2025 seems like the year of open wear stereo (OWS) earbuds. Just about every brand released a pair, and we’re now ready to give you a tour and our first impressions of the recently announced Realme Buds Clip. But why did these type of buds go mainstream? It mostly comes down to how they fit.
The way earbuds fit your ears is arguably the most important factor to consider when picking out a new pair. While traditional buds go with the tried and tested silicone eartip approach, our ears come with their own unique shape, and there’s no way to manufacture a one-size-fits-all. Plenty of users report discomfort with in-ear buds, and that’s why we have alternative designs like the Buds Clip.
Realme’s first OWS wraps around your ear helix and places the speaker on top of your ear canal without physically making contact. This makes for a more comfortable fit without blocking airflow to your ear or causing unwanted pressure.
From a distance, Realme Buds Clip can be easily mistaken for earrings, especially in their Titanium Gold color, which we have here. There’s even a DIY aspect if you’re into styling. You can put charms and other small decorative items on the buds for a more personalized look.
The retail packaging includes the buds, the charging case and a user guide.
Each earbud weighs just 5.3 grams, and its contoured design and great weight balance make it disappear as soon as you place it on your ear. These seem like the type of earbuds that would make a great companion for long-distance runs. Buds Clip are also IP55 dust and water-resistant, so they can handle rainy days just fine.
Buds Clip are armed with 11mm dual-magnet drivers, and they feature Bluetooth 5.4 connectivity. Realme is also bringing its NextBass algorithm, which claims to boost bass response. We were impressed with the sound coming from the Buds Clip. They felt lively and we even felt some bass, but the open-ear design also led to some noticeable sound leaks which is par for the course with the open ear form factor.
Sadly, you only get SBC and AAC codec support here without the higher bitrate LDAC option. On the flip side, Realme did incorporate 3D spatial audio, which is cool for watching movies. You also get dual device connectivity for effortless switching between two audio sources.
Realme claims you can expect up to 36 hours of battery life from the Buds Clip. That’s 7 hours from the earbuds themselves at 50% volume and 5 full recharges from the 530 mAh battery inside the charging case.
And that’s pretty much all of the key info on the Realme Buds Clip. They seem like a great option for runners who want to have awareness when going on runs in the city. Their stellar fit and lightweight design seem like a great option for users who prioritize comfort.
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