The Xiaomi Redmi Buds 5 Pro and JBL Wave Buds are popular options in the affordable wireless earbuds market.
Both models offer good sound quality and decent features, but there are clear differences that might make one more suitable for your needs than the other.
This detailed comparison will break down the differences in a side-by-side style, helping you decide which pair best fits your preferences.
Table of Contents
Price and Availability
The Xiaomi Redmi Buds 5 Pro is available globally, priced around $78 (CNY 399). They are also accessible in regions like Nepal for approximately NPR 9,999. You can find them in various colors like Ice Porcelain Blue, Clear Snow White, and Obsidian Black. They are available on Xiaomi’s official site and other major online retailers
The JBL Wave Buds is priced slightly lower, typically ranging from $50 to $60, depending on the retailer. They are widely available through popular e-commerce sites like Amazon and local electronic stores
Best Deals:
Redmi Buds 5 Pro: View on AliExpress
JBL Wave Buds: View on AliExpress
Redmi Buds 5 Pro vs JBL Wave Buds: Specs Comparison
| Specification | Redmi Buds 5 Pro | JBL Wave Buds |
|---|---|---|
| Charging Interface | Type C | Type C |
| Battery Capacity | 160mAh | 700mAh (Case) | 550 mAh (Case), 47 mAh Per Earbud |
| ANC Status | Yes | 52dB flagship ANC | No |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth 5.3 | 49ms low latency | Bluetooth 5.2 |
| Driver Size | 11mm titanium-coated woofer | 10mm piezoelectric tweeter | 8mm |
| Playtime | 10 hours (Buds) | 38 hours (with Case) | 8 hours (Buds) | 32 hours (with Case) |
| Frequency Range | 24bit/96kHz | 20 Hz – 20 kHz |
| Microphone | Yes, multiple built-in mics | Yes, 1 built-in mic |
| IP Rating | IP54 | IP54 Waterproof |
| Touch Control | Yes | Yes |
| Weight | case:32.6g | 5.1g (each) | 34g (Case) | 9g (Earpiece) |
| Other Features | Xiaomi Headphones App | Hi-Res Audio Wireless | Comfortable Fit | Bluetooth 5.2 frequency modulation | GFSK, π/4 DQPSK, 8DPSK |
Design and Build Quality
In terms of design, both the Xiaomi Redmi Buds 5 Pro and JBL Wave Buds offer a compact, user-friendly build.
The Xiaomi Redmi Buds 5 Pro stands out with its more premium look and feel, featuring a glossy finish and a sturdy charging case that offers better protection. The earbuds fit snugly, ensuring they stay secure even during rigorous activities.
On the other hand, the JBL Wave Buds have a more casual and lightweight design. While the build quality is still decent, it doesn’t match the premium feel of the Redmi Buds 5 Pro. The JBL’s case is also well-built but lacks the same sturdiness.
If a premium design and stronger build matter to you, the Redmi Buds 5 Pro offers a more refined experience, whereas the JBL Wave Buds are better for everyday use with a more laid-back design.
Comfort and Fit
Comfort is essential for earbuds, especially for long listening sessions. The Xiaomi Redmi Buds 5 Pro provides a snug fit with customizable ear tips that help in achieving better ear canal isolation. This ensures better sound quality and effective noise reduction, making them great for sports and workouts.
Meanwhile, the JBL Wave Buds are designed to be lightweight, which contributes to a comfortable fit as well. However, the Redmi Buds 5 Pro edges ahead with a more secure fit, particularly for users who are more active.
While both earbuds are comfortable, the Xiaomi model tends to offer a more secure feeling during movement, making it more suitable for exercise enthusiasts.
Sound Quality
Sound performance is a key factor when choosing between these two models. The Xiaomi Redmi Buds 5 Pro delivers stronger bass, clearer mids, and louder volume, making it ideal for bass lovers and those who enjoy vibrant, immersive sound.
The audio experience is enhanced by the powerful drivers that give an impressive depth to the sound, especially for genres like EDM and hip-hop.
In comparison, the JBL Wave Buds provide a more balanced sound profile with clear mids and highs. They cater to users who prefer a more neutral sound, focusing on clarity rather than heavy bass. However, they lack the punchiness that the Redmi Buds 5 Pro offers.
If you’re a fan of deep bass and louder volumes, the Xiaomi Redmi Buds 5 Pro is the better option, while the JBL Wave Buds are suitable for those who prefer balanced, all-around sound.
Noise Cancellation and Transparency Mode
The Xiaomi Redmi Buds 5 Pro is equipped with active noise cancellation (ANC) of up to 52dB, making it highly effective at reducing background noise.
It also features a Transparency Mode that allows you to stay aware of your surroundings when needed, making it versatile for different environments.
The JBL Wave Buds, on the other hand, do not offer active noise cancellation or Transparency Mode, which limits their effectiveness in noisy settings. However, their passive noise isolation is decent due to the snug fit.
When it comes to noise management, the Xiaomi Redmi Buds 5 Pro clearly outperform the JBL Wave Buds, making them more suitable for users who prioritize noise cancellation in various settings.
Battery Life
The Xiaomi Redmi Buds 5 Pro offer up to 10.5 hours of playback on a single charge with ANC off, and up to 6 hours with ANC enabled. The charging case extends the total battery life to about 35 hours, making it an excellent choice for extended listening sessions or travel.
In contrast, the JBL Wave Buds provide up to 8 hours of playback per charge, and the total battery life reaches around 24 hours with the charging case.
While both models offer respectable battery life, the Redmi Buds 5 Pro delivers more hours of use, making them the better choice for those seeking longer battery performance.
App Compatibility
Both models are compatible with dedicated smartphone apps that allow users to customize their listening experience.
The Xiaomi Redmi Buds 5 Pro can be managed through the Xiaomi AirBuds app, which offers a range of features, including sound customization, ANC control, and touch gesture settings.
The app is intuitive and easy to navigate, providing users with a more personalized audio experience.
The JBL Wave Buds work with the JBL Headphones app, which allows for basic customization like equalizer settings and touch controls.
However, it lacks some of the more advanced features found in the Xiaomi app.
If app customization is a priority, the Xiaomi Redmi Buds 5 Pro offers a richer experience, while the JBL Wave Buds provide simpler, essential customization options.
Xiaomi Redmi Buds 5 Pro vs JBL Wave Buds: Which Should You Buy?
If your priority is sound quality, active noise cancellation, and longer battery life, the Xiaomi Redmi Buds 5 Pro is the better choice. It offers a more premium experience with better bass, effective noise cancellation, and a longer-lasting battery, making it suitable for both everyday use and more demanding environments.
On the other hand, the JBL Wave Buds are a good option for users who prefer balanced sound, decent comfort, and a more budget-friendly price. While they lack some advanced features, they provide good value for everyday listening.
In summary, if you want a feature-rich, premium pair of earbuds and are willing to invest more, go for the Xiaomi Redmi Buds 5 Pro. However, if you’re looking for a solid and affordable pair without the need for extra features, the JBL Wave Buds will serve you well.
Also see: Baseus Bowie MA10 Pro vs JBL Wave Buds: Which Should You 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.
