What fitness bracelet Xiaomi to choose in 2026: a comparison of all current models

Xiaomi fitness bracelets have long been synonymous with accessibility, functionality and stylish design. Every year the Mi Band lineup expands, new features are added, sensor accuracy is improved, and prices remain affordable. But how do you stay out of this diversity and choose the model that's perfect for you? In 2026, Xiaomi has solutions for everything from basic step tracking to professional sleep and heart rate monitoring with support. SpO₂ and stress tests.

In this guide, we will not just list all the current models, but help you determine your priorities. You will learn which bracelets are suitable for running, which are suitable for swimming, and which will become a universal assistant in everyday life. We will analyze the real differences between the Mi Band 8 and Mi Band 7 (spoiler: they are not always obvious), understand the “professional” versions of the Smart Band Pro 2, and answer the main question: should we overpay for additional features or is it enough for the basic model?

We'll focus on Android and iOS compatibility, autonomy, build quality, and the pitfalls that the manufacturer prefers to keep quiet about. For example, did you know that some Xiaomi bracelets can incorrectly display notifications on iPhones? Or that accurate pressure measurement requires a special setting in the Mi Fitness app? These and other nuances are in our detailed comparison.

Topical Xiaomi models in 2026: a brief overview

At the beginning of 2026, the following fitness bracelets are presented in the official Xiaomi lineup (excluding outdated models up to the Mi Band 5):

• 📌 Xiaomi Mi Band 8 – flagship model with a AMOLED-display, 160+ sports regimes and support NFC (Pro version).
• 📌 Xiaomi Mi Band 7 – time-tested model with improved heart rate sensor and autonomy up to 15 days.
• 📌 Xiaomi Smart Band 8 Pro – “professional” version GPS, large screen and metal body.
• 📌 Xiaomi Mi Band 6 – budget option for those who do not need bells and whistles, but reliability is important.
• 📌 Xiaomi Watch S3 — hybrid bracelet and smart watch (emphasis on design and advanced health features).

It is important to understand that not all models are officially sold in Russia. NFC The Smart Band 8 Pro often comes with global firmware but no Russian in the interface!

It is also worth noting that Xiaomi is actively implementing Zepp. OS (It's affecting the interface, customization, and even compatibility with third-party applications. For example, the Smart Band 8 Pro already uses Zepp. OS, which allows you to install widgets, but deprives some of the functions available in old firmware.

Mi Band 8 vs Mi Band 7: Should I Pay More?

This is the most popular question among buyers. On paper, the Mi Band 8 looks better at everything: a new design, a brighter screen, additional sensors. But in practice, the difference does not always justify the difference in price (about 1,500-2,000 rubles).

Key findings:

• 🔹 If you want a jogging bracelet or a gym, there's almost no difference between the Mi Band 7 and the 8.
• 🔹 Mi Band 8 is better for monitoring sleep and stress, it has more sensitive sensors.
• 🔹 If it matters NFC For payment, check the supported banks (in Russia only works with the World and some Chinese systems).
• 🔹 Mi Band 8 design is subjectively better (more rounded shapes), but the straps from Mi Band 7 don't fit it.

💡

Mi Band 8 is only valid if you are critically interested in improved sleep monitoring or sleep monitoring. NFC. In all other cases, the Mi Band 7 is the best choice in terms of price/quality ratio.

⚠️ Warning: The Mi Band 8 has a new charging connector that is now a magnetic connector instead of the usual recessed connector, meaning that the old chargers won’t fit and the new one is easy to lose (it’s smaller and easier to lose).

Smart Band 8 Pro: Professional Bracelet or Marketing?

Xiaomi Smart Band 8 Pro is marketed as a "premium" version of the lineup. But what really lies behind this status?

• 📍 Built-in GPS (route-tracking).
• 🖥️ Larger screen (1.74" vs 1.62) with Always-On Display support.
• 🏊‍♂️ Improved water resistance (5) ATM vs 3 ATM Mi Band 8).
• 🔋 Metal case (aluminum) instead of plastic.
• 📱 Works for Zepp. OS (More widgets, but less compatible with Mi Fit).

It looks cool at first, but there's a nuance.

1. GPS When used actively, autonomy drops from 14 days to 5-7 days.
2. Smart Band 8 Pro is almost 2 times more expensive than Mi Band 8 (about 6000-7000 rubles).
3. Compatibility. Not all Zepp functions OS work with Russian services (for example, the weather may be displayed with a delay).
4. Weight: The metal body makes the bracelet heavier (22g vs 14g for the Mi Band 8).

Who is the Smart Band 8 Pro?

• 🏃‍♂️ Runners and cyclists who care about accurate route tracking without a phone.
• 🏊‍♂️ Swimmers - thanks to improved water resistance.
• 💼 For those who want a premium design (metal looks more expensive than plastic).

For everyone else, the Smart Band 8 Pro is an overpayment for features that are either not useful or duplicated by a smartphone, GPS It's only comfortable if you're not using your phone, but it's easier to use it. GPS Smartphone – it is more accurate and does not put the battery bracelet.

