Is the Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen, USB-C) worth the upgrade from the Xiaomi Redmi Buds 5 Pro?
Verdict
Clear upgrade
Going from the Xiaomi Redmi Buds 5 Pro to the Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen, USB-C) buys you 16.0 points of HearWiki score - a clear step up that reviewers agree on rather than a marketing refresh. The gains are concentrated in noise cancelling (7.0 to 9.0), sound (7.0 to 8.5) and calls (6.5 to 8.0). You do give up ground on value (8.0 to 7.5). On paper it adds water resistance (IP54). Worth checking: codecs goes SBC, AAC, LDAC to SBC, AAC and multipoint pairing goes Yes to No. That costs $69 more, or about $4 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.
- Sound7.08.5
- Noise cancelling7.09.0
- Battery7.57.5
- Calls6.58.0
- Value8.07.5
Spec differences
Only where the two genuinely differ - everything they share is omitted.
| Spec | Redmi Buds 5 Pro | AirPods Pro (2nd Gen, USB-C) | Direction |
|---|---|---|---|
| Codecs | SBC, AAC, LDAC | SBC, AAC | |
| Multipoint pairing | Yes | No | |
| Water resistance | Not rated | IP54 | |
| Battery incl. case | 38 h | 30 h | |
| Case weight | 32.6 g | 50.8 g | |
| Driver | hybrid | dynamic | |
| Frequency response | 20 Hz - 40,000 Hz | 20 Hz - 20,000 Hz |
About this verdict
Direction matters here: this page answers "Redmi Buds 5 Pro 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.