Realme’s Buds Air8 Just Launched, and their Price is Actually Insane!

Friday, 23 January 2026 at 09:47

If you’re still rocking earbuds from two years ago, the Realme Buds Air8 launch just gave you a very cheap reason to upgrade. Officially unveiled alongside the Neo8 smartphone on January 22, these things are hitting the Chinese market for just 299 yuan (about $41). If you’re lucky enough to bundle them with the new phone, that price drops to a measly $33.

For the cost of a few pizzas, you're getting specs that were exclusive to $200 flagships just eighteen months ago.

Key Points

Low Price: Launched for ~$41, with bundle deals bringing them as low as $33.
Deep Silence: Features 55dB "Deep Sea" ANC that targets a wide 5000Hz range.
Lossless Audio: Supports LHDC 5.0 and Hi-Res Wireless via a dual-driver (11mm+6mm) system.
Insane Battery: Offers up to 58 hours of total play time, making them a top-tier endurance pick.
AI Smart Features: Includes "Live Translation" and "Face-to-Face" AI modes for travelers.

55dB ANC: Silence for Cheap?

The standout stat is the 55dB Active Noise Cancellation.

Now, I’m always a bit skeptical when companies start playing the "decibel wars," but a 55dB rating—covering frequencies up to 5000Hz—is no joke. It’s specifically tuned to kill that annoying low-frequency drone you get on planes and buses. Combined with a six-mic system for calls, it seems Realme is tired of people complaining about wind noise during their morning commute.

Dual Drivers and "AI Translation"

Inside, they’ve stuffed a dual-driver setup (11mm + 6mm) and included support for LHDC 5.0. This is big. Most budget buds settle for basic AAC or SBC codecs, but LHDC allows for high-res, near-lossless audio. If you’re an audiophile on a budget, this is probably the best $40 you can spend right now.

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What’s truly weird—and a bit "peak 2026"—is the inclusion of AI real-time translation. Apparently, these buds can handle face-to-face translation on the fly. I haven't seen this work perfectly on any earbuds yet, so I’m taking that with a massive grain of salt, but it’s a cool party trick if it actually holds up.

Battery for Days (Literally)

The battery life is the real winner here. You’re looking at 58 hours of total playback with the case (with ANC off). Even if you’re a heavy user who keeps noise cancellation pinned to the max, you’re still going to get several days of use before you need to hunt for a USB-C cable.

At this price point, with an IP55 rating and 45ms low-latency gaming mode, it’s hard to find anything to complain about. It’s not just a budget bud; it’s a statement that "premium" audio features are officially for everyone now.