Xiaomi’s Redmi Buds series is a popular choice for affordable and feature-packed wireless earbuds. With the release of the Redmi Buds 6 Lite, many are wondering how it stacks up against its predecessor, the Redmi Buds 5. While both earbuds share similarities, there are notable differences that could sway your decision.
Let’s dive into the details to help you choose the right one.
Table of Contents
Xiaomi Redmi Buds 6 Lite vs Redmi Buds 5: Specs Comparison
| Category | Redmi Buds 6 Lite | Redmi Buds 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Design & Build | Glossy plastic, prone to scratches | Matte plastic, durable and premium |
| Comfort | Lightweight, silicone tips, good fit | Lightweight, silicone tips, slightly better fit |
| Battery Life | 7 hours per charge, 38 hours with case | 8 hours per charge, 40 hours with case |
| Charging | USB-C, quick charging | USB-C, quick charging |
| Audio Driver | 12.4mm dynamic driver, titanium plated | 12.4mm dynamic driver, titanium plated |
| Noise Cancellation | ANC up to 40dB | ANC up to 46dB |
| Transparency Mode | Natural, minimal lag | Natural, slightly better quality |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth 5.3, dual-device support, AAC codec | Bluetooth 5.3, dual-device support, AAC codec |
| App Compatibility | Xiaomi Earbuds App (iOS & Android) | Xiaomi Earbuds App (iOS & Android) |
| Microphone Quality | Good, lacks refinement in noisy environments | Good, better noise cancellation in calls |
| Price | $19.99 | $25–30 (discounted) |
Design and Build Quality
The design of the charging cases and earbuds themselves is one of the most apparent distinctions. Both models are made from plastic, but the Redmi Buds 5 feel significantly more premium due to their matte finish, which resists scratches better.
In contrast, the Redmi Buds 6 Lite feature a glossy plastic that feels less durable and tends to pick up marks easily when stored in a bag or pocket.
When it comes to comfort, both models offer interchangeable silicone tips and lightweight designs that are suitable for workouts or long listening sessions.
However, the Redmi Buds 5 stand out slightly due to their superior fit and finish, making them more comfortable over extended use. Additionally, the Buds 5 feature an automatic playback/pause sensor, a small convenience that the Buds 6 Lite lack.
Battery Life
Battery life is a critical factor when choosing earbuds, and here the Redmi Buds 5 take a slight lead. They offer up to 8 hours of playback per charge (40 hours with the case) compared to the 7 hours per charge (38 hours with the case) offered by the Buds 6 Lite.
While the difference is not drastic, the extra half-hour of playback can be valuable for long commutes or trips.
Charging is identical for both models, with USB-C ports ensuring quick top-ups. This parity makes the slightly better battery life of the Buds 5 a more attractive feature.
Audio Performance
Both earbuds utilize 12.4mm dynamic drivers plated with titanium, offering clear and balanced sound profiles. Whether you enjoy bass-heavy tracks or crisp vocals, the audio experience is comparable on both models.
However, the Redmi Buds 5 come pre-tuned with slightly better factory equalization, giving them a slight edge in out-of-the-box sound quality. For the Buds 6 Lite, tweaking the EQ settings in the Xiaomi Earbuds App can help match the Buds 5’s performance.
Noise Cancellation and Transparency Modes
Active noise cancellation (ANC) is another key area where the Buds 5 shine. They offer noise reduction up to 46dB, outperforming the Buds 6 Lite’s 40dB ANC.
In practice, this makes the Buds 5 more effective in noisy environments like crowded streets or public transport. Transparency mode, however, performs similarly on both models, allowing external sounds to pass through when needed.
Connectivity and Features
Both models support Bluetooth 5.3 for stable and low-latency connections, making them great for streaming and gaming.
They are also compatible with Google Fast Pair and the Xiaomi Earbuds App, enabling quick pairing, firmware updates, and customizable touch controls.
Additionally, dual-device connectivity is available on both, allowing seamless switching between two devices.
Microphone and Call Quality
Call quality is another area where the Redmi Buds 5 slightly edge out the Buds 6 Lite. The Buds 5 have received firmware updates that improve noise cancellation for calls, making them more effective in outdoor or windy conditions.
While the Buds 6 Lite performs admirably, they lack the same refinement, although future updates may improve this aspect.
Price and Availability
Price plays a significant role in determining the better buy. The Redmi Buds 6 Lite retails for around$19.99, making them one of the most affordable options in Xiaomi’s lineup.
Meanwhile, the Redmi Buds 5, originally priced at $39.99, are often available for $25–30, offering excellent value for slightly more money.
Final Verdict
If you’re looking for the best value and are willing to spend a little extra, the Redmi Buds 5 remain the better choice. Their superior build quality, longer battery life, enhanced ANC, and overall polish make them a standout option. On the other hand, the Redmi Buds 6 Lite are an excellent budget-friendly alternative, offering much of the same performance at a lower price.
In the end, your decision will depend on your priorities and budget, but either way, Xiaomi delivers solid wireless earbuds for an affordable price point.
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.
