If you’re in the market for new wireless earbuds, Xiaomi has two great options that won’t break the bank: the Xiaomi Buds 5 and the Redmi Buds 5 Pro.
Both offer impressive features at affordable prices, but which one is right for you?
Let’s dive into a detailed comparison to help you make the best choice for your needs and budget.
Table of Contents
Xiaomi Buds 5 vs Redmi Buds 5 Pro: Specs Comparison
| Feature | Xiaomi Buds 5 | Redmi Buds 5 Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Design | Semi-in-ear | In-ear with silicone tips |
| Case Finish | Glossy | Matte |
| Drivers | Dual magnetic drivers (size unspecified) | 10mm ceramic piezoelectric tweeter + 11mm titanium-plated dynamic driver |
| Active Noise Cancellation | Yes | Yes (up to 52dB) |
| Transparency Mode | No | Yes |
| Battery Life (ANC on) | 3.5 hours | 6.5 hours |
| Battery Life (ANC off) | 6.5 hours | 10 hours |
| Total Battery Life with Case | 39 hours | 38 hours |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.4 | 5.3 |
| Audio Codec | Qualcomm aptX Lossless | LDAC |
| Water Resistance | IP54 | IP54 |
| Wireless Charging | No | No |
| Touch Controls | Pinch gesture on stem | Tap on earbud |
| Multipoint Connection | Yes | Yes |
| Price (Approximate) | 80-85 USD | 50-55 USD |
| Best Deal | Check on AliExpress | Check on AliExpress |
Design and Comfort
When it comes to design, these earbuds take different approaches. The Xiaomi Buds 5 sport a semi-in-ear design without silicone tips. This means they sit in your ear without going deep into the ear canal, which some people find more comfortable.
On the other hand, the Redmi Buds 5 Pro uses a traditional in-ear design with silicone tips. This style tends to provide a more secure fit, especially during exercise.
The charging cases also differ. The Xiaomi Buds 5 case has a glossy finish that looks sleek but tends to show fingerprints easily.
In contrast, the Redmi Buds 5 Pro case features a matte finish that’s more resistant to smudges and fits more comfortably in your pocket.
Both cases include an LED indicator, USB-C charging port, and a pairing button, so they’re equal in terms of functionality.
Comfort is subjective, but the Redmi Buds 5 Pro might have a slight edge for active users. Their in-ear design helps them stay put during workouts.
However, if you dislike the feeling of earbuds inside your ear canal, you might prefer the Xiaomi Buds 5.
It’s worth noting that both models include wear-detection sensors, automatically pausing your music when you remove an earbud.
Sound Quality
Both earbuds aim to deliver great sound, but they take different approaches. The Xiaomi Buds 5 features dual magnetic drivers (though the exact size isn’t specified) tuned in collaboration with Harman Audio.
This setup results in a fun, bass-heavy sound that’s great for pop and hip-hop. If you love music with a strong beat, these might be right up your alley.
The Redmi Buds 5 Pro, however, uses a more sophisticated dual-driver system. They combine a 10mm ceramic piezoelectric tweeter with an 11mm titanium-plated dynamic driver.
This arrangement aims for a more balanced, detailed sound across all frequencies.
If you listen to a wide variety of music genres or care about hearing every nuance in your audio, the Redmi Buds 5 Pro might be more your speed.
Both earbuds support high-quality Bluetooth codecs. The Xiaomi Buds 5 offers Qualcomm’s aptX Lossless, while the Redmi Buds 5 Pro supports Sony’s LDAC codec.
Both are also certified for Hi-Res Audio Wireless. In practice, most users won’t notice a huge difference between these codecs, but it’s nice to have the option for the highest quality possible if your device supports it.
Noise Cancellation and Transparency
Here’s where we see a significant difference between the two models. The Redmi Buds 5 Pro clearly takes the lead in active noise cancellation (ANC), offering up to 52dB of noise reduction.
This is impressive for earbuds in this price range and should do a great job of blocking out background noise on your commute or at the office.
The Xiaomi Buds 5, due to its semi-in-ear design, can’t offer the same level of noise isolation. While they do have ANC, it’s not as effective as the Redmi Buds 5 Pro.
However, this design does have an advantage: it naturally lets in some ambient sound, which can be safer when you’re out and about.
The Redmi Buds 5 Pro also offers a transparency mode, which uses the microphones to pipe in outside sound when you need to be aware of your surroundings.
The Xiaomi Buds 5 doesn’t have this feature, but again, their design naturally allows for some ambient awareness.
Extra Features and Connectivity
Both earbuds offer a range of convenient features. They support Google Fast Pair for easy connection to Android devices, and both can connect to two devices simultaneously (like your phone and laptop).
They also offer low-latency modes for gaming, which help keep audio in sync with the action on screen.
The earbuds can be controlled via touch gestures, though the exact implementation differs.
The Xiaomi Buds 5 uses a pinch gesture on the stem, while the Redmi Buds 5 Pro use taps on the earbud itself. Both systems work well, so this comes down to personal preference.
Both models are compatible with the Xiaomi Earbuds app (available for both Android and iOS), which allows you to update firmware, adjust ANC levels, and choose from preset audio modes.
Unfortunately, neither offers a fully customizable equalizer, which is a bit disappointing.
Call Quality
For phone calls, both earbuds perform well, but the Redmi Buds 5 Pro has a slight edge.
They seem to do a better job at picking up your voice clearly and filtering out background noise.
If you make a lot of calls or participate in frequent video meetings, this might be a factor to consider.
Battery Life
Battery life is another area where these earbuds differ significantly. The Xiaomi Buds 5 offers about 3.5 hours of playtime with ANC on, or 6.5 hours with it off.
The charging case brings the total up to 39 hours. While not terrible, it’s not particularly impressive either.
The Redmi Buds 5 Pro, on the other hand, shines in this department. You can expect about 6.5 hours of use with ANC on, or a whopping 10 hours with it off.
The case provides a total of 38 hours of playtime. If long battery life is a priority for you, the Redmi Buds 5 Pro is the clear winner.
One downside for both models is the lack of wireless charging. You’ll need to use a USB-C cable to charge the case.
At this price point, it’s not a deal-breaker, but it would have been a nice feature to have.
Pricing
When it comes to price, the Redmi Buds 5 Pro offers exceptional value. They’re officially priced at around $70, but can often be found for as low as 50-55 USD.
The Xiaomi Buds 5, while not officially sold in some markets like the USA at the time of writing, typically go for about 80-85 USD.
Best Deal:
Xiaomi Buds 5: View on AliExpress
Redmi Buds 5 Pro: View on AliExpress
Xiaomi Buds 5 vs Redmi Buds 5 Pro: Which Is Right for You?
Choose the Xiaomi Buds 5 if:
- You prefer a semi-in-ear design
- You want stronger bass response
- You need aptX Lossless codec support
Choose the Redmi Buds 5 Pro if:
- You want better overall sound quality
- You need superior noise cancellation
- You prioritize longer battery life
- You’re looking for the best value for money
Overall, the Redmi Buds 5 Pro offer more features and better performance at a lower price point, making them the recommended choice for most users.
However, if you specifically prefer a semi-in-ear design or need aptX Lossless codec support, the Xiaomi Buds 5 are still an excellent option.
You might like:
- Redmi Buds 5 Pro vs Realme Buds Air 5
- Xiaomi Redmi Buds 5 Pro vs Realme Buds Air 5 Pro
- Xiaomi Redmi Buds 5 Pro vs Redmi Buds 4 Pro
- CMF Buds Pro 2 vs Redmi Buds 5 Pro
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.
