Is the Xiaomi Redmi Buds 6 Pro worth the upgrade from the Apple AirPods Pro 3?
Verdict
Downgrade
The Xiaomi Redmi Buds 6 Pro actually scores 6.0 points below the Apple AirPods Pro 3, so on aggregate review consensus this is a step backwards. The gains are concentrated in value (7.5 to 9.0). You do give up ground on calls (8.5 to 6.0) and noise cancelling (9.5 to 7.5). On paper: battery life 8 h to 9.5 h, codecs SBC, AAC to SBC, AAC, LDAC and battery incl. case 24 h to 36 h. Worth checking: battery life (anc on) goes 8 h to 6.5 h and wireless charging goes Yes to No. It is at least $149 cheaper, so the lower score comes with a saving. Only worth it if a specific feature above matters more to you than overall quality does.
What actually changes
Sub-scores both products have, on the same 0-10 scale. Bars extend right for a gain, left for a loss.
- Sound8.58.0
- Noise cancelling9.57.5
- Battery8.08.0
- Calls8.56.0
- Value7.59.0
Spec differences
Only where the two genuinely differ - everything they share is omitted.
| Spec | AirPods Pro 3 | Redmi Buds 6 Pro | Direction |
|---|---|---|---|
| Battery life | 8 h | 9.5 h | |
| Codecs | SBC, AAC | SBC, AAC, LDAC | |
| Water resistance | IP57 | IP54 | |
| Battery life (ANC on) | 8 h | 6.5 h | |
| Battery incl. case | 24 h | 36 h | |
| Drivers per side | 1 | 3 | |
| Case weight | 43.99 g | 36.1 g | |
| Wireless charging | Yes | No | |
| Wear detection | Yes | No | |
| Quick charge | 5 minutes in case = about 1 hour listening time | 5 min = 2 h | |
| Driver | dynamic | hybrid |
About this verdict
Direction matters here: this page answers "AirPods Pro 3 to Redmi Buds 6 Pro". The other direction is a separate question with a different answer. Scores blend published review verdicts across true wireless and shift as new reviews land, so a marginal call today may not be one next quarter.