Skip to content
HearWiki

Is the Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen, USB-C) worth the upgrade from the Xiaomi Redmi Buds 3?

You haveXiaomi Redmi Buds 3$2063
+20.1HearWiki points
You're eyeingApple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen, USB-C)$12083

Verdict

Clear upgrade

Going from the Xiaomi Redmi Buds 3 to the Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen, USB-C) buys you 20.1 points of HearWiki score - a clear step up that reviewers agree on rather than a marketing refresh. The gains are concentrated in sound (5.5 to 8.5), calls (5.0 to 8.0) and battery (6.5 to 7.5). On paper: battery life 5 h to 6 h, active noise cancelling and bluetooth 5.2 to 5.3. Worth checking: codecs goes SBC, AAC, aptX to SBC, AAC and driver size goes 12 mm to 11 mm. That costs $105 more, or about $5 per point of score - reasonable value for the jump. If your current pair is worn out or the gains line up with how you listen, this one is worth the money.

+$100
Price difference
+20.1
Score change
$5
Cost per point

What actually changes

Sub-scores both products have, on the same 0-10 scale. Bars extend right for a gain, left for a loss.

  • Sound5.58.5
  • Battery6.57.5
  • Calls5.08.0
  • Value7.07.5

Spec differences

Only where the two genuinely differ - everything they share is omitted.

Spec differences between the Xiaomi Redmi Buds 3 and the Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen, USB-C)
SpecRedmi Buds 3AirPods Pro (2nd Gen, USB-C)Direction
Battery life5 h6 h
Active noise cancellingNoYes
CodecsSBC, AAC, aptXSBC, AAC
Bluetooth5.25.3
Driver size12 mm11 mm
Microphones23
Wireless chargingNoYes
Driver12 mm dynamic11 mm dynamic
Full side-by-side comparisonWhat beats the AirPods Pro (2nd Gen, USB-C)?Check another pair

About this verdict

Direction matters here: this page answers "Redmi Buds 3 to AirPods Pro (2nd Gen, USB-C)". 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.