When it comes to choosing wireless earbuds, the Motorola Moto Buds and Realme Buds Air 6 are two popular options in the affordable segment. But which one should you go for?
Let’s dive deep into their features, performance, and value to help you make an informed decision.
Price and Availability
The Realme Buds Air 6 are priced at around $45, while the Moto Buds were recently available for $40 during a sale. At these prices, both offer good value, but the Moto Buds have a slight edge if you can find them at a discounted price.
Best Deal:
Moto Buds: View on Motorola
Realme Buds Air 6: View on AliExpress
Moto Buds vs Realme Buds Air 6: Specs Comparison
| Specification | Moto Buds | Realme Buds Air 6 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | ₹3,000 (sale price) | ₹3,300 |
| Driver Size | 12.4mm | 12.4mm |
| Audio Codec | LDAC | LDAC |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.3 | 5.3 |
| Water Resistance | IPX4 | IP55 |
| ANC | 50dB | 50dB |
| Battery Life | 42 hours (total) | 40 hours (total) |
| Fast Charging | 2 hours playback with 10 min charge | 7 hours playback with 10 min charge |
| Gaming Mode Latency | Not specified | 55ms |
| Dual Device Pairing | Yes | No |
| Microphones | 6 | 6 |
| Charging Port | USB-C | USB-C |
Moto Buds vs Realme Buds Air 6: In-depth Review
Design and Build Quality
Both earbuds feature good build quality, but the Realme Buds Air 6 has a slight edge in finishing. The Realme option comes with an IP55 rating for water and dust resistance, while the Moto Buds have an IPX4 rating. This means the Realme Buds Air 6 will be more durable against the elements.
The Moto Buds have a slightly thicker case compared to the Realme Buds Air 6. Both have LED indicators and pairing buttons, but their placement differs. The Realme Buds Air 6 has an oval-shaped case, while the Moto Buds case is more square.
Both earbuds come with multiple ear tip sizes and should fit comfortably for most users. They also feature in-ear detection for automatic play/pause when removed.
Sound Quality and Codecs
Both earbuds come with 12.4mm dynamic drivers and support for the LDAC high-resolution audio codec. However, there are some differences in their sound signatures:
- The Realme Buds Air 6 offers clearer vocals and slightly better overall audio quality.
- The Moto Buds have a flatter sound signature, which some users might prefer.
- Both offer good bass response that can be customized through their respective apps.
It’s worth noting that the LDAC codec support on the Moto Buds seems to have some compatibility issues with certain devices, which is a significant drawback.
Active Noise Cancellation (ANC)
Both earbuds offer Active Noise Cancellation rated at 50dB. It’s important to understand that ANC is most effective for constant, low-frequency sounds and won’t completely block out human voices or sudden noises. The ANC performance is similar on both models and works well for their price range.
Battery Life and Charging
The Moto Buds offer slightly longer overall battery life at 42 hours (including the case), compared to the Realme Buds Air 6’s 40 hours. However, the Realme earbuds have a significant advantage in fast charging:
- Realme Buds Air 6: 7 hours of playback with 10 minutes of charging
- Moto Buds: 2 hours of playback with 10 minutes of charging
Connectivity and Pairing
Both earbuds support Bluetooth 5.3 and offer dual-device pairing. However, the Realme Buds Air 6 seems to have an edge in terms of connection stability and speed when switching between devices. The Moto Buds may take longer to connect to laptops, sometimes up to 5 minutes.
App Support and Customization
Both earbuds come with companion apps for customization. However, the Moto Buds app seems to have some compatibility issues with certain devices, often crashing or failing to connect. The Realme Buds Air 6 app is more stable and offers:
- Customizable touch controls
- Equalizer settings
- ANC mode adjustments
- Earbud fit test
The Moto Buds app offers similar features when it works, but its unreliability is a significant drawback.
Gaming Mode
The Realme Buds Air 6 has a dedicated gaming mode with 55ms low latency, making it a better choice for mobile gamers. The Moto Buds also have a gaming mode, but the specific latency isn’t mentioned.
Call Quality
Both earbuds feature six-microphone setups and perform similarly for voice calls. However, both may struggle with wind noise during outdoor calls due to the microphone placement.
Moto Buds vs Realme Buds Air 6: Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the Moto Buds if:
- You frequently switch between multiple devices and value dual-device pairing
- You prefer a flatter sound signature
Go for the Realme Buds Air 6 if:
- You prioritize slightly better sound quality, especially for vocals
- You want better water and dust resistance
- Fast charging is important to you
- You’re a mobile gamer who values low-latency
Both options offer good value for money, and your choice may come down to personal preferences and which features matter most to you.
If you can’t decide, the Realme Buds Air 6 might have a slight edge in overall performance and features. Here’s why:
- More stable app support and customization options
- Better fast charging capabilities
- Clearer sound quality, especially for vocals
- More reliable connectivity and device switching
- Dedicated low-latency gaming mode
- Better water and dust resistance (IP55 vs IPX4)
You may also like to see:
- Realme Buds Air6 Pro vs OnePlus Buds 3
- Huawei FreeBuds 6i vs Realme Buds Air 6 Pro
- Realme Buds Air 6 Pro vs Buds Air 5 Pro
- Realme Buds Air6 vs Air6 Pro
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.
