Hey everyone! Today, we’re diving into a topic that’s a hot debate among music enthusiasts – which is better: Neckband or TWS earbuds? To help answer that, I’ve spent two weeks testing out the newly launched Realme Buds Wireless 5 ANC, priced at just ₹1,799! This neckband has impressed me so much that it’s giving premium TWS earbuds a run for their money.
So, is it truly a game-changer? Join me as we take a deep dive into the Realme Buds Wireless 5 ANC Review, covering everything from the unboxing experience to sound quality, active noise cancellation (ANC), and battery life.
Realme Buds Wireless 5 ANC Review
You’re on a flight, and one of your TWS earbuds slips out of your ear and falls – and no matter how hard you search, you can’t find it. Or maybe after 5-6 hours, the battery dies, leaving you stuck without music. Now, picture a neckband that stays in place, eliminates the frustration of losing a piece, and offers up to 38 hours of battery life!
That’s been my experience with the Realme Buds Wireless 5 ANC. So, if you’re torn between choosing a neckband or TWS earbuds or wondering whether this new Realme neckband is worth your investment, stick with me till the end of this post because I’m covering all the details right here!
Unboxing: What’s Inside the Box?
The Realme Buds Wireless 5 ANC comes in a sleek, premium box with the key features clearly displayed on the back. I received the Dawn Silver color, which combines a stylish grey with a pop of orange-yellow it’s a real eye-catcher! When I opened the box, the neckband was right on top, neatly packed.
Inside the box, you’ll find two additional ear tips in different sizes and a user manual. However, there’s no USB-C charging cable included, which felt like a bit of an oversight, but given the price, it’s not a deal-breaker.
As for the design, this neckband is impressively lightweight. The silicon top section provides a soft and comfortable fit, while the plastic modules are paired with tangle-free wires. A standout feature is the magnetic earbuds separate them to power them on and join them to turn them off. It’s a bright and intuitive design choice!
Neckband vs TWS: Which Is Better?
Now, let’s tackle the big question Neckband or TWS? While most people lean towards TWS earbuds for their wireless convenience, stylish looks, and portability, my perspective has shifted ever since I started using this neckband. Curious why? Let’s break down the pros and cons of both:
TWS Earbuds:
- Pros: Fully wireless, trendy design, easy to carry.
- The cons are that battery life lasts only 5-6 hours, there is a risk of losing one piece (especially troublesome on flights!), and they can be pricey.
Neckband (Realme Buds Wireless 5 ANC):
- Pros: It has a massive 35-38 hours of battery life, so you won’t have to worry about losing it, and it offers premium features for just ₹1,799.
- Cons: The wires might feel a bit old-fashioned, but there’s no compromise on comfort.
As for my experience, on a recent flight, the neckband stayed securely around my neck, while with TWS, I’d probably have lost one piece. The long battery life is a game-changer no need to worry about constantly recharging!
Sound Quality: What a Thing!
Let’s dive into what really matters sound quality. After all, it’s all about the music, right? The Realme Buds Wireless 5 ANC features 13.6mm Dynamic Bass Drivers, delivering a rich and dynamic sound experience. Whether it’s crisp vocals or intricate instruments, everything comes through crystal clear.
- The Realme Link app offers four sound modes to tailor your listening experience:
- Natural Balanced: Perfectly balanced sound for everyday listening.
- Serenade: Sharper highs and lighter bass, ideal for podcasts or classical music.
- Clear Bass: Punchy bass with a well-rounded overall feel.
- Bass Boost: For bass enthusiasts it delivers deep, distortion-free bass even at full volume.
I checked the Realme Buds Wireless 5 ANC official page, and these features are all highlighted there. Plus, you can adjust the custom equalizer to suit your mood a perfect way to personalize your audio experience!
ANC: Tested on a Flight!
The Realme Buds Wireless 5 ANC also features 50dB Adaptive ANC, which intelligently analyzes surrounding noise and adjusts the cancellation level accordingly. I tested it during a flight, and I was amazed engine noise was reduced by 80-90%! Even announcements were barely audible, while my music remained crystal clear.
What’s great is that there’s no “vacuum effect” or discomfort, making it perfect for long hours of use. Through the Realme Link app, you can choose from Max, Moderate, or Mild ANC modes. And if you need to hear your surroundings, the Transparency mode lets you do just that ideal for having a quick conversation without removing your neckband!
