Emir BardakçıThe year 2025 bears great significance in Xiaomi’s global audio segment because it showcases its capability to shake up sound innovation with its multi-brand segmentation. With its Xiaomi, Redmi, and POCO brand lines, Xiaomi has managed to segment its market into niche market groups based on its three product lines related to quality or pricing. Although POCO kept mum in terms of its contribution to the audiophile market in 2025, Xiaomi and Redmi stole the show with Xiaomi Buds 5 Pro, Xiaomi OpenWear Stereo Pro, and Redmi Buds 6 Pro.
Tier 1: Premium Excellence
Two headphones is suitable for the top experience.
Xiaomi Buds 5 Pro
Xiaomi’s new high-end series shows increased confidence in acoustic engineering expertise as well as ecosystem synergy. The Xiaomi Buds 5 Pro, which was launched globally in February 2025 for $199, features a tri-driver design combination consisting of dynamic drivers, planar drivers, and ceramic tweeters. With 55 dB Active Noise Cancelation (ANC) technology, Harman AudioEFX tuning, and aptX Lossless encoding capability, these tuning buds are amongst the most technologically superior in their segment.
Nevertheless, its most profound innovation lies in its “Wi-Fi Audio” variant that can transmit “true” Lossless 24-bit 96kHz audio at a maximum data rate of “4.2 Mbps,” which comes with exclusive compatibility with top-end phones like “Xiaomi 15 Ultra”. In doing so, it not only subscribes to Apple’s “closed-ecosystem” approach but further cements Xiaomi’s “Walled Garden” approach to position.
Xiaomi OpenWear Stereo Pro
On the other hand, the Xiaomi OpenWear Stereo Pro, which was launched in June 2025 for $179, delves into this increasing open-ear segment. Boasting a five-unit hybrid driver system, Harman tuning, and LDAC technology, its design lends itself to long-term wear rather than focusing on isolation. With battery life extending up to 45 hours and an incorporated audio recording feature, this product not only serves its original intended use but has become a wearable productivity assistant.
Tier 2: The Value King – Redmi Buds 6 Pro
One of the most revolutionary launches in Xiaomi’s 2025 product lineups has to be Redmi Buds 6 Pro, which launches with a $75 price tag. They offer 55 dB ANC, Triple Drivers, Hi-Res LDAC Codec, and Head Tracking Spatial Audio—which are largely similar to what’s there in Buds 5 Pro but retail for a third less.
Reviews show its great sound quality and design, but there are small irregularities in calls. Nevertheless, this series has managed to “eat up” the mid-range market, leaving other manufacturers like Nothing or Anker behind, not to say Xiaomi’s flagship true Wireless earbuds.
Tier 3: Budget Segment – Redmi Buds 6 & 6 Active
Xiaomi’s budget segment remains popular with the masses because of its Redmi Buds 6 line. The Redmi Buds 6, starting €35, packs ANC technology and dual drivers into an affordable package that offers great value.
Meanwhile, with a price tag of just $15, the Redmi Buds 6 Active caters to those who value both simplicity and affordability. With 14.2mm dynamic drivers and semi-in-ear design along with IPX4 water-resistant features, these earbuds deliver decent performance.
Final Ranking: Best to Most Affordable
- Xiaomi Buds 5 Pro – For audiophiles seeking isolation and uncompromised sound fidelity.
- Xiaomi OpenWear Stereo Pro – For professionals and comfort-first users valuing open-ear innovation.
- Redmi Buds 6 Pro – The 2025 “flagship killer” delivering premium performance at a fraction of the price.
- Redmi Buds 6 (Standard) – The most affordable ANC experience in Xiaomi’s lineup.
- Redmi Buds 6 Active – A budget-friendly essential for everyday users.
