Realme Buds Wireless 5 Review: Still Just a Neckband, or a Hidden Gem?

Realme Buds Wireless 5 surprised me — and that’s not something I say often about budget neckbands under ₹2,000. Honestly, I didn’t expect much when I ordered it. There are already so many affordable options out there, and most feel the same after a point. But something about this one made me curious enough to give it a shot.

After using it for more than a week in my everyday routine — from late-night Spotify sessions to handling back-to-back Zoom meetings — I’ve gathered some genuine thoughts. This isn’t one of those generic reviews loaded with tech jargon. Instead, I’ll walk you through how the Realme Buds Wireless 5 actually performs in real life. Some parts impressed me more than I expected, while others felt like they could’ve been better. Let’s break it all down together.

Premium Sound on a Budget
Realme Buds Wireless 5

The Realme Buds Wireless 5 delivers a powerful combination of crystal-clear audio, deep bass, and impressive battery life. With its stylish design, comfortable fit, and quick pairing, it’s a neckband that stands out as both a daily driver and a value-for-money gem in 2025.

We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

Quick Look: What You Get with Realme Buds Wireless 5

FeatureDetail
Bluetooth Version5.4
Drivers13.6mm Dynamic Drivers
Battery LifeClaimed 38 Hours
Charging TimeAround 40 minutes (fast charging)
ENCYes (for calls, not full ANC)
Latency45ms (with Game Mode)
Water ResistanceIP55 rating
Dual PairingYes
App SupportRealme Link App

First Impressions & Design

Unboxing the Realme Buds Wireless 5, my first thought was—this looks familiar, but in a good way. It doesn’t try too hard to stand out, and I actually appreciate that. The matte finish with a slightly rubberized texture feels more premium than most neckbands in this price range. No glossy distractions, just a clean and practical design.

What stood out instantly? The weight—or rather, the lack of it. It’s super lightweight. I had it on while cooking, working on my laptop, and even lying in bed scrolling through reels. At no point did it feel annoying or bulky. It kind of disappears once you wear it.

The earbuds click together magnetically when not in use, and yes, they automatically pause music when snapped together. Even after all these years, that still feels cool and convenient.

One little design win I have to mention: the angled ear tips. Realme finally nailed the fit. They don’t just hang there — they actually sit snugly and stay in place. No constant adjusting, no discomfort.

Sound Check – Better Than Expected

This is where the Realme Buds Wireless 5 caught me off guard — in a good way.

The sound quality? Surprisingly enjoyable. For casual listeners, this hits the sweet spot. The bass is punchy but doesn’t overpower everything else. Vocals come through clearly, and the overall sound has decent balance. You’re not getting audiophile-level detail, of course, but for under ₹2,000? It punches above its price.

Using the Realme Link app, I toggled the Bass Boost+ mode. It definitely amps up the low-end, which works great for high-energy tracks or workouts. But for everyday listening, I actually preferred the default tuning. The bass boost sometimes made softer songs feel a bit too heavy-handed.

Here’s how it performed across different content:

  • Bollywood music: Vocals shine clearly and feel natural.
  • EDM & hip-hop: Bass hits nicely without major distortion.
  • Podcasts & YouTube: No harsh highs, easy to listen to for long periods.

Whether you’re walking, commuting, or just chilling at home, the Realme Buds Wireless 5 delivers sound that makes you forget it’s a budget neckband.

Battery Life – The Quiet Hero

Battery life is one of those features you often overlook — until you realize how much it matters. The Realme Buds Wireless 5 didn’t just last long; it outperformed my expectations.

Realme advertises up to 38 hours of playback. While I didn’t log every minute, I used it daily for music, calls, and videos — and still didn’t need to charge it until day four. That’s impressive for something so lightweight.

But what really blew me away was the fast charging. When it finally ran low, I plugged it in for just 10 minutes — and I got nearly 10 hours of use afterward. That kind of backup is a game-changer if you’re someone (like me) who always forgets to charge their gear.

In short, the battery doesn’t just last — it saves you when you need it most. Quietly reliable, just the way it should be.

realme buds wireless 5

Gaming & Latency – Surprisingly Snappy

To be honest, I didn’t expect the Realme Buds Wireless 5 to be a serious contender for gaming. Budget neckbands usually don’t handle latency well. Still, I gave it a shot — and was genuinely surprised.

I hopped into a quick BGMI match and activated Game Mode, which you can do either through the Realme Link app or by long-pressing the control button. The difference? Noticeable. Footsteps, gunfire, and in-game sound cues actually synced well with the visuals.

Is it as fast as those high-end TWS earbuds with ultra-low latency chips? Not really. But considering the price, this neckband holds its own better than expected.

