Quick Answer: The Redmi Buds 8 Pro can deliver surprisingly strong ANC for their price, especially with low-frequency noise. However, independent results are mixed: Scarbir gave them an 18/20 ANC score, while the Hong Kong Consumer Council rated their noise cancellation 3/5 compared with 5/5 for the AirPods Pro 3.
The Redmi Buds 8 Pro are therefore a capable budget alternative, but the available evidence does not establish that they match the AirPods Pro 3 across all environments. Their value depends on the current UK price, your phone and the types of noise you want to reduce.
What Do Independent Tests Show?
Two useful independent tests reach different conclusions, and both should be considered rather than relying on a single result.
Scarbir (independent reviewer)
Scarbir awarded the Redmi Buds 8 Pro an 18 out of 20 ANC score — the same score given to the AirPods Pro 3. Scarbir also noted that Apple's earbuds "immediately drop good ANC when there's even a bit of wind," while the Redmi Buds 8 Pro do not have that problem. The reviewer described the ANC as "amazing" and "more consistent" than the AirPods in wind.
However, this is one reviewer using their own methodology. It is a useful comparison, but scores from a single source should not be treated as a universal measurement of ANC performance.
Hong Kong Consumer Council (comparative testing)
The Consumer Council tested 55 wireless earbuds with the International Consumer Research & Testing organisation (ICRT). The results for the Redmi Buds 8 Pro and AirPods Pro 3 were not equal:
| Test Category | Redmi Buds 8 Pro | AirPods Pro 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Score | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Noise Cancelling | 3/5 | 5/5 |
The Consumer Council awarded 5/5 for noise cancellation only to the AirPods Pro 3, Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen), and Huawei FreeBuds Pro 5. The Redmi Buds 8 Pro did not receive a perfect ANC score in this structured comparative test.
This indicates a measurable difference in noise cancellation, although results depend on the test method and listening conditions.
What Does the Official Specification Say?
Xiaomi rates the Redmi Buds 8 Pro at up to 55dB ANC depth and noise cancellation across up to 5kHz.
Important caveat: Xiaomi's own specification notes that these figures are measured separately, not simultaneously. The 55dB depth applies within a specific frequency range, while the 5kHz coverage is measured at a specific depth range — they do not occur at the same time.
Xiaomi also states that the earbuds achieve up to 20% average noise reduction depth across the 20–5kHz range compared to the Redmi Buds 6 Pro.
The 55dB figure represents peak suppression at certain frequencies, not a uniform level of noise cancellation across all sounds.
Where the Redmi Buds 8 Pro Perform Well
Low-frequency noise (trains, planes, traffic)
Scarbir noted that the Redmi Buds 8 Pro "better handle traffic noise" than some competitors and described the low-frequency suppression as stable. A Russian comparison noted that the Redmi Buds 8 Pro "better suppress road noise" and are "a more rational purchase for transport".
Wind resistance
Scarbir specifically highlighted that the Redmi Buds 8 Pro maintain ANC in wind, while the AirPods Pro 3 "immediately drop good ANC when there's even a bit of wind". Xiaomi also states the earbuds have wind noise resistance up to 12m/s.
Price
The Redmi Buds 8 Pro cost approximately €69.99 in Europe, while the AirPods Pro 3 are priced at $249. The Redmi Buds 8 Pro are substantially cheaper than the AirPods Pro 3, although the exact difference depends on the current UK selling price and promotions.
Where AirPods Pro 3 Still Lead
Voice isolation and overall noise reduction
The Hong Kong Consumer Council's comparative testing placed the AirPods Pro 3 in the top tier for noise cancellation across diverse environments, while the Redmi Buds 8 Pro scored lower in this category.
ANC is generally less effective against human voices than against steady low-frequency noise. Xiaomi's own FAQ confirms that noise-cancelling earbuds "mainly reduce low- and mid-frequency noises," and human voices "cannot be completely eliminated by noise-cancellation technology". This is a limitation shared by all ANC earbuds. In the Consumer Council's comparative test, the AirPods Pro 3 nevertheless achieved a higher noise-cancellation score than the Redmi Buds 8 Pro.
Ecosystem integration
Some Redmi Buds 8 Pro features and controls depend on the connected phone, operating system, Xiaomi Earbuds app and region. If you use an iPhone or another Android brand, check which specific features are supported before buying.
Final Verdict
The available independent testing does not show the Redmi Buds 8 Pro matching the AirPods Pro 3 consistently across all conditions. Scarbir rated their ANC equal to the AirPods Pro 3, while the Hong Kong Consumer Council rated them lower for noise cancellation specifically.
The Redmi Buds 8 Pro can deliver strong ANC at a substantially lower price, but the available tests show that performance varies by environment and methodology.
If your priority is stronger ANC across a wider range of noise conditions, the AirPods Pro 3 performed better in the Consumer Council's comparative test. If you want low-frequency noise cancellation for commuting at a substantially lower price, the Redmi Buds 8 Pro deliver performance that independent testing rates as competitive for their price bracket.
Some Redmi Buds 8 Pro features and controls depend on the connected phone, operating system, Xiaomi Earbuds app and region. If you use an iPhone or another Android brand, check which specific features are supported before buying.
Note: ANC performance varies by ear tip fit, noise type, and environment. Results may differ from test conditions.
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