Realme Buds Air 8 review: Solid bass, serviceable ANC

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• Buds Air 8 offers strong ANC, triple device connectivity, and long battery life
• Sound quality improves, but bass-heavy default may tire some users.
• App requires sign-in and shows ads; charging case design could be improved

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Sound performanceThe Buds Air 8 uses a dual-driver setup consisting of an 11mm and a 6mm driver. Out of the box, the default tuning feels overdone. Bass is pushed aggressively, overall loudness is high, and mids sit slightly behind, which affects vocal clarity during longer listening sessions. This tuning may appeal to listeners who prefer impact over balance, but it can feel fatiguing.Once adjusted, sound quality improves noticeably. Turning off the Volume Enhancer, enabling the LHDC codec, and switching to the Original Sound profile results in a more controlled presentation. Bass tightens, mids regain presence, and vocals sound clearer. The earbuds also include a six-band EQ, which offers enough flexibility for minor personalisation without dramatically altering the sound character. While this is not a reference-level setup, it becomes comfortable and balanced for everyday listening after basic tweaks.

Design and comfortDesign is where I feel Realme could have done better. The earbuds are fine, they fit snug and also include multiple tips to suit the needs. It is also light enough to not feel heavy in the long run. However, the case is something I think needs a little work. The lid has this textured material - feels good – gets less dirty. However, long term use could be a problem. But, that's the least of my concerns. The lid opening mechanism is a little tight for my liking and also feels a little slippery. Realme could have added a slightly rugged material at the bottom part to make it easier to open. Rest everything is functional as it should be.

App experience and featuresAll controls and customisation options for the Buds Air 8 are handled through the realme Link app. A mandatory sign-in is required before accessing even basic features such as ANC modes and sound settings. This creates unnecessary friction at setup. The presence of advertisements within the app further affects the experience, especially for a product positioned in the mid-range category.Once past these limitations, the app itself is fairly straightforward. ANC modes include Smart, Max, Moderate, and Mild. In daily use, Max delivers the most consistent results without introducing discomfort. Wind noise reduction works effectively outdoors and improves both call quality and transparency mode performance.Transparency mode is one of the stronger aspects of the Buds Air 8. The Enhance Voices option amplifies speech while keeping background noise under control, allowing conversations without removing the earbuds. This works well in gyms, offices, and other busy environments. Switching between ANC and transparency modes feels natural and avoids the pressure sensation often associated with strong noise cancellation.

Connectivity and callingConnectivity is reliable, thanks to Bluetooth 5.4. Pairing is quick, reconnection is fast, and dropouts are rare in regular use. The standout feature here is triple device connectivity. The earbuds can remain connected to three devices simultaneously, allowing seamless switching between a phone, laptop, and tablet. In daily use, this feature proves genuinely useful and sets the Buds Air 8 apart from most competitors in this price segment.Call quality is solid. Microphones capture voices clearly in most environments, and background noise reduction helps maintain clarity during calls. Wind noise suppression works well outdoors, though performance dips slightly in very noisy surroundings. Overall, call performance is dependable for work and personal use.

Battery and chargingBattery life is one of the more consistent strengths of the Buds Air 8. With ANC enabled and LHDC active, the earbuds deliver around six hours of playback on a single charge. Disabling ANC and using the AAC codec extends this closer to eight hours. With the charging case, total usage comfortably stretches across several days of moderate listening.Fast charging support adds convenience, providing hours of playback after a short charging session. Wireless charging is not supported, which is expected at this price point and does not feel like a major omission.

VerdictThe realme Buds Air 8 prioritizes function over finesse. Active noise cancellation performs well for the segment, transparency mode with voice enhancement is genuinely useful, and triple device connectivity adds everyday value. Sound quality improves significantly after basic adjustments, and battery life is dependable.However, the awkward charging case design and the intrusive app experience prevent the product from feeling fully polished. For users who value strong ANC, flexible connectivity, and long battery life more than design convenience or software refinement, the Buds Air 8 remain a practical option in the mid-range TWS category.