For regular use, it’s just as smooth:

  • YouTube videos? Zero lag.
  • Instagram reels? No stutters.
  • Zoom calls? Audio stays in sync, no awkward delays.

If you’re a casual gamer or someone who hates audio lag during videos, you’ll be pleasantly surprised. The latency is low enough that it won’t mess with your experience.

Call Quality & Mic Test – Does ENC Actually Work?

Now let’s talk about something important — call clarity. The Realme Buds Wireless 5 comes with ENC (Environmental Noise Cancellation), which might sound like a fancy feature, but how well does it actually perform?

I put it to the test in real-world situations:

  • Indoors: Voice came through crisp and clear. No echo or muffling.
  • Balcony with a ceiling fan on: Still good. The person on the other end heard me fine.
  • Near traffic: Some background noise slipped in, but my voice remained understandable.

It’s not perfect, especially in noisy outdoor environments. But for casual phone calls, voice notes, and even office meetings, it works well enough.

Just a heads-up: ENC is not the same as Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) — it won’t block out external sounds for you, but it does help others hear your voice better in moderately noisy settings.

Realme Link App – Worth Installing?

If you want to unlock the full potential of the Realme Buds Wireless 5, installing the Realme Link app is a smart move. While the neckband works fine out of the box, the app adds extra layers of control that can make a noticeable difference.

Here’s what you can do with it:

  • Switch between Bass Boost+, Dynamic, and Bright sound modes
  • Turn Game Mode on or off
  • Customize button controls
  • Check individual battery levels of each earbud

The app is lightweight and user-friendly. It’s not something you have to use daily, but having the ability to fine-tune your audio settings or quickly switch modes based on your mood is a nice bonus.

For anyone who likes to personalize their sound or get more out of their gear, the app is definitely worth keeping on your phone.

The following 10 minute in-depth youtube video explains about all the features of realme buds wireless 5 neckband along with the comparison with TWS earbuds. Check it out and get back to the article.

Video credits: Tech Singh

Realme Buds Wireless 5 vs Alternatives

Let’s quickly see how this stacks up against a couple of popular options:

FeatureRealme Buds Wireless 5OnePlus Bullets Z2boAt Rockerz 255 ANC
Bluetooth Version5.35.05.2
Battery Backup~38 hours~30 hours~25 hours
ENC for CallsYesNoYes (Mild)
Fast ChargingYes (10 mins = 10 hrs)YesYes
Latency Mode (for gaming)YesNoYes
App SupportYes (Realme Link)NoboAt Hearables app

If calls, gaming, and battery life matter to you, the Realme Buds Wireless 5 easily takes the lead — especially when you factor in app support and dual pairing.

Pros & Cons

What I Liked:

  • Surprisingly good sound for the price
  • Long battery life + fast charging
  • Game Mode helps a lot with videos/gaming
  • Comfortable fit, no ear fatigue
  • Realme Link app adds useful features

What I Didn’t Love:

  • No Active Noise Cancellation (only ENC for calls)
  • Bass Boost+ can sound too muddy sometimes
  • Not ideal for super noisy environments during calls
Premium Sound on a Budget
Realme Buds Wireless 5

The Realme Buds Wireless 5 delivers a powerful combination of crystal-clear audio, deep bass, and impressive battery life. With its stylish design, comfortable fit, and quick pairing, it’s a neckband that stands out as both a daily driver and a value-for-money gem in 2025.

We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

Final Verdict – Should You Buy It?

If you’re looking for a budget neckband that doesn’t feel cheap — this is it.

The Realme Buds Wireless 5 checks all the right boxes: sound quality that’s fun and balanced, battery that just keeps going, and thoughtful extras like app support and game mode.

It’s not perfect — but in the ₹1500–₹1800 range, it’s easily one of the best all-rounders available right now.

Verdict: Go for it if you want a stylish, reliable neckband without burning your wallet.

Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. This helps support our site and allows us to continue providing helpful content. Thank you for your support!

What Amazon Buyers Are Saying About Realme Buds Wireless 5

Before buying the Realme Buds Wireless 5, I did what most of us do — scrolled through tons of Amazon reviews. Some users were thrilled, others had a few gripes, but overall the vibe was mostly positive. Here are a few reviews that really caught my attention:

⭐⭐⭐⭐ – “Didn’t Expect This Much at This Price”

I honestly wasn’t expecting much from a neckband this cheap. But wow, it really surprised me. The bass is powerful, the fit is super comfy, and I only had to charge it once in two days despite using it a lot.

