Looking to buy new wireless earbuds? Can’t choose between the QCY Melobuds Pro and the Redmi Buds 5 Pro? Don’t worry, you’re not the only one.
These earbuds both come with cool features and won’t break the bank, which makes picking one over the other tricky.
Let’s take a closer look at what sets them apart to help you make a smart choice.
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Table of Contents
QCY Melobuds Pro vs Redmi Buds 5 Pro: Specs Comparison
| Feature | QCY Melobuds Pro | Redmi Buds 5 Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth Version | 5.3 | 5.3 |
| Battery Life (ANC off) | ~8.5 hours | ~10 hours |
| Charging Port | USB-C | USB-C |
| Touch Controls | Yes | Yes |
| Wear Detection | Yes | Yes |
| Companion App | QCY App | Xiaomi Earbuds App |
| ANC Strength | Up to 46dB | Up to 52dB |
| Auto ANC Switch | No | Yes |
| Price | Check on AliExpress | Check on AliExpress |
Design and Build Quality
Case and Materials
Both the QCY Melobuds Pro and Redmi Buds 5 Pro come with well-built charging cases.
However, the Redmi Buds 5 Pro edges out slightly in terms of material quality. The Xiaomi-made earbuds feel a bit more premium to the touch.
Earbud Design
When it comes to the earbuds themselves, both models sport attractive designs.
The comfort level is high for both, with users reporting a snug fit that stays put during various activities.
The touch-sensitive areas on both earbuds are responsive and easy to use.
Connectivity and Compatibility
Both the QCY Melobuds Pro and Redmi Buds 5 Pro feature Bluetooth 5.3, ensuring stable and efficient connections with your devices.
This means you’ll enjoy fewer dropouts and better battery life compared to older Bluetooth versions.
Battery Life
One of the standout features of both these earbuds is their impressive battery life:
QCY Melobuds Pro: Approximately 8.5 hours of continuous playback with Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) turned off.
Redmi Buds 5 Pro: Up to 10 hours of continuous playback with ANC off.
Keep in mind that these figures can vary depending on your volume levels and use of features like ANC.
Smart Features
Both earbuds come with some nifty smart features that enhance the user experience:
Wear detection: Both models pause your music when you remove an earbud and resume playback when you put it back in.
App support: The QCY Melobuds Pro works with the QCY app, while the Redmi Buds 5 Pro is compatible with the Xiaomi Earbuds app.
ANC auto-switching: The Redmi Buds 5 Pro has an extra feature where it can automatically turn ANC on or off when you remove or insert the earbuds.
Sound Quality
Both the QCY Melobuds Pro and Redmi Buds 5 Pro offer excellent sound quality, especially considering their price points.
They both deliver clear audio with punchy bass that doesn’t overpower the mids and highs. The volume output is strong, and the sound doesn’t distort at higher levels.
If pushed to choose, the Redmi Buds 5 Pro might have a slight edge in overall sound quality, but the difference is minimal.
Active Noise Cancellation (ANC)
While both earbuds offer ANC, there’s a clear winner in this category:
- QCY Melobuds Pro: Up to 46dB noise reduction
- Redmi Buds 5 Pro: Up to 52dB noise reduction
The Redmi Buds 5 Pro takes the lead here, offering noticeably better noise cancellation for those who prioritize a quiet listening experience.
Microphone Quality
Both earbuds perform well for calls, with clear voice pickup. However, in direct comparison, the Redmi Buds 5 Pro seems to edge out the QCY Melobuds Pro slightly in microphone quality.
Price and Availability
At the time of writing, the QCY Melobuds Pro is the more affordable option of the two.
- QCY Melobuds Pro: $40
- Redmi Buds 5 Pro: $80
So the Redmi Buds 5 Pro is almost twice the price of the Melobuds Pro. However, their prices may vary by region and offer different offers.
Best Deal:
- QCY Melobuds Pro: View on AliExpress
- Redmi Buds 5 Pro: View on AliExpress
QCY Melobuds Pro vs Redmi Buds 5 Pro: Which Should You Buy?
Both options offer excellent value for money and will serve most users well.
The QCY Melobuds Pro stands out as possibly the best earbuds the brand has produced to date, while the Redmi Buds 5 Pro offers some premium features at a competitive price point.
Choose the QCY Melobuds Pro if:
- You’re on a tighter budget
- You want great all-around performance
- You’re a fan of the QCY brand
Choose the Redmi Buds 5 Pro if:
- You want the best possible ANC
- Slightly better sound quality is important to you
- You prefer Xiaomi’s ecosystem of products
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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.
