TWS-Xiaomi headphones: which is better to choose in 2026 – a comparison of top models

Choosing Xiaomi’s TWS wireless headphones is not an easy task: the brand offers more than a dozen models that vary in sound, autonomy and functionality. Some are suitable for music lovers with their support for LDAC and AAC, others for athletes thanks to IP54 moisture protection, and others will help out in the office thanks to the noise maker with microphones for crystal calls. In this article, we analyzed current models from 2023 to 2026, taking into account user feedback, sound tests and real-world use cases – from listening to music to gaming sessions.

It's important to understand that even within a single brand, the difference between the budget Redmi Buds 4 Lite and the flagship Xiaomi Buds 5 Pro is huge, from build quality to spatial sound support. We won't just list the specifications, instead we'll figure out which model is right for you, based on budget and objectives. For example, running is critical to a reliable landing and sweat protection, and for traveling - active noise cancellation and long work without recharging.

Key selection criteria TWS-Xiaomi headphones

Before you compare specific models, you need to prioritize them.

• 🎵 Sound quality: codec support (SBC, AAC, aptX, LDAC), sampling frequency, the presence of an equalizer in the Mi Home application.
• 🔋 Autonomy: time of operation on one charge (from 4 to 10 hours) and capacity of the case (up to 30 hours in total).
• 🏃 Design and ergonomics: weight, shape (inlays or "buttons"), the presence of wings for fixation.
• 💧 Moisture Protection: Minimum Standard for Sport — IPX4, floating — IPX7.
• 🎤 Microphones and noise maker: number of microphones (2 to 6), support ENC pure-voice.
• 🕹️ Sound delay: critical for gamers – look for models with Game Mode (latency) < 80 ms).

Note that even top Xiaomi models can have pitfalls. For example, the Buds 4 Pro does not support aptX, which will disappoint smartphone owners on Qualcomm Snapdragon. And the Redmi Buds 5 have great sound, but weak noise insulation in the subway. Next, we will examine each model in detail.

Top.-5 TWS-Xiaomi headphones in 2026 year: comparative table

To make it easier to choose, we've created a table with key parameters for the models that are being used, and you can see the Features column, which shows the unique pieces that can be crucial for you.

You can see from the table that the Buds 5 Pro is leading in functionality, but their price may seem overpriced. If you don't need LDAC, look at the Buds 4 Pro — they're cheaper by 25%, but they retain active noise cancellation. For the budget segment, Redmi Buds 5 offer a better balance of price and quality, especially if you want a long standalone mode.

💡

For Android smartphones, AAC or LDAC codecs are priority, for iPhone - only AAC (other codecs are not supported).

The best. TWS-Xiaomi headphones for music and sound

If you prioritize sound quality, you narrow down to three models: Buds 5 Pro, Buds 4 Pro and Redmi Buds 5. They all support LC3, the new Bluetooth LE Audio codec standard that delivers clearer sound when bitrate is low.

• 🎧 Xiaomi Buds 5 Pro: The only model with LDAC (Bitrate up to 990 kbps, which gives a sound close to Hi-Res Audio.
• 🎧 Xiaomi Buds 4 Pro: 11 mm speakers + The basses are deep, but high frequencies can seem abrupt.
• 🎧 Redmi Buds 5: balanced sound with focus on the middle.Mi Home app has 3 preset equalizer available.

Important: for full use of LDAC in Buds 5 Pro need a smartphone on Android 8.0+ with support for this codec (for example, Xiaomi 13/14, Samsung Galaxy S22+). on the iPhone, these headphones will work only through AAC, which will reduce the sound quality.

For testing, we used tracks in FLAC 24/96 format:

Bass: Seven Nation Army - The White Stripes (deep but not rumming)

Middle: "Bohemian Rhapsody" - Queen (Freddie Mercury's voice is relayed in detail).

Upper frequencies: "Clocks" - Coldplay (the piano rings without distortion).

