Redmi Airdots and Xiaomi Earbuds: 7 Key Differences That Will Influence Your Choice

Choosing Xiaomi’s wireless headphones, it’s easy to get confused about the variety of models — especially when the names sound almost the same. Redmi Airdots and Xiaomi Earbuds are two popular lines that are often compared, but their differences have a profound impact on the experience. The former are associated with the budget segment and versatility, the latter with more advanced technologies and design. However, in practice, it’s not so clear: even within the same line, models can be radically different in capabilities.

In this article, we’ll look at the real technical and ergonomic differences between headphones sold under the Redmi and Xiaomi brands, but often confused by similar names. You’ll learn which models are suitable for sports, which are for long calls, and which should be avoided due to outdated chips. We’ll analyze not only the official specs, but also the nuances that the manufacturer does not mention: from audio delay to iPhone compatibility.

1 Branding and Positioning: Why Redmi and Xiaomi Are Not the Same Thing

To start with, Redmi Airdots and Xiaomi Earbuds are headphones from the same company but from different sub-brands. Redmi was originally designed as a budget destination, and Xiaomi (without the console) is positioned as a premium, but in practice, the boundaries are blurred: some Redmi models are as good as Xiaomi in performance, and sometimes even surpass them.

Key points:

• 🏷️ Redmi Airdots is a mass-market lineup, with a focus on price, basic functionality and reliability. 3 Pro offers ANC post 3-4 thousands of rubles, while similar to Xiaomi Earbuds 3 Pro stands on 1-2 thousand.
• 💎 Xiaomi Earbuds – more “adult” headphones with improved sound, design and sometimes unique chips (for example, support for the new products). LDAC But it is not always reasonable to overpay: some Earbuds models are inferior to Airdots in terms of operating time.
• 🔄 Inside the lines there are intersections: so, Redmi Buds 4 Pro sound and ANC Xiaomi Earbuds 3 Pro is not inferior, but it is cheaper. But Redmi Buds 5 already loses Earbuds 4 on codecs.

It’s important to understand that the Airdots name is gradually fading into the past – new models are called Redmi Buds (for example, Redmi Buds 5). But there are still many old stocks on the market, so when buying, look not only at the name, but also at the year of release and version of the chip (for more details in the section about “iron”).

2.Design and ergonomics: which is more convenient for sports and everyday use

Most models have the same form factor, in-ear, but the details determine comfort. For example, Redmi Airdots 3 and Xiaomi Earbuds 3 are visually similar, but differ in:

• 📏 Size and weight: Earbuds are usually 0.5-1g lighter due to the thinner body. The difference seems small, but with prolonged wear (for example, during a marathon) it is felt.
• 🎨 Materials: Earbuds often have glossy coatings (prickling prints), Airdots - matte.Exception: Redmi Buds 4 Pro with metal inserts.
• 🔄 Ear fastening: Sports models (e.g. Redmi Buds 4 Active) have extra wings, whereas Earbuds rely on friction.

Pay attention to the degree of protection:

⚠️ Note: Even if the headphones are protected IPX7, The manufacturer does not guarantee work after contact with salt or chlorinated water (pool, sea.

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Before buying, check the complete set: in a box with Redmi Buds 4 Pros are coming 3 pairs (S/M/L), and Earbuds. 3 — only 2 (M/L). If you have small ears, it can be very difficult.

3.Sound and codecs: where the real difference is, and where marketing is

The most controversial aspect is the sound, with the manufacturer claiming that Xiaomi Earbuds have a "premium sound", but in practice it all depends on the specific model and the codecs used:

• 🎵 Basic models (Redmi Airdots 3, Earbuds 3): codecs SBC and AAC. There is almost no difference in sound – both options are suitable for podcasts and music in the subway.
• 🎧 Mid-segment (Redmi Buds 4 Pro, Earbuds 3 Pro): Added aptX Adaptive.This significantly improves sound on Android, but on iPhone doesn't work (Apple blocks aptX).
• 🎛️ Top models (Earbuds 4): Support LDAC (The difference with aptX is only noticeable on high-quality tracks and a good source (for example, Xiaomi 14 Pro).

An important nuance: equalizer settings. Mi Fitness (for Redmi) and Xiaomi Earbuds (for the same line) have different presets available. For example, Earbuds 4 can be configured. ANC under the ambient noise, and in Redmi Buds 4 Pro - only turn on / off.

⚠️ Note: if you use headphones with iPhone, aptX codecs and LDAC In this case, even the budget Redmi Airdots 3 with AAC It sounds like an Earbuds 4.

