The Xiaomi Redmi Buds 6 Pro have officially arrived, and they’re already making waves as one of the most promising pairs of wireless earbuds in the affordable segment.
Xiaomi has been a dominant force in delivering exceptional value in audio technology, and these earbuds follow in the footsteps of the wildly popular Redmi Buds 5 Pro.
With improvements in noise cancellation, spatial audio, and call quality, let’s dive into what makes the Redmi Buds 6 Pro a compelling choice.
Table of Contents
Redmi Buds 6 Pro Specifications
Feature | Specification |
---|---|
Drivers | Triple-driver setup: 6.7mm ceramic + 11mm titanium-coated dynamic driver |
Noise Cancellation | ANC up to 55dB |
Audio Features | Spatial audio with head tracking |
Battery Life | Up to 36 hours with case |
Latency | 20ms (Gaming Mode) |
Audio Codecs | MIHC, LHDC 5.0, LC3 |
Wireless Mic | 130-meter range |
Price | CNY 399 (~$55), Gaming Edition: CNY 499 (~$69) |
Unboxing and First Impressions
Unboxing the Redmi Buds 6 Pro was a straightforward experience. The earbuds, charging case, USB-C cable, and silicone ear tips were neatly packed.
The green variant of the earbuds immediately stood out with its sleek design, although the glossy finish proved to be a magnet for fingerprints. Choosing a matte option might be more practical for those who prefer a cleaner look.
The earbuds themselves felt light and comfortable. Swapping out the default ear tips for a more suitable size ensured a snug fit, enhancing noise isolation. Setting them up was quick and intuitive, a testament to Xiaomi’s user-friendly design philosophy.
Design and Comfort
Wearing the Redmi Buds 6 Pro for extended periods was surprisingly comfortable. Whether during work sessions or casual walks, the earbuds stayed securely in place.
The ergonomic design and variety of ear tip sizes make them suitable for different ear shapes and activities.
The charging case, while compact and visually appealing, has a glossy finish prone to scratches and smudges. This means users might need to handle it with extra care.
One noticeable downside was the placement of gesture controls. Adjusting the volume or skipping tracks felt less intuitive due to the positioning on the outer surface of the buds.
Additionally, the feedback sound for gestures had a slight delay, which could be frustrating at times.
Audio Quality: Balanced and Immersive
The audio quality of the Redmi Buds 6 Pro is one of their strongest suits. Thanks to the triple-driver setup, which includes a ceramic piezoelectric tweeter and two dynamic drivers, the soundstage feels expansive and detailed.
Testing various genres highlighted how well the earbuds handled mids and highs, delivering clear vocals and sharp instruments.
However, the bass could use some refinement. While it’s present and impactful, it sometimes feels muddy in bass-heavy tracks.
The Xiaomi Earbuds app provides an equalizer for those who want to fine-tune their listening experience.
The “Enhance Treble” mode, for instance, significantly improves the clarity of vocals and acoustic instruments.
Spatial Audio: A Game-Changer
One of the standout features is the spatial audio. Watching movies or listening to live performances felt immersive, with sound enveloping the listener from all directions.
The head-tracking feature adds an extra layer of realism by dynamically adjusting the sound based on head movements.
This means users can enjoy a cinema-like experience right from their earbuds. Compared to its predecessor, the Buds 5 Pro, this feature is a clear upgrade.
Noise Cancellation and Transparency Mode
Active noise cancellation (ANC) on the Redmi Buds 6 Pro is excellent, particularly for a product in this price range. It excels at reducing low-frequency noises, such as the hum of engines or crowded spaces.
Xiaomi’s claim of 55dB noise reduction seems believable based on the performance in real-world scenarios.
However, the Transparency Mode falls short. The occlusion effect caused by the snug fit of the earbuds detracts from its effectiveness, making ambient sounds feel unnatural.
Users who prioritize a seamless Transparency Mode might find this aspect disappointing compared to the Buds 5 Pro.
Connectivity and Features
Connectivity is another strong point of the Redmi Buds 6 Pro. The earbuds support Bluetooth 5.3 and LDHC 5.0 codecs, ensuring stable connections and high-quality audio.
Multipoint connectivity works seamlessly, allowing users to switch between devices without interrupting playback. This means you can easily transition from watching a video on your tablet to answering a call on your phone.
The app complements the hardware by offering options to customize gestures, adjust ANC levels, and personalize the equalizer settings. Latency during gaming and video playback is minimal, ensuring a smooth experience.
Microphone and Call Performance
Call quality on the Redmi Buds 6 Pro is another area where they shine. With three microphones per earbud and AI-enhanced noise reduction, voice clarity is excellent even in noisy environments.
During tests, voices came through clearly, and background noise was effectively minimized. The ability to switch between ANC and Transparency Mode during calls adds convenience, especially for users in dynamic environments.
Battery Life: Dependable for Long Days
The battery life of the Redmi Buds 6 Pro is commendable. With ANC off, the earbuds deliver up to 9.5 hours of playback, while ANC reduces this to around 6.5 hours.
The charging case extends the total battery life to 36 hours, making it a reliable choice for daily use.
Although the lack of wireless charging is a downside, the USB-C fast charging compensates by providing several hours of playback with a quick charge. This feature ensures users are rarely left without power.
Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?
Xiaomi’s Redmi Buds 6 Pro proves that you don’t need to spend a fortune to get a quality pair of earbuds. From their balanced sound profile and effective noise cancellation to their impressive battery life and connectivity features, they deliver exceptional value.
While there’s room for improvement in Transparency Mode and gesture controls, it’s hard to argue against the price-to-performance ratio.
If you’re looking for affordable earbuds that punch well above their weight, the Redmi Buds 6 Pro is an easy recommendation. Whether you’re upgrading from the Buds 5 Pro or diving into Xiaomi’s ecosystem for the first time, these earbuds won’t disappoint.
Let us know your thoughts in the comments below. Have you tried the Redmi Buds 6 Pro? How do they compare to your current earbuds?
You can also check my other reviews:
- Xiaomi Redmi Buds 6 Review
- Xiaomi Redmi Buds 6 Lite Review
- Xiaomi Redmi Buds 6 Active Review
- Redmi Buds 6 Play Review
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.