True Wireless
Sony WF-1000XM5
88Outstanding
$249
Full review dataSony WF-1000XM5 vs Xiaomi Redmi Buds 6 Play: which should you buy?
On aggregated review scores the Sony WF-1000XM5 comes out ahead with an HearWiki score of 88. The full breakdown - sub-scores, specs and what reviewers actually said - is below.
Our pick: Sony WF-1000XM5 - Outstanding overall at around $249.
True Wireless
Xiaomi Redmi Buds 6 Play
72Good
Price n/a
Full review dataScore breakdown
Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.
Sony WF-1000XM5
Sound9.0
Noise cancelling9.0
Battery8.0
Calls8.0
Value7.0
Xiaomi Redmi Buds 6 Play
Sound6.5
Battery8.5
Calls6.0
Value8.0
Specifications
| Spec | Sony WF-1000XM5 | Xiaomi Redmi Buds 6 Play |
|---|---|---|
| Type | True Wireless | True Wireless |
| Price (USD) | $249 | - |
| HearWiki score | 88 / 100 · Outstanding | 72 / 100 · Good |
| Released | 2023 | 2024 |
| Audio | ||
| Driver | 0.33" | 10mm dynamic driver |
| Driver size | 8.4 mm | 10 mm |
| Drivers per side | 2 | 1 |
| Frequency response | 20 Hz - 40,000 Hz | 20Hz-20kHz |
| Impedance | 32 Ω | 16 Ω |
| Sensitivity | 102 dB/mW | 104 dB/mW |
| Wireless | ||
| Bluetooth | 5.3 | 5.4 |
| Bluetooth version | 5.3 | 5.4 |
| Codecs | SBC, AAC, LDAC, LC3 | SBC |
| Multipoint pairing | Yes | No |
| Wireless range | - | 10 m |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | 12 h | 7.5 h |
| Battery life (ANC on) | 8 h | - |
| Battery incl. case | 24 h | 36 h |
| Full charge time | 90 min | - |
| Quick charge | 5 min = 1 h | - |
| Wireless charging | Yes | No |
| Features | ||
| Active noise cancelling | - | No |
| ANC type | hybrid | - |
| Transparency mode | Yes | - |
| Companion app | Yes | - |
| Custom EQ | Yes | - |
| Wear detection | Yes | - |
| Controls | touch | touch |
| Voice assistant | Yes | yes |
| Design | ||
| Weight | 11.8 g | 3.6 g |
| Case weight | 39 g | 32.8 g |
| Water resistance | IPX4 | none |
| USB-C | Yes | Yes |
| Calls | ||
| Microphones | 6 | 2 |
| Call noise reduction | - | AI noise reduction |
What reviewers said
Sony WF-1000XM5
These are high-end true wireless earbuds that focus on adaptive noise cancellation and detailed audio, supporting LDAC for high-resolution streaming. They offer a solid battery life of up to 12 hours without ANC, plus a comfortable fit and IPX4 sweat resistance for daily use. The touch controls and companion app add convenience, though the price reflects their premium status.
- Pro:Excellent adaptive noise cancellation
- Pro:Long battery life (12 hours without ANC)
- Pro:Supports LDAC and AAC codecs
- Con:Premium price point
- Con:No higher water resistance rating than IPX4
- Con:Touch controls may take time to master
Xiaomi Redmi Buds 6 Play
The Redmi Buds 6 Play are an ultra-affordable pair of true wireless earbuds that punch above their price class with impressive battery endurance, a comfortable in-ear fit, and surprisingly balanced sound for the cost. They skip active noise cancellation and multipoint connectivity, but make up for it with practical touches like fast charging, low-latency gaming mode, and AI-enhanced call clarity, making them a solid pick for budget-focused listeners who prioritize longevity over premium features.
- Pro:Exceptional 36-hour total battery life with the charging case
- Pro:Comfortable, lightweight design (3.6g per bud) for extended wear
- Pro:Clear and punchy audio for entry-level earbuds
- Con:No active noise cancellation or multipoint pairing
- Con:Sound quality is decent but not outstanding compared to other features
- Con:Lacks wireless charging for the case
Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.
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