If you’re eyeing the Redmi Buds 4 Series, Xiaomi’s sub-brand has two options for you: the Redmi Buds 4 Pro and the Redmi Buds 4 Active.
Both earphones come loaded with great features and specs, making it a tough choice to pick one over the other.
In this article, we’ll dive deep into the details of these earphones, comparing their design, performance, and what they can do, to help you make the right call.
Price & availability
The Redmi Buds 4 Pro comes in sleek Mirror White and Black color options, carrying a price tag of 3 roughly $50.
On the other hand, the Redmi Buds 4 Active is a more affordable choice. It’s available in trendy Air White and Bass Black shades, priced between $15 to $25.
Best Deals:
Redmi Buds 4 Pro: View on AliExpress
Redmi Buds 4 Active: View on AliExpress
Redmi Buds 4 Pro vs Redmi Buds 4 Active: Specs comparison
| Feature | Redmi Buds 4 Pro | Redmi Buds 4 Active |
|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth Version | Bluetooth 5.3 | Bluetooth 5.3 |
| Codecs | AAC, 360° Surround Sound | SBC |
| Dual Device Pairing | Yes | No |
| Fast Pair | No | Google Fast Pair |
| Drivers | 10mm + 6mm dual drivers, tuned by Mi Audio Lab | 12mm drivers designed for Pro bass |
| Active Noise Cancellation | Up to 43dB with High, Balanced and Mild modes and transparency mode | Environmental Noise Cancellation |
| Low Latency Gaming Mode | 59ms Super Low Latency Gaming Mode | 60ms Low-latency Gaming Mode |
| Microphones | Three microphone ENC | N/A |
| Touch Controls | Yes, for music playback and voice assistant | Yes, for music playback and voice assistant |
| Wear Detection | Smart wear detection for autoplay and pause | N/A |
| Water Resistance | IP54 (Dust and Water resistant) | IPX4 (Splash resistant) |
| Battery Life (Earbuds) | Up to 9 hours (at 50% volume, ANC off) | Up to 5 hours |
| Battery Life (Case) | Up to 36 hours (ANC off) | Up to 30 hours |
Redmi Buds 4 Pro vs Redmi Buds 4 Active: In-depth review
Design and Build Quality
The Redmi Buds 4 Pro takes the lead in terms of design and build quality. The earbuds and charging case are crafted from superior materials compared to the Redmi Buds 4 Active.
The Pro model’s case measures 6 cm x 4 cm x 2 cm, while the Active model’s case is slightly larger at 6 cm x 5 cm x 2 cm.
Comfort and Fit
Both earphones are designed to provide a comfortable and secure fit. However, the Redmi Buds 4 Pro edges out the Active model in terms of overall comfort.
The Pro’s earbuds are slightly more ergonomic and less likely to fall out during physical activities.
Bluetooth Connectivity
Both the Redmi Buds 4 Pro and Redmi Buds 4 Active support Bluetooth 5.3, ensuring a stable and reliable connection with your smartphone or other devices.
They can maintain a connection up to 10 meters away, depending on the environment and the presence of obstacles.
Active Noise Cancellation (ANC)
One of the standout features of the Redmi Buds 4 Pro is its active noise cancellation capability, offering up to 43 dB of noise reduction.
This feature is absent in the Redmi Buds 4 Active, making the Pro model a better choice for those who desire a quieter listening experience.
Battery Life
The Redmi Buds 4 Pro boasts an impressive battery life, allowing up to 9 hours of continuous music playback with ANC disabled, or up to 5 hours with ANC enabled.
The Redmi Buds 4 Active, while not as impressive, still offers a decent battery life for its price point.
Microphone Quality
Both earphones are equipped with microphones for voice calls and voice assistants.
The Redmi Buds 4 Pro’s microphone delivers clear and crisp audio quality, while the Redmi Buds 4 Active’s microphone performance is slightly inferior but still acceptable for its price range.
Sound Quality
When it comes to sound quality, the Redmi Buds 4 Pro takes the lead. It offers a well-balanced audio experience with excellent treble, punchy bass, and a clean overall sound.
The Redmi Buds 4 Active, on the other hand, delivers decent sound quality for its price point, with a slightly louder volume compared to the Pro model.
Latency and Gaming Performance
Both earphones feature low-latency modes designed for gaming and video playback.
The Redmi Buds 4 Pro’s gaming mode provides a more responsive and lag-free experience, while the Redmi Buds 4 Active’s low-latency mode performs adequately but may exhibit slightly higher latency.
Redmi Buds 4 Pro vs Redmi Buds 4 Active: Which One Should You Buy?
If budget is not a major concern, and you prioritize superior sound quality, active noise cancellation, and a premium build, the Redmi Buds 4 Pro is the clear winner. It offers a more complete package and delivers a top-notch listening experience.
However, if you’re on a tighter budget and still want a decent pair of wireless earphones with respectable performance, the Redmi Buds 4 Active is a solid choice. It provides good value for money, offering satisfactory sound quality and features for its price point.
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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.
