Realme Buds Air 7 Review: Best Budget ANC Earbuds Under ₹3,500?

I wasn’t expecting much when I first put on the Realme Buds Air 7, especially given their budget-friendly price of around ₹3,299. But what I discovered over a week of daily use genuinely surprised me. In a market flooded with earbuds that often compromise on either features or performance, these manage to pack a serious punch. From an impressive 52dB hybrid ANC that rivals pricier models to Hi-Res LHDC audio for crisp sound quality and a staggering 52 hours of total battery life, these earbuds deliver much more than just value for money.

Here’s my full experience with the Realme Buds Air 7, including what I loved, what could be better, and whether they’re actually worth buying.

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Design and Comfort

At first glance, the Realme Buds Air 7 looks elegant. The Ivory Gold color gives it a clean and slightly premium feel. The earbuds are lightweight and sit comfortably in my ears even during long music or podcast sessions. I sometimes forget they’re even there.

The stick-style design feels familiar, and the build quality is solid for the price. The IP55 rating adds an extra layer of confidence since it means they can handle sweat and light rain without trouble. The charging case has a rounded, pebble-like shape that easily fits in my pocket, and the hinge feels sturdy.

If I had to point out one downside, it would be the glossy finish. It looks nice when it’s clean, but it does attract fingerprints. Still, that’s a minor thing compared to how comfortable they are to wear.

What I liked

• Very comfortable fit
• Premium look for the price
• Water and dust resistant

What I didn’t like

• Glossy surface can get smudgy
• Slightly slippery when removing from the case

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Realme Buds Air 7: Product Overview

Sound quality is where I usually judge earbuds, and the Buds Air 7 did not disappoint. With 12.4mm Dynamic Bass Drivers, the sound is warm, punchy, and well-balanced. I played everything from Bollywood songs to acoustic tracks and EDM, and the earbuds handled all genres pretty well.

The bass response is deep and satisfying, but it doesn’t drown out vocals or instruments. Mid and high frequencies sound clear and detailed. The LHDC 5.0 codec also makes a noticeable difference when paired with a compatible phone, giving the sound a more refined feel.

Another highlight is the 360° Spatial Audio mode. It’s not just a gimmick. Watching YouTube videos and movies with it turned on actually feels more immersive, with audio coming from all directions.

Overall, I’d describe the sound signature as bass-forward but clean. If you enjoy energetic and dynamic sound, you’ll love it.

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Active Noise Cancellation and Call Quality

Realme claims the Buds Air 7 has 52dB Hybrid ANC, and honestly, that’s impressive for this price range. When I used them in traffic or at a café, the background noise dropped significantly. It’s not absolute silence like premium models, but it does a great job of cutting out low-frequency sounds like engine rumble and fan noise.

The Transparency Mode is equally useful. I often turn it on while walking outside so I can still hear what’s happening around me.

For calls, Realme has added 6 microphones with Environmental Noise Cancellation (ENC). I tested them on a few voice and video calls, and people on the other end could hear me clearly even when I was outdoors. Wind and ambient noise were kept in check most of the time.

ANC Experience

• Indoors: Cancels fan and AC noise really well
• Outdoors: Handles traffic and chatter decently
• Calls: Clear voice pickup and minimal background noise

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Connectivity and Latency

The Buds Air 7 uses Bluetooth 5.4, which gives a stable and quick connection. Pairing is effortless, and I didn’t experience any dropouts even when moving between rooms. The connection range is around 10 meters, as Realme claims.

I also tried the Game Mode, which offers 45ms low latency. I tested it with BGMI and Asphalt, and the delay was minimal. The audio synced perfectly with the gameplay, which makes it a great option for casual gamers.

The earbuds are compatible with the Realme Link app, where I could adjust sound effects, switch between ANC modes, and customize touch controls. The app is simple to use and adds a lot of convenience.

Key Highlights

• Stable Bluetooth 5.4 connection
• Low latency in Game Mode
• Easy customization through Realme Link

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Battery Life and Charging

Battery life is one of the strongest points of these earbuds. Realme claims up to 52 hours of total playback, and that’s pretty close to what I got. With ANC off, the earbuds lasted me around 10 to 11 hours per charge. With ANC on, I got about 7 to 8 hours, which is still very good.

The case holds multiple recharges, so I rarely needed to plug it in during the week. When I finally did, the USB-C fast charging came in handy. Just 10 minutes of charging gave me about 6 to 7 hours of playback, which is great if you’re in a rush.

Battery Breakdown

• Earbuds: 10–11 hours (ANC off), 7–8 hours (ANC on)
• Total with case: Around 52 hours
• Charging time: 2 hours full charge

For someone who uses earbuds daily for music, calls, and workouts, this kind of endurance is a major win.

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App Features and Controls

The Realme Link app gives a nice control center for the Buds Air 7. I was able to tweak touch gestures like double-tap to skip tracks or long press to toggle ANC. It also offers EQ presets to adjust the sound to your liking.

I liked how the app clearly displays battery levels for both earbuds and the case. It’s a small touch, but it makes the experience smoother. The controls are responsive, and I didn’t face any lag when using gestures.

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Comparison with Other Popular Earbuds

Here’s how the Realme Buds Air 7 stacks up against some popular models under ₹5,000:

This comparison helps in understanding why Realme Buds Air 7 is a compelling choice for its price bracket.

For a deeper dive into budget options, check out my detailed Best Earbuds in India 2025 guide.

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Final Verdict: Should You Buy It?

After using the Realme Buds Air 7 extensively, I can confidently say it’s one of the best budget earbuds you can buy right now. For the price, you get strong ANC, great sound quality, long-lasting battery, and a premium design that doesn’t feel cheap.

It’s not perfect. The glossy surface can pick up smudges, and there’s no wireless charging. But these are small trade-offs for the overall package. If you’re someone who listens to music on the go, takes calls frequently, or just wants reliable wireless earbuds without spending too much, the Realme Buds Air 7 is worth every rupee.

If you’re also exploring higher-end options, you might want to consider the Samsung Galaxy Buds Core - they offer solid ANC and sound but at a higher price.

For more budget-friendly wireless audio gear, you can also visit my Top Wireless Headphones Under ₹5000 in India guide.

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Pros

• Excellent noise cancellation for the price
• Deep and punchy sound with LHDC support
• Long battery life and fast charging
• Comfortable fit with IP55 protection
• Low latency and strong app support

Cons

• Glossy finish attracts fingerprints
• No wireless charging option
• Only one color variant

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My Final Rating

Overall Score: 4.3 / 5

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Conclusion: If you’re hunting for feature-packed earbuds under ₹3,500, the Realme Buds Air 7 should be at the top of your list. It nails the essentials with a sleek design, impressive ANC, rich sound quality, and long-lasting battery life. For daily music, calls, and casual gaming, these earbuds deliver dependable performance and comfort that easily justify their price.