Xiaomi has introduced the Redmi Buds 6 Active as the newest addition to its budget-friendly lineup, following the popular Redmi Buds 5. While both models share some similarities, they also have notable differences.
If you’re considering upgrading or deciding between these two, this article breaks down all the key features to help you choose.
Table of Contents
Redmi Buds 6 Active vs Redmi Buds 5: Specs Comparison
| quick 5 min charge gives 2 hour’s backup | Redmi Buds 6 Active | Redmi Buds 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Colors | Black, White, Blue, Pink | Black, White, Sky Blue |
| Weight of a Single Earbud | 4g | 5.3g |
| Total Weight | 36g | 42g |
| Size of a Single Earbud | 32 x 17.8 x 18.5mm | 29.5 x 21.4 x 23.5mm |
| Dimensions of Charging Case | 49 x 48.6 x 23mm | 61 x 50 x 24.6mm |
| Battery Capacity | Earbuds: 37mAh; Charging case: 475mAh | Earbuds: 54mAh; Charging case: 480mAh |
| Charging Time | Earbuds: 90 min; Charging case: 120 min | quick 5 min charge gives 2 hour backup |
| Charging Port | USB Type-C | USB Type-C |
| Battery Life on a Single Charge | 6 hours | 10 hours (without ANC) |
| Battery Life with Charging Case | 30 hours | 40 hours |
| Bluetooth Version | Bluetooth® 5.4 | Bluetooth® 5.3 |
| Communication Range | 10m (open space) | 10m (open space) |
Design and Build Quality
Both the Redmi Buds 6 Active and Redmi Buds 5 offer compact and comfortable designs, making them easy to wear for extended periods.
The Redmi Buds 5 feature silicone ear tips, providing a snug fit and effective passive noise isolation. This model also has a more traditional charging case design, which is solid but slightly bulkier than the newer model.
On the other hand, the Redmi Buds 6 Active come with a slightly smaller charging case that has a transparent lid, adding a modern touch to the design. However, these earbuds don’t have silicone ear tips, which might make them feel less secure for some users.
Both models are made of sturdy plastic, ensuring durability. In terms of aesthetics, the Redmi Buds 6 Active’s smaller case and transparent lid make it stand out, while the Buds 5 maintains a more conventional look.
In terms of comfort, both models are lightweight and offer a good fit, but the Redmi Buds 5’s silicone ear tips provide better sealing, which helps with passive noise isolation and stability during movement.
The Redmi Buds 6 Active might feel less secure in comparison, especially for those with smaller ears, as it lacks the snugness provided by silicone tips.
Connectivity and App Compatibility
Connectivity plays a significant role in daily use, and both models offer strong performance.
The Redmi Buds 5 is equipped with Bluetooth 5.3, which delivers stable connections and decent range.
In contrast, the Redmi Buds 6 Active steps up with Bluetooth 5.4, providing a slightly more stable connection and potentially better power efficiency.
Both models support the Xiaomi AirBuds app, allowing users to manage firmware updates, adjust controls, and customize the listening experience.
Sound Quality
Sound quality is often the deciding factor when choosing earbuds. The Redmi Buds 5 delivers a balanced sound with a focus on deeper bass, which is ideal for bass-heavy music genres.
The sound remains clear even at higher volumes, making it suitable for a wide range of music preferences.
The Redmi Buds 6 Active also provides good sound quality, with clear mids and highs, but the bass response is slightly less pronounced compared to the Buds 5. If you prefer stronger bass, the Redmi Buds 5 might be the better choice.
Noise Cancellation
One of the major differences between these two models is the noise-cancellation feature.
The Redmi Buds 5 offers active noise cancellation (ANC), which effectively reduces background noise and makes it a better option for noisy environments like public transport or busy streets.
The Redmi Buds 6 Active, however, lacks ANC, meaning you’ll rely solely on passive noise isolation, which is less effective in loud environments.
Microphone and Call Quality
Both models perform decently during calls, with the Redmi Buds 5 offering slightly better noise reduction, which helps during conversations in noisy surroundings.
The Redmi Buds 6 Active also delivers good call quality, but the absence of ANC can affect clarity when speaking in busy areas. For clearer calls, especially outdoors, the Buds 5 has an edge.
Touch Controls
Both earbuds come with touch controls that allow users to manage music playback, adjust volume, and answer calls directly from the earbuds.
The controls are responsive on both models, making it easy to use them on the go.
However, the Redmi Buds 5 offers additional touch options to enable or disable ANC, providing more versatility in managing the listening experience.
Battery Life
Battery life is crucial for any wireless earbud user, and there is a clear distinction between these two models.
The Redmi Buds 5 offers up to 10 hours of continuous playback without ANC, making it a great choice for long listening sessions. With ANC enabled, the battery life reduces slightly but remains impressive.
In comparison, the Redmi Buds 6 Active provides up to 6 hours of playback, which is adequate for daily use but significantly lower than the Buds 5. For extended listening or travel, the Redmi Buds 5 is the superior option.
Price and Availability
The Redmi Buds 6 Active are priced affordably, starting at around RM 99 in Malaysia, with a promotional launch price as low as RM 69. They’re also sold at similar prices in other markets, generally ranging from $20 to $25 depending on local offers and availability
Meanwhile, the Redmi Buds 5 usually retail for around $30, though they sometimes drop to about $25 during sales. This makes them a slightly more expensive option compared to the Buds 6 Active. The Buds 5 are available through major online stores like Amazon and AliExpress, and they tend to have more stock across different regions due to their longer market presence.
Best Deals:
Redmi Buds 6 Active: View on AliExpress
Redmi Buds 5: View on AliExpress
Which Should You Buy?
If you’re looking for a pair of earbuds with better sound quality, longer battery life, and active noise cancellation, the Redmi Buds 5 is the clear winner. It’s designed for those who prioritize a richer listening experience, enhanced bass, and a more stable fit due to silicone ear tips.
On the other hand, if you’re on a budget and seeking a more compact design with good overall performance, the Redmi Buds 6 Active is a solid choice. It retains most of the basic features of the Buds 5 but with a newer Bluetooth version and a transparent charging case.
So, if ANC and longer battery life matter more to you, go for the Redmi Buds 5. But if you want a cost-effective, modern design, and can compromise on ANC and battery life, the Redmi Buds 6 Active offers good value for money.
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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.
