Is the Huawei FreeBuds Pro 5 worth the upgrade from the Xiaomi Redmi Buds 4 Pro?
Verdict
Clear upgrade
Going from the Xiaomi Redmi Buds 4 Pro to the Huawei FreeBuds Pro 5 buys you 13.2 points of HearWiki score - a clear step up that reviewers agree on rather than a marketing refresh. The gains are concentrated in noise cancelling (6.0 to 8.7), calls (6.5 to 8.7) and sound (7.5 to 8.6). On paper: bluetooth 5.3 to 6.0, wireless range 10 m to 12 m and driver size 10 mm to 11 mm. Worth checking: battery life (anc on) goes 6 h to 5 h and battery incl. case goes 36 h to 33 h. That costs $143 more, or about $11 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.
What actually changes
Sub-scores both products have, on the same 0-10 scale. Bars extend right for a gain, left for a loss.
- Sound7.58.6
- Noise cancelling6.08.7
- Battery7.58.2
- Calls6.58.7
- Value8.08.3
Spec differences
Only where the two genuinely differ - everything they share is omitted.
| Spec | Redmi Buds 4 Pro | FreeBuds Pro 5 | Direction |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.3 | 6.0 | |
| Water resistance | IP54 | IP57 | |
| Battery life (ANC on) | 6 h | 5 h | |
| Battery incl. case | 36 h | 33 h | |
| Wireless range | 10 m | 12 m | |
| Driver size | 10 mm | 11 mm | |
| Wireless charging | No | Yes | |
| Quick charge | 5 min → 2 h | 3 min → 1 h | |
| Frequency response | 20 Hz - 20 kHz | 10 Hz - 48 kHz |
About this verdict
Direction matters here: this page answers "Redmi Buds 4 Pro to FreeBuds Pro 5". 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.