Review of Xiaomi Redmi Buds 3 Pro headphones with ANC

The Redmi Buds 3 Pro were among the first truly affordable active noise canceling headphones from Xiaomi. These two features usually do not get along very well with each other - when used, trade-offs and outright disadvantages often surface. Therefore, we started testing the headphones with some skepticism, but it turned out that all doubts were in vain.

Specifications
Appearance and equipment
Connection and management
Sound and noise reduction
Autonomy
Outcomes

Specifications

Type of emitters	Dynamic, 9 mm
Earphone weight	4.9 g
Connection	Bluetooth 5.2
Supported codecs	SBC, AAC
Noise suppression	ANC
Moisture protection	IPX4
Battery case	470 mAh

Appearance and equipment

Redmi Buds 3 Pro comes in a cardboard box in the color of the headphones themselves. In our case, they are gray, but there is also a more boring black version. The package includes only a flat USB ‑ C to USB ‑ A cable and three pairs of silicone tips, also gray. Another pair is already on the headphones themselves.

The size of the Redmi Buds 3 Pro case resembles a slightly plump Tic Tac box, which still fits in a small jeans pocket, where you usually put all sorts of useful little things. Externally, the case is very similar to a pebble - this analogy is enhanced by the matte non-marking surface.

On the front of the case there is a diode indicator and a pairing button, and on the bottom there is a USB-C connector for charging. The top cover is securely fixed with magnets and slams shut with a characteristic click. It will not open under its own weight, even if the case is shaken.

The headphones inside the case are also magnetized, and they are also made of matte plastic, with the exception of mother-of-pearl inserts on the outside. This detail is intended to add at least some zest to the extremely simple design, and, in our opinion, the idea as a whole worked. Redmi Buds 3 Pro looks original in the ears.

The ergonomic shape of the earbuds provides a deep enough fit, so they do not bulge too much and do not attract unnecessary attention. They also do not cause any discomfort during prolonged wear. The main thing is to choose suitable attachments with which the headphones will not fall out or press hard. We left the standard ones that were already on.

The sound guide of the headphones is round, so if you wish, you can use any incomplete nozzles, including foam ones.

Connection and management

Headphones are connected via Bluetooth 5.2. To be able to detect them from a smartphone or other device, you need to hold down a single button on the case.

You can connect Redmi Buds 3 Pro to two sources at once, for example, a smartphone and a PC. So you can listen to music from a mobile phone, and when you turn on YouTube on your computer, the sound will come from there. Another convenient scenario is to answer a call through headphones when used with a laptop. Such switching works almost without hesitation.

There is no mobile application for management, at least for the global market. If you have a modern Xiaomi smartphone, then when pairing, information about the charge level of the case and the headphones themselves may appear on the screen. But updating the firmware or setting up the work is not yet available.

Touch control. All steps are identical for the right and left headphones:

A double tap on the outer surface starts music or pauses it, and when a call comes in, it allows you to answer.
A triple tap ends the call or drops it, and while listening to music, includes the next track.
Clamping turns on ANC or returns the transparency mode - each of them turns on with a certain sound signal.

The Redmi Buds 3 Pro has optical sensors that allow you to pause music when you take out one of the earbuds. Paste it back in - playback continues. It works quickly and flawlessly.

Sound and noise reduction

The sound of the headphones does not produce a wow effect, but I do not want to scold Redmi Buds 3 Pro at all. Considering the price, the overall sound is not bad, it does not disappoint, and in some cases even makes it a little happy. This is especially true for tracks with an emphasis on low-end: turn on Massive Attack, say, I Against I, turn up the volume - and involuntarily shake your head.

The Redmi Buds 3 Pro also do a great job of rap music and lightweight alternatives like Placebo or something more pop a la The Rasmus or Roxette. Vocals in this genre are not lost against the background of instruments and sounds quite natural. In rock music, the sound sometimes lacks volume, and the mids - expressiveness, but in general, everything is plus or minus balanced. You rarely want to find an equalizer and fix something.

The active noise cancellation system does not particularly affect the sound quality, but at the same time it very successfully neutralizes ambient sounds. During testing, ANC was tested both on the plane and on the train - in both cases, Redmi Buds 3 Pro showed their best side. In the carriage, there was practically no noise of the train and the children screaming nearby, and in the cabin of the aircraft, the sound of the engines was quenched by more than half.

To get a feel for the noise reduction, we recommend turning it on without music. Simply insert the earbuds and pinch the outer touch surface. Formally, only 35 dB is compensated here, but in many situations this may be enough to create silence, or at least come close to it. In general, for ANC, an unambiguous like.

If two microphones on each earphone are responsible for noise cancellation, then one for voice transmission during calls. And these microphones don't have perfect hearing. On the street, you have to raise your voice a little so that the interlocutor hears you. At the same time, the sound itself is a little flat, although without unnecessary hiss.

Autonomy

Batteries in the headphones are 35 mAh, in the case - 470 mAh. On a single charge, the Redmi Buds 3 Pro worked for about four hours with ANC and almost six without noise cancellation. It is quite possible to count on the declared 18 and 28 hours, respectively, taking into account the recharging from the case and at a volume of no more than 50%.

Also, the advantages here include fast charging from the case. In about 15 minutes, the earbuds recharge for three hours of listening to music without noise canceling. So even with intensive use during the day, there will be no particular problems with autonomy.

The case itself can be powered via USB-C or wirelessly using Qi technology. Although the latter option will take much longer.

Outcomes

Xiaomi has always tried to offer devices with the best combination of performance, features and price. And in this respect, Redmi Buds 3 Pro turned out to be almost reference. These headphones sound good, fit comfortably in your ears and offer excellent noise cancellation. Add to this fast charging, Qi and the ability to simultaneously connect to two devices - and the price of just under 4,000 rubles begins to look as pleasant as possible.