Xiaomi’s headphone selection is a challenge: the brand offers dozens of models, from low-cost wired to premium wireless with active noise cancellation. In 2026, the range expanded with new chips, improved autonomy and spatial sound support. But how not to get lost in this variety and find the perfect option for your needs?
In this article, we analyzed the current Xiaomi headphone models, including the latest releases from 2023-2026, taking into account the key criteria: sound quality, convenience, operating time, compatibility with the Mi Ecosystem ecosystem and price/quality ratio.
Xiaomi headphones selection criteria: what to pay attention to
Prioritize your purchase, some people want autonomy (for long trips, for example), others need microphone quality (for calls), and others need headphones with minimal latency for games.
- 🎧 Type of connection: wired (Type-C or 3.5 mm), Bluetooth (version) 5.0 and above, or hybrid (with support) LDAC/AAC).
- 🔋 Working hours: from 4-6 hours for budget models to 30+ case-watch.
- 🎵 Sound characteristics: frequency range (usually 20–20,000 Hz), aptX support or LHDC for Hi-Res sound.
- 🛡️ Noise suppression: active (ANC) passive (due to design).
- 💧 Protection against moisture: standard IP54 (from splashing) or IPX5 (water-jet).
Design is just as important: In-ear is for sports, and over-ear is for home listening, and check compatibility with your device: some models are optimized for Xiaomi/Redmi/POCO smartphones and support proprietary features like Mi AI Assistant or Fast Pair.
⚠️ Note: If you use headphones with iPhone, pay attention to codec support AAC — It provides better sound quality than standard. SBC, frequently used by default.
TOP-3 Xiaomi budget headphones (up to) 3 000 ₽)
Xiaomi’s budget segment is famous for its excellent value for money, and you’ll find both simple wired models and wireless TWS with decent autonomy, the main trade-off being the lack of advanced noise reduction and Hi-Res sound, but for everyday tasks (music, podcasts, calls) they’ll be enough.
| Model | Type | Time to work. | Features | Price, ₽ |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Xiaomi Buds 4 Lite | TWS (Bluetooth 5.2) | 20 h (with case) | Support for AAC, weight 3.8 g, IP54 | 1 990 |
| Redmi Buds 4 Active | TWS (Bluetooth 5.3) | 30 h (with case) | 4 microphones, ENC for calls, IPX4 | 2 490 |
| Xiaomi Basic Earphones 2 | Wires (3.5 mm) | — | Aluminum case, 10 mm speaker, built-in microphone | 990 |
Redmi Buds 4 Active is our favorite in this category. Despite the low price, they got Bluetooth 5.3, which reduces the latency to 88 ms (important for gaming), and ENC technology for clean calls. The case here is not the most compact, but the autonomy is a record for the budget — up to 30 hours!
⚠️ Note: Wired Xiaomi Basic Earphones 2 will only work for devices with a 3.5 mm connector. If your smartphone does not have one, you will have to use the Type-C adapter. → 3.5 mm, which is not always convenient.
Best Xiaomi mid-segment headphones (3000-8000) ₽)
In this price range, Xiaomi offers models with active noise cancellation (ANC), improved speakers and support for Hi-Res Audio. Here you can already find options for music lovers and those who travel a lot.
- 🎶 Xiaomi Buds 4 Pro: the flagship model with ANC up to 48 dB, support LDAC And adaptive sound. Perfect for air travel.
- 🎤 Xiaomi FlipBuds Pro: an unusual design with “flip” speakers, ANC and 28-hour autonomy.
- 🏃 Xiaomi Buds 4: light (4.1 g), with IP54 Dual Device Connection (connecting to two devices at the same time).
Xiaomi Buds 4 Pro is the best choice for those who appreciate sound quality. They support LDAC codec (up to 990 kbps), which allows you to transfer content in Hi-Res format. Noise cancellation is adaptive: headphones analyze ambient noise and adjust the level of ANC automatically. The only drawback is the weight (5.2 g), which can seem heavy when worn for long periods.
Xiaomi FlipBuds Pro stands out for its unique design: speakers can be folded back to hear the surrounding sounds without removing the headphones. It is convenient in the office or on the street. It also has a transparent mode that is enabled by double touch. Autonomy at the level of flagships - up to 7 hours on a single charge (with ANC) and 28 hours with a case.
Codec support LDAC your smartphone|Compatible with Mi Ecosystem (for proprietary functions)|Having a branded Mi Earphones app in your region|The warranty card (important for the ANC-headphone)-->
Xiaomi premium headphones (from 8000) ₽): overpay?
In the premium segment, Xiaomi competes with Sony and Bose, offering models with advanced ANC, Hi-Res Audio Wireless and ultra-low latency. The main question is: is the overpayment justified? Let’s take a look at two top models — Xiaomi Buds 5 Pro and Xiaomi Air 2S.
