Xiaomi AirDots vs AirDots 2: Detailed Comparison of Two Generations of Wireless Headphones

Xiaomi AirDots and AirDots 2 (also known as Mi True Wireless Earphones 2) have become some of the most popular budget headphones. TWS-Both versions offer basic functionality at an affordable price, but there are significant differences between them that can affect the choice. If you are faced with a dilemma of which model to prefer, it is important to understand that the second generation not only improved individual parameters, but offered a fundamentally different approach to sound, ergonomics and control.

The first version of AirDots (released in 2019) was Xiaomi’s debut in the segment of fully wireless headphones. It laid the foundation for future models, but had a number of trade-offs: mediocre microphone quality, modest battery life and simplified body design. AirDots 2 (2020) corrected most of the shortcomings of its predecessor, adding support for aptX, improved speakers and more reliable connectivity. However, not all the changes were unequivocally positive – for example, the new design of the case caused controversy among users.

In this article, we will explore 12 key differences between models, including hidden nuances that the manufacturer does not always advertise: you will learn whether to overpay for the second generation, what non-obvious problems can occur with each version, and which model is best suited for music, calls or sports.

1. Design and Ergonomics: Which is More Comfortable in 2026?

The AirDots and AirDots 2 look similar, but the differences become apparent when you look closer. The first generation had more rounded headphones with a glossy surface that quickly covered with fingerprints. The second generation received a matte coating and slightly altered shape, which improved the fixation in the ear.

The main difference is the weight and dimensions:

• 📏 AirDots: Weight 4,1 d (one earpiece), dimensions 26,65×16,4×21,6 mm
• 📏 AirDots 2: weight 4,5 d dimensions 31,0×18,6×21,3 mm

While the difference may seem small at first, AirDots 2 is actually better at sitting in the ears because of the increased touch area, some users have noted that the first generation is less noticeable when worn under a hat or hood.

The case is more radical, with AirDots having a compact oval case with a magnetic cover, while AirDots 2 has a rectangular case with a folding cover, which takes up more space in the pocket but provides better protection against mechanical damage.

⚠️ Warning: AirDots 2 owners often complain that the cover of the case eventually begins to luft.This is due to the wear of plastic hinges - a problem not critical, but can annoy perfectionists.

2.Sound quality: aptX vs SBC/AAC

The most notable improvement in the second generation is support for the aptX codec, a proprietary audio codec from Qualcomm that delivers higher audio quality than the standard SBC and AAC used in the first generation, a difference particularly noticeable when listening to high-resolution music (such as FLAC or WAV).

Technical characteristics of the speakers:

In practice, AirDots 2 sounds more balanced, with basses deeper and high frequencies less sharp. However, to fully use aptX requires a compatible sound source (for example, a smartphone on the Snapdragon 8-series or later). If your phone supports only SBC, the difference between models will be minimal.

Another nuance is the latency of sound, which is about 200 ms on AirDots, which is noticeable when watching video, and in the second generation, the latency was reduced to 120-150 ms thanks to firmware optimization and support for aptX Low Latency (although this mode is not officially announced).

3. Microphones and call quality: who is better at voice transmission?

One of the weaknesses of the first generation is the mediocre quality of the microphones: AirDots used one microphone for each headphone without noise cancellation, which often caused the interlocutor to hear echoes or extraneous noises. The second generation received dual microphones with cVc 8.0 (clear Voice Capture) technology, which more effectively suppresses ambient noise.

Real-world comparison:

• 🎤 AirDots: voice sounds muffled, in windy weather you can hear wheezing
• 🎤 AirDots 2: Voice is clearer, street noise is suppressed by 60-70%

But even AirDots 2 has limitations, such as when winds are high or in very noisy spaces (like the subway), and flagship models like Xiaomi Air 2 Pro or AirDots 3 Pro are much better at handling noise thanks to adaptive algorithms.

⚠️ Warning: If you make frequent calls in a street noise environment, consider supportive alternatives ENC (Environmental Noise Cancellation, for example Redmi Buds 4 Pro or SoundPEATS Air3 Deluxe.

4. Autonomy and operating time: who will live longer without an outlet?

The official Xiaomi data is optimistic, but the real-world tests show a slightly different picture.

In practice, both generations are losing out to modern budget models (e.g. Redmi Buds 4 keep up to 30 hours with a case).

1. Fast charging: 10 minutes in a case gives ~1 hour of playback (AirDots has 30 minutes of charging = 40 minutes of work).
2. Power efficiency: Thanks to the Qualcomm QCC3020 chip, the second generation spends less energy on connecting and processing sound.

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If the headphones are quickly discharged, try turning off aptX in Bluetooth settings – this codec consumes more power than AAC.

It is important to consider that the operating time depends on the volume: at maximum volume AirDots 2 will live no more than 3.5 hours, while at 70% volume - all 5.

Connectivity and stability of communication: who is less likely to break off?

Both generations use Bluetooth 5.0, but implementations vary. AirDots suffered frequent communication disruptions, especially in urban areas or when there was interference (such as near Wi-Fi routers), the second generation received improved antennas and optimized software, which reduced the number of breaks by 40-50%.

Key differences in connection:

• 📶 AirDots: maximum distance without interference — ~8 meters, delay in reconnection ~3 seconds
• 📶 AirDots 2: stable connection up to 10 meters, instant reconnection when leaving the range

Another important point is duality. In AirDots 2, each earpiece can work independently (e.g., you can give the right earpiece to a friend to listen to music in stereo), and the first generation doesn't have that feature, because the headphones only work in pairs.

6.Management and functionality: what is more convenient in everyday use?

Both generations of control are implemented through touch panels, but the set of functions is different. AirDots only has basic gestures:

• 👆 One touch: playback/pause
• 👆 Double touch: next track (right earpiece only)
• 👆 Retention: Calling the voice assistant

AirDots 2 has added:

• 👆 Triple touch: previous track (left earphone)
• 👆 Retaining on the left earphone: turning off the sound
• 👆 Automatic pause when removing the earpiece from the ear

In addition, the second generation supports firmware through the Mi Home app, which allows you to update the functionality, for example, one of the updates added the ability to customize gestures for specific actions (for example, double-tapping to call Google Assistant).

Open the Mi Home app|Put your headphones on the phone.|Go to the section "Device profile"|Click on "Update firmware" (if available)|Do not interrupt the process until it is completed.-->

But there’s a downside: AirDots 2 doesn’t support connecting to two devices at once (like a phone and a laptop), which is not available in the first generation, but at least there’s no limit to reconnecting.

7.Price and relevance in 2026: is it worth overpaying?

At the time of the release of AirDots 2 cost 30-40% more than the first generation, but today the price difference has decreased to 10-15%.

• 💰 Xiaomi AirDots: 1,200-1,500 rubles (b/y or new residues)
• 💰 Xiaomi AirDots 2: 1,800-2,200 rubles (new)

Should you overpay? The answer depends on your priorities.

The critical nuance is that both generations are already out of production, and there are counterfeits on the market.

• 🔍 Presence of a hologram on the package
• 🔍 Serial number (can be checked on Xiaomi website)
• 🔍 Quality of assembly (the original has no backlashes and gaps)

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In 2026, AirDots 2 remains relevant only for the budget segment. If your budget is above 2,500 rubles, consider more modern models: Xiaomi Buds 4 or SoundPEATS Air3 with support for LDAC and active noise cancellation.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi AirDots and AirDots 2