Not long after the release of the UGreen HiTune X5, we are seeing the new UGreen HiTune X6 being launched. The X6 is not exactly the replacement of the X5, but more of a plus version by adding Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) in its feature set. The new UGreen HiTune X6 retails for S$69, with promo prices usually bringing it lower than this.

Unboxing

In the box, you will receive the following items:

UGreen HiTune X6 Earbuds
Charging case
USB-A to USB-C cable
Silicon ear tips x3 pairs (S, M , L)
User manual

Tech specs

Driver	10mm Dynamic Driver
Battery Life	6 hours per full charge (5.5 hours with ANC on) 26 hours in charging case (22 hours with ANC on)
Weight	Earbuds: 5.0g each Charging case: 45.0g
Bluetooth version	5.1
Supported codecs	SBC, AAC
Water resistance	IPX5
Charging port	USB-C

Build quality and features

The UGreen HiTune X6 has a similar shape as the HiTune X5, but comes in a different design. The HiTune X5 has a glossy dark blue case, while the UGreen HiTune X6 has a matte grey finish. The size of the case of the UGreen HiTune X6 is also larger, but still is fairy compact to put in your pockets. The UGreen HiTune X6 now only displays a single LED indicator at the front.

The earbuds on first glance looks to be the same design and shape as the HiTune X5, but there are actually small changes to the shape on the UGreen HiTune X6, which has a slightly longer stem which is angled straighter. Other than that, the UGreen HiTune X6 still retains that oval pebble shaped look that the HiTune X5 had. Build quality is as good, and has the same water-resistance rating of IPX5.

Controls

Like the HiTune X5, UGreen HiTune X6 utilises touch controls and they are identical to the HiTune X5. You will be able to control all functions from play/pause, adjusting volume, skipping of tracks, and answering calls. The touch controls are responsive but again causes me to accidentally adjust the volume when wearing the earbuds.

UGreen HiTune X6 also has a ‘Gaming’ mode which can reduce latency to 50ms, which is 20ms lesser than what the HiTune X5 offers. You can trigger this mode via 4 taps on either earbud.

Battery life

UGreen HiTune X6 is rated to last 6 hours of play time per full charge, which is atcually 1 hour less than what was offered on the HiTune X5. Triggering ANC thankfully doesn’t impact battery too much as the overall playtime just drops to 5.5 hours. You can get up to a total of 22 – 26 hours with the charging case, depending on the frequency of ANC being used.

Charging is done via USB-C at the back of the case.

Fit

The UGreen HiTune X6 offers the same fit you get with the HiTune X5, which is comfortable and light. The fit you largely depend on the ear tips you are using. The ear tips on the UGreen HiTune X6 seems to be slightly firmer than that of the HiTune X5, so it feels a little more substantial in my ears. The oval pebble design of the UGreen HiTune X6 helps to keep the earbuds snug in my ear canal.

Pairing, connectivity, and latency

Another surprising downgrade is that the newer UGreen HiTune X6 comes equipped with Bluetooth 5.1 whereas the HiTune X5 has Bluetooth 5.2. This could be why the HiTune X5 had a longer battery life. But having said that, I did not experience any dropouts when using the UGreen HiTune X6 and the connection was stable. There is also no latency or lag when watching YouTube videos from the YouTube app on my iPhone 11 using the default audio mode (not the ‘Gaming’ mode).

If you want to use just one earbud, you can use either the left or right earbud. The connection from one earbud to both in use resumes instantly the moment you remove second earbud from the case.

Sound quality

The audio tuning of the UGreen HiTune X6 is actually very different from the HiTune X5. Based on personal taste, I find the HiTune X5 to sound better than the newer X6. While the HiTune X5 goes for the V-shaped sound signature, the UGreen HiTune X6 seems to over-emphasise the midrange. This causes vocals and instruments to be amplified, which to me sounded a little unnatural.

Bass presence is similar to the HiTune X5, where offers strong and meaty thumps with enjoyable reverb. This helps to create a fuller rounder sound that balances the pushy midrange a little better. Treble on the UGreen HiTune X6 is airy and bright sounding.

When ANC is turned on, the audio tuning does change noticeably. And perhaps in this case, it is a welcomed change as it helps to reduce the emphasis on midrange to a sound signature that is closer to the HiTune X5‘s sound, but with treble not extending as much. If you want the HiTune X5 sound, then I would suggest leaving the ANC on when using the UGreen HiTune X6. Using ANC seems to dramatically reduce the volume. It is a little annoying that you have to adjust the volume every time you switch between ANC and non-ANC, which makes the user experience a little unpolished.

Another point to note is that the UGreen HiTune X6 only supports up to ACC audio codec, whereas the HiTune X5 had support for aptX. At this point we see that the UGreen HiTune X6 isn’t exactly an upgrade of the HiTune X5, it is more of another variant at a similar price point. So it is more of picking the one that fits you what you want from a pair of true wireless earbuds.

ANC quality

ANC performance on the UGreen HiTune X6 is decent. It is able to reduce the overall volume of noise in general and works best when the noise are of low frequencies. Higher frequencies noises such as train squeal is challenging but you can still feel a reduction of the sound to something that is more of a hiss than a squeal.

Microphone quality

Microphone on the UGreen HiTune X6 is largely ok to use. Compared to the HiTune X5, the UGreen HiTune X6 seems to focus more on the higher frequencies so while my voice sounds forward it also feels a little thin as there is a slight lack of depth to it. When background noise is introduced, the UGreen HiTune X6 is able to cancel out the noise decently well and keeps my voice as the main focus. This is done better than the HiTune X5.

Conclusion

The UGreen HiTune X6 priced at S$69 and offering ANC poses a great appeal to those who want ANC but don’t want to pay a large sum for it. For those who favour sound quality over the feature of ANC, then actually the HiTune X5 is a better option. But if you’re keen to have ANC with most of the X5’s offerings then the X6 would be an ideal balance for you.