Xiaomi’s audio offerings have consistently provided strong value for their price, and with the release of the Redmi Buds 6, the question arises—should you upgrade if you already own the Redmi Buds 5?
Both earbuds offer a suite of impressive features, but they cater to slightly different needs.
In this side-by-side comparison, we’ll explore how the Redmi Buds 6 stacks up against the Redmi Buds 5 in terms of design, sound quality, noise cancellation, battery life, and more, helping you decide if the upgrade is worth it.
Redmi Buds 6 vs Redmi Buds 5: Specs Comparison
| Specification | Redmi Buds 6 | Redmi Buds 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Acoustic Design | Dual-unit (12.4mm titanium diaphragm + 5.5mm micro-piezoelectric ceramic unit) | 12.4mm dynamic driver with titanium diaphragm |
| Bluetooth Version | v5.4 | v5.3 |
| Sound Effects | Four built-in EQ sound effects, NetEase Cloud Audio certified | EQ sound effects, vocal enhancement, treble boost, and bass boost |
| Noise Reduction | Max 49dB, blocks up to 99.6% ambient noise | Up to 46dB Hybrid ANC |
| Transparency Modes | 3 levels (standard, vocal enhancement, environmental enhancement) | 3 levels (Regular, Enhanced Voice, Enhanced Ambient Sound) |
| Battery Life (Earbuds) | Up to 10 hours per charge | Up to 10 hours per charge |
| Battery Life (With Case) | Up to 42 hours | Up to 40 hours |
| Fast Charging | 10 minutes of charge = 4 hours playback | 5 minutes of charge = 2 hours playback |
| Charging Interface | USB-C | USB-C |
| Additional Features | Sound ID customization, 360° surround sound, Dual-device connection, HyperOS compatibility, One-click photo capture, Audio sharing | Google Fast Pair, Dual device smart connection, 8 customizable gesture controls, In-ear detection, Ear tip fit test |
| Durability | IP54 dust and water resistance | IP54 dust and water resistance |
| App Support | Xiaomi Headphones app | Xiaomi Headphones app |
| Price | 199 yuan (USD 28 or Rs. 2,374 approx.) in China | Rs. 2,999 in India |
| Colors | White, Black, and Cyan | Fusion White, Fusion Purple and Fusion Black |
Design and Comfort
In terms of design, the Redmi Buds 6 brings a sleek, metallic-textured appearance that feels more premium compared to the more straightforward glossy finish of the Redmi Buds 5.
Both earbuds maintain an ergonomic in-ear fit, ensuring comfort during extended use, and they share the same IP54 rating for protection against dust and water.
The Redmi Buds 6, however, has clearly been optimized for a more refined look and feels more modern with its subtle metallic sheen.
If you prefer a more polished, premium aesthetic, the Buds 6 might appeal more to you, while the Buds 5 retains a functional yet slightly less sophisticated design.
Sound Quality
The Redmi Buds 6 offers a more advanced sound system with its dual-unit acoustic architecture, combining a 12.4mm titanium-plated diaphragm and a 5.5mm micro-piezoelectric ceramic unit.
This setup delivers rich, immersive sound with more detail and depth compared to the Redmi Buds 5, which relies on a single 12.4mm dynamic driver.
While the Buds 5 provides impressive sound quality for the price, offering a satisfying listening experience with a balanced sound profile, the Buds 6 takes it a step further with more nuanced audio output and additional sound effects, such as 360° surround spatial stereo.
This makes the Buds 6 more suitable for audiophiles or those seeking a richer audio experience, while the Buds 5 will still satisfy most casual listeners.
Noise Cancellation and Transparency Modes
When it comes to noise cancellation, the Redmi Buds 6 stands out with its ability to reduce noise by up to 49dB, blocking 99.6% of ambient noise.
It also adapts the noise cancellation based on the ear canal structure and wear conditions, ensuring an optimal experience regardless of how you wear them.
The Redmi Buds 5, on the other hand, offers up to 46dB of noise reduction, which is still very effective but lacks the adaptive features of the Buds 6.
Both models come with multiple transparency modes, but the Buds 6 edges out with its versatility, offering standard, vocal enhancement, and environmental enhancement options.
The Buds 5 is by no means a slouch in this department, but if superior noise control and flexibility in transparency modes are priorities, the Buds 6 is the stronger choice.
Connectivity and Features
The Redmi Buds 6 comes equipped with Bluetooth v5.4, offering more reliable connectivity and support for HyperOS integration, which allows seamless switching between devices.
It also supports dual-device connection, like the Buds 5, but takes it a step further with additional smart features like one-click photo capture and audio sharing.
The Redmi Buds 5 features Bluetooth v5.3 and Google Fast Pair, ensuring quick pairing and stable connections, but lacks the extra functionalities found in the Buds 6.
Both earbuds allow for customizations through the Xiaomi Headphones app, but the Buds 6 offers a more feature-rich experience, making it a better option for users who value enhanced connectivity and smart features.
The Buds 5 remains a strong performer for users seeking simple, effective wireless earbuds.
Battery Life and Charging
The Redmi Buds 6 offers a longer battery life with up to 10 hours of playback on a single charge and a total of 42 hours with the charging case.
In comparison, the Redmi Buds 5 delivers 8 hours of playback with ANC and a total of 40 hours with the case.
While the difference in total battery life is not significant, the Buds 6 benefits from faster charging, providing 4 hours of playback with just 10 minutes of charging, whereas the Buds 5 delivers 2 hours of playback with a 5-minute charge.
The Cloud Crevice Lighting Effect 2.0 on the Buds 6’s case is a small but practical feature, allowing users to easily check battery levels with a quick glance at the case without needing to open an app.
Overall, the Buds 6 offers better battery longevity and charging efficiency, making it a more convenient option for those who are frequently on the move.
Pricing
When it comes to pricing, the Redmi Buds 6 is priced at 199 yuan (around USD 28) which is almost similar to Redmi Buds 5.
Redmi Buds 6 vs Buds 5: Verdict
The Redmi Buds 6 brings some nice upgrades to the table:
- Better sound with its dual-driver setup
- Slightly better noise-cancelling
- Faster charging
- Some cool new features like spatial audio
If you’re all about getting the best sound and latest tech, the Buds 6 is definitely worth a look. The improved audio quality alone might be worth the upgrade for music lovers.
But here’s the thing – the Redmi Buds 5 is still a solid choice. If you already own a pair and you’re happy with them, you’re not missing out on any must-have features. They still sound great, block noise well, and have plenty of battery life for most people.
For new buyers, it comes down to this:
- If you want the latest and greatest, go for the Buds 6.
- If you find the Buds 5 on sale or at a good price, they’re still an excellent buy that’ll serve you well.
In the end, both are quality earbuds that punch above their price point. The Buds 6 is a step up, but the Buds 5 isn’t far behind. Choose based on your budget and how much you care about having the newest features.
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.
