The Quick Verdict
The Realme Buds Air 5 Pro is a significant upgrade over the Buds Air 3, bringing dual drivers (11mm woofer + 6mm planar), 50dB ANC, LDAC Hi-Res Audio, and 40-hour battery to the sub-₹5,000 segment. It is a feature-packed TWS that competes with earbuds costing ₹7,000–8,000, offering genuine value for money. The sound is detailed and balanced, the ANC is effective, and the dual-device connectivity is seamless.
The Good
1. Dual-Driver Setup for Superior Sound
The 11mm woofer handles bass and mids, while the 6mm planar driver manages treble. This separation delivers clearer, more detailed audio than single-driver competitors. Bass is punchy, mids are natural, and highs are crisp without harshness.
2. LDAC Hi-Res Audio Support
Stream high-resolution audio at up to 990kbps. Audiophiles can enjoy lossless-quality wireless audio from Tidal, Amazon Music HD, and Apple Music Lossless.
3. 50dB ANC — Effective Noise Cancellation
The hybrid ANC reduces traffic noise, AC hum, and metro rattle effectively. It is among the best in the sub-₹5,000 segment.
4. 40-Hour Battery with Fast Charging
11 hours per charge and 40 hours total with the case. The 10-minute quick charge for 7 hours is genuinely useful.
5. Dual-Device Connectivity
Connect to two devices simultaneously and switch seamlessly. A premium convenience.
6. Wear Detection
Optical sensors auto-pause music when removing an earbud and resume when reinserting.
The Bad
1. Glossy Case Scratches Easily
The shiny plastic case attracts fingerprints and scratches. A matte finish would have been more practical.
2. No Volume Controls on Earbuds
There is no way to adjust volume from the earbuds. You will need your phone or voice assistant.
3. LDAC Drains Battery Faster
Using LDAC at 990kbps reduces battery life to ~5 hours per charge. Stick to AAC for longer listening sessions.
4. Realme Link App Is Cluttered
The companion app feels bloated with unnecessary features.
5. Call Quality Is Good, Not Great
Indoor calls are clear, but outdoor noise suppression is average.
Who Should Buy?
| Buy If | Skip If |
|---|
| You want dual-driver sound quality | You need the longest battery life |
| You need LDAC Hi-Res Audio | You want a matte, scratch-resistant case |
| You want effective ANC under ₹5,000 | You need volume controls on earbuds |
| You value dual-device connectivity | You prefer cleaner app experiences |
| You want wear detection | You want wireless charging |
Bottom Line
The Realme Buds Air 5 Pro delivers flagship features at a mid-range price. The dual-driver setup, LDAC support, and 50dB ANC make it a standout in the sub-₹5,000 segment.
Rating: 4/5 — Best dual-driver TWS under ₹5,000. A premium experience at a budget price.
Affiliate Disclosure:
Some links on this page are affiliate links. We may earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no extra cost to you.