The growing popularity of affordable Bluetooth earbuds stems from brands like Xiaomi and Baseus that deliver numerous features at budget-friendly prices.
The Redmi Buds 6 Play and Baseus Bowie E18 represent the prominent options within this price segment.
These affordable earphones deliver satisfactory everyday usage while costing less than R$50 apiece.
Which option establishes itself as most exceptional?
The article explores each aspect where these models differ while examining both design choices and power capabilities as well as sonic performance and cost-effectiveness.
Table of Contents
Design and Build Quality
The first noticeable difference between these two models lies in their build quality. The Redmi Buds 6 Play boasts a more premium feel thanks to its high-quality materials. The case has a solid and polished finish, giving it an edge over the Baseus Bowie E18, which feels more lightweight and less durable in comparison.
When it comes to comfort, the Redmi Buds 6 Play also has an advantage. The earbuds are ergonomically designed to fit snugly in your ears without causing discomfort during extended use. While the Baseus Bowie E18 is not uncomfortable, users have reported that it doesn’t stay as securely in place, especially during physical activities.
Both models include silicone ear tips for a better fit, but overall, the Redmi Buds 6 Play wins in terms of build quality and comfort.
Connectivity
Bluetooth performance is crucial for wireless earbuds, and both models perform well in this regard. The Baseus Bowie E18 comes with Bluetooth 5.3, which offers fast pairing and a stable connection. However, the Redmi Buds 6 Play takes the lead with Bluetooth 5.4, which is even more efficient.
In practical use, both earbuds connect quickly to smartphones and maintain a stable connection within a standard range. The Redmi Buds 6 Play’s slight edge in Bluetooth technology ensures even better signal strength and lower latency, which can be particularly noticeable during gaming or video playback.
Sound Quality
When it comes to sound quality, the Redmi Buds 6 Play stands out with its richer and more dynamic audio performance. The bass is deeper and more pronounced, providing a fuller listening experience for music lovers. Additionally, the earbuds deliver balanced mids and clear highs, making them versatile for different genres.
On the other hand, the Baseus Bowie E18 offers decent sound quality for its price but lacks the depth and clarity of the Redmi model. The bass is less prominent, and the overall sound profile feels more basic. For casual listeners, the Baseus earbuds may suffice, but audiophiles will likely prefer the superior audio of the Redmi Buds 6 Play.
Microphone Performance
Both earbuds feature built-in microphones for calls and voice recordings. In testing, the Redmi Buds 6 Play provided clearer and more natural audio during calls. Even in a slightly noisy environment, the microphones managed to reduce background noise effectively, ensuring that voices came through distinctly.
The Baseus Bowie E18, while functional, struggled slightly with clarity in similar conditions. Call quality is acceptable for everyday use, but it doesn’t match the performance of the Redmi Buds 6 Play, making the latter a better option for frequent calls or online meetings.
App Support and Features
One of the major advantages of the Redmi Buds 6 Play is its compatibility with the Xiaomi AirBuds app. This app allows users to customize touch controls, adjust sound effects, and access firmware updates. These features provide added flexibility and personalization, enhancing the overall user experience.
Unfortunately, the Baseus Bowie E18 does not have app support, which limits its functionality. While it offers basic touch controls for managing playback and calls, the lack of customization options is a noticeable drawback.
Touch Controls
Both the Redmi Buds 6 Play and Baseus Bowie E18 feature touch controls for managing music playback, calls, and voice assistants.
However, the touch controls on the Redmi Buds 6 Play are more responsive and can be customized through the app. This gives users greater control over their earbuds, which is a significant advantage for those who value convenience and usability.
Battery and Charging
Both models use a USB-C connector for charging, ensuring fast and reliable power delivery. While both earbuds charge quickly, the longer battery life of the Redmi Buds 6 Play once again makes it the better choice for users who want extended playtime without frequent recharges.
Battery Life
Battery life is a critical factor, especially for users who rely on their earbuds throughout the day. The Redmi Buds 6 Play offers up to 36 hours of total playback with the charging case, compared to 25 hours for the Baseus Bowie E18. For continuous playback, the Redmi model provides 7.5 hours per charge, whereas the Baseus earbuds offer slightly less.
This difference is significant, especially for users who value extended listening time without needing to recharge frequently. The longer battery life of the Redmi Buds 6 Play makes it a more reliable choice for travelers or anyone who spends a lot of time on the go.
Redmi Buds 6 Play vs Baseus Bowie E18: Specs Comparison
| Feature | Redmi Buds 6 Play | Baseus Bowie E18 |
|---|---|---|
| Design and Build Quality | High-quality materials; compact and lightweight design; comfortable in-ear fit. | Durable plastic construction; lightweight; standard in-ear design. |
| Bluetooth Version | Bluetooth 5.4 | Bluetooth 5.3 |
| Battery Life | Up to 7.5 hours on a single charge; up to 36 hours with charging case. | Approximately 5.5 hours on a single charge; total of 25 hours with charging case. |
| Charging Port | USB Type-C | USB Type-C |
| App Support | Compatible with Xiaomi Earbuds app; customizable touch controls and EQ presets. | No dedicated app support; standard touch controls. |
| Sound Quality | Clear and balanced sound with tight bass; multiple EQ presets available. | Decent sound quality; lacks depth in bass and clarity in highs. |
| Microphone Quality | Clear voice transmission; effective noise reduction during calls. | Acceptable call quality; may struggle in noisy environments. |
| Water Resistance | IPX4 splash-proof rating | IPX5 water resistance rating |
| Price | Approximately R$50 | Approximately R$50 |
Final Thoughts: Which Should You Choose?
Both the Redmi Buds 6 Play and the Baseus Bowie E18 are solid choices for budget-conscious buyers, but they cater to slightly different needs:
Choose the Redmi Buds 6 Play if you prioritize sound quality, longer battery life, and app-based customization. Its premium build and rich audio make it the better all-around choice for most users.
Choose the Baseus Bowie E18 if you’re looking for a simple, no-frills option with decent performance at a low price. While it lacks advanced features, it still provides a reliable listening experience for casual use.
In conclusion, the Redmi Buds 6 Play emerges as the winner in this comparison. It offers more features, better sound quality, and overall superior value, making it the ideal choice for anyone looking to invest in a quality pair of budget earbuds.
Best Deal:
Redmi Buds 6 Play: View on AliExpress
Baseus Bowie E18: View on AliExpress
Related:
- Redmi Buds 6 Lite vs Baseus Bowie M2s: Which Should You Buy?
- Xiaomi Redmi Buds 6 Active vs Baseus Bowie E19: Which Should You Buy?
- Redmi Buds 5 Pro vs Baseus Bowie MA10 Pro: One clear winner
- Xiaomi Redmi Buds 5 Pro vs JBL Wave Buds: Which to Buy?
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.