Battery Life: 38 Hours of Nonstop Backup!
When it comes to battery life, this neckband completely outshines TWS earbuds. Realme claims up to 38 hours of playback without ANC and 25 hours with ANC. While precise testing is challenging, over two weeks of use, I never found myself constantly charging it. The quick charge feature is a game-changer – just a 10-minute charge gives you a massive 20 hours of playback!
Here’s the breakdown:
- Without ANC: 38 hours
- With ANC: 25 hours
- Quick Charge: 10 minutes = 20 hours of playback
Extra Features:
- Dual Device Connectivity: Seamlessly switch between your laptop and phone – perfect for taking calls without missing a beat.
- Spatial Audio: Makes music feel multi-directional – a must-try for movie lovers!
- Gaming Mode: With 45ms low latency, there’s zero audio delay, whether you’re gaming or watching movies.
- Realme Link App: Control noise, customize the equalizer, and even run a fit test – all in one place!
Design and Comfort
Neckband Earphones: As the name suggests, neckband earphones are worn around the neck, with the earbuds attached to the band by wires. These earphones typically offer a more secure fit and are less likely to fall out during physical activity. The neckband design also ensures easy access to controls, making them more convenient for users who prefer tangible buttons over touch-sensitive surfaces.
TWS Earbuds: True wireless stereo earbuds are fully wireless and come in small, ergonomic designs that fit directly into the ears. The absence of any physical connections between the earbuds can offer more freedom of movement, making them ideal for users who prioritize portability. However, TWS earbuds may sometimes struggle with a secure fit, particularly during intense physical activity.
Active Noise Cancellation (ANC)
The Realme Buds Wireless 5 ANC’s active noise cancellation feature is particularly impressive at this price point. ANC effectively reduces ambient noise, making these earphones suitable for commutes, flights, or working in busy environments. It’s worth noting that the ANC can be toggled on and off depending on your environment, providing flexibility for different scenarios.
While the ANC on TWS earbuds like the AirPods Pro and Sony WF-1000XM4 might be slightly superior in terms of noise reduction, the Realme Buds Wireless 5 ANC offers excellent value for those seeking effective noise isolation on a budget.
Price and Value for Money
In terms of pricing, the Realme Buds Wireless 5 ANC offers excellent value for money. With a budget-friendly price tag, these earphones pack premium features like ANC, long battery life, and superior sound quality. For users who want high-quality sound and features without breaking the bank, the Realme Buds Wireless 5 ANC is a solid choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the main difference between neckband earphones and TWS earbuds?
Neckband earphones feature a band worn around the neck, offering a secure fit, longer battery life, and easier control access. TWS earbuds, on the other hand, are entirely wireless, compact, and designed for portability but may struggle with battery life and a secure fit during intense activities.
Are neckband earphones more comfortable than TWS earbuds?
Due to the added support of the neckband, neckband earphones tend to be more comfortable for extended wear and are less likely to fall out during physical activities. TWS earbuds, while compact and portable, can sometimes feel uncomfortable or less stable, especially during movement.
Which offers better sound quality: neckband earphones or TWS earbuds?
Neckband earphones, like the Realme Buds Wireless 5 ANC, typically offer better sound quality due to their ability to house more significant drivers and provide better passive noise isolation. However, high-end TWS earbuds with active noise cancellation (ANC), such as the AirPods Pro, can also offer impressive sound quality.
Do TWS earbuds have active noise cancellation (ANC)?
Some premium TWS earbuds, such as the Sony WF-1000XM4, come equipped with ANC. However, due to their smaller size, the ANC performance may not be as effective as that of neckband earphones like the Realme Buds Wireless 5 ANC.
How long do neckband earphones last on a single charge?
The Realme Buds Wireless 5 ANC offers up to 22 hours of battery life with ANC turned off. This is typically longer than most TWS earbuds, which offer between 4 to 8 hours of battery life on a single charge.
Conclusion
The Realme Buds Wireless 5 ANC is a well-rounded neckband-style earphone that competes effectively with TWS earbuds in terms of sound quality, ANC performance, and battery life. Its excellent value for money makes it a top contender for those looking for a premium listening experience without the premium price tag. Whether you prefer a neckband or TWS design, the Realme Buds Wireless 5 ANC is a worthy choice for anyone seeking high-quality sound and performance in an earbud.
