Xiaomi keeps wowing buyers with its budget-friendly and well-equipped wireless earbuds, and the Redmi Buds 6 and Redmi Buds 6S lives up to this reputation.
If you’re stuck between these two options, we’ve got you covered—we’ve laid out their differences to help you choose. Each set of earbuds shines in its own way, but they’re designed for different user groups.
Let’s take a closer look at what they offer to see which pair suits you best.
Redmi Buds 6 vs Redmi Buds 6S: Specs Comparison
| Specification | Redmi Buds 6 | Redmi Buds 6S |
|---|---|---|
| Design | In-ear with silicone ear tips | Semi-in-ear without silicone tips |
| Drivers | Dual drivers: 12.4mm dynamic + 5.5mm piezoelectric ceramic | Single 12.4mm dynamic driver |
| Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) | Up to 49dB ANC with adaptive noise cancellation | Up to 46dB ANC |
| Transparency Modes | Standard, Vocal Enhancement, Environmental Enhancement | Standard Transparency Mode |
| Bluetooth Version | Bluetooth 5.4 | Bluetooth 5.3 |
| Battery Life (Earbuds) | Up to 10 hours per charge | Up to 7 hours per charge |
| Total Battery Life (With Case) | Up to 42 hours | Up to 30 hours |
| Fast Charging | 10 minutes charge for 4 hours playback | 5 minutes charge for 2 hours playback |
| Water Resistance | IP54 dust and water resistance | IPX4 water resistance |
| Special Features | Sound ID customization, 360° surround sound, Dual-device connection, One-click photo capture, Audio sharing | AI noise reduction for calls, In-ear detection, Touch controls |
| Charging Interface | USB Type-C | USB Type-C |
| App Support | Xiaomi Headphones app | Xiaomi Headphones app |
| Price | Approx. $28 | Approx. $25 |
Design and Comfort
The design is where the Redmi Buds 6 and 6S show their first major differences. The Redmi Buds 6 comes with silicone ear tips, which allow for a snug fit that sits securely in your ear canal. This design offers two major advantages: better passive noise isolation and a more secure fit.
For people who are active or simply want to enjoy their music without distractions, the Buds 6 is the clear winner here. The silicone tips also come with extra sizes in the box, so you can adjust them for maximum comfort.
On the other hand, the Redmi Buds 6S adopts a semi-in-ear design without silicone tips. This makes them lighter and more comfortable for extended use, especially if you don’t like the feeling of earbuds sitting deep in your ears.
However, the trade-off is that they don’t provide the same level of passive noise isolation as the Buds 6. This can be noticeable in noisy environments, but some users prefer the open feel of semi-in-ear earbuds.
Which is better?
If you prioritize comfort over noise isolation and don’t like the feeling of silicone tips, the 6S might suit you better. But if you’re after a secure fit that won’t fall out easily during workouts, the Buds 6 is a smarter choice.
Sound Quality
When it comes to sound quality, the Redmi Buds 6 takes a noticeable lead. Featuring a dual-driver setup, it delivers a more balanced and refined audio experience. The bass is punchy yet controlled, and the mids and highs come through with clarity.
Thanks to the silicone tips, the Buds 6 also creates a better seal in your ear, which helps to isolate external noise and keep the sound more immersive. Whether you’re listening to bass-heavy tracks or podcasts, the Buds 6 excels.
The Redmi Buds 6S, while still delivering decent sound quality, doesn’t quite match up. Its open design allows some sound to leak out, and external noise can creep in, which diminishes the immersive experience. The bass isn’t as deep as on the Buds 6, but for casual listening, the 6S still holds its ground.
Which is better?
If you’re serious about sound quality and want a more immersive experience, the Buds 6 is the way to go. However, if you prefer a lightweight design and aren’t overly concerned about audio depth, the 6S will suffice.
Noise Cancellation
Both earbuds come equipped with Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), but their effectiveness differs. The Redmi Buds 6 benefits from both its ANC and the passive noise isolation provided by the silicone tips. This combination ensures a quieter listening experience, especially in environments like public transport or busy streets.
The Redmi Buds 6S also offers ANC, but its semi-in-ear design means it lacks the passive isolation of the Buds 6. While the ANC works decently, it’s not as effective at blocking out noise. You may still hear some background sounds, which can be distracting during calls or while enjoying your music.
Which is better?
For stronger noise cancellation, the Buds 6 wins hands down. The 6S is better for users who want a lighter, more open design and don’t need complete noise isolation.
Microphone and Call Quality
Call quality is an important factor, especially for people who frequently use earbuds for meetings or calls.
Both the Redmi Buds 6 and 6S deliver good microphone performance, ensuring your voice comes through clearly on the other end.
The Buds 6, with its silicone tips, slightly reduces background noise during calls, making it a better choice for noisy environments. The Buds 6S, while still performing well, might pick up more ambient sounds due to its open design.
Which is better?
If you often take calls in noisy settings, the Buds 6 is more reliable. For casual use in quieter environments, the 6S is a solid alternative.
Battery Life: Minimal Differences
Battery life is similar across both models, with only slight variations. The Redmi Buds 6 offers about 7 hours of playback on a single charge, extending up to 30 hours with the charging case. When using ANC, the playback time drops to around 6 hours.
The Redmi Buds 6S provides slightly less battery life, at around 6.5 hours on a single charge and up to 28 hours with the case. While the difference is minimal, the Buds 6 has a slight edge for those who prioritize longer usage times.
Which is better?
For most users, the battery performance of both models will feel similar. However, if you want that extra bit of endurance, the Buds 6 has the upper hand.
Final Thoughts
The Redmi Buds 6 is the better all-rounder, excelling in sound quality, noise cancellation, and fit. It’s ideal for users who want a high-performance earbud experience without breaking the bank.
Meanwhile, the Redmi Buds 6S offers a simpler, more comfortable design that’s perfect for those who don’t need advanced features like passive noise isolation.
Both models deliver excellent value for money, but your choice will depend on your personal preferences and how you plan to use them.
If you’re looking for the best sound and noise cancellation, go with the Buds 6. If comfort and simplicity are your priorities, the Buds 6S won’t disappoint.
Best Deals:
Redmi Buds 6: View on AliExpress
Redmi Buds 6S: View on AliExpress
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- Xiaomi Redmi Buds 6 vs Buds 6 Lite
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- Redmi Buds 6 Active vs Xiaomi Air 4 SE
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.
