Along with the Xiaomi Watch S5 smartwatch, the Chinese company has launched the Xiaomi Buds 6 wireless earbuds on the international market, which were previously sold only in China. A semi-open design, aptX Lossless support, and up to 35 hours of battery life are the key features that set this model apart in the mid-range segment. Below, we break down what this means in practice and who should consider them.

The new Xiaomi earbuds are already available to order

First, the Xiaomi Buds 6 price: £99.99 in the UK and €119.99 in the EU.

Xiaomi Buds 6 Review

The Buds 6 feature a semi-open design — the earbud simply sits in the ear without silicone tips that seal the ear canal. Essentially, it’s the same format as regular AirPods: comfortable for extended wear but without tight isolation from the outside world.

Xiaomi says they’ve refined the ergonomics: the earbud stem is 12% thinner, and the sound channel is 11.3% narrower to reduce pressure on the ear. Each earbud weighs 4.4 grams, and the case comes in four colors — graphite black, pearl white, titanium gray, and purple.

The earbuds are very lightweight and ergonomic

The main consideration is the fit. Without a tight seal, the earbuds are less secure during active movement and weaker at blocking noise — that’s the trade-off for comfort. If you prefer earbuds that seal your ear and block out city sounds, this format is probably not for you.

Sound Quality of the New Xiaomi Earbuds

Inside is an 11mm dynamic driver with a gold-plated diaphragm, and the sound was tuned by the Harman Golden Ear team. There’s also an adaptive algorithm that adjusts frequencies to the shape of your ear canal. One interesting feature is aptX Lossless support. This is a Qualcomm codec that transmits audio without quality loss at speeds up to 2.1 Mbps. In practice, the benefit only comes when paired with a compatible smartphone (typically with Qualcomm chipsets) and when listening to high-quality music — you’re unlikely to hear a difference on regular streams.

Active noise cancellation is also present: three microphones filter background noise and handle wind up to 12 m/s during calls. But honestly, due to the open fit, ANC will mostly dampen low rumble like subway or air conditioner noise rather than create silence like earbuds with a tight seal.

Xiaomi Buds 6 Features

A handy detail for those who live between ecosystems: the Buds 6 support both Google Find Hub and Apple Find My. This means you can search for a lost earbud from both Android and iPhone — without being tied to one platform. Another unusual feature is standalone conversation recording. A triple tap on the case starts recording a live conversation or call, even with the lid closed. Useful for work meetings and interviews, but keep in mind the ethics and legality of recording without the other person’s consent.

Key features of the earbuds. Image: Xiaomi

Battery life is rated at up to six hours on a single charge and up to 35 hours with the case. That’s a decent but not record-breaking result for this class — enough for a day or two of casual use. Other practical features include IP54 protection against splashes and dust (they’ll survive workouts and rain, but don’t dunk them in water) and multipoint connection support — you can keep the earbuds connected to a laptop and smartphone simultaneously and switch between them.

Should You Buy the Xiaomi Buds 6?

The Xiaomi Buds 6 are typical everyday earbuds with an emphasis on comfort and versatility. They’re a good choice if you value:

  • A lightweight fit without ear pressure during extended wear
  • The ability to find the earbuds from both Android and iPhone
  • Simultaneous connection to two devices
  • Lossless audio on a compatible Qualcomm smartphone

However, if you need maximum noise isolation on the subway or airplane, a secure fit for sports, or if you only listen to music on streaming services in standard quality, there’s little reason to pay extra for aptX Lossless and ANC — these features work at half capacity due to the open design.

Bottom line: The Buds 6 are a solid all-rounder for everyday use, especially for those who value comfort and switching between Android and iPhone. But these aren’t earbuds for silence, and they’re not a replacement for models with a tight seal.