Xiaomi has long ceased to be just a manufacturer of smartphones โ today it is an ecosystem of smart devices, where headphones occupy one of the key places. TWS-models to flagship headphones with active noise cancellation (ANC), The brand offers solutions for every taste and every wallet, but how do you make sense of that diversity, especially if you're looking for something specific, whether it's for sports or work or just for a comfortable listening to music?
In this article, we will not only list all the current models of Xiaomi headphones for 2026, but also help you decide on the choice. LDAC We will also reveal the hidden features of some models that are not mentioned in the official specifications, for example, how to turn on low latency for games or why some headphones work worse with iPhones.
It will also be useful for those who already use Xiaomi headphones, but want to unleash their potential 100%. For example, did you know that in Xiaomi Buds 4 Pro you can manually adjust the noise reduction level through the Mi Home app? or that Redmi Buds 5 can automatically switch between devices โ like AirPods?
1. Xiaomi headphone line: how not to get confused in the names
The first thing that is confusing when choosing is the abundance of series and sub-brands. Xiaomi releases headphones under several brands:
- ๐ง Xiaomi Buds โ flagship series with advanced technologies (ANC, LDAC, adaptive).
- ๐ Redmi Buds are budget and mid-budget models, often with a focus on sports and long-term autonomy.
- ๐ถ Xiaomi FlipBuds โ headphones with a unique design (a folding mechanism, like Sony LinkBuds).
- ๐ผ Xiaomi Air โ Lightweight and compact models for everyday use.
- ๐ฎ Black Shark โ gaming headphones with low latency (a sub-brand of Xiaomi for gamers).
It's important to understand that the name of the model doesn't always reflect its generation, for example, the Redmi Buds 4 Pro is newer than the Redmi Buds 5 (the latter are budget line).
Another nuance: some models are sold under different names depending on the region, for example, Xiaomi Buds 4 in China may be called Mi True Wireless Earphones 4.
2. TOP-5 The best models of Xiaomi 2026 year: comparative table
To make it easier for you to navigate, we've put the key models into a single table, and you can see the Features column, which shows you unique features that are rarely mentioned in reviews.
| Model | Type | ANC | Autonomy (clock) | Codecs. | Price (โ) | Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Xiaomi Buds 5 Pro | TWS (inlays) | Yes (48 dB) | 8 (10 with a case) | LDAC, AAC, SBC | 12 000 โฝ | Adaptive ANC, support LE Audio, light sensor for autopause |
| Redmi Buds 5 Pro | TWS (inlays) | Yes (46 dB) | 10 (12 with case) | AAC, SBC, LC3 | 7 500 โฝ | Dynamic drivers 11 mm, Super Low Latency mode (55 ms) |
| Xiaomi FlipBuds Pro | TWS (semi-open) | Yes (40 dB) | 7 (9 with case) | AAC, SBC | 9 000 โฝ | Unique design with folding mechanism, support for Dual Device |
| Redmi Buds 4 Active | TWS (inlays) | No. | 6 (18 with a case) | AAC, SBC | 3 000 โฝ | Waterproofing IP54, weight 3.7 g (one of the lightest) |
| Xiaomi Air 3 SE | TWS (inlays) | No. | 5 (20 with case) | AAC, SBC | 2 500 โฝ | Google Fast Pair Support, Touch Control |
If you need premium headphones, look for the Xiaomi Buds 5 Pro โ itโs the only model in the lineup with support LDAC, And that's important for audiophiles, because the Redmi Buds 5 Pro is better suited for gaming, because it's low latency, and if you want a fancy design, the FlipBuds Pro is the only one of its kind.
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For a full-fledged ANC Choose models with Hybrid support ANC (Hybrid noise reduction: Xiaomi Buds 5 Pro and Redmi Buds 5 Pro.
3. budget Xiaomi headphones: what you can buy up to 5,000 โฝ
Despite the low price, Xiaomiโs budget models often outperform competitors in functionality, and the main thing is to know what to look for.
The segment is dominated by:
- ๐ฐ Redmi Buds 4 Lite (~2 000 โฝ) โ cheapest TWS sound-proof IP54.
- ๐ Xiaomi Air 3 SE (~2 500 โฝ) โ Best class autonomy (up to 20 hours with case).
- ๐ต Redmi Buds 4 Active (~3 000 โฝ) โ Optimized for sports (light, do not fall out).
- ๐ฎ Redmi Buds 4 Youth (~3 500 โฝ) โ Low latency (88 ms) for gaming.
The main compromises of budget models:
โ ๏ธ Note: Headphones are cheaper than 3 000 โฝ absent ANC, If you care about calls, choose models with additional microphones for noise reduction (for example, Redmi Buds 4 Pro, despite the name, belongs to the middle segment).
Buyer's advice: If you need headphones for running or gym, pay attention to weight and water protection. For example, the Redmi Buds 4 Active weighs only 3.7g and has protection. IP54, Which makes them one of the best in their class for the sport.
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Before buying, check compatibility with your smartphone.Redmi Buds 4 Lite, for example, doesn't support Google Fast Pair, which can be inconvenient for Android owners.
4. Flagship models: when it is justified to overpay
If you're willing to spend $8,000 โฝ And more, then you open up opportunities that are not available in the budget segment:
- ๐๏ธ Adaptive ANC โ It automatically adjusts to the level of external noise (there is in Xiaomi Buds 5 Pro).
- ๐ง Support for Hi-Res Audio โ Codecs LDAC and LC3 audiophile.
- ๐ Multipoint connection โ simultaneous operation with two devices (for example, a smartphone) + laptop).
- ๐ฑ Advanced settings in Mi Home - manual setting of equalizer, level ANC, gesture.
