Xiaomi AirDots 2 vs AirDots S: Detailed Comparison and What to Choose in 2026

Choosing between the Xiaomi AirDots 2 and the Xiaomi AirDots S often confuses customers: both models look almost the same, both are in the budget segment, but their prices can differ by 30-50%. What’s the catch? In fact, despite the appearance of these headphones, these headphones have fundamental differences in sound, running time and even in supported functions. In this article, we will discuss 10 key differences that will help you decide on your choice – regardless of whether you need headphones for music, sports or calls.

Both models belong to the line True Wireless (TWS) from Xiaomi, but AirDots S is positioned as an “updated version” of AirDots 2. However, in practice, the updates did not touch all aspects. Some of the manufacturer did improve the characteristics (for example, battery life), and somewhere, on the contrary, cut the capabilities (say, the quality of the microphone).

Spoiler: If you want earphones just for listening to music, the choice is not obvious. But for calls or active lifestyles, the difference becomes fundamental. But everything in order.

1. Design and ergonomics: why is the AirDots S heavier but more comfortable?

At first glance, AirDots 2 and AirDots S are twins, both of which are designed in a minimalistic, in-channel-fitting plastic body, both of which have physical control buttons on their headphones, but when you look closer, you can see the differences.

• 📏 Size and weight: AirDots S is 0.5 grams heavier than each headphone (4.1 g vs 3.6 g for AirDots 2) and slightly larger, which paradoxically makes landing more stable – especially when running.
• 🎨 Color options: AirDots 2 is available only in black and white, while AirDots S has added a blue option (although it is rare in Russia).
• 🔄 Magnetic mount: In AirDots S, the magnets in the case are stronger, which reduces the risk of losing headphones when the lid is opened.

The key difference is the shape of the headphones. The AirDots S has slightly changed the angle of inclination, and the silicone earpieces are softer. This reduces fatigue when worn for long periods (such as during a 2-hour podcast).

⚠️ Note: If you wear glasses, AirDots S can create discomfort when used simultaneously - their body is slightly wider and touches the earbrush.

2.Sound: Why does AirDots 2 sound "warmer" and AirDots S sound "clearer"?

This is where the most controversial issues begin: Both models have 7.2 mm speakers, but the audio profile setting is radically different:

AirDots 2 has a warmer sound with a focus on medium and low frequencies, making them ideal for rock music, vocals or podcasts where saturation is important. At the same time, AirDots S sound cooler, with high frequencies highlighted (especially on tracks with electronic music or string instruments), AirDots S basses are less deep, but more detailed.

Critical: AirDots S offers better AAC support, which is important for iPhone users. On Android, the difference is less noticeable, but on iOS, AirDots S sounds significantly better due to improved data transfer.

• 🎵 For music: AirDots 2 is suitable for music lovers who love "analog" sound. AirDots S - those who prefer clarity and detail.
• 📞 For calls: AirDots S improved voice processing with cVc 8.0 (versus cVc 6.0 in AirDots 2.
• 🏃 AirDots S wins due to better tightness and stability in the ear.

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If you listen to music primarily through your iPhone, AirDots S will sound objectively better thanks to its optimized AAC.

3. Autonomy: How long does the battery last in practice?

The official specifications read:

• 🔋 AirDots 2: Up to 4 hours of operation + 12 hours in case (total 16 hours).
• 🔋 AirDots S: Up to 4.5 hours of operation + 12 hours in case (total 16.5 hours).

But the real tests show a different picture. At 50 percent volume,

• AirDots 2 lasts 3 hours 20 minutes (music) and 3 hours (calls).
• AirDots S runs 4 hours 10 minutes (music) and 3 hours 40 minutes (calls).

The difference seems small, but there is a caveat: AirDots S charge faster – in 10 minutes in a case they recover up to 60% of the charge (versus 50% in AirDots 2).

⚠️ Warning: After 1.5-2 years of operation, the battery capacity in AirDots 2 drops more due to lower-quality power controllers.

4. Microphones and Call Quality: Why is AirDots S better for the office?

Both models have two microphones on each headphone, but their implementation differs:

• 🎤 AirDots 2: Microphones are located on the end of the headphone. They do well with voice in a quiet environment, but in noisy rooms (streets, cafes), the interlocutor will hear background sounds.
• 🎤 AirDots S: Microphones are shifted closer to the center of the case and protected by an additional grid. cVc 8.0 technology is used, which better suppresses wind noise and keyboard.

In practice:

• In a quiet room, there's almost no difference.
• On the street AirDots S transmit voice 30-40% clearer.
• In the subway or car, AirDots 2 can be "choked" by low-frequency noise.

If you make frequent calls at work or talk on the move, AirDots S will definitely be better. For rare calls, the difference is not critical.

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To improve the microphone quality in AirDots 2, disable the Voice Improvement feature in Bluetooth settings on Android. It often adds artifacts.

5. Compatibility and firmware: Which headphones work best with MIUI?

Both models support Bluetooth 5.0, but there are some important nuances:

• 📱 With Xiaomi smartphones: AirDots S automatically connect via MIUI Pop-up: AirDots 2 doesn't have this feature.
• 🍎 With iPhone: AirDots S is better optimized for AAC, AirDots 2 can fly at high frequencies.
• 🖥️ PC/laptop: Both models are stable, but AirDots S are less likely to lose connection when away from source.

Important: AirDots S supports firmware through the Mi Home app, whereas AirDots 2 is only updated "over the air" (OTA), and the process is less predictable.The latest updates for AirDots 2 were released in 2021, while AirDots S receive patches so far (at the time of 2026).

⚠️ Note: If you are using AirDots 2 from your iPhone, disable the codecs SBC Bluetooth settings (if you have one) will reduce delays when watching videos.

6. Control and function: what do headphones do besides music?

Here AirDots S is breaking ahead:

The key advantages of AirDots S are:

• 🎮 Low-latency mode (about 100 ms) allows you to play shooters or watch videos without synchronization.
• 🔄 Autoconnection saves time – headphones connect to the last device immediately after extraction from the case.
• 🎙️ XiaoAI is useful to owners of Xiaomi smartphones for quick management of a smart home.

At the same time, AirDots 2 is easier to use for the elderly or those who don’t like to customize gestures.

1. Connect the headphones to the phone.

2. Open Bluetooth Settings → AirDots S → Gesture Control.

3. Select the action for double/triple tap (playback, next track, voice assistant).

4. Save the settings and test.-->

7.Price and relevance in 2026: what is the best to buy?

At the time of writing (2026), the prices for the models were distributed as follows:

• 💰 Xiaomi AirDots 2: 1,500–2,000 rubles (new), 1,000–1,300 rubles (used).
• 💰 Xiaomi AirDots S: 2,200-2,800 rubles (new), 1,500-1,800 rubles (used).

Should you overpay? The answer depends on your tasks:

• 🎧 For music and podcasts: If you like the warm sound, AirDots 2 is still relevant.
• 📱 For calls and work: AirDots S justifies the difference in price due to the best microphones and stability.
• 🏃 Both options are suitable, but AirDots S is more reliable and less afraid of sweat.
• 🎮 For gaming: AirDots S only (due to low latency mode).

If you have a budget, you can consider AirDots 2 in the secondary market, but check the battery status. The new AirDots S in 2026 is a smarter investment, as they will receive updates for at least another 2-3 years.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions