Xiaomi AirDots and Earbuds: What’s the difference and what to choose

Xiaomi’s choice of wireless headphones often turns into a quest due to its confusing naming system. Users are often lost trying to understand how Xiaomi AirDots differs from Xiaomi Earbuds, and whether it’s just a marketing ploy or a real technical difference.In fact, the confusion has arisen from rebranding and regional sales features, which requires careful consideration of the specifications before buying.

In this article, we will discuss the evolution of the line, explain the difference between basic and advanced versions, and help you decide on the device that is ideal for your needs. Understanding the labeling will avoid overpaying for unnecessary functions or, conversely, the frustration of lack of features.

The difference between the two names lies not only in the specifications, but also in the history of the company's product renaming. Xiaomi decided to unify the names for the global market, which led to the emergence of many similar models with different names in different regions.

History of renaming and global confusion

Initially, the budget line TWS-The Redmi headphones were called AirDots, popular models like the AirDots Youth Edition, which quickly took over the market with their affordable price tag. However, over time, the company decided to bring the names of all its audio devices to a single standard, removing the word "AirDots" from the official specifications of global versions.

Now, what might have been called AirDots in China or early on in the market is often labeled Earbuds with the addition of letter indexes (Basic, S, Pro) in the global market, creating the illusion that they are completely different devices, although technically they may be identical. The key difference often lies only in the name of the box and the firmware version for different regions.

It’s worth noting that the term Earbuds is now used as a generic name for the entire series, while AirDots has gone down in history as the name of the first wave of devices.By buying a device today, you’re more likely to find a box on the shelf that says Xiaomi Earbuds Basic 2, which is a direct heir and analogue to the old AirDots.

⚠️ Note: When buying, pay attention to the model number on the back of the box (for example, the model number, TWSEJ06LS), the name on the front may vary depending on the importing country, although the inside will be the same device.

Technical differences: sound and codecs

When we talk about the differences between the old AirDots and the new Earbuds, the first thing to consider is the quality of the audio stream. The base models of both lines usually support the SBC codec, which is the standard for the budget segment. However, newer versions of Earbuds (especially with the S or Pro prefix) are more often equipped with AAC codec, which provides better sound quality on iOS devices and modern Android smartphones.

The difference in the sound profile is also noticeable when comparing drivers: Early AirDots often used speakers with a diameter of 7.2 mm, while in the updated Earbuds, engineers sometimes install larger 7.2 mm or optimized 13 mm drivers for an improved bass component, which makes the sound in new models more voluminous and detailed, although you should not expect the audiophile level in this price segment.

An important aspect is latency: game modes that minimize latency are more common in the latest generation of Earbuds. These headphones typically require triple tapping on the touchpad to switch the device to low latency.

• 🎧 Codecs: Basic models are limited SBC, Advanced Earbuds support AAC better quality.
• 🔊 Drivers: Newer versions often have an improved acoustic camera and more powerful magnets.
• 🎮 Game mode: Present in most modern Earbuds, reducing latency to 100-150 miss.

Design, ergonomics and completeness

Visually, AirDots and Earbuds can look almost identical, especially when compared to basic versions. The case is made of matte plastic, which is prone to collecting fingerprints, but pleasant to the touch. The shape of the earbuds themselves has not changed much over the years, remaining a recognizable "drop" with a long leg.

However, newer Earbuds models like the Basic 2S or Pro show changes in the location of the charging contacts and the shape of the magnets inside the case, and some versions are stripped of the metal contacts on the headphones themselves, using fully wireless charging inside the case, which increases water resistance, an important difference that affects the durability of the device when used actively during sports.

The package has also changed, and while older AirDots often only had one size of helmets, manufacturers have started investing in new Earbuds. 2-3 It's a couple of different sizes, and it allows you to fit better, which is critical for the quality of the soundproofing and the depth of the bass.

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For better fit and sound insulation, choose earbuds of such size that they fit tightly to the walls of the ear canal, but do not cause pressure.

The Earbuds range offers a wider palette, including white, black, blue and even pink, whereas the classic AirDots were mostly black, allowing users to choose an accessory that suits their style.

Management and functionality

The control system in Xiaomi headphones is based on touch panels located on the outside of the headphone leg. In AirDots models, the control was minimal: double-press for playback / pause, triple-press for calling an assistant and hold for retiring a call. Track switching often required complex combinations or was not available without third-party applications.

Modern Earbuds has made the control logic more flexible, allowing you to switch tracks (previous/next) with a single or double tap on one of the headphones, which was previously unavailable, and newer models also include a voice assistant feature that is activated by default or through app settings.

For full use of all the functions Xiaomi recommends using the application Xiaomi Earbuds (formerly Mi True Wireless) or integrated interface in smartphones MIUI.

• 📱 Check the exact charge of each headphone and case.
• ⚙️ Configure touch control actions (for example, disable double pressing).
• 🔍 Find lost headphones by emitting a beep.
• 🔄 Update firmware to improve connection stability.

⚠️ Attention: Headphone search only works if it's within Bluetooth range and not in the case. If the headphone is discharged to zero, you can't find it through the app.

Comparative Characteristics Table

To organize the information, we have prepared a table that clearly demonstrates the difference between a typical old-school AirDots (Youth Edition) and the current Earbuds Basic 2 model.

As you can see from the table, evolution is going the way of increasing battery life and adding support for better codecs. While external options like the Bluetooth version and weight remain similar, internal improvements in Earbuds make them more appealing to the modern user.

Connection problems and ways to solve them

Despite the popularity, Xiaomi headphones have problems pairing, especially when switching from one phone to another or after resetting, and it’s common to see one headphone not connecting to another (mono mode) or the phone seeing two devices with the same name.

To solve this problem, there's a standard Hard Reset procedure: You need to remove both headphones from the case, turn off Bluetooth on the phone, and forget the device from the list of previously connected ones. Then you need to pinch the touch areas on both headphones simultaneously and hold for about 20 seconds until the indicators light up red several times, after which the headphones reset and go into pairing mode.

Another common problem is the quiet sound in one of the headphones. This is often due to contamination of the speaker mesh with earwax or dust. Xiaomi does not recommend using sharp objects for cleaning, but the careful use of a cotton swab slightly moistened with alcohol can return the former volume. It is also worth checking the sound balance in the phone settings, as sometimes the failure occurs at the operating system level.

⚠️ Warning: Never try to charge your headphones if the contacts on them or in the case are wet.This can short-circuit and cause the device to fail permanently.

Final verdict: what to choose?

So to sum up, the AirDots vs. Earbuds divide is more of a historical one today. When you buy new headphones in a store, you're almost guaranteed to come across the Earbuds label, which is relevant. Old AirDots are only found in the secondary market or on the remnants of warehouses, and they only make sense at a very substantial discount.

Modern Earbuds offer improved sound with AAC support, more running time and a more stable connection. For most users, the price difference between them is minimal, so the multi-dollar overpayment for the new model is fully justified by technical improvements.

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Choose Earbuds-branded models (especially S or Pro versions) as they are a current development of the AirDots lineup with improved sound and stability.

Whether you’re looking for reliable, inexpensive headphones for sports, commutes or calls, Xiaomi’s current Earbuds lineup remains one of the best offerings on the market.The main thing is to purchase the device from trusted sellers to avoid the fakes that, alas, are common in this segment of electronics.

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