Xiaomi Buds 5 Pro (about 12 000) ₽) — This is the brand's response to Sony. WF-1000XM5. It uses ceramic-coated speakers that reduce distortion at high frequencies, noise reduction reaches 52 dB (according to the manufacturer), and autonomy - 38 hours with a case. LE Audio and codec LC3, What improves sound quality with low bitrate.
Xiaomi Air 2S (about 9,000 ₽) — This is a full-length headphone (over-ear) with ANC They have 40mm speakers and support aptX Adaptive, making them a great choice for listening to music in a format. FLAC or ALAC. However, their dimensions and weight (260 g) may seem cumbersome for daily use.
| Parameter | Xiaomi Buds 5 Pro | Xiaomi Air 2S |
|---|---|---|
| Type | TWS | Over-ear |
| ANC (dB) | 52 | 40 |
| Autonomy (h) | 38 (with a case) | 30 |
| Hi-Res support | Yes (LDAC, LC3) | Yes (aptX Adaptive) |
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Xiaomi’s premium headphones are worth it if you need: advanced noise cancellation (ANC 40+ dB), Hi-Res Audio support, or ultra-low latency for gaming.
Xiaomi vs Redmi vs POCO: What’s the difference between headphones?
Xiaomi branded headphones from three sub-brands: Xiaomi (premium and mid-segment), Redmi (budget) and POCO (gaming and custom solutions).
- 📱 Xiaomi: flagship models with ANC, Hi-Res Audio and the advanced ecosystem. Examples: Buds 5 Pro, Air 2S.
- 💰 Redmi: budget headphones with basic functionality. Examples: Buds 4 Active, Buds 3 Lite.
- 🎮 POCO: They're gamers-oriented (low latency) or unusual designs: POCO Buds X1 s RGB-lighting.
The POCO Buds X1 is the only RGB-backlit model that can be configured through the app, with a 55ms latency, making it ideal for mobile gaming, but the microphone quality is inferior to even the budget Redmi, so it won't be suitable for calls.
If you need headphones for the Xiaomi ecosystem (for example, for synchronization with the Mi Band or Mi Smart Home), choose models branded Xiaomi.
Which Xiaomi headphones are better for iPhone?
How to connect and configure headphones Xiaomi: step-by-step instructions
Most Xiaomi wireless headphones support fast connection via Fast Pair (for Android) or standard Bluetooth. Consider the process with the example of Xiaomi Buds 4 Pro:
- Take the headphones out of the case - they will automatically go into pairing mode.
- On your smartphone, turn on Bluetooth and select Xiaomi Buds 4 Pro from the list of devices.
- Confirm the connection and wait for the installation of proprietary software (if there is an update).
- Install the Mi Earphones app (available for Android and iOS) to set up the ANC, equalizer, and gestures.
The Mi Earphones app can:
- 🎛️ Set up an equalizer (preset profiles or customized profiles).
- 🔇 Regulate the level ANC (From "Light" to "Maximum").
- 👆 Assign gestures (for example, double touch to switch tracks).
- 🔋 View the battery status of the case and each headphone separately.
For models with LDAC (Like Buds. 5 Pro) you need to manually enable this codec in the Bluetooth settings of the smartphone. Xiaomi/Redmi It's done this way:
Settings → Bluetooth → Click on the connected Xiaomi Buds 5 Pro → Audio codec → Select LDAC⚠️ Warning: If after connecting the headphones, the sound is interrupted or there are interference, try resetting Bluetooth settings on your smartphone or updating the headphone firmware through Mi Earphones.
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To extend the life of Xiaomi headphone battery, avoid full discharge of the case (plug in to charge at 20-30% charge) and do not leave them in the sun - this can damage lithium polymer batteries.
Frequent problems with Xiaomi headphones and how to solve them
Even the best headphones can fail, and let's look at the typical faults and how to fix them:
- 🔊 Uneven sound in headphones: clean the mesh of earwax with a soft brush or change the earbrushes. If the problem remains, check the sound balance in the settings of the smartphone.
- 📵 Headphones do not connect: reset them to factory settings (usually by pressing a button on the case for 10 seconds) and repeat pairing.
- 🔋 Battery goes down quickly: turn off ANC In the settings (it consumes up to 30% of the additional power) and update the firmware.
- 🎤 Bad to hear: check if the microphones are closed (they are located on the headphone leg). For Redmi Buds 4 Active, turn on the mode ENC appendix.
If Xiaomi headphones are not computer-defined (Windows/macOS), try:
- Update Bluetooth drivers (via Device Manager).
- Connect headphones in HFP mode (for calls) rather than A2DP (for music).
- Use Bluetooth 5.0 adapter if the built-in module is outdated.
ANC models (such as Buds 4 Pro) have a whistle problem with maximum noise cancellation, which is due to the ANC algorithm and is eliminated by reducing the noise reduction level in the application or updating the firmware.