Xiaomi has just expanded its Redmi Buds lineup by introducing the Redmi Buds 6, the successor to the popular Redmi Buds 5. The best part? It remains just as affordable while bringing some useful improvements.
If you’re considering buying a new pair of wireless earbuds or upgrading from the previous model, this comparison will help you decide which one is better for you.
Let’s dive into what’s new and whether it’s worth the upgrade!
Table of Contents
Price and Availability
At launch, the Redmi Buds 6 were priced around $40, whereas the Redmi Buds 5 can now be found for around $30. The price difference isn’t huge, but if you want the best performance, it might be worth spending a little extra on the Buds 6.
If budget is a concern, the Redmi Buds 5 still offer excellent value for the money, especially now that they’re available at a discounted price.
Best Deals:
Redmi Buds 6: View on AliExpress
Redmi Buds 5: View on AliExpress
Xiaomi Redmi Buds 6 vs Redmi Buds 5: Specs Comparison
| Category | Redmi Buds 6 | Redmi Buds 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Color Options | Black, Cyan, White | Black, White, Sky Blue |
| Dimensions (Earbud) | Not Available | 29.5 × 21.4 × 23.5 mm |
| Weight (Single Earbud) | 5.0g | 5.3g |
| Weight (Charging Case) | 43.2g | 31.4g |
| Total Weight | 43.2g | 42g |
| Bluetooth Version | Bluetooth 5.4 | Bluetooth 5.3 |
| Audio Codecs Supported | SBC, AAC | SBC, AAC |
| ANC (Active Noise Cancellation) | Up to 49dB ANC, 3 Transparency Modes | 46dB noise cancellation |
| Battery Life (Earbuds) | Up to 10 hours | Up to 10 hours |
| Battery Life (Total with Case) | Up to 42 hours | Up to 40 hours |
| Charging Port | Type-C | Type-C |
| Charging Case Battery Capacity | 480mAh | 480mAh |
| IP Rating | IP54 (Dust and Splash Resistant) | IP54 |
Design and Build Quality
Both the Redmi Buds 6 and Redmi Buds 5 feature a compact, lightweight design, making them ideal for daily use. The charging cases for both models are nearly identical, with a smooth matte plastic finish that resists scratches and fingerprints. However, there is a small but noticeable upgrade in the Redmi Buds 6 design.
The main difference in the design lies in the LED indicator. The Redmi Buds 5 had an elongated LED inside the case, while the Redmi Buds 6 now have an external dynamic LED that provides a cool animation when charging. This new design tweak makes the Buds 6 look a bit more modern and visually appealing.
In terms of the earbuds themselves, both models have a sleek and comfortable fit, perfect for workouts and everyday wear. The positioning of the microphones is slightly different between the two, but overall, the design remains almost identical.
Comfort and Fit
Comfort is key when it comes to earbuds, especially if you plan to wear them for extended periods. Both the Redmi Buds 6 and 5 offer silicone tips in different sizes, ensuring a good fit for most users. These earbuds stay snug in the ear, even during high-intensity exercises.
If you’ve used the Redmi Buds 5 and found them comfortable, you’ll feel right at home with the Redmi Buds 6. The fit hasn’t changed much, and both models remain equally stable during movement, making them great for workouts or long listening sessions.
Sound Quality
When it comes to sound, both models offer solid performance, but the Redmi Buds 6 take things up a notch. Both the Redmi Buds 6 and Redmi Buds 5 feature a 12.4mm dynamic driver, but the Buds 6 also include a 5.5mm piezoelectric ceramic driver. This addition helps the Buds 6 deliver better mid-range clarity, especially for vocals.
In terms of bass performance, the Redmi Buds 5 already did a great job, particularly for their price. However, the Redmi Buds 6 fine-tunes this even further, offering a more balanced sound with enhanced clarity in the mid and high frequencies. This makes them a better choice for those who prefer a more detailed soundstage, especially when listening to a variety of music genres.
That said, if you’re someone who listens mostly to bass-heavy music, the Redmi Buds 5 still perform well in this area.
Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) and Transparency Mode
Both the Redmi Buds 6 and Redmi Buds 5 come with Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), a feature that helps block out unwanted background noise. The ANC in the Redmi Buds 6 is slightly improved, offering noise reduction of up to 49 decibels compared to the 46 decibels on the Redmi Buds 5.
While the difference may seem small on paper, you can notice a slight improvement in the noise-canceling ability of the Redmi Buds 6, particularly in noisy environments like airplanes or crowded public spaces. However, both models offer effective noise cancellation for most everyday situations.
Both earbuds also feature Transparency Mode, which allows you to hear your surroundings without taking off the earbuds. However, the performance of this mode is quite similar in both models, and it’s sufficient for basic tasks like listening to announcements or having brief conversations.
Bluetooth and Connectivity
Connectivity is an area where the Redmi Buds 6 slightly outshines the Redmi Buds 5. The Redmi Buds 6 comes equipped with Bluetooth 5.4, which offers a slight improvement over the Bluetooth 5.3 found in the Redmi Buds 5. The upgrade provides better power efficiency and slightly lower latency, which is beneficial for gaming and watching videos.
Additionally, the Buds 6 has improved stability when switching between devices, though the difference is minimal. Both models still support AAC Bluetooth codec, which is pretty standard for earbuds in this price range.
Smart Features and Controls
Both the Redmi Buds 6 and Buds 5 offer touch controls, allowing you to play/pause music, adjust volume, and skip tracks directly from the earbuds. You can also customize the touch controls through the Xiaomi Earbuds app, which is available on both Android and iOS.
One key feature in both models is the automatic ear detection, which pauses or resumes playback when you remove or reinsert the earbuds. This feature can be turned on or off via the app.
The main new feature introduced with the Redmi Buds 6 is surround sound mode, which offers a more immersive audio experience. However, some users may find this feature unnecessary, as the effect can be subtle.
Battery Life and Charging
Battery life is one of the most important factors for wireless earbuds, and here, the Redmi Buds 6 offer a noticeable improvement over the Redmi Buds 5. According to Xiaomi, the Redmi Buds 6 can last up to 10 hours on a single charge with active noise cancellation (ANC) turned on. When combined with the charging case, the total battery life can reach up to 42 hours.
In comparison, the Redmi Buds 5 provides up to 8 hours of battery life with ANC on, and a total of 40 hours with the charging case. While the difference in battery life may not seem huge, it can be crucial for people who use their earbuds throughout the day.
Both models support fast charging through a USB Type-C port, and although neither model supports wireless charging, this is forgivable considering their price range.
Should You Upgrade to the Redmi Buds 6?
Both the Redmi Buds 6 and Redmi Buds 5 are great choices for affordable wireless earbuds, but the Redmi Buds 6 brings some subtle yet important improvements.
If you prioritize sound quality, battery life, and slightly better noise cancellation, then upgrading to the Redmi Buds 6 is worth considering.
However, if you already own the Redmi Buds 5 and are satisfied with their performance, the differences may not be significant enough to justify an upgrade.
Ultimately, both models offer great value, and the choice comes down to how much you’re willing to spend for these small but meaningful enhancements.
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.
