Xiaomi’s latest entry into the audio market, the Buds 6, signals a shift toward feature-rich, open-ear designs that prioritize situational awareness over traditional noise isolation. While these earbuds offer high-fidelity sound and cross-platform tracking compatibility, testing indicates that their performance is hindered by weak active noise cancellation (ANC) and limited battery life when advanced features are enabled, according to a recent review by M3.
Why is the open-ear design trending?
The open-ear format, popularized by devices like the Samsung Galaxy Buds series, is gaining traction because it allows users to remain aware of their surroundings. Unlike canal-sealed earbuds that use silicone tips to block external sound, the Xiaomi Buds 6 utilize directional speakers. According to M3, this design choice provides a spacious, detailed soundstage that reduces ear fatigue, though it sacrifices the deep bass response typically found in closed-ear alternatives.
The Xiaomi Buds 6 feature an integrated recording function. Users can trigger a voice memo by tapping the earbud three times, with audio stored locally on the device for later transfer via the Xiaomi app.
How does active noise cancellation perform in open headsets?
Active noise cancellation (ANC) in open-ear devices remains a technical challenge compared to closed-ear models. As noted by M3, the effect in the Xiaomi Buds 6 is “marginal,” offering only slight reductions in high-frequency background noise. Because the design does not create a physical seal, the ANC struggles to compete with ambient sound, leading to a significant trade-off in power efficiency. Enabling ANC reduces battery life from six hours to just 3.5 hours per charge.
What are the trade-offs in connectivity and call quality?
The Xiaomi Buds 6 attempt to bridge the ecosystem gap by supporting both Apple’s and Google’s “Find My” networks, allowing users to locate misplaced earbuds through their respective mobile platforms. While the hardware supports high-resolution AptX Lossless audio, this is limited by device compatibility. M3 reports that users on iPhone and Samsung devices are restricted to the AAC codec. Furthermore, call quality remains a weakness; while the buds effectively filter out steady sounds like traffic, they struggle with wind noise and background speech.
Comparison: Open vs. Closed Earbuds
| Feature | Open-Ear (e.g., Buds 6) | Closed-Ear |
|---|---|---|
| Comfort | High (No pressure) | Moderate |
| Ambient Sound | Natural | Digital (Transparency mode) |
| ANC Efficacy | Low | High |
If you prioritize battery life over noise cancellation, disable the ANC feature immediately. You will extend your listening time by nearly 70%, moving from 3.5 hours to 6 hours on a single charge.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Do the Xiaomi Buds 6 support wireless charging? No, the charging case requires a wired connection.
- Are these earbuds water-resistant? Yes, they carry an IP54 rating, providing protection against dust and splashes.
- Can I use these with an iPhone? Yes, they are compatible with iOS, though they default to the AAC codec for audio transmission.
Are you considering a switch to open-ear audio, or do you prefer the silence of a traditional seal? Share your thoughts in the comments below or subscribe to our weekly tech newsletter for more hardware breakdowns.
