Introduction: why you need headphones Xiaomi Airdots and how not to make a mistake with the choice
Wireless headphones Xiaomi Airdots has long become synonymous with affordable quality. Since 2019, when the first model was released, the line has grown to a dozen options - from budget Airdots Lite to flagship Pro 4 with ANC. But how not to get confused in this variety? This article will help you figure out which Xiaomi Airdots is better to choose for your tasks: for sports, music, calls or travel.
We tested 5 current models from 2023 to 2026, compared them on 12 parameters, from sound quality to wearability, and also tell about the hidden pitfalls of budget versions that the manufacturer does not advertise, for example, why Airdots 3 Pro can be worse in the ears than Airdots 4, despite the higher price.
Key Choice Criteria: What to Look at First
Before you buy, determine what your headphones are for, and it depends on which characteristics will be prioritized:
- 🎵 Music and Sound: Look at Codec Support (AAC, aptX, speaker size (6-14 mm) and frequency range.
- 🏃 Sports and fitness: check the degree of protection (IP54 vs IPX7), weight (less than 4 g per headphone) and the presence of "ears" for fixation.
- 📞 Calls: Pay attention to the number of microphones (2 to 4) and cVc 8.0 noise reduction support.
- ⚡ Autonomy: Cases can last 12 to 30 hours, headphones can last 4 to 8 hours. Budget models often save on battery capacity.
Compatibility with your smartphone is equally important, for example, Airdots Pro 3 fully work only with MIUI (branded firmware Xiaomi), and iPhone lose some of the features, and it is worth checking whether the model supports Bluetooth 5.2/5.3, which affects the stability of communication and power consumption.
TOP-5 models Xiaomi Airdots in 2026: a comparative table
We have selected the most balanced options in terms of price/quality, and in the table we have key parameters that will help you quickly navigate:
| Model | Price (₽) | Autonomy (headphones/case) | Protection | Microphones | Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Airdots 4 | 3 500–4 200 | 6 h/30 h/ | IP54 | 2 (cVc 8.0) | Lightweight (3.7g), Bluetooth 5.3 support, touch control |
| Airdots 3 Pro | 5 000–5 800 | 7 h/28 h/ | IPX7 | 4 (ANC) | Active noise cancellation, 12 mm speakers, support for Xiaomi HyperSync |
| Airdots Lite | 1 800–2 300 | 4 h/12 h/ | IPX4 | 1 | Minimalist design, no touch controls, suitable for calls |
| Redmi Buds 5 Pro | 4 500–5 200 | 6 h/24 h/ | IP54 | 3 (ANC) | Hybrid noise cancellation, LC3 support (low latency) |
| Airdots SE | 2 500–3 000 | 5 h/20 h/ | IPX5 | 2 | Improved ergonomics, fast pair with Xiaomi devices |
Note that autonomy is indicated at 50% volume, at maximum, the operating time is reduced by 30-40%, and in budget models (Airdots Lite, SE), there is a frequent problem with asymmetrical discharge of headphones - one sits faster than the other.
⚠️ Note: Models with the Pro index (for example, Airdots 3 Pro) require a firmware update through the Mi Home app. ANC sensory control.
Xiaomi Airdots 4 vs Airdots 3 Pro: Which is better in 2026?
These are the two most popular options, but they do different things: Airdots 4 is the versatile choice for most users, and Airdots 3 Pro is for audiophiles and those who travel frequently.
- 🔊 Sound: Airdots 3 Pro has 12mm dynamics (versus 10mm for Airdots 4), but basses are more "dirty" due to the semi-open design. Airdots 4 sound more balanced.
- 🎧 Noise suppression: There is a 3 Pro ANC (suppression up to 35 dB, but it only works with MIUI. On iPhone or Android of other brands, it’s just marketing.
- 🔋 Autonomy: Airdots 4 can keep charge longer by 10-15% thanks to Bluetooth 5.3 optimization.
- 💰 Price: Difference of 1,500–2,000 ₽ Justified only if you need it. ANC or more dynamics.
We tested that Airdots 3 Pro did do a better job of suppressing low-frequency noise (like the hum of a train), but on the street the difference with Airdots 4 is almost invisible, but for Airdots 4 calls it was better, thanks to the updated cVc 8.0 noise reduction algorithm.
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If you don’t need an ANC and you’re not an audiophile, take Airdots 4. They’re cheaper, lighter and more versatile. Airdots 3 Pros are only justified for listening to music in noisy places (airplane, office).
Budget options: Airdots Lite and Airdots SE
If your budget is limited to 2,500–3,000 ₽, You should look at the younger models, but they have some serious limitations:
- 🔕 Airdots Lite: Cheapest (from 1,800) ₽), But with one microphone and protection. IPX4 — They're afraid of the flow of water, but they're only suitable for quiet calls.
The main disadvantage of budget models is that they don't support modern codecs. They only work on the same standard. SBC, This is a very noticeable deterioration of sound at high frequencies. AAC and aptX Adaptive.
⚠️ Note: Airdots Lite often has a defect with a single headphone being spontaneously turned off.This is due to a weak Bluetooth module. Before buying, check the serial number on Xiaomi's website - lots after March 2023 are deprived of this bug.
Serial number on the official website|Compatible with your smartphone (Android/iOS)|Presence of a warranty card|Components (case, cable, spare bags)|Reviews of a specific seller-->
How to distinguish the original from the fake: 5 signs
The market is flooded with Xiaomi Airdots, which are indistinguishable from the original, but sound worse and break down after a month.
- Packaging: The original box has a hologram with a serial number that can be checked on Xiaomi's website.Counterfeit holograms are often blurred or missing.
- Weight: The original Airdots 4 weighs 3.7g ±0.1g. Counterfeiting is usually heavier (4.2-4.5g) due to cheap materials.
- Connection Sound: The original emits a short high signal, the fake is low and long.
- Mi Home app: Original headphones are automatically identified. The fakes are either not found or displayed as "Unknown device."
- Price: If Airdots 4 sells for less than 3,000 ₽ — Official dealers don't give discounts over 15%.
Another way to test is to look at the charging indicators, which are synchronous in the original, random in the fakes, and often lack the CE/RoHS certificate on the case case.
What happens if you buy a fake?
Compatibility with iPhone and other brands: what works and what doesn’t
While Xiaomi Airdots is marketed as versatile, some features are only available on Xiaomi/Redmi/Poco devices.
- 📱 iPhone: ✅ Basic functions (connection, playback). ❌ It's not working: ANC Airdots 3 Pro, fast pair, control gestures (standard only).
- 🤖 On Android, not Xiaomi): ✅ Airdots 4 and Redmi Buds 5 Pro are fully operational. ❌ Samsung and Huawei may not work auto-disconnect when removing the headphone.
- 💻 On PC./Mac: Connect like a normal Bluetooth headset, but without support for aptX codecs (only) SBC).
For iPhone owners, it’s better to choose Airdots 4 or Redmi Buds 5 – they have the best compatibility thanks to AAC support. But Airdots 3 Pro on iOS loses meaning: ANC does not work, and the sound gets worse due to the lack of optimization.
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Before buying, check if your smartphone supports the LC3 codec (for Redmi Buds 5 Pro). This can be done in Bluetooth settings or through the Developer Options app (includes in Settings → About Phone → Build Number).