If you’re looking for budget-friendly earbuds that pack a punch, the Redmi Buds 6 Play and JBL Wave Buds are two great options. These options deliver good sound ease of use, and dependability, but each has its own unique traits that might influence your choice.
Let’s take a closer look at their main differences and specs to help you figure out which pair suits you best.
Table of Contents
Redmi Buds 6 Play vs JBL Wave Buds: Specs Comparison
| Feature | Redmi Buds 6 Play | JBL Wave Buds |
|---|---|---|
| Color Options | Black, White, Blue, Pink | Black, Beige, Mint, White |
| Frequency Response Range | 20Hz ~ 20KHz | 20Hz – 20kHz |
| Dimensions and Weight | Single Earbud: 3.6g (L20.6 x W14.5 x H22mm) Charging Case: 32.8g (L53.9 x W53.9 x H27.4mm) Total Weight: 40.0g | Single Earbud: 9g (0.3 oz) Charging Case: 34g (1.2 oz) |
| Battery Capacity | Earbuds: 57mAh Charging Case: 600mAh | Earbuds: 47mAh Charging Case: 550mAh |
| Charging Port | Type-C | Type-C |
| Battery Life | Single Charge: 7.5 hours With Charging Case: 36 hours | Single Charge: 8 hours With Charging Case: 32 hours |
| Wireless Connection | Bluetooth 5.4 | Bluetooth 5.2 |
| Bluetooth Protocols | Bluetooth Low Energy, HFP, A2DP, AVRCP | GFSK, π/4 DQPSK, 8DPSK |
| Speaker Impedance | 16 Ω | 16 Ω |
| Microphone | Yes | Yes, 1 built-in Mic |
| Water Resistance | IPX4 | IP54 |
| Controls | Touch Control | Touch Control |
| Driver Size | 10mm | 8mm |
Design and Build Quality
Starting with the JBL Wave Buds, these earbuds come in a case without a lid, which might seem unusual at first, but they’re securely held in place. The case is well-made with quality materials, ensuring that the earbuds are protected and won’t fall out.
Meanwhile, the Redmi Buds 6 Play also boasts a sturdy case that securely holds the earbuds with a lid. Both models feature a USB-C port for quick charging, a great convenience in this price range.
In terms of comfort, both earbuds fit well in the ear, providing a comfortable wearing experience. The Redmi Buds 6 Play is slightly more comfortable over extended use, making it an ideal choice if you plan to wear them for long listening sessions.
Both models include touch controls for easy access to functions like play, pause, and call handling, making them convenient to use during workouts or commuting. When it comes to comfort, the Redmi Buds 6 Play feels slightly lighter and more comfortable in prolonged wear, while the JBL Wave Buds fits snugly but might be a bit bulkier for some users.
The JBL Wave Buds offer an IP54 rating, meaning they are splash-resistant, which makes them suitable for light workouts or everyday use. Their case, however, is rated IPX2, which gives minimal resistance to moisture. Redmi Buds 6 Play, on the other hand, has an IPX4 water resistance rating.
Connectivity
The Redmi Buds 6 Play operates with Bluetooth 5.4, offering stable connectivity. The JBL model also connects quickly and reliably, although it’s older Bluetooth 5.2. From our testing, both pairs connected seamlessly to smartphones and provided strong signal strength without noticeable drops.
In terms of Bluetooth range, both models performed well in open spaces. Users report that both earbuds maintained a strong connection up to 17 meters indoors, even with obstacles like closed doors, showcasing reliable range performance for casual use.
Audio and Microphone Quality
In terms of sound quality, both earbuds deliver clear audio with decent bass, though each has its strengths. The Redmi Buds 6 Play produces a balanced sound profile with controlled bass, which maintains clarity even at high volumes. While it lacks deep bass, it’s adequate for casual listeners, and the Xiaomi app allows some sound customization.
The JBL Wave Buds offer slightly richer bass, providing a more immersive sound experience, especially if you enjoy bass-heavy music. The JBL app also allows for audio adjustments, giving you more control over sound effects.
For microphone quality, both earbuds provide decent voice clarity for calls. The Redmi Buds 6 Play does a great job in quiet environments, while the JBL Wave Buds offers slightly better noise handling, making it a suitable choice for calls in noisier areas.
Battery Life
The Redmi Buds 6 Play offers up to 7.5 hours of continuous playtime, while the JBL Wave Buds slightly edges it out with 8 hours of listening time.
Both models provide reliable battery life, allowing you to get through a full day of moderate use without needing a recharge.
Application Compatibility
Both earbuds are compatible with their respective mobile apps. The Redmi Buds 6 Play pairs with the Xiaomi AirBuds app, while the JBL Wave Buds connects with the JBL Headphones app.
Both apps offer controls for customizing sound profiles and tweaking basic functions, providing additional value to users who enjoy personalizing their listening experience.
Price and Availability
At the time of writing, the Redmi Buds 6 Play is priced between $20 and $25, on the other hand, JBL Wave Buds costs around $50. Both models are available online through retailers with occasional discounts.
Redmi Buds 6 Play: View on AliExpress
JBL Wave Buds: View on Amazon
Final Thoughts
To wrap up, both earbuds give you great bang for your buck, but your pick might come down to what matters most to you:
Go for the JBL Wave Buds if you’re after deeper bass better protection from water, and a bit more juice in the battery. They might cost more, but the JBL Wave Buds deliver sound that’ll make you smile if you’re into bass-heavy tunes.
Pick the Redmi Buds 6 Play if you want to save some cash without giving up on the must-haves. They sound good, connect well, and last long enough for your daily needs making them a smart buy for everyday listening.
Both earbuds stand out in the budget-friendly crowd, but the JBL Wave Buds have a slight edge with richer sound and better water resistance. The Redmi Buds 6 Play, on the other hand, hold their own as a wallet-friendly option that doesn’t skimp on quality.
Related:
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- Xiaomi Redmi Buds 5 Pro vs JBL Wave Buds: Which to Buy?
- Xiaomi Redmi Buds 6 Play vs QCY ArcBuds Lite T27: 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.
