How to Choose Xiaomi Redmi Airdots: Comparison of All 2026 Models

Xiaomi Redmi Airdots wireless headphones have long been one of the most popular budget solutions on the market. TWS-Since the first model was launched in 2019, the lineup has expanded significantly, and now the choice is between Airdots 3, Airdots 3 Pro, Airdots SE And with some modifications, it can be confusing for even a seasoned customer, and each version has unique features, from autonomy to codec support to noise reduction.

In this article, we will take a detailed look at all the current Redmi Airdots models, compare them by key parameters (sound, connection, design, price) and help you determine which headphones are right for you: for sports, listening to music, calling or games.

Despite the budget price tag, Xiaomi headphones often outperform competitors in terms of price/quality. However, not all models are equally good: somewhere the savings on drivers affect the bass, somewhere the weak Bluetooth connection spoils the listening experience. We tested each version and identified their strengths and weaknesses, so you do not have to do it by trial and error.

Key differences of Redmi Airdots models: a brief overview

The Redmi Airdots lineup includes more than 10 modifications, but in 2026 only 5-6 models are relevant.

• 🔋 Autonomy: 4 hours (Airdots 2) to 7 hours (Airdots 3 Pro) on a single charge, plus the case life.
• 🎵 Sound quality: codec support AAC, SBC Adaptive (only in Pro versions).
• 🎤 Microphones: Number (1 or 2) and noise reduction ENC call-in.
• 💧 Protection against moisture: standard IPX4 (from splashing) or IP54 (dust-and-water-protection).
• 🔄 Faster Couple Support: Mi AIoT Compatibility for Instant Connection to Xiaomi Devices.

For example, Redmi Airdots. 3 Pros are equipped with aptX Adaptive, which provides a more stable connection and better sound quality on Android devices, whereas the basic version of Airdots. 3 limited SBC/AAC. A model of Airdots. SE superlightweight (3,5 d on the headphone) and a comfortable fit, but loses in autonomy.

To avoid confusion, we have compiled a comparative table of key characteristics:

Note that the battery life is shown at 50% volume, in practice at maximum volume it is reduced by 20-30%, and the table does not include promotional models (for example, Redmi Airdots 3 Lite), which are less common and often inferior to the basic versions.

Which Redmi Airdots are best for music and movies?

If your priority is sound quality, the choice is narrowed to two models: Redmi Airdots 3 Pro and Redmi Buds 4 Active. Both support the AAC codec, which provides clearer high and medium frequencies compared to SBC. However, Airdots 3 Pro wins by aptX Adaptive - this codec dinamically adjusts the bitrate (up to 420 kbit / s) depending on the connection conditions, which is especially noticeable when listening to music in FLAC or ALAC format.

In tests, we compared the sound of these models with Sony. WF-C700N (price ~5 000 ₽) And they were pleasantly surprised:

• 🎶 Low frequencies: Airdots 3 Pro has a deeper and more controlled bass than competitors in the same price range, but they are not as inflated as the ones in the price range. JBL Tune 130NC.
• 🎤 Medium frequencies: vocals are clearly transmitted, without distortion, but slightly dry compared to Soundcore Life P3.
• 🔊 High frequencies: no sharpness, but the detail is inferior to the flagship models. For classical music or jazz, it is better to consider alternatives.

For movies and videos, sound delay is important, with Redmi Airdots 3 Pro leading the way with aptX Low Latency (in game mode). In the YouTube and Call of Duty Mobile test, the delay was only 80-100 ms (versus 150-200 ms for SBC models), which is critical for gamers, but for normal viewing, the difference is almost invisible.

⚠️ Note: the aptX Adaptive codec works only with devices on Qualcomm Snapdragon (most flagships Xiaomi, Samsung, OnePlus). AAC, scaling 15-20%.

If you need maximum sound quality in a budget of up to 3,000 ₽, Redmi Airdots 3 Pro is the best choice. For less demanding users, Redmi Buds 4 Active is suitable (it is cheaper by 500). ₽, without aptX).

The best Redmi Airdots for sports and active lifestyle

Three things are critical for sports: a reliable landing, sweat protection, and fall resistance, and of all Redmi Airdots models, only two meet these requirements:

1. Redmi Airdots 3 Pro is powered by IP54 (dust and splash protection) and an ergonomic design with three size silicone earpieces, weighing 4.5 grams, which is almost unfeelable when running.
2. Redmi Buds 4 Active is lighter (4.1 g), but with the same IP54. There is an additional mode "Sport", which activates increased noise cancellation for the microphone (useful for outdoor calls).

