Apple AirPods vs Oraimo SpaceBuds [My Honest Review in Nigeria]

Simon Zaku
Aug 15
3 min read

Apple AirPods vs Oraimo SpaceBuds NEO [My Honest Review in Nigeria] — Apple AirPods vs Oraimo SpaceBuds NEO 2026 IbiFoundry Honest Review/Switch to Oraimo SpaceBuds NEO [My Personal Nigerian Experience]!

How to Pick the Perfect Earbuds in Nigeria [Avoid Wasting Money Like I Did]

Table of Contents

My Earbud Journey (and Mistakes)
Why I Bought Apple AirPods in the First Place
The Harsh Realities of Using AirPods in Nigeria
Meeting Oraimo SpaceBuds NEO (Game Changer)
AirPods vs Oraimo SpaceBuds NEO — Side-by-Side Comparison
Sound Quality, Comfort, and Battery Life
Price and Value for Money
My Honest Verdict
Who Should Pick Which?
Final Words + Free Earbuds Buying Guide

My Earbud Journey (and Mistakes)

I didn’t plan to switch.

I was deep in the “Apple ecosystem” — iPhone in my pocket, AirPods in my ears, and that feeling of being “set.”

But life in Nigeria will test your gadgets in ways Apple never imagined.

One year later, I ditched my AirPods for the Oraimo SpaceBuds NEO — and honestly, I wish I had done it earlier.

Why I Bought Apple AirPods in the First Place

I’m not going to lie — part of it was hype.

I mean, everywhere I turned, influencers and celebrities had AirPods sticking out of their ears.

The smooth pairing with my iPhone felt magical.

The sound was clean. The design was iconic.

But in Nigeria, style without practicality will drain your wallet faster than a NEPA bill.

The Harsh Realities of Using AirPods in Nigeria

Here’s what Apple didn’t tell me:

Battery replacement is expensive — and in Nigeria, getting genuine parts is a hustle.
One fall, and you’re in trouble — AirPods hate tiled floors, and tiled floors love Nigerian houses.
They’re thieves’ favorites — nothing screams “snatch me” like a pair of white AirPods in public.
Price shock — replacement cost here could literally buy you two or three solid Oraimo earbuds.

In short, my AirPods were great until Nigeria reminded me that luxury gadgets need luxury-level maintenance.

Meeting Oraimo SpaceBuds NEO (Game Changer)

I first saw them at a friend’s office in Jalingo.

The matte black design caught my eye immediately.

He told me they were Oraimo SpaceBuds NEO — and when I asked how much, I almost laughed.

Less than 20% of what I paid for my AirPods.

I decided to take the risk.

AirPods vs Oraimo SpaceBuds NEO — Side-by-Side Comparison

Feature Apple AirPods Oraimo SpaceBuds NEO Price (Nigeria) ₦90k – ₦120k ₦15k – ₦20k

Battery Life (Single Use) ~4.5 hours ~8 hours

Case Battery Extension 24 hours total

36 hours total Sound Quality Clear, natural Deep bass, balanced highs Connectivity Instant with Apple devices Fast with iOS & Android Durability Fragile with drops More rugged for daily use.

Sound Quality, Comfort, and Battery Life

The AirPods are great for podcasts, calls, and balanced audio.

The Oraimo SpaceBuds NEO, though, feel like they were built for Nigerians who like bass-heavy music, Afrobeats, and gaming.

Comfort-wise, Oraimo surprised me — light, snug fit, and less likely to fall out while jogging.

Battery? Oraimo wins easily. I could go two full days without charging.

Price and Value for Money

AirPods are a flex.

Oraimo is a smart move.

If you want premium branding and seamless Apple integration, AirPods are for you.

If you want 80% of that experience at 20% of the cost — Oraimo is calling your name.

My Honest Verdict: Why I Ditched My Apple AirPods for Oraimo SpaceBuds NEO — And I’m Not Going Back

I’m not anti-Apple.

But for my current Nigerian lifestyle, the Oraimo SpaceBuds NEO fits better.

I can replace them without crying over my bank account.

I can drop them, sweat on them, and use them in places I’d be scared to take my AirPods.

Who Should Pick Which?

Pick AirPods if you’re deep in the Apple ecosystem, travel a lot, and can afford premium replacements.
Pick Oraimo if you want reliable, bass-rich, budget-friendly earbuds that can survive Nigerian reality.