Mi Band 6: Still relevant in 2026?

Xiaomi Mi Band 6 was released in 2021, but is still sold and in demand - especially among those who are looking for the most budget option. At the time of writing, it can be bought for 2,500-3,000 rubles, which is almost 2 times cheaper than the Mi Band 8.

What does he do?

• 🩺 Heart rate tracking, SpO₂ (oxygenation, sleep and stress.
• 🏃 30 sports modes (enough for most users)>
• 📱 Notifications about calls and messages (works on both iPhone and Android).
• 🔋 Autonomy up to 14 days (real) ~10–12).

What it lacks compared to the new models:

• ❌ Less sports modes (160 Mi Band 8 vs 30 Mi Band 6).
• ❌ No stress sensor (only basic heart rate monitoring).
• ❌ The screen is less bright (450 nits vs 600 nits for the Mi Band 8).
• ❌ No. NFC (Even in the Pro version for Russia).

So, should you buy the Mi Band 6 in 2026? The answer depends on your goals:

✅ You only need a bracelet to track your steps and sleep.

✅ You do not play professional sports.

✅ Your budget is limited to 3,000 rubles.

✅ You don't need it. NFC or advanced stress monitoring-->

⚠️ Note: Mi Band 6 has a problem syncing data when using iPhones. Sometimes the Mi Fitness app doesn't update the stats in the background and you have to open it manually.

Which Xiaomi bracelet is best for specific tasks?

To make the choice easier, we have made recommendations based on the most popular use cases.

🏃 For running and cardio.

Best Choice: Xiaomi Smart Band 8 Pro (Because of the built-in GPS) The band is called Mi Band 8 (if you run with your phone), both of which accurately track heart rate, pace and calories burned, and an important caveat is that to accurately measure your heart rate while running, the bracelet must be tightly attached to your wrist (some users complain of "missing" your heart rate when you're not fastened).

🏊 For swimming

The best option is Smart Band 8 Pro (water resistance 5). ATM) Or Mi Band 8 (if you're swimming in a pool, not in open water) and both can track swimming style, stroke count, and even measure exercise performance.

😴 To monitor sleep

The best of these are the Mi Band 8 and Smart Band 8 Pro, which have improved sensors and algorithms for analyzing sleep phases. Importantly, for accurate tracking, you need to sleep on your back or side (if you lie on your hand with a bracelet, the data will be distorted), and these models are also able to detect nap (short naps during the day), which is useful for those who follow the regime.

💼 For office work (notifications, stress tests)

The Mi Band 7 or Mi Band 8 is enough.

• 📳 Show notifications from WhatsApp, Telegram, Gmail and other apps.
• 🧘 Measure stress levels (by heart rate variability).
• ⏰ Set up a “smart alarm clock” (waking up in the phase of light sleep).

For iPhone, it’s better to choose Mi Band 8 – it has less trouble syncing notifications.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 For a child or an elderly person

The ideal option is the Mi Band 6, which is cheap, easy to use and has all the necessary functions for basic health monitoring, the main thing is to turn off unnecessary notifications (so that the bracelet does not distract with unnecessary vibrations). → Notifications and leave only important alerts (e.g. calls).

Android and iOS Compatibility: What You Need to Know

All Xiaomi bracelets officially support both Android and iOS, but there are important nuances:

Recommendations for iPhone owners:

• 📱 Before buying, check if your iPhone supports the Mi Fitness app (requires iOS 12.0 or later).
• 🔄 If the bracelet is not synced, try reinstalling the application and reconnecting the device.
• 🚫 NFC Xiaomi bracelets on iPhone does not work (this is a limitation of Apple, not Xiaomi).

💡

If you’re using a Xiaomi iPhone bracelet and you notice that your sleep data isn’t updated, try the following trick: Open the Mi Fitness app before going to bed and leave it running in the background (don’t swipe upwards).

Where to buy and how not to run into a fake?

Xiaomi bracelets are often faked, especially popular models like Mi Band 7 or Mi Band 8.

• 🛒 Official stores: Mi Store, Svyaznoy, M. Video, Wildberries (at verified sellers).
• 📦 Packaging: The original has a hologram on the box, a clear font and instructions in Russian (for the Russian version).
• 🔍 Serial number: You can check it on the Xiaomi website (enter in the Service field) → Authentication).
• 💰 If the bracelet is sold cheaper than the average market price by 30% or more - this is a reason to be wary.

Where NOT to buy:

• ❌ Hands on Avito or Yula (high risk of forgery or marriage).
• ❌ Unknown online stores with suspiciously low prices.
• ❌ Sellers who do not provide a check or guarantee.

If you are buying a bracelet in China (for example, on AliExpress), pay attention to:

• 🌍 Regional version: Chinese versions may not support Russian or may have restrictions on the use of the language. NFC.
• 📡 Frequency: Some bracelets only work with Chinese networks (e.g. Beidou instead of Chinese networks). GPS).
• ⚡ Charger: The kit can come with a Type A (American) plug, not a Type C (European) plug).

FAQ: Answers to popular questions