Introduction: Why Xiaomi headphones are worth the attention?
Xiaomi has long ceased to be just a manufacturer of smartphones — today it is an ecosystem of smart devices, where headphones occupy a special place. Their main trump cards: price-quality ratio, modern technologies (like LDAC and ANC) and flawless integration with the Mi ecosystem.
In this article, we will not only list the best headphones, but also help you choose the best model for your tasks: for sports, work, travel or listening to music in high quality. take into account nuances like autonomy, codec support, wearability and even compatibility with the iPhone. And also reveal hidden features that the manufacturer does not always mention in the description (for example, how to turn on the “game sound” mode on the Xiaomi Buds 4 Pro).
Spoiler: If you want headphones "just to listen to music on the subway," it doesn't make sense to overpay for flagship models, but for music lovers or frequent flyers, the choice may come as a surprise. Let's start with the main thing, the criteria that are really important when buying.
Key criteria for choosing Xiaomi headphones
Before comparing specific models, prioritize them, and this is what really affects usability:
- 🎧 Type of design: TWS (We have wireless droplets, vacuum liners, overhead or full-size liners, the first one is good for sports, the last one is good for home.
- 🔋 Autonomy: from 4 hours for budget models to 30+ Note fast charging (e.g. 5 minutes) = 2 hours of playback).
- 🎵 Codecs: AAC (standard for iPhone, aptX (for Android), LDAC (Budget models often support only Hi-Res audio. SBC — That's enough for podcasts, but not for music.
- 🚫 Noisemaker (ANC): It's relevant for airplanes and offices. Xiaomi has hybrid models. ANC (FlipBuds Pro, which is better at suppressing low frequencies.
- 💦 Moisture protection: IP54 — spray-dry, IPX7 — You can wash under the tap, and you can run and you can get a minimum of gyms. IPX4.
Just as important is the software: Xiaomi headphones work best with the Mi Audio app (available on Android), which allows you to configure an equalizer, update your firmware and even assign gestures. iPhone owners will have to be content with basic features — Xiaomi does not support Apple’s Audio Sharing.
TOP-3 Xiaomi budget headphones (up to) 3 000 ₽)
If you want workhorses without bells and whistles, look at these models, which are not going to be a premium sound, but they're going to do the basics of calling, podcasting, transportation.
| Model | Type | ANC | Autonomy (with case) | Codecs. | Price, ₽ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Redmi Buds 4 Active | TWS | ❌ No. | 30. | SBC, AAC | 1 500 |
| Xiaomi Buds 4 Lite | TWS | ❌ No. | 20. | SBC, AAC, aptX Adaptive | 2 500 |
| Redmi Buds 5 | TWS | ✅ Aye (basic) | 30. | SBC, AAC, LC3 | 2 800 |
Redmi Buds 4 Active is the best choice for the sport: lightweight (3.8g each), with IP54 protection and comfortable silicone fittings. The sound is balanced but without deep bass. The main drawback is that there is no aptX support, so on Android the sound can be worse than on the iPhone.
Xiaomi Buds 4 Lite stands out with an advanced microphone with noise cancellation during calls (good for the office), and there is also aptX Adaptive, which automatically adjusts the bitrate to the quality of communication, one of the disadvantages is weak insulation from external noise (you will have to turn up the volume in the subway).
⚠️ Note: In budget Xiaomi models, there is often a problem with asymmetry of sound (one earphone plays louder than another).This is treated by resetting the settings through the Mi Audio app or updating the firmware.
The best Xiaomi mid-range headphones (3000 – 7000) ₽)
In this segment, hybrid ANC, LDAC support and premium materials are coming, and they will be suitable for everyday use, including office, travel and high-quality music.
- 🎧 Xiaomi Buds 4 Pro – flagship with LDAC, adaptive ANC And it's Mi Spatial Audio, and it's a big case that can't fit in a jeans pocket.
- 🎧 Xiaomi Buds 5 - Updated version with dynamic drivers and improved microphone. Support aptX Lossless (almost lossless).
- 🎧 Redmi Buds 5 Pro – Best Price-Quality Balance: ANC It's at the flagship level, but it's 20 percent cheaper.
The Xiaomi Buds 4 Pro is the only model in the lineup with ceramic speakers that deliver a cleaner sound at higher frequencies. It has 3 levels of ANC (including Office mode) and a sock detector (music stops if you take out the earphone), but the battery runs out faster than competitors — only 6 hours with the ANC.
The Redmi Buds 5 Pro is a dark horse: it's as good as the Buds 4 Pro in sound, but it's 30% cheaper, and it's got Game Sound mode (low 55 ms latency) that's activated through the app, and it's also got wireless case charging (a rarity in this segment).
