The wearables market is oversupplied, but it is Xiaomi’s wireless headphones that have consistently held the lead in the segment of affordable Hi-Fi sound. Consumers today have to understand dozens of models, from budget Redmi Buds to flagship Mi True Wireless, which often causes confusion when buying.
In this article, we will make a detailed comparison to let you know if Xiaomi Earbuds or Redmi Buds will fit your use case, and we will analyze not only the sound quality, but also the reliability of the connection, ergonomics and the operation of the active noise reduction system.
Choosing the right model is always a trade-off between price, functionality and brand identity, so let's figure out what to spend your budget on this year and which models are no longer relevant.
Criteria for Choosing the Perfect Headset
Before you go to specific models, you need to clearly define which parameters are the priority for you. Sound quality is a subjective concept, but in the world of Xiaomi technology, it often relies on support for LDAC codecs and the availability of Hi-Res Audio certification.
The second critical aspect is autonomy and charging speed: modern users require gadgets to work without recharging during the entire working day, and the case should act as a reliable reservoir of energy.
And you don't have to ignore physical comfort. TWS-Headphones will fall out of your ears or cause discomfort after an hour of wearing, even the purest sound will not save the situation.
- 🎧 Type of construction: intrachannel plugs or open liners.
- 🔇 Presence ANC (Active Noise Cancellation and its effectiveness in decibels.
- 📱 Multipoint connectivity to work with two devices at the same time.
- 💧 Degree of water protection IPX4 and above for sporting purposes.
The Mi True Wireless Series
The top of the product line is occupied by devices under the Mi brand. These models are created as direct competitors to eminent brands like Sony or Samsung, offering advanced technologies at a more affordable price.
Xiaomi’s flagship wireless headphones typically feature a hybrid noise reduction system that can drown out up to 40 dB of external noise, making them ideal for use in public transport or a noisy office.
The sound in these models is customized by engineers of famous audio studios, often supported by the LDAC codec, which transmits three times more data than a standard SBC. The battery here rarely causes complaints, providing up to 9 hours of continuous playback.
⚠️ Warning: Flagship models are sensitive to Bluetooth signal quality. When used in places with large concentrations of Wi-Fi routers, connection instability may occur unless firmware is updated.
Secrets of equalizer setting
Folk favorites: the line of Redmi Buds
The Redmi series is aimed at the mass user who is looking for a balance between cost and functionality. Here you will rarely find high-resolution codecs, but the basic sound quality remains at a decent level.
In this segment, wireless headphones often lack active noise cancellation, relying only on passive insulation through a tight fit, but new models such as the Redmi Buds 4 Pro are already adopting older siblings.
The price is the big deal, and for dinner at a restaurant, you get a device that has sweat protection, touch controls, and a decent microphone for calling, and it's the best entry ticket to the brand ecosystem.
- 💰 Optimal price-quality ratio in the market.
- 🏃♂️ Light weight and reliable fixation in the ear.
- 🔋 Fast charging: 10 minutes in a case gives 2 hours of music.
☑️ What to look for when buying Redmi
Gamer solutions and low latency
For mobile gamers, latency is a critical parameter, and conventional Bluetooth models can dissynchronize images and shots, which is not acceptable in shooters.
Specialized models such as Xiaomi Gaming Earbuds are equipped with Game Mode, which reduces latency to 60-80 ms. This is achieved by prioritizing the audio stream and using special data transfer protocols.
These devices often feature aggressive RGB-backlit designs and a heavier case, with the sound profile shifted toward low frequencies to emphasize explosions and footsteps.
It's worth noting that low latency is a massive battery drain, cutting battery life by almost half, so it's only worth turning on while playing.
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To minimize delays in games, close the background apps that use the network and keep your smartphone in your pants pocket or on the table, rather than away from the case.
Comparative Characteristics Table
To structure information and make it easier to choose, we have brought the key parameters of popular models into a single table, and here are the averaged data that is relevant at the time of the release of the devices.
| Model | Type of noise cancellation | Codecs. | Working hours (h) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mi True Wireless 4 Pro | Hybrid ANC (-43 dB) | LDAC, AAC, SBC | 9 + 27 (case) |
| Redmi Buds 4 Pro | Hybrid ANC (-35 dB) | AAC, SBC | 9 + 27 (case) |
| Mi True Wireless 3 Lite | No (only ENC for calls) | AAC, SBC | 6 + 24 (case) |
| Redmi Buds 3 Pro | Active ANC (-35 dB) | AAC, SBC | 6 + 21 (case) |
As you can see from the table, the gap between the Mi and Redmi series is gradually narrowing, but support for advanced codecs remains the prerogative of the older line, which is important for audiophiles.
⚠️ Note: Codec compatibility LDAC It's not just your headphones, it's your smartphone. iOS devices only support codec. AAC, hence LDAC iPhone will not be able to open.
Software and ecosystem
By buying Xiaomi's wireless headphones, you get access to powerful software.The Xiaomi Earbuds app (formerly Mi True Wireless Earbuds) lets you deeply customize the device.
You can update the firmware here, which periodically brings improvements to the microphone or connection stability, and gesture settings are also available: double-touch, hold or triple-tap can control tracks or call a voice assistant.
The transparent mode feature is particularly noteworthy, allowing external sounds to be passed in, which is useful when talking or crossing the road without removing the headset. The level of transparency can often be adjusted with a slider.
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Be sure to update the headphone firmware immediately after purchase through the official app - this fixes most of the factory microphone bugs.