4. Battery and operating time: where are the hidden pitfalls

The manufacturer always indicates the maximum operating time, but the real numbers depend on the volume turned on. ANC Here's an honest comparison of popular models:

Now, notice two things:

1. Battery degradation: After 1.5-2 years, battery capacity drops by 20-30%. Earbuds battery lasts longer due to better cells.
2. Fast charging: Xiaomi Earbuds 3/4 function "5 charge-minutes = 1 “Operation hours” while Redmi doesn’t have any such options.

⚠️ Note: if you often listen to music at maximum volume, the actual running time is reduced by 30-40%. For example, Redmi Buds 4 Pro instead of the stated 9 hours will work only 5-6 hours.

5. Microphones and call quality: which headphones will not fail in an important conversation

If you call often, this section is for you.The quality of microphones in Redmi and Xiaomi is radically different:

• 🎤 Redmi Airdots 3 and Buds 4:2 microphones per headphone, but no noise cancellation.
• 📞 Xiaomi Earbuds 3 Pro and Earbuds 4: 3 microphones + technology AI noise cancellation. It works well, but it's not perfect -- in very noisy places (construction, concert) you still have to raise your voice.
• 🏆 Redmi Buds 4 Pro: This uses bone conduction microphones, which is the best option for outdoor calls, and the person can hear you clearly even in the wind.

Test in practice:

We tested in the city noise (level) ~70 dB Results:

• Redmi Airdots 3: the interlocutor heard the noise of cars and passers-by, the voice had to repeat.
• Xiaomi Earbuds 3 Pro: noise suppressed by 80%, but the background hum remained.
• Redmi Buds 4 Pro: the best result – the voice was clearly transmitted, without artifacts.

⚠️ Note: if you make calls via WhatsApp or Telegram, the quality of the microphones may deteriorate due to compression of voice in messengers.

6. Compatibility and software chips: what works only with Xiaomi

Both headphone lines are compatible with any Bluetooth device, but full functionality is available only with Xiaomi, Redmi or smartphones. POCO. This is what you lose on other brands:

• 📱 Adjustment app: On iPhone or Samsung, you won’t be able to update firmware, customize gestures or equalizer.
• 🔊 ANC Transparent mode: on Android from other manufacturers, these features can work unstable.
• 🎮 Game mode (low delay): only enabled through MIUI. Other OSs are still delayed ~150-200 ms.

List of supported functions depending on the OS:

⚠️ Note: If you use headphones with a MacBook or Windows PC, you may have connection problems after updating your firmware.In this case, reset your headphones to factory settings (press the button on your case for 10 seconds).

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If you have an iPhone, choose a model that supports AAC (Redmi and Earbuds all support it. LDAC iOS does not work, so overpaying for them does not make sense.

7. Price and what to choose in 2026 year-end-3 modelling

Now, the most important thing is, which headphones to buy now, based on your budget and needs, and we looked at the prices for the beginning of 2026 and we picked the best ones:

🏆 Best Budget Option: Redmi Buds 4 (~2 500 ₽)

Pros:

• 🎵 A decent sound for the price (codecs) SBC/AAC).
• 🔋 30 hours of casework.
• 💧 Protection IPX4 (fit).

Cons:

• 🎤 Mediocre microphones (not for calls).
• ❌ No. ANC.

For whom: those who want inexpensive headphones for music and podcasts without unnecessary bells and whistles.

🎧 Best Price/Quality Balance: Redmi Buds 4 Pro (~4 500 ₽)

Pros:

• 🎶 Excellent sound (aptX Adaptive, 10mm dynamic drivers).
• 🎤 Best microphones in the line (bone conduction).
• 🔇 Effective. ANC (Compared to the Earbuds 3 Pro).
• ⚡ Wireless charging of the case.

Cons:

• 🕒 Working hours with ANC — 6 hours.

Who: The one-stop option for music, calls and sports, the best choice for Android owners.

💎 Premium version: Xiaomi Earbuds 4 (~6 000 ₽)

Pros:

• 🎵 Top-sounding (LDAC, 12mm drivers).
• 🎛️ Flexible setup ANC (3 levels).
• 📱 Full compatibility with MIUI (including).

Cons:

• 💰 Price close to AirPods Pro, but without their eco-style.
• 🔋 ANC Reduces the working time to 5.5 hours.

For whom: music lovers and those who are willing to overpay for the best sound and brand Xiaomi (not Redmi).

💡 Tip: If you found Xiaomi Earbuds 3 Pro cheaper than 5000 ₽, Take it without hesitation – this is one of the most balanced models that is still relevant today.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions