 g (each) | ≈ 4.5 g (each) |
Which One Should You Buy?
If you’re on the tightest budget and find the Realme Buds T200 Lite for an absolute steal—say, $10 to $15—they’re a decent buy for casual use.
But in most cases, spending just a little more on the Realme Buds T200 is the smarter choice. The improvements in sound balance, codec support, noise cancellation, and durability make them feel like a much more complete package.
Simply put, the Lite version is good, but the T200 are great for their price. Unless you’re chasing the cheapest possible option, the Realme Buds T200 are the ones you won’t regret picking up.
Best Deals:
- Realme Buds T200: View on AliExpress
- Realme Buds T200 Lite: View on AliExpress
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.