⚠️ Note: In cheap models (for example, Redmi Buds) 4 Lite) codec is used SBC bitrate 328 It's a bit less detail, especially at high frequencies. MP3 320 kbps or stream Spotify, you won’t feel the difference, but for the sake of the game, you can’t. FLAC or TIDAL HiFi is better to choose a model with AAC/LDAC.

What are they? TWS-Xiaomi headphones are better for sports and fitness?

Three parameters are critical for training: reliable landing, sweat protection and communication stability.

1. Redmi Buds 5: weight 4.1 g, the shape of the button with silicone embroideries, IP54. Suitable for running and cycling, but can fall out when sudden movements (for example, in crossfire).
2. Xiaomi Buds 3T Pro: More massive, but with wings to fix. IP54 protection can withstand sweat, but not immersion in water.
3. Redmi Buds 4 Active: specially for sports - weight 3.7 g, the shape of the "drop" with an elongated body for a better fit.

We tested the headphones in real conditions:

- Running (10km): Redmi Buds 5 held well but after 30 minutes started to slide.Buds 4 Active remained in place.

Gym: All models survived, but Buds 3T Pro got a little warm after an hour of use.

- Swimming: No model is suitable - maximum protection IP54 will not save from immersion.

Try putting on and spinning your head |Jump in place |Trash your head (like running) |Track your mouth when you open (like talking)

-->

If you are engaged in yoga or stretching, any models with IP54 will do. For crossfit or boxing, it is better to choose Buds 4 Active or buy additional straps-fixers (for example, Xiaomi Earhook Cover).

TWS-Xiaomi headphones for calls and conferences

For office work or remote calls, the following are important:

-Mic quality (preferably 3+ with ENC support)

Noise suppression (active or at least passive).

Communication stability (Bluetooth 5.2+)

Leaders in this segment:

• 📞 Xiaomi Buds 5 Pro: 3 microphones + ENC, ANC Cuts off background noise (air conditioning, keyboard).
• 📞 Xiaomi Buds 4 Pro: 2 microphones, but with good direction. In a quiet room, the sound is clear, but in a noisy office, extraneous sounds can break through.
• 📞 Redmi Buds 5: 2 microphones without a microphone ENC. It is suitable for rare calls, but not for daily calls.

We tested the calls in different conditions:

- Quiet room: all models were clear.

Street (wind): Buds 5 Pro and Buds 4 Pro did well, Redmi Buds 5 did not.

Cafe (background music): Only Buds 5 Pro completely suppressed the noise.

💡

If you get frequent calls in noisy places, turn on the Voice Improvement mode (available for models with ENC) in the Mi Home settings.

⚠️ Attention: Xiaomi headphones may have Transparency mode activated by default, which lets in external sounds. Before calling, check that it is off, otherwise the interlocutor will hear an echo. → Sound. → Transparent mode.

Comparison with competitors: Xiaomi vs Realme vs Samsung

To see how competitive Xiaomi is, compare them to popular models from other brands in the same price range.

Conclusions:

Xiaomi Buds 5 Pro loses to Realme Buds Air 5 Pro in autonomy and support for aptX, but win in design and price.

Samsung Galaxy Buds2 Pro is better in noise making, but their cost is 25% higher.

If you need aptX for smartphones on Snapdragon, pay attention to Realme.

Frequent problems and how to avoid them

Even the best. TWS-Xiaomi headphones can be a hassle. Here are the typical problems and their solutions:

• 🔊 One earbud doesn't connect: Put both earbuds in the case for 10 seconds. Pull out and hold the touchpad on both headphones for 15 seconds (until red/white flashes). Reconnect to Bluetooth Settings.
• 🎛️ Low volume: In Mi Home, check if Safe Volume is activated. On Android, turn off Absolute Volume in the developer settings.

Quick discharge.

1. Turn off the ANC if you're not using it.
2. Update the firmware through Mi Home.
3. Use the original cable to charge the case.

If the headphones are not determined by the computer, check:

- Are they connected in "For Calls and Music" mode (in Windows, select this profile in Sound Settings).

- Is the firmware of the Bluetooth adapter on the PC updated?

FAQ: Answers to popular questions