But there are pitfalls, too: Xiaomi Buds 5 Pro, for example, have a semi-open design that improves comfort but reduces quality. ANC And in FlipBuds Pro, because of the unusual design, external noise can leak even with the noise cancellation on.
Premium models also require the right setup, for example, to enable LDAC Xiaomi Buds 5 Pro, you need to:
- Connect the headphones to the smartphone.
- Go to Settings. โ Bluetooth โ Settings of the device โ Sound quality.
- Select LDAC (AAC is the default).
Why? LDAC not always better AAC?
If you choose between Xiaomi Buds 5 Pro and Redmi Buds 5 Pro, the former win in sound and sound. ANC, The second is in terms of autonomy and price. For most users, the difference in sound quality will be small, so the Redmi Buds 5 Pro is often the better choice.
5. Xiaomi headphones for sports: what to look for
Three things are important for training: waterproof, fixation and autonomy. Xiaomi has several sports-optimized models:
- ๐ Redmi Buds 4 Active โ IP54, weight 3.7g, silicone embushures.
- ๐ด Xiaomi Air 3 Pro โ IP55, Google Fast Pair Support.
- ๐๏ธ Redmi Buds 5 โ IP54, adaptive equalizer for sports tracks.
The mistake of many buyers is the choice of headphones with maximum moisture protection (IP67 In practice, most sports are sufficient. IP54 or IP55, Full immersion (e.g. swimming) still requires specialized models.
โ ๏ธ Warning: If you are in the gym with dumbbells or barbells, avoid touch-controlled headphones (e.g. Xiaomi Air 3) SE). Touching to the ear can accidentally pause or switch tracks. it is better to choose a model with physical buttons (for example, Redmi Buds 4).
Connectivity stability is important for running. Budget models (Redmi Buds 4 Lite) can have a fast-moving communication breakdown. If you're running outside, look for models with Bluetooth 5.3 and support. LC3 โ They provide a more stable connection.
Level of water protection (minimum) IP54)
Weight (optimum up to 5 g)
Control type (buttons vs sensor)
Support for Bluetooth 5.2+
Autonomy (minimum 5 hours)
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6. Hidden features of Xiaomi headphones: what your headphones can do
Many users use Xiaomi headphones out of the box, unaware of the hidden possibilities. Here are some tips worth trying:
- ๐ Transparency mode - in models with ANC (Buds 5 Pro, FlipBuds Pro, you can hear the surrounding sounds without removing your headphones).
- ๐ฎ Game mode โ in Redmi Buds 5 Pro and Black Shark JoyBuds, the sound delay is reduced to 55 ms.
- ๐ Auto-Switching Devices โ In FlipBuds Pro and Buds 4 Pro, headphones automatically connect to the last active device.
- ๐๏ธ Customize gestures โ Mi Home can reassign actions for taps (for example, triple touch for voice assistant).
One of the most useful features is the automatic pause when you take off, which works in all models with a wear sensor (for example, Xiaomi Buds 4), but can be disabled by default.
- Open the Mi Home app.
- Pick your headphones.
- Go to Settings. โ Automatic pause.
Another life hack: if you have Xiaomi Buds 5 Pro, you can adjust the level ANC manually, for this purpose:
- In Mi Home, select headphones.
- Go to Settings. ANC โ Manual setting.
- Move the slider to increase or decrease the intensity of noise cancellation.
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If your Xiaomi headphones are getting worse, try resetting them to factory settings. To do this, press the button on the case for 10 seconds (until the indicator blinks).
7. Compatible with iPhone and other devices
Xiaomi headphones optimized for the ecosystem MIUI, But most models work well with both iPhones and Windows or MacOS devices:
- ๐ On the iPhone does not work brand codecs (LDAC, LC3), only AAC or SBC.
- ๐ฅ๏ธ Windows may not have automatic switching between devices (Dual Device).
- ๐ฑ In the Mi Home app on iOS, some settings are not available (for example, manual adjustment) ANC).
- ๐ง On MacBook, there are problems with the microphone in models without AAC.
If you use an iPhone, it is better to choose models with support AAC (For Windows or Linux, look for models with simple connectivity (like Redmi Buds 4 Lite), as they donโt require additional drivers.
Special attention should be paid to the delay of sound. on Android devices it is usually 80-120 ms, and on iOS it can go up to 200 ms. If you watch videos or play, turn on the game mode (if it is supported by your model).
How to reduce latency on iPhone?
8 How to prolong the life of Xiaomi headphones: tips for care
Even the most expensive headphones can quickly fail if you don't watch them.
- ๐ Charging: Do not leave your headphones on charge for more than 24 hours, optimally charge up to 80-90% and do not discharge completely.
- ๐ง Cleaning: Once a week, wipe the speakers with a cotton swab dipped in alcohol (do not use water!).
- ๐ก๏ธ Temperature: Do not leave your headphones in the sun or in a cold place (optimum 10-35).ยฐC).
- ๐ฆ Storage: Always put your headphones in your case โ this protects them from dust and mechanical damage.
One of the most common questions is, can you wash your headphones? No, even if they're protected. IP54 or IP55. The waterproofing prevents sweat and rain, but it's not designed to flow directly into the water. If the headphones get too dirty, use dry cleaning or special wipes for electronics.
โ ๏ธ Warning: If your headphones are no longer on charge, don't throw them away. Often the problem is the battery controller. Try leaving the headphones on charge for 12 to 24 hours - sometimes this helps to "reanimate" the battery.
Another tip: if you notice that the sound is quieter, check the speaker grid for clogging. Often the cause is accumulated dust or earwax. Use a soft brush (for example, a toothbrush) or compressed air (a keyboard cleaner) to clean.