If you’re in the market for affordable, feature-rich earbuds, then the Xiaomi Redmi Buds 5 and OnePlus Nord Buds 2 stand out as two formidable options worth considering.
Both offer excellent sound quality, robust build, and a host of features that cater to a wide range of users.
In this comprehensive comparison, we’ll delve into the key differences, strengths, and weaknesses of these two contenders to help you make an informed decision.
Price & availability
- Redmi Buds 5: Around $50
- OnePlus Nord Buds 2: $60
When it comes to pricing, the Redmi Buds 5 and the OnePlus Nord Buds 2 are relatively close. The Redmi Buds 5 are slightly more affordable, making them a more budget-friendly option.
However, the OnePlus Nord Buds 2’s additional features, such as active noise cancellation, may justify the slight premium for some users.
Best Deals:
Redmi Buds 5: View on AliExpress
OnePlus Nord Buds 2: View on AliExpress
Redmi Buds 5 vs OnePlus Nord Buds 2: Specs Comparison
| Features | Redmi Buds 5 | OnePlus Nord Buds 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.3, SBC, AAC codecs, Google Fast Pair, Dual device smart connection | 5.3, AAC codec, Dolby Atmos (OnePlus 7/7 Pro later), OnePlus Fast Pair (OnePlus 6 and later) |
| Drivers | 12.4mm drivers | 12.4mm titanium dynamic driver, BassWave Enhancement algorithm |
| Design | Ergonomic in-ear design and glossy nano-coated decorative strips | Ergonomic in-ear design |
| Sound Features | EQ sound effects, vocal enhancement, treble boost, and bass boost | Dirac Tuner, Sound Master Equalizer, Master Equalizer – Balanced, Serenade, Bold, and Bass modes |
| Noise Reduction | Dual microphones with AI noise reduction, Active Noise Cancellation: Up to 46dB | Dual microphones for Clear Call – AI call noise cancellation, 25dB ANC |
| Transparency Modes | Regular, Enhanced Voice and Enhance Ambient Sound | Transparent mode |
| Controls & Features | 8 customizable gesture controls, in-ear detection, ear tip fit test, find your earphones, anti-loss reminder | Touch controls for track change, voice assistant, play/pause, 94ms low latency with Pro Gaming Mode |
| Resistance | Dust and Splash resistant (IP54) | Sweat and water-resistant (IP55) |
| Dimensions & Weight | Charging Case: 61 x 50 x 24.60mm; 42.47g. Earbud: 29.52 x 21.44 x 23.45mm; 10.25g (Pair) | Earbud: 21.05×27.5×24.4mm; 4.7g. Charging box: 67.99×28.9×35.5mm; 37.5g |
| App Support | Xiaomi Headphones App | OnePlus app with Sound Master Equalizer and more |
| Battery Life | Up to 10 hours per earbud, 40 hours with the charging case, 8 hours with noise reduction | Up to 7 hours (ANC OFF) / 5 hours (ANC ON) per earbud, 36h (ANC OFF) / 27 hours (ANC ON) with the charging case |
| Charging | Type-C fast 5-minute charging for 2 hours of music | Flash charge – 10 mins for 5 hours (charging box+earbuds) |
Redmi Buds 5 vs OnePlus Nord Buds 2: Detailed review
Design and Comfort
The Redmi Buds 5 and the OnePlus Nord Buds 2 both boast sleek and lightweight designs, ensuring a comfortable wearing experience.
The Redmi Buds 5 feature a more conventional earbud shape, while the OnePlus Nord Buds 2 opt for a slightly more ergonomic in-ear design.
Both offer a secure and stable fit, making them suitable for a variety of activities, from workouts to daily commutes.
Audio Performance
The audio quality is a crucial factor when it comes to wireless earbuds, and both the Redmi Buds 5 and the OnePlus Nord Buds 2 deliver impressive performance.
The Redmi Buds 5 offer a well-balanced sound profile, catering to a wide range of music genres.
The OnePlus Nord Buds 2, on the other hand, place a stronger emphasis on bass response, providing a more immersive listening experience for bass-heavy genres.
Noise Cancellation
One of the key differentiators between these two earbuds is the noise cancellation feature.
The OnePlus Nord Buds 2 come equipped with active noise cancellation (ANC), effectively blocking out ambient sounds and allowing you to enjoy your music or podcasts with minimal distractions.
The Redmi Buds 5, while lacking ANC, still provides decent passive noise isolation, making them a viable option for those who don’t require advanced noise-cancelling capabilities.
Battery Life and Charging
Both the Redmi Buds 5 and the OnePlus Nord Buds 2 offer impressive battery life, with the Redmi Buds 5 slightly edging out the competition.
The Redmi Buds 5 can provide up to 7 hours of continuous playback on a single charge, while the OnePlus Nord Buds 2 offers up to 6.5 hours.
Additionally, the charging cases of both earbuds support fast charging, ensuring you can quickly top up your earbuds when on the go.
Connectivity and Features
In terms of connectivity, both earbuds support Bluetooth 5.2, ensuring stable and reliable wireless connections.
The Redmi Buds 5 and the OnePlus Nord Buds 2 also offer touch controls, allowing you to manage your music, calls, and voice assistants with a simple tap.
The Redmi Buds 5 boast a more comprehensive companion app, providing users with advanced customization options, such as adjustable EQ settings and various audio enhancement modes.
The OnePlus Nord Buds 2, while lacking a dedicated app, still offer a good degree of customization through the Bluetooth settings on your paired device.
Redmi Buds 5 vs OnePlus Nord Buds 2: Final Verdict
Both the Redmi Buds 5 and the OnePlus Nord Buds 2 are excellent wireless earbuds that cater to different user preferences.
The Redmi Buds 5 offer a well-rounded audio experience, comprehensive customization options, and a more affordable price point.
The OnePlus Nord Buds 2, on the other hand, excel in their active noise cancellation capabilities and provide a more immersive bass-focused sound.
Now the choice is yours which fits all your needs.
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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.
