Is the Xiaomi Redmi Buds 5 Pro worth the upgrade from the Soundcore Liberty 5 Pro?
Verdict
Downgrade
The Xiaomi Redmi Buds 5 Pro actually scores 16.0 points below the Soundcore Liberty 5 Pro, so on aggregate review consensus this is a step backwards. It loses ground on calls (9.0 to 6.5) and sound (8.5 to 7.0). On paper: battery incl. case 28 h to 38 h and driver size 9.2 mm to 11 mm. Worth checking: battery life goes 12 h to 10 h and bluetooth goes 6.1 to 5.3. It is at least $114 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.
- Sound8.57.0
- Noise cancelling8.07.0
- Battery8.57.5
- Calls9.06.5
- Value8.08.0
Spec differences
Only where the two genuinely differ - everything they share is omitted.
| Spec | Liberty 5 Pro | Redmi Buds 5 Pro | Direction |
|---|---|---|---|
| Battery life | 12 h | 10 h | |
| Bluetooth | 6.1 | 5.3 | |
| Water resistance | IP55 | Not rated | |
| Battery incl. case | 28 h | 38 h | |
| Driver size | 9.2 mm | 11 mm | |
| Microphones | 10 | 3 | |
| Quick charge | 5 mins = 4 hrs playtime | 5 min = 2 h | |
| Driver | 9.2mm wool-paper diaphragm drivers | hybrid |
About this verdict
Direction matters here: this page answers "Liberty 5 Pro to Redmi Buds 5 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.