⭐⭐⭐⭐ – “Works Well for Daily Use”

I mostly use this for Zoom meetings and online classes. The mic does its job — no complaints from classmates or professors. It connects quickly and the magnetic auto-pause feature is such a smart touch.

⭐⭐⭐ – “Not ANC, But Still Decent”

Just a heads-up, it’s ENC, not ANC — so it won’t cancel out ambient noise unless you’re on a call. Still, the sound is pretty good, and the Realme Link app is helpful for tweaking settings. Worth it if you’re on a budget.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – “Perfect Gym Partner”

I wear it during workouts, and it doesn’t slip even when I’m sweating. Sound stays strong and battery life is more than enough for several sessions. It’s lightweight too — doesn’t feel annoying on the neck.

These real user experiences matched up closely with what I noticed myself — especially the praise around comfort, battery, and value.

Thinking of Buying? Here’s the Link

If you’re thinking about grabbing the Realme Buds Wireless 5, this is the same one I purchased from Amazon. You can check its current price or see if there’s a deal running below:

Premium Sound on a Budget
Realme Buds Wireless 5

The Realme Buds Wireless 5 delivers a powerful combination of crystal-clear audio, deep bass, and impressive battery life. With its stylish design, comfortable fit, and quick pairing, it’s a neckband that stands out as both a daily driver and a value-for-money gem in 2025.

We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

The price fluctuates, but if it’s under ₹1,800 — especially around ₹1,599 — it’s a solid deal in my opinion. Considering the features and the reliable experience, it’s definitely worth checking out.

Wrapping It Up – Is Realme Buds Wireless 5 Worth It?

So, after a week of real-world use and browsing hundreds of reviews, here’s my honest takeaway on the Realme Buds Wireless 5:

It offers more than you’d expect at this price point.

No, it doesn’t come with Active Noise Cancellation. And no, the mic won’t make you sound like you’re in a podcast studio. But what it does deliver — strong bass, all-day comfort, reliable battery, app features, and stable connection — makes it a fantastic value for casual users.

If you’re looking for a lightweight, feature-rich neckband under ₹2,000 that won’t disappoint for daily use, this one’s hard to beat. I’ve used pricier options that didn’t do half as well.

For students, office-goers, or anyone who wants a dependable neckband without breaking the bank — the Realme Buds Wireless 5 is definitely worth considering.

Final Thoughts from a Daily User

If your main needs are music, casual gaming, or calls without constantly reaching for the charger, you’ll probably be happy with this. I’ve been using it for about a week now, and not once did I regret the purchase.

But again — if you’re someone who expects heavy ANC, crystal-clear mic quality in crowded streets, or audiophile-grade tuning — you might want to look at options above ₹3000.

For the rest of us? This is a solid daily driver that nails the basics and then some.

More from AudioPick:

OnePlus Bullets Wireless Z2 vs Realme Buds Wireless 3

Realme Buds Wireless 3 Review: A Smart Buy for Budget Audio Lovers

realme Buds Wireless 3 vs boAt Rockerz 330 Pro— Which Neckband Should You Pick in 2025?

FAQs – Realme Buds Wireless 5

Q1: Is there Active Noise Cancellation (ANC)?

No, but it has ENC for calls. It cancels some background noise while you’re speaking.

Q2: Does it support dual pairing?

Yes! You can connect it to two devices and switch easily.

Q3: Can I use it with a laptop?

Absolutely. Works well with both Windows and macOS.

Q4: Is it good for long calls?

Yes, as long as you’re not in a super loud place. Indoors and semi-quiet areas are fine.

Q5: Does it support Realme Link app on iPhone?

Not at the moment. Full app support is available only on Android.

Poll: Are You Planning to Buy Realme Buds Wireless 5?

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Already voted? Awesome.

If you’ve had hands-on experience with the Realme Buds Wireless 5 — good or bad — go ahead and share it in the comments. Your real-world input can help others who are still deciding.

Still on the fence? Here’s what a few buyers who actually purchased it on Amazon had to say.

Hari Prasad

About the Author

Hari Prasad is the editor of AudioPick.in and a lifelong audio enthusiast. He writes detailed, honest reviews and guides to help everyday users pick the right gear without tech jargon. His personal interest in Bluetooth audio, neckbands, and codecs comes from testing dozens of devices over the past few years.

realme Buds Wireless 5 ANC

50dB Active Noise Cancellation, 13.6mm Dynamic Bass Boost Drivers, Spatial Audio Feature Surround Sound, 45 milli seconds Low Latency For Gaming Lovers And Many More.

Product Brand: Realme

Product Currency: INR

Product Price: 1799

Price Valid Until: 2025-12-31

Product In-Stock: InStock

Editor's Rating:
3.8

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