I recently reviewed the new Xiaomi Redmi Buds 6, and a few months ago, I had the chance to dive deep into the Realme Buds Air 6. So, I’ve got plenty to share about both.
If you’re torn between these two earbuds, then you’re in the right place. This comparison is going to break down everything you need to know, helping you make the best choice for your needs.
Let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
Price and Availability
The Xiaomi Redmi Buds 6 are priced at CNY 199 in China, which is roughly $40. They come in three color options: Black, Cyan, and White, and you can buy them through the official Redmi China store.
On the other hand, the Realme Buds Air 6 are priced a bit higher, ranging between $50 and $55.99, depending on your region and available offers. These earbuds are available in two colors: Forest Green and Flame Silver.
Best Deals:
Redmi Buds 6: View on AliExpress
Realme Buds Air 6: View on AliExpress
Xiaomi Redmi Buds 6 vs Realme Buds Air 6: Specs Comparison
| Feature | Redmi Buds 6 | Realme Buds Air 6 |
|---|---|---|
| IP54-rated (dust and splash resistant) | CNY 199 (around $40) | $50 – $55.99 (varies by region and offers) |
| Colors | Black, Cyan, White | Forest Green, Flame Silver |
| Driver Size | 12.4mm dynamic drivers | 12.4mm Mega Titanizing Driver |
| Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) | Up to 49dB ANC | Up to 50dB ANC, with 6-Mic Call Noise Cancellation |
| Transparency Modes | Three transparency modes | Smart Adaptive Noise Cancellation, Transparent mode |
| Battery Life | Up to 42 hours with the case, 10 hours on a single charge | Up to 40 hours with the case (ANC off), Fast charging (7 hours in 10 minutes) |
| Charging Case | Crevice lighting to show battery level | Case with 460mAh battery |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.4 | Bluetooth 5.3 |
| Audio Codecs | SBC, AAC | SBC, AAC, LHDC 5.0 |
| Water Resistance | IP54 rated (dust and splash resistant) | IP55 rated (water resistant) |
| Latency | Not specified | 55ms Super Low Latency |
| Weight | 5.0g per earbud, 43.2g with the case | Earbuds – 58mAh each |
| App Support | Xiaomi Earbuds app | Realme Link app |
Design and Comfort
Both the Redmi Buds 6 and Realme Buds Air 6 feature sleek designs, but they differ slightly in aesthetics and comfort.
The Redmi Buds 6 sticks to the familiar in-ear design with silicone ear tips, offering a snug fit for most users. They come with a matte finish on the charging case, which makes it resistant to fingerprints.
The Realme Buds Air 6, on the other hand, also offers a premium matte finish on the case but comes with a slightly bulkier design compared to the Redmi Buds 6.
In terms of comfort, both earbuds fit well in the ear, but the Realme Buds Air 6’s design may feel more stable during vigorous activities due to their larger ear tips.
The Redmi Buds 6 come with an IP54 rating, which means they are resistant to dust and splashes, making them suitable for everyday use and light workouts.
The Realme Buds Air 6 takes it up a notch with an IP55 rating, offering better protection against dust and water, and making them more durable for outdoor activities or intense workouts.
Verdict: If you prefer a more compact design, the Redmi Buds 6 might be more comfortable. For a more secure fit during workouts, the Realme Buds Air 6 could be the better option.
Sound Quality
When it comes to sound, both earbuds pack a punch, but there are some key differences.
The Redmi Buds 6 are equipped with 12.4mm titanium-coated dynamic drivers, which deliver solid bass and clear mids and highs. The addition of piezoelectric ceramic units enhances the high frequencies, offering a well-rounded audio experience.
The Realme Buds Air 6 also comes with 12.4mm Mega Titanizing drivers, but they take the bass up a notch with their Dynamic Bass Boost technology. This gives the Realme Buds Air 6 an edge for bass lovers.
Verdict: If you prefer a balanced sound profile, go for the Redmi Buds 6, but if you enjoy bass-heavy tracks, the Realme Buds Air 6 is the better pick.
Active Noise Cancellation (ANC)
Noise cancellation is a major feature in both earbuds, but the Realme Buds Air 6 takes the lead here. It offers up to 50dB of ANC, along with a 6-microphone call noise cancellation setup, which ensures you stay immersed in your audio with minimal distractions.
The Redmi Buds 6, while still impressive, offers up to 49dB of ANC and a dual-microphone system for noise cancellation. Both perform well, but the Realme Buds Air 6 has an edge with its additional mic and slightly higher ANC level.
Verdict: For superior noise cancellation, the Realme Buds Air 6 offers a slight advantage, though the Redmi Buds 6 are still excellent for the price.
Connectivity and Latency
The Redmi Buds 6 uses Bluetooth 5.4, ensuring a stable and efficient connection, while the Realme Buds Air 6 uses Bluetooth 5.3 and features 55ms super low latency mode, making it ideal for gamers or those who watch a lot of videos on their phones.
Both earbuds support dual device connectivity, allowing you to switch between two devices seamlessly.
Verdict: If low latency is a priority, especially for gaming or video watching, the Realme Buds Air 6 is the clear winner.
App Support and Controls
Both earbuds are compatible with their respective apps—Xiaomi Earbuds App for the Redmi Buds 6 and Realme Link App for the Realme Buds Air 6.
These apps allow you to customize touch controls, manage ANC settings, and check battery levels. However, the Realme Buds Air 6 offers more advanced features like customizable equalizers and pre-set sound modes, giving you more control over your listening experience.
Both earbuds also support touch controls directly on the earbuds for easy access to play/pause, skip tracks, and adjust volume.
Verdict: The Realme Buds Air 6 offers a bit more customization through its app, but both apps are user-friendly and effective.
Battery Life
Battery life is another important factor, and both earbuds offer impressive endurance.
The Redmi Buds 6 can last up to 10 hours on a single charge with ANC off, and the charging case provides an additional 42 hours of total playback.
The Realme Buds Air 6 gives you up to 40 hours of battery life with ANC off, but they also offer fast charging, giving you 7 hours of playback with just a 10-minute charge.
Verdict: While both earbuds perform well in terms of battery life, the Redmi Buds 6 lasts a bit longer, but the Realme Buds Air 6 shines with its fast-charging feature.
Final Verdict: Which One Should You Choose?
After comparing both the Xiaomi Redmi Buds 6 and Realme Buds Air 6, it’s clear that each has its strengths, but the Realme Buds Air 6 edges out as the winner in this competition.
With stronger active noise cancellation, faster charging, and slightly more advanced sound customization, it’s the better choice for those who want premium features without breaking the bank.
The Redmi Buds 6 is still a fantastic option if you’re on a tighter budget, offering great battery life and solid overall performance.
You might like:
- Xiaomi Redmi Buds 6 vs Redmi Buds 5: Should You Upgrade?
- Realme Buds Air 6 Pro vs OnePlus Buds 3: Which One Offers More Value?
- Realme Buds Air 6 Pro vs Redmi Buds 5 Pro: Which is Best?
- Redmi Buds 5 Pro vs Realme Buds Air 5: Choose Wisely!
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.
