- Extremely affordable
- Impressive battery life
- Good sound quality with customizable EQ
- Comfortable, lightweight design
- Google Fast Pair support
- Dual-microphone noise reduction for calls
- Open-fit design may not suit all users
- No active noise cancellation
- No wireless charging for the case
- Open-fit design may not suit all users
The Xiaomi Redmi Buds 6 Active offer excellent value for around $15, featuring a 14.2 mm dynamic driver, dual microphones for clear calls, and a 30-hour total battery life with the charging case. With customizable touch controls and a user-friendly app, they provide a solid audio experience for budget-conscious consumers.
After testing the Xiaomi Redmi Buds 6 Active, I’m excited to share my thoughts on these budget-friendly earbuds.
Priced at around $15, they offer impressive features, making them a tempting option for anyone looking for reliable wireless earbuds without breaking the bank.
Let’s dive into what these little guys have to offer!
Redmi Buds 6 Active Specifications
Before we get into my experience, here’s a quick rundown of the specs:
- Color Options: Black, White, Blue, Pink
- Weight: Earbud (4g), Total with Case (36g)
- Earbud Dimensions: 32 x 17.8 x 18.5 mm
- Charging Case Dimensions: 49 x 48.6 x 23 mm
- Battery Capacity: Earbuds (37mAh), Case (475mAh)
- Charging Time: Earbuds (90 mins), Case (120 mins)
- Charging Port: USB Type-C
- Battery Life: 6 hours (single charge), 30 hours (with case)
- Bluetooth Version: 5.4
- Communication Range: 10m (open space)
Design and Build Quality
When I first laid eyes on the Redmi Buds 6 Active, I was pleasantly surprised by their sleek design. They come in several color options, but I got my hands on the blue ones, which look quite stylish.
The earbuds are made of glossy plastic, which gives them a modern look. Although I initially thought there were scratches on the surface, it turned out to be just some dirt that wiped away easily.
The charging case has a simple and clean design. It’s compact and lightweight, making it easy to carry around.
I appreciate that it has a USB Type-C charging port, which is becoming the standard and is super convenient. Plus, there’s a small LED indicator that shows you the battery status, which is always helpful.
Comfort and Fit
Comfort is key when it comes to earbuds, especially if you plan to wear them for extended periods. I found the Redmi Buds 6 Active to be quite comfortable. They fit snugly in my ears without feeling too intrusive.
Unlike some earbuds that push too deep into the ear canal, these have a design that sits comfortably in the outer ear, making them ideal for long listening sessions.
Since these earbuds don’t come with interchangeable ear tips, you won’t have to worry about finding the perfect fit, which is a plus.
However, if you prefer a more customized fit, that might be something to consider.
Overall, I had no complaints regarding comfort, and they stayed in place during my daily activities.
Setting Up and Features
Getting started with the Redmi Buds 6 Active was a breeze. They support Bluetooth 5.4, which means you can expect a quick and stable connection. I paired them with my smartphone without any issues, and they connected almost instantly.
Once connected, I explored the Xiaomi Earbuds app, which offers several useful features. The app allows you to customize gestures, which I found incredibly handy.
You can double-tap to play or pause music, skip tracks, or even activate your voice assistant. This level of customization adds a personal touch and makes using the earbuds much more convenient.
Another feature I enjoyed was the audio equalizer in the app. You can tweak the sound profile to your liking by enhancing bass, vocals, or overall volume.
This is a great addition, especially for those who enjoy different music genres and want to tailor their listening experience.
Audio Performance
Now let’s talk about sound quality. For earbuds priced at around $15, I was genuinely impressed with the audio performance.
The 14.2 mm dynamic driver delivers a decent sound experience. While these aren’t going to compete with high-end models, they do offer clear sound with a good balance of bass and treble.
I tested the earbuds with various genres of music, from pop to indie, and they performed admirably. The bass is solid without overpowering the mids and highs.
However, if you’re used to more premium earbuds with active noise cancellation, you might notice some limitations.
These earbuds don’t have noise cancellation or transparency mode, but considering the price, I think they perform well enough for casual listening.
Call Quality
One of the standout features of the Redmi Buds 6 Active is the dual microphones that help reduce background noise during calls.
I tested the call quality while walking in a park, where there were a few distractions, and I was pleasantly surprised. The person on the other end could hear me clearly, and I could hear them without any issues.
While these earbuds won’t replace a dedicated headset for serious conference calls, they certainly get the job done for casual chats and quick calls on the go.
Battery Life
Battery life is another area where the Redmi Buds 6 Active shines. On a single charge, I managed to get about 6 hours of listening time, which is impressive for earbuds in this price range. When you factor in the charging case, you can extend that to a whopping 30 hours.
Charging the earbuds is also quick; they take about 90 minutes to fully charge. The case itself takes around 120 minutes to charge, which is reasonable. With this kind of battery life, you can easily get through a week of casual use without needing to recharge.
Final Verdict
Overall, the Xiaomi Redmi Buds 6 Active is a fantastic choice for anyone looking for affordable wireless earbuds.
They offer a great balance of comfort, sound quality, and battery life. While they may not have all the bells and whistles of more expensive models, they provide excellent value for their price.
If you’re on a budget and want reliable earbuds for everyday use, these are definitely worth considering. They’ve exceeded my expectations for what you can get at this price point, and I can see them being a popular choice for students, casual listeners, and anyone looking to enjoy their music on the go.
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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.
