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Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen, USB-C) vs Realme Buds Air 5 Pro: which should you buy?

On aggregated review scores the Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen, USB-C) comes out ahead with an HearWiki score of 84. The full breakdown - sub-scores, specs and what reviewers actually said - is below.

Our pick: Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen, USB-C) - Great overall at around $125.

Score breakdown

Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen, USB-C)
Sound8.5
Noise cancelling9.0
Battery7.5
Calls8.0
Value7.5
Realme Buds Air 5 Pro
Sound8.0
Noise cancelling8.0
Battery7.0
Calls7.5
Value9.0

Specifications

Specification comparison of Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen, USB-C) vs Realme Buds Air 5 Pro
SpecApple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen, USB-C)Realme Buds Air 5 Pro
TypeTrue WirelessTrue Wireless
Price (USD)$125$75
HearWiki score84 / 100 · Great78 / 100 · Great
Released20222024
Audio
Driverdynamichybrid
Driver size11 mm11 mm
Drivers per side22
Frequency response20 Hz - 20,000 Hz20Hz-40kHz
Impedance16 Ω32 Ω
Sensitivity100 dB/mW-
Wireless
Bluetooth5.35.x
Bluetooth version5.35.3
CodecsSBC, AACSBC, AAC, LDAC
Multipoint pairingNoYes
Latency-40 ms
Wireless range-10 m
Battery
Battery life-11 h
Battery life (ANC on)-7 h
Battery incl. case30 h40 h
Full charge time-120 min
Quick charge-10 min = 7 h
Wireless chargingYesNo
Features
Active noise cancelling-Yes
ANC typeadaptivehybrid
Transparency modeYesYes
Companion appYesYes
Custom EQNoYes
Wear detectionYesYes
Controlsbothtouch
Voice assistantSiriYes
Design
Weight10.6 g10 g
Case weight50.8 g-
Water resistanceIP54IPX5
FoldableNo-
Detachable cableNo-
USB-CYesYes
Calls
Microphones-6
Call noise reduction-AI ENC

What reviewers said

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen, USB-C)

These wireless earbuds deliver strong active noise cancellation and a natural-sounding transparency mode, making them a solid pick for Apple users. With around 6 hours of playback per charge and a case that boosts total listening time to 30 hours, they offer dependable daily use. The IP54 rating adds some protection against sweat and splashes, while Bluetooth 5.3 ensures a stable connection for most devices.

  • Pro:Excellent active noise cancellation
  • Pro:Natural transparency mode for ambient awareness
  • Pro:Decent battery life with case
  • Con:No multipoint connection
  • Con:Limited to AAC codec
  • Con:No custom EQ in app

Realme Buds Air 5 Pro

The Realme Buds Air 5 Pro deliver strong value for around $50, offering adaptive noise cancellation, LDAC support, and multipoint connectivity in a lightweight, IPX5-rated design. Battery life is modest at 5 hours per charge, but the case extends total playback to 40 hours, though wireless charging is absent. With hybrid drivers and a custom EQ, they provide solid sound and features for budget-conscious buyers seeking AirPods Pro-like functionality.

  • Pro:Adaptive ANC with transparency mode
  • Pro:LDAC codec support for high-res audio
  • Pro:Multipoint Bluetooth for seamless device switching
  • Con:No wireless charging support
  • Con:Battery life per charge is only 5 hours
  • Con:Slightly heavy at 10 grams per earbud

Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.

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