Skip to content
HearWiki

Cambridge Audio Melomania M100 vs Realme Buds Air 3: which should you buy?

On aggregated review scores the Cambridge Audio Melomania M100 comes out ahead with an HearWiki score of 82. The full breakdown - sub-scores, specs and what reviewers actually said - is below.

Our pick: Cambridge Audio Melomania M100 - Great overall at around $93.

Score breakdown

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

Cambridge Audio Melomania M100
Sound8.5
Noise cancelling7.5
Battery9.0
Calls7.0
Value8.0
Realme Buds Air 3
Sound7.0
Noise cancelling6.5
Battery6.0
Value7.5

Specifications

Specification comparison of Cambridge Audio Melomania M100 vs Realme Buds Air 3
SpecCambridge Audio Melomania M100Realme Buds Air 3
TypeTrue WirelessTrue Wireless
Price (USD)$93$55
HearWiki score82 / 100 · Great68 / 100 · Good
Released20242022
Audio
Driver10mmdynamic
Driver size10 mm10 mm
Drivers per side22
Frequency response-20 Hz - 20,000 Hz
Impedance-16 Ω
Sensitivity-106 dB/mW
Wireless
Bluetooth5.35.2
Bluetooth version5.35.2
CodecsSBC, AAC, aptX Adaptive, aptX LosslessSBC, AAC
Multipoint pairingYesYes
Latency-88 ms
Wireless range-10 m
Battery
Battery life16 h30 h
Battery life (ANC on)10 h22 h
Battery incl. case52 h30 h
Full charge time150 min60 min
Quick charge10 min = 1.5 h ANC on; 10 min = 2.4 h ANC off10 min = 100 min
Wireless chargingYesNo
Features
Active noise cancellingYes-
ANC typeadaptivehybrid
Transparency modeYesYes
Companion appYesYes
Custom EQYesNo
Wear detectionYesYes
Controlstouchtouch
Voice assistantSiri / Google Assistantyes
Design
Weight6.65 g8.4 g
Case weight53.3 g37.2 g
Water resistanceIPX4IPX5
USB-CYesYes
Calls
Microphones62

What reviewers said

Cambridge Audio Melomania M100

The Cambridge Audio Melomania M100 are feature-packed true wireless earbuds that deliver a warm, easy-going sound and a long list of modern conveniences. With adaptive ANC, aptX Lossless support, and a combined 52-hour battery life, they offer strong overall value for listeners who prioritize versatility and endurance. While their performance is solid for the price, some compromises in noise cancellation and transparency modes keep them from being flawless.

  • Pro:Very long total battery life with quick-charge support
  • Pro:Broad codec support including aptX Lossless
  • Pro:Effective adaptive noise cancellation for the price
  • Con:ANC performance is decent but not class-leading
  • Con:Transparency mode is relatively weak
  • Con:No specified frequency range from the manufacturer

Realme Buds Air 3

These true wireless earbuds deliver solid hybrid active noise cancellation and a secure, comfy fit at a budget-friendly price. With around 7 hours of playback per charge (5.5 with ANC) and a total of 30 hours including the case, they're a practical daily driver. The 10mm dynamic drivers produce a lively, balanced sound, though the lack of a custom EQ might limit fine-tuning for some listeners.

  • Pro:Effective hybrid noise cancellation for the price
  • Pro:Comfortable, secure fit for extended wear
  • Pro:Good battery life with the charging case
  • Con:No custom EQ in the companion app
  • Con:Average latency may not suit competitive gaming
  • Con:Only AAC codec support, no aptX or LDAC

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

Compare something else

Swap either side out, or start again from the picker.