The true wireless earbud market is hot, with more options available than ever. Another two entrants jostling for your wallet and attention are the Realme Buds Air 6 Pro and the CMF Buds Pro 2.
At a price difference hovering around $25, most consumers can’t help but ask themselves if it’s worth the extra cost or if they should save their money.
In this in-depth comparison, we’re going to boil down the major points of the earbuds so that you can make a decision based on fact.
Realme Buds Air 6 Pro vs CMF Buds Pro 2: Specs Comparison
| Category | Realme Buds Air 6 Pro | CMF Buds Pro 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Drivers | 11mm bass drivers + 6mm tweeters | 11mm bass drivers + 6mm tweeters |
| Audio Codec | LDAC, Hi-Res Audio | LDAC, Hi-Res Audio |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.3 | 5.3 |
| Active Noise Cancellation | Yes | Yes |
| Water Resistance | IP55 | IP55 |
| Gaming Mode | Yes, 55ms latency | Yes, 120ms latency |
| Touch Controls | Full touch controls | Full touch controls + Dial on case |
| Charging Port | USB-C | USB-C |
| Fast Charging | 7 hours playback in 10 minutes | 10 hours playback in 7 minutes |
| Total Battery Life | 36 hours | 40 hours |
| Special Features | Dolby Atmos 360° Audio | Functional dial on case |
| Price Difference | $85 | $59 |
| Best Deals | View on AliExpress | View on AliExpress |
Design and Build Quality
Realme Buds Air 6 Pro
The Realme Buds Air 6 Pro sports a familiar design that’s nearly identical to its predecessor. It features a sleek, modern look with a metallic finish that gives it a premium feel. The earbuds have a stem design that’s comfortable for most users.
CMF Buds Pro 2
The CMF Buds Pro 2 takes a different approach with a square-shaped charging case. The standout feature here is the functional dial on the case, which can be used to control volume and other features without needing to access the app constantly. The earbuds themselves have a full-stem in-ear design.
Verdict
Both earbuds boast excellent build quality, earning a 9 out of 10 in this category. The choice between the two largely comes down to personal preference in aesthetics. The CMF Buds Pro 2’s functional dial gives it a slight edge in terms of usability.
Specifications and Features
Both earbuds come packed with impressive specs:
- Dual drivers (11mm bass drivers + 6mm tweeters)
- LDAC and Hi-Res Audio codec support
- Bluetooth 5.3
- Active Noise Cancellation (ANC)
- IP55 dust and water resistance rating
- Dedicated gaming mode
- Full touch controls
- USB-C fast charging
The main differences lie in the following areas:
- The CMF Buds Pro 2 offers a slightly better battery life (40 hours total vs 36 hours for the Realme)
- The Realme Buds Air 6 Pro boasts lower gaming latency (55ms vs 120ms for the CMF)
- The CMF Buds Pro 2 includes a unique dial control on the case
Audio Quality
Vocals and Clarity
Both earbuds deliver good vocal quality, but the Realme Buds Air 6 Pro edges out with better audio detailing.
The sound signature between the two is noticeably different, with the price difference becoming apparent in this aspect.
Bass Performance
The Realme Buds Air 6 Pro excels in low-frequency sound, offering what could be considered some of the best bass performance in its class.
While the CMF Buds Pro 2 also provides good bass, it doesn’t quite match up to the Realme in this department.
Overall Sound Quality
When considering factors like vocals, treble, instrumental separation, low-frequency sound, sharpness, and clarity, the Realme Buds Air 6 Pro comes out significantly ahead.
However, both earbuds offer enjoyable listening experiences that will satisfy most users.
Microphone Quality and Noise Cancellation
Both earbuds feature a six-microphone setup, resulting in comparable call quality in indoor settings. In outdoor environments, especially in heavy traffic conditions, the difference becomes negligible, with both performing adequately.
As for Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), the Realme Buds Air 6 Pro performs slightly better. However, considering the price difference, the CMF Buds Pro 2 offers impressive ANC capabilities for its cost.
Gaming Performance
The Realme Buds Air 6 Pro takes the lead in gaming performance with its lower latency (55ms compared to the CMF’s 120ms).
This makes the Realme a better choice for serious mobile gamers who require minimal audio delay.
Battery Life and Charging
The CMF Buds Pro 2 offers a slightly better overall battery life at 40 hours (including case charges) compared to the Realme’s 36 hours.
Both earbuds support fast charging, with the CMF providing 10 hours of playback from a 7-minute charge, while the Realme offers 7 hours from a 10-minute charge.
Price and Value
The Realme Buds Air 6 Pro is priced at approximately ₹7,700 more than the CMF Buds Pro 2. This significant price difference is a crucial factor to consider when making your decision.
Best Deal:
Realme Buds Air 6 Pro: View on AliExpress
CMF Buds Pro 2: View on AliExpress
Realme Buds Air 6 Pro vs CMF Buds Pro 2: Which Should You Buy?
Both the Realme Buds Air 6 Pro and CMF Buds Pro 2 are excellent true wireless earbuds that offer a range of impressive features. Your choice ultimately depends on your priorities and budget.
Choose the Realme Buds Air 6 Pro if:
- Audio quality is your top priority
- You want the best bass performance
- You’re a serious mobile gamer who needs low latency
- You don’t mind spending extra for premium features
Choose the CMF Buds Pro 2 if:
- You’re looking for great value for money
- You appreciate the unique dial control on the case
- You want slightly better battery life
- You’re willing to compromise a bit on audio quality to save money
In conclusion, while the Realme Buds Air 6 Pro offers superior audio quality and gaming performance, the CMF Buds Pro 2 presents an impressive package at a more affordable price point.
Both are solid choices in their respective price brackets, and you’re unlikely to be disappointed with either option.
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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.
