Picking the perfect wireless earbuds can be tough with so many options available. Look for earbuds that offer excellent sound quality, comfort, affordability, and long battery life.
Realme has introduced two interesting options into the market – the Realme Buds Air 5 and the Realme Buds Air 3. The brand has made a name for itself by offering products that balance quality and affordability.
Both of these earbuds have been turning heads because of what they offer and how much they cost, leaving many folks scratching their heads, wondering which set is the better deal.
We’ll examine each pair, covering their design, comfort, battery life, and sound quality. By the end, you’ll know which one to choose. By the end of this, you should have a clearer idea of which pair might be the right fit for you.
Realme Buds Air 5 vs Realme Buds Air 3: Specs comparison
| Feature | Realme Buds Air 5 | Realme Buds Air 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Design & Build | Matte finish, prone to scratches, slim and pocket-friendly design, USB-C, pairing button. | Matte finish, prone to scratches, slim and pocket-friendly design, USB-C, pairing button. |
| Comfort & Fit | Highly comfortable, secure fit, automatic play/pause, customizable touch controls. | Highly comfortable, secure fit, automatic play/pause, customizable touch controls. |
| Water Resistance | IPX5 | IPX5 |
| Battery Life (ANC on/off) | Up to 4.5/7 hours per charge, 38 hours with charging case. | Up to 5.5/7 hours per charge, 30 hours with charging case. |
| Charging | USB-C (no wireless charging) | USB-C (no wireless charging) |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth 5.3, AAC codec, Google Fast Pair. | Bluetooth 5.2, AAC codec, Google Fast Pair. |
| App Support | Realme Link (iOS and Android), customizable controls, EQ settings. | Realme Link (iOS and Android), customizable controls, EQ settings. |
| Colors Available | White and Blue (matte finish) | White and Dark Blue (matte finish) |
| Active Noise Cancellation | Up to 50 dB | Up to 42 dB |
| Sound Driver | 12.4 mm dynamic drivers, titanium-coated | 10 mm dynamic drivers |
| Price | Approximately $59.99 (varies with offers) | Initially $60, now approximately $45-50 (varies with offers) |
Realme Buds Air 5 vs Realme Buds Air 3: Key differences explained
Design and Build Quality
Both the Realme Buds Air 5 and the Realme Buds Air 3 boast sleek designs, with minimal differences in the aesthetics of their charging cases.
The cases are slim and pocket-friendly, equipped with USB-C ports and a pairing button, a feature not always guaranteed in this price range.
However, both models have matte finishes that, while elegant, are prone to scratches.
Despite this minor flaw, the build quality of the cases is solid, indicating that they are likely to withstand daily wear and tear without significant issues.
Comfort and Fit
When it comes to earbuds, comfort is as crucial as sound quality. Both models excel in this area, offering a snug and secure fit that makes them suitable for a wide range of activities, from running to gym sessions.
They come equipped with sensors for automatic play/pause functionality and touch controls that can be customized via the Realme Link app.
Finding the right silicone tip size is essential, but once you do, both the Buds Air 5 and Buds Air 3 provide an exceptionally comfortable fit, ensuring they stay in place during various activities.
Battery Life
Battery performance is a significant differentiator between these two models. The Buds Air 5 features a 43mAh battery per earbud and a 460mAh charging case, promising up to 4.5 hours of playback with Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) enabled and up to 7 hours without.
The case extends the total playback time to approximately 38 hours. The Buds Air 3, while not explicitly listing battery capacities, offers up to 5.5 hours of playback with ANC and up to 7 hours without, with the case providing up to 30 hours of total playback time.
While both models offer substantial battery life, the Buds Air 3 slightly edges out its counterpart, especially for users prioritizing longer uninterrupted listening periods.
Sound Quality and Features
The Realme Buds Air 5 and Buds Air 3 share many features, including IPX5 water resistance, making them resilient against sweat and light rain.
Both models support touch controls and automatic play/pause, enhancing user convenience.
However, they differ in sound personalization options and colors available at purchase, with the Buds Air 5 offering a slightly larger selection.
Connectivity is robust in both models, with the Buds Air 5 supporting Bluetooth 5.3 and the Buds Air 3 Bluetooth 5.2.
Both earbuds use the AAC codec and are compatible with Google Fast Pair, ensuring a smooth and quick connection with Android devices.
The Realme Link app allows users to customize touch controls, switch between ANC modes, and access an equalizer for personalized sound profiles.
Active Noise Cancellation
One of the most significant differences between the two models is their ANC capabilities. The Buds Air 5 boasts an ANC of up to 50 decibels, compared to the Buds Air 3’s 42 decibels.
This difference is noticeable in practice, with the Buds Air 5 offering superior noise cancellation, making it a better choice for users who prioritize this feature.
Where to buy?
- Realme Buds Air 5: View on AliExpress
- Realme Buds Air 3: View on AliExpress
Realme Buds Air 5 vs Realme Buds Air 3: Which should you buy
Choosing between the Realme Buds Air 5 and the Realme Buds Air 3 comes down to prioritizing certain features over others.
If superior ANC, slightly better battery life, and enhanced sound customization options are important to you, the Buds Air 5 is the clear winner.
However, if you’re looking for a more balanced sound profile and can live without the highest level of ANC, the Buds Air 3 offers exceptional value and quality.
In terms of pricing, both models are competitively positioned, with the Buds Air 5 typically retailing for slightly more due to its newer technology and additional features.
However, given the frequent sales and discounts available, it’s worth keeping an eye out for deals that could make either pair an even more attractive option.
Ultimately, both the Realme Buds Air 5 and Buds Air 3 are strong contenders in the budget-friendly wireless earbuds market, offering a combination of quality, comfort, and technology that is hard to beat.
You may also like to see:
- Realme Buds Air 5 vs Buds Air 5 Pro
- Realme Buds Air 5 Pro vs Realme Buds Air 3
- Realme Buds T300 vs Realme Buds Air 3
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.