We tested both models under the following conditions:

• 🏃 Running: headphones did not fall out even with sharp turns of the head.
• 💦 Sweating: After 1 hour of intense exercise, no disruptions.
• 🌧️ Rain: Airdots 3 Pro endured a 10-minute rainfall without consequences (but don't recommend repeating it!).

The Redmi Airdots SE’s main drawback for sports is the lack of IP54 protection (IPX4 only), so sweat can damage the contacts over time, and this model also has weaker fixation: when jumping, the headphones can move.

⚠️ Attention: Don't confuse IPX4 and IP54! The first one protects against splashes (like rain) and not dust; the second one protects against fine dust and pressure jets of water. IPX4, But for street jogging, it's better. IP54.

If you exercise regularly, take Redmi Airdots 3 Pro or Buds 4 Active. Airdots 3 is fine for rare workouts, but be careful with sweating.

Planting (try all sizes of hamstrings)

Certificate of Protection (IP54)

Headphone weight (optimally 4-5 g)

Availability of the Sport mode (for microphone)-->

Redmi Airdots for calls: which is the best voice transfer?

The quality of the microphone in the budget TWS-headphones often leave much to be desired, but Xiaomi is gradually improving this side:

• 📞 Redmi Airdots 3 Pro – 2 microphones with technology ENC (In tests, the voice of the interviewee was clear even in the wind or in a noisy room.
• 📱 Redmi Buds 4 Active – 2 microphones with a single ENC, But with an additional voice processing algorithm for Mi AIoT (only works with Xiaomi devices).

We tested the calls in different conditions:

As you can see, Airdots 3 is not good at handling outside noise, but Buds 4 Active did better in noisy places thanks to optimization for the Xiaomi ecosystem, and if you make frequent calls on the subway or on the street, this model is the best choice.

An important nuance: on the iPhone, the quality of the microphone may deteriorate due to Apple’s restrictions on working with ENC. In this case, it is better to consider AirPods or Soundcore with AAC support for calls.

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If you get frequent calls in noisy places, turn on the microphone noise suppression mode in your headphone settings (available on the Mi Earphones App) to reduce background sounds by 30-40%.

Price comparison and where to buy cheaper

Prices for Redmi Airdots vary depending on the model and place of purchase, and in 2026, current prices (in rubles) and best deals:

• 🛒 Redmi Airdots 2: from 1,200 ₽ (The most budget option, but outdated. It is more profitable to buy on AliExpress (often coupons are available).
• 🛒 Redmi Airdots 3: from 1,800 ₽. Optimal price/quality ratio. It is better to take in official stores (M.Video, Svyaznoy) - less risk of running into a fake.
• 🛒 Redmi Airdots 3 Pro: from 2,500 ₽. The most expensive, but also the most functional model. Wildberries often have discounts up to 2,200 ₽.
• 🛒 Redmi Airdots SE: 1,500 ₽. Good option for those who care about the minimum weight).

Beware of fakes! signs of the original Redmi Airdots:

• 📦 Hologram packaging and QR-authentication.
• 🔊 The headphones should have a Redmi logo (not a Mi!).
• 📱 In the Mi Earphones app, headphones are automatically determined.

If you find headphones cheaper than 20% of the average price, that's a reason to be wary. For example, Airdots 3 Pro at a price of 1,800 ₽ — almost certainly a fake.

⚠️ Note: On AliExpress, sellers often indicate an inflated “old price” (for example, 4,000). ₽ instead of the real 2,500 ₽), You can always check prices on other sites to create the illusion of a big discount.

Hidden features of Redmi Airdots that you didn’t know about

The manufacturer doesn't always advertise all the features of its headphones, and we found a few hidden features that make using Redmi Airdots easier:

• 🎧 Monosound: You can use one headphone (right or left) independently. You just need to remove one earphone from the case, and it will automatically connect to the phone.
• 🔄 Fast Device Switching: If the headphones are connected to two devices (like a smartphone and a laptop), double tapping the sensor switches the audio stream.
• 🎵 Equalizer in the proprietary application: In Mi Earphones App you can customize the sound for the genres of music (pop, rock, classics) or create your profile.
• 🔋 Fast charging: 10 briefcases give you up to 1,5 Hours of operation (current for Airdots) 3/3 Pro).

Also, few people know that Redmi Airdots 3 Pro has a transparency mode (skips external sounds), activated by triple tap on the earpiece, useful for running around the city or working in the office.

Another life hack: if the headphones start to hold the charge poorly, try resetting them to the factory settings.

1. Put the headphones in the case.
2. Press and hold the button on the case for 10 seconds until the indicator flashes red.
3. Reconnect via Bluetooth.

This often solves connectivity and autonomy issues.

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The Mi Earphones branded app is only available for Android. iPhone users can only control headphones through standard Bluetooth settings.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Redmi Airdots