If you’ve been checking out Xiaomi’s newest budget earbuds, this is likely the comparison you’ve been waiting for.
The Redmi Buds 8 and the Buds 8 Pro are very close in price, look almost identical, and on paper, they don’t seem to differ much.
But once you actually try them out, some key differences start to emerge.
I’ve spent some time with both, and to be honest, this is one of those situations where the “Pro” title doesn’t automatically make the choice clear.
So, let’s take a closer look.
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Look & Feel
This year, Xiaomi really played it safe with their design choices.
Unlike previous models where the Pro version had a completely different look, the Redmi Buds 8 and Buds 8 Pro now sport almost identical cases.
They share the same shape, size, and thickness — you won’t even notice a difference when they’re in your pocket.
However, there is one feature that sets them apart.
The Buds 8 have a glossy finish that looks nice initially but tends to scratch easily and gets dirty quickly.
On the other hand, the Buds 8 Pro come with a matte finish, which honestly feels more upscale and stands the test of time much better.
When it comes to the earbuds themselves, they’re quite alike.
You’ll find the same fit, comfort, silicone tips, and even the same in-ear detection sensors.
Whether you’re wearing them for long periods or during workouts, they stay put without any hassle.
The Pro version does have a slightly more polished look in some design aspects, particularly around the stem, but the difference isn’t drastic.
Controls and Features
Both earbuds come with touch controls and can be fully customized through Xiaomi’s app. You can adjust gestures, tweak ANC levels, and fine-tune everything to your liking.
However, the Buds 8 Pro introduces a small but impactful feature for everyday use — swipe gestures on the stem for volume control.
While you can still manage volume on the regular Buds 8 with taps if you set it up, swiping just feels more intuitive and faster. It’s one of those features you don’t realize you need until you try it, and then you really miss it when it’s not there.
Aside from that, both models have an IP54 rating, so you don’t have to worry about sweat or light rain.
Connectivity and App Experience
There’s really no clear divide here. Both earbuds come equipped with cutting-edge connectivity — Bluetooth 5.4, dependable pairing, low latency, and the ability to switch between two devices seamlessly.
In practical use, the connection is quite stable on both. You won’t face any unexpected dropouts or noticeable lag, even when gaming casually or watching videos.
The Xiaomi app experience is also consistent. You can enjoy:
- ANC control with multiple levels
- Customizable touch gestures
- Fit testing and audio adjustments
- Optional surround sound mode (mainly on the Pro)
Overall, if you opt for the less expensive model, you won’t be missing out on any key features.
Microphone Quality
This is definitely one of the more unexpected highlights.
When it comes to microphones, the Redmi Buds 8 actually perform a bit better. You’ll notice that voice pickup is clearer, and the background noise reduction does a great job of filtering out distractions.
While the Buds 8 Pro are still impressive, the standard version has a slight edge, particularly in noisy settings.
Active Noise Cancellation
Both earbuds provide solid active noise cancellation (ANC) for their price range, but the Buds 8 Pro still takes the lead.
The Buds 8 can achieve around 50dB of noise cancellation, which is quite remarkable. It effectively manages everyday sounds like traffic and crowds.
On the other hand, the Buds 8 Pro can reach up to 55dB, and you can really feel that difference in louder places like public transport or during flights. It blocks out more noise and offers a more polished experience, complete with better control options.
If having top-notch ANC is your main concern, then the Pro version is definitely the way to go.
Sound Quality
If you just look at the specs, the Buds 8 Pro seems to be the clear winner. It features a dual tweeter setup paired with an 11mm titanium-coated driver, while the Buds 8 relies on a single 11mm dynamic driver. However, in practice, the difference isn’t as pronounced as you might think.
The Buds 8 offers fantastic sound for the price—crisp audio, solid bass, and decent mids. It’s well-tuned and works wonderfully for everyday listening.
On the other hand, the Buds 8 Pro does provide a better listening experience, especially at higher volumes. You’ll get more detail, a more balanced sound, and improved control across the spectrum.
That said, the gap isn’t huge unless you’re really paying attention or listening at louder levels.
Battery Life
When I tested both earbuds under the same conditions — with ANC always on and the volume hovering around 40–50% — the Redmi Buds 8 definitely lasts longer.
You’re looking at about 5.5 hours of use with the Buds 8, while the Buds 8 Pro barely makes it past 4 hours.
That’s a difference of about 1.5 hours, which is pretty substantial.
If battery life is important to you, the standard model is obviously the better pick.
Also, despite the “Pro” label, neither of them supports wireless charging. Both charge through USB-C.
Price
You can find the Redmi Buds 8 for roughly $40, whereas the Buds 8 Pro generally costs an extra $20 to $30.
Redmi Buds 8 vs Redmi Buds 8 Pro: Specs Comparison
| Category | Redmi Buds 8 | Redmi Buds 8 Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Driver | 11mm Dynamic Driver | 11mm Titanium Driver + Dual Ceramic Tweeters |
| Active Noise Cancellation | Up to 50dB | Up to 55dB |
| Audio Codec | LHDC (region dependent) | LHDC 5.0 / Hi-Res Audio Wireless |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.4 | Bluetooth 5.4 |
| Battery (Earbuds) | ~5–5.5 Hours (ANC ON) | ~4–4.5 Hours (ANC ON) |
| Total Battery (With Case) | ~30 Hours (est.) | Up to 35 Hours (ANC OFF) |
| Charging | USB Type-C | USB Type-C |
| Battery Capacity | 54mAh (buds) + 475mAh (case) | 54mAh (buds) + 480mAh (case) |
| Weight (Single Earbud) | ~5g | 5.3g |
| Water Resistance | IP54 | IP54 |
| Special Features | Multipoint, App Control | Dolby Audio, Spatial Audio, Head Tracking |
Which Should You Buy?
If you’re on the hunt for the best bang for your buck, the Redmi Buds 8 is definitely the way to go. It covers all the essentials, has a longer battery life, and delivers performance that far exceeds its price tag.
However, if you’re looking to get that little extra in terms of quality—especially when it comes to noise cancellation and sound—and you’re okay with spending a bit more, then the Redmi Buds 8 Pro is still a solid choice.
Best Deal:
- Redmi Buds 8 Pro: View on AliExpress
- Redmi Buds 8: View on AliExpress
Nick, the Co-founder of Earbuds Arena, is a seasoned freelance tech journalist with over ten years of experience covering wearables, apps, headphones, and gadgets. When he’s not immersed in the tech world, you’ll likely find him unwinding with video games, going for a run, or enjoying a game of soccer on the field.
