Xiaomi Redmi Buds 6 Review: Budget Earbuds, Big Performance!

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When you’re looking for wireless earbuds that won’t break the bank, Xiaomi’s Redmi line has always delivered. Their latest offering, the Redmi Buds 6, keeps this trend going.

I’ve had the chance to put these earbuds through their paces, and now I’m ready to give you the lowdown on what they bring to the table and how they measure up to the earlier Redmi Buds 5.

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Also, see my latest reviews:

• Xiaomi Redmi Buds 6 Lite Review
• Xiaomi Redmi Buds 6 Active Review
• Xiaomi Buds 5 Review
• Redmi Buds 6 Play Review

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Xiaomi Redmi Buds 6 Specifications:

• Material: Plastic
• Wireless Range: <10 meters
• Charging Method: USB-C charging case
• Package Includes: Charging case, User manual
• Wireless: Yes
• Noise Cancellation: Active Noise-Cancellation (ANC)
• Volume Control: No
• Control Buttons: Yes
• Vocalism Principle: Dynamic
• Bluetooth Version: 5.4
• Supported Codecs: AAC, SBC
• Net Weight (Earphone): 5g each
• Total Weight: 43.2g (with case)
• Available Colors: Black, White, Green

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Design and Build Quality

Right off the bat, the design of the Redmi Buds 6 closely mirrors that of the previous model, the Redmi Buds 5.

At first glance, the earbuds look nearly identical, but there are a few key changes worth noting. Xiaomi has maintained the matte plastic finish on both the top and bottom of the case, which not only feels premium for its price point but also resists fingerprints and scratches.

However, the Redmi Buds 6 introduces a shiny plastic stripe in the middle, which adds a bit of flair but doesn’t get in the way since you don’t touch that area often.

One of the improvements that caught my eye is the dynamic LED bar on the front of the case. It’s not only more visually appealing, but it also serves as an indicator for charging status.

When you plug the case in, the LED animates, giving you a clear sense of how much charge remains, which is a nice touch that makes the product feel more premium than its price suggests.

In terms of portability, the case remains pocket-friendly and sturdy enough to handle everyday use. The inclusion of USB-C charging on the front of the case is a welcome convenience, making it easier to charge without flipping the case around.

There’s also a button on the side to reset pairing if needed, a simple feature that adds to the overall user-friendly experience.

As for the earbuds themselves, they share a similar aesthetic to the Redmi Buds 5. If you liked the previous design, you’ll love these. They’re lightweight and sit comfortably in your ears. I prefer to use the smallest silicone tips, and they fit securely enough for exercise without any risk of falling out.

With an IP54 rating, these buds can withstand sweat and light rain, making them perfect for workouts or outdoor activities.

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Comfort and Fit

I can confidently say that Xiaomi has once again nailed the fit with the Redmi Buds 6. The earbuds are incredibly comfortable for extended periods of wear, and I didn’t experience any discomfort or ear fatigue, even after hours of use.

The snug fit also helps with passive noise isolation, which is essential when you want to block out the world and focus on your music.

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Connectivity and Features

The Redmi Buds 6 come equipped with Bluetooth 5.4, a step up from the previous generation’s Bluetooth 5.3. This upgrade ensures a more stable connection and improved efficiency, which is evident in both the battery life and overall performance.

The connection remained rock-solid during my tests, with no dropouts or stuttering, even when I moved around the house with my phone in the other room.

These earbuds also support AAC, but not higher-end codecs like aptX, which isn’t surprising given the budget-friendly price. Still, AAC delivers decent sound quality and should satisfy most users.

However, one notable feature missing from this Chinese version is Google Fast Pair, which may be included in the global version when it’s released.

The Redmi Buds 6 also works seamlessly with the Xiaomi Earbuds app, available for both Android and iOS. This app allows you to customize the touch controls, adjust the level of noise cancellation, and activate transparency mode.

While it’s disappointing that there’s no manual equalizer, Xiaomi offers a few preset sound modes, including a “treble boost” that noticeably improves the sound quality, especially for vocals.

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Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) and Transparency Mode

Xiaomi has upped their game with the ANC in the Redmi Buds 6, which can now cancel up to 49 decibels of noise. While it’s not quite on par with premium earbuds, the ANC does an admirable job of reducing background noise in loud environments, like cafes or busy streets.

When listening to music or podcasts, the noise reduction makes a noticeable difference, allowing you to stay immersed in your content.

The transparency mode, on the other hand, is functional but unremarkable. It allows you to hear your surroundings, which is handy when walking or biking in busy areas, but the sound isn’t as natural or clear as I’d like. Still, for everyday use, it gets the job done.

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Sound Quality

Now, onto the most critical aspect—sound quality. The Redmi Buds 6 pack a 12.4mm dynamic driver coated in titanium, along with a 5.5mm piezoelectric ceramic driver. This combination delivers a balanced sound signature that’s surprisingly good for the price.

The bass is punchy without being overwhelming, the mids are clear, and the highs, thanks to that ceramic driver, are crisp and detailed.

However, I recommend switching to the “treble boost” preset in the app, as it dramatically improves the listening experience.

The default sound profile feels a bit too bass-heavy for my taste, which muddies the mids and highs. But with the treble boost, vocals and instruments come to life, giving the music a more dynamic and engaging feel.

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Microphone Performance

Xiaomi has made slight improvements to the microphone quality in the Redmi Buds 6, particularly when it comes to outdoor noise cancellation.

While it’s not perfect, and high-pitched sounds still come through occasionally, the mics do a great job of picking up my voice clearly during calls. If you need budget earbuds for frequent phone calls, these will serve you well.

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Battery Life and Charging

One of the most significant improvements Xiaomi made with the Redmi Buds 6 is in the battery department. According to Xiaomi, the buds can last up to 10 hours on a single charge with active noise cancellation (ANC) enabled, and the case can extend that to a whopping 42 hours.

While I didn’t quite hit those numbers during my testing, I managed about 8 hours of use with ANC on and the volume at around 50%. That’s still an impressive figure for earbuds in this price range.

Additionally, the case supports fast charging, providing up to 4 hours of playback with just a 10-minute charge. This feature is especially useful when you’re in a hurry and don’t have time for a full charge.

However, the case lacks wireless charging, which would have been a nice addition, but this omission is understandable for the price.

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Xiaomi Redmi Buds 6 Review: Final Verdict

At around $40, the Xiaomi Redmi Buds 6 offers incredible value. While they don’t make huge leaps over the Redmi Buds 5, they improve in areas that matter most—battery life, ANC, and sound quality.

The addition of fast charging, enhanced comfort, and a stylish new design make them a compelling option for anyone looking for quality wireless earbuds without breaking the bank.

If you’re on the fence about upgrading from the Redmi Buds 5, the improvements, though incremental, might just make it worth your while.

However, if you’re looking for your first pair of budget-friendly earbuds, the Redmi Buds 6 is an easy recommendation.