The Xiaomi Buds 5 are aiming to provide a well-rounded, high-quality audio experience at a price point that doesn’t break the bank. Building on the success of Xiaomi’s previous TWS offerings, the Buds 5 comes equipped with improved features, a stylish design, and an affordable price tag that makes it a serious competitor against premium brands. This is a comprehensive Xiaomi Buds 5 Review covering all aspects of these earbuds, including design, performance, sound quality, battery life, and whether they live up to the hype.
Xiaomi Buds 5 Review: Design and Comfort
The Xiaomi Buds 5 takes a minimalist approach to design, which seems to follow the general trend of clean, simple aesthetics in TWS devices. The buds themselves are sleek and lightweight, weighing around 4 grams each, ensuring comfort even for extended listening periods. Available in classic black and white, their discreet and unobtrusive design means they fit in seamlessly with a variety of lifestyles, whether you’re a student, a professional, or someone who likes to work out with some tunes.
The ergonomic design ensures a snug fit, and the inclusion of three silicone ear tips of three different sizes helps users find the most comfortable option. This is particularly important for achieving an effective seal, which not only improves sound quality but also enhances the effectiveness of noise cancellation.
The Xiaomi Buds 5 Review suggests Durability is another factor that Xiaomi has taken seriously with the Buds 5. These earbuds boast an IP55 rating, meaning they are resistant to dust and sweat, making them a good option for fitness enthusiasts or anyone who regularly listens to music outdoors. Whether you’re hitting the gym or jogging in the rain, these earbuds will stay secure and functional.
Audio Performance
Xiaomi has packed the Buds 5 with some serious audio technology for their price range. The earbuds feature 10mm dynamic drivers, which help deliver powerful sound across a wide range of frequencies. The sound profile is generally balanced, with an emphasis on clear mids and crisp highs, making them ideal for a variety of music genres, from pop and electronic to classical and jazz. Harman Kardon tuning helps enhance the overall sound signature, giving the Buds 5 a dynamic, punchy sound that will please most casual listeners.
What sets the Buds 5 apart from other budget earbuds is their support for high-bitrate audio codecs like aptX Lossless and LDAC, which means users can enjoy near-studio-quality sound if they’re streaming from a compatible device. This makes them an attractive option for audiophiles on a budget. The spatial audio support further enhances the immersive experience, particularly when watching movies or playing games.
Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) and Ambient Sound Mode
The Xiaomi Buds 5 Review shows one of the major highlights of the Xiaomi Buds 5 is their Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) technology. Xiaomi has incorporated three microphones per earbud to work in conjunction with AI-based noise reduction, allowing for an ANC depth of up to 35dB. This level of noise cancellation is impressive at this price point and is sufficient to block out most ambient noise, whether you’re in a busy cafe, commuting, or working in a noisy office environment.
In addition to ANC, the Ambient Sound Mode (also known as Transparency Mode) allows users to hear their surroundings without taking out the earbuds. This feature is especially useful when you’re out walking in busy areas or need to have a quick conversation. The transition between ANC and ambient mode is smooth, with a quick tap on the earbuds, and there’s minimal distortion, ensuring clear sound even when switching modes.
Call Quality and Connectivity
In the era of remote work and constant communication, call quality is an essential feature of any TWS earbuds. The Xiaomi Buds 5 Review shows Xiaomi Buds 5 handles this exceptionally well, thanks to their 3Mic+ AI Call Noise Reduction technology, which significantly reduces background noise during calls. This feature is particularly useful in noisy environments, such as crowded streets or busy offices, allowing for clear conversations.
The Buds 5 supports Bluetooth 5.3 for a stable and energy-efficient connection. Additionally, multipoint connectivity allows users to connect the earbuds to two devices simultaneously, making it easier to switch between your smartphone and laptop without having to re-pair the devices. This feature is especially handy for people who frequently toggle between calls and media consumption on multiple devices.
Battery Life
The Xiaomi Buds 5 Review shows battery life is always a critical aspect of any wireless earbuds, and Xiaomi doesn’t disappoint with the Buds 5. On a full charge, the earbuds provide up to 7 hours of playback with ANC turned off and around 5 hours with ANC enabled. Combined with the charging case, users can expect around 28 hours of total playback without ANC and 22 hours with ANC.
The case itself supports fast charging, providing about 2 hours of playback time with just 10 minutes of charging, which is ideal for users who are always on the go. However, the Xiaomi Buds 5 do not support wireless charging, which might be a disappointment for some users who prefer the convenience of placing their case on a charging mat.
Companion App and Customization
The Xiaomi Buds 5 Review suggests another area where Xiaomi has improved is the integration of a companion app, allowing users to fully customize their listening experience. The Xiaomi Earbuds app provides users with the ability to adjust ANC levels, modify touch controls, and select from a range of EQ settings. The app also provides a firmware update option, ensuring that the earbuds remain updated with the latest features and bug fixes.
Touch controls on the earbuds themselves are responsive, allowing users to control playback, answer calls, adjust the volume, and switch between ANC and transparency modes with just a few taps. Customizing these controls through the app ensures that you can tailor the Buds 5 to your personal preferences.
Pricing and Availability
One of the key attractions of the Xiaomi Buds 5 is their affordable pricing. Available at around €99 (approximately $110 USD or £70), these earbuds offer premium features at a budget-friendly price. This makes them an attractive alternative to more expensive options like Apple’s AirPods Pro or Sony WF-1000XM5, especially for users who are looking for a solid mix of audio performance, ANC, and comfort without paying a premium price.
The Xiaomi Buds 5 are readily available through both Xiaomi’s official online store and major third-party retailers globally, making them easy to purchase for users in most regions.
Comparison to Competitors
While the Xiaomi Buds 5 Review suggests Xiaomi Buds 5 offers a solid package at an affordable price, they face stiff competition in the crowded TWS market. Samsung Galaxy Buds2 and OnePlus Buds Pro 2 are similarly priced competitors, offering slightly better ANC but at a higher price point. AirPods Pro (2nd generation) remain the top premium option but at more than twice the price of the Buds 5.
The Redmi Buds 5, another alternative from Xiaomi’s budget lineup, offers slightly less advanced features but comes in at an even lower price point. Depending on your budget and feature requirements, either of these options could be a great choice.
Conclusion:
Our conclusion of Xiaomi Buds 5 Review, is the Xiaomi Buds 5 is a fantastic choice for anyone looking for affordable yet feature-packed TWS earbuds. They offer excellent sound quality, a comfortable fit, and effective ANC at a price that makes them one of the best value options on the market today. While they might not have all the bells and whistles of high-end competitors, they strike an impressive balance between performance and affordability. If you’re in the market for a new pair of wireless earbuds, the Xiaomi Buds 5 should definitely be on your radar.
Arthur is a senior member of the communications team who has worked at several well-known companies over the past 10 years. As a writer with many years of experience in the technology sector, focusing on reviewing mobile phones and accessories, he has written about many products or has been hands-on with them at some point