Review the ANC quality reviews on forums (often overstated characteristics)
Check codec compatibility with your smartphone (e.g., iPhone does not support LDAC)
Check the weight of headphones (more than 5 g can cause discomfort with prolonged wear)
View microphone tests on YouTube (important for calls)-->
Xiaomi premium headphones (from 7000) ₽): overpay?
Xiaomi’s flagship models compete with Sony’s WH-1000XM5 and Bose QuietComfort, but are 30 to 50 percent cheaper, with the main features being adaptive ANC, Hi-Res Audio support, and premium materials (like FlipBuds Pro leather suits).
| Model | ANC (dB) | Codecs. | Autonomy (ANC) | Unique chip. | Price, ₽ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Xiaomi FlipBuds Pro | 40 dB | LDAC, aptX Adaptive, AAC | 7 p.m. | Hybrid construction (inlays + overhead embushures) | 9 000 |
| Xiaomi Buds 5 Pro | 42 dB | LDAC, LC3, AAC | 5 p.m. | Dynamic drivers with titanium coating | 8 500 |
Xiaomi FlipBuds Pro is a unique model with a hybrid design: they combine the compactness of TWS and the insulation of overhead headphones. It has touch-sensitive gesture control (for example, swipe your finger over the mount to adjust the volume), but because of the unusual design, they are not suitable for sleep.
Buds 5 Pro – the best choice for music lovers: support LDAC 990 kbit/s (maximum Bluetooth quality) 6 pairs of bottles of different sizes, including options from memory foam. LC3 iPhone).
How to Enable the Hidden Super ANC Mode on FlipBuds Pro?
Xiaomi vs. competitors: comparison with Sony, Samsung and JBL
How do Xiaomi headphones differ from other brands? The main advantage is the ecosystem: they work perfectly with phones. Redmi/POCO/Xiaomi, Support Mi Share (fast connection) and have advanced settings in the proprietary application.
- 🆚 Sony (WH-1000XM5): Xiaomi is worse ANC, But better autonomy and price. Sony wins in detail.
- 🆚 Samsung (Galaxy Buds2 Xiaomi is cheaper and supported LDAC, Samsung is better at integrating with Android.
- 🆚 JBL (Live Pro 2): JBL Louder and bassier, but Xiaomi offers a more balanced sound and better microphone.
If you want to be as compatible as possible, go with Sony or Samsung, but if you're a Xiaomi user and you want to save money without losing quality, local headphones are the best option. For example, the Buds 5 Pro is as good as the Galaxy in sound. Buds2 Pro, but they're on 3,000. ₽ cheaper.
⚠️ Attention: Xiaomi headphones are often faked. Check originality by serial number through the site mi.com/global/verify. Counterfeiting poses as lack of branded app and bad ANC.
How to connect and configure headphones Xiaomi: step-by-step instructions
Even the best headphones will sound bad if they're not set up correctly. Here are the mandatory steps after you buy:
- 📱 Connection: Open the case cover and hold the button on the back panel 3 On your phone, turn on Bluetooth and select [Model Name: in the list of devices. For quick connection to other Xiaomi devices, use Mi Share (includes in Bluetooth settings).
- ⚙️ Customization in Mi Audio: Download the Mi Audio app (available on Android, iOS only basic features). Under Sound, select Preset Equalizer or create your own. ANC and adjust its intensity (for example, "Transport" or "Office").
Firmware update
- In Mi Audio, go to Device Settings → Software Update.
- Updates improve communication stability and add new features (e.g. LC3) support.
For game mode (low latency) on Buds 4 Pro/Buds 5 Pro:
1. Open Mi Audio → Sound settings.
2. Select "Game Mode" (delay reduced to 55 ms).
3. Activate the "Bass Amplifier" option for better sound of explosions and shots.💡
If the headphones are quickly discharged, turn off the Auto-Disable When Removed function in the settings. It's useful, but it wastes additional energy on the sensors.
Frequent Problems and How to Solve Them
Even the best headphones have a problem.-5 problems and solutions:
- 🔊 One earpiece plays quieter: Clean the speaker grille with a cotton swab (possibly clogged with dust). reset the settings via Mi Audio (Settings) → Check the sound balance in the phone settings (on Android: Settings) → Special opportunities → Mono-audio).
- 🎵 Poor sound quality on iPhone: iPhone does not support aptX and LDAC, So the sound is going to be worse than Android. AAC in Bluetooth settings (on iPhone: Settings) → Bluetooth → i near the headphones → Codec).
- 🔋 Battery goes down fast: Turn it off ANC, If you don't need it (saves up to 30% charge). Use a storage case - the headphones discharge even when they're off. Update the firmware (new versions optimize energy consumption).
If the headphones are not connected:
- Reboot Bluetooth on your phone.
- Reset the headphones to factory settings (hold the button on the case for 10 seconds).
- Try connecting to another device to rule out a smartphone problem.
💡
If Xiaomi headphones are not computer-defined, install the Qualcomm aptX driver from the official website. This will solve the problem 90% of the time.