Xiaomi’s Buds 5 are the latest addition to the true wireless (TWS) market, catering to those who prefer an open in-ear design without silicone tips. Despite lacking the “Pro” label, these earbuds are positioned as Xiaomi’s flagship model, offering premium features such as 11mm dual-magnet dynamic drivers, sound tuning by Harman Kardon, and support for aptX lossless audio.
Design and Fit The Xiaomi Buds 5 come in three color options: Graphite Black, Ceramic White, and Titan Gray. The earbuds feature a sleek, dual-tone design with a combination of matte and glossy finishes. Each earbud is lightweight at just 4.2 grams and features triple microphones for active noise cancellation (ANC) and calls. With an IP54 rating, they are resistant to water and dust, adding durability for everyday use.
The charging case is compact and easy to carry, with a smooth, rounded shape that fits comfortably in a pocket. However, the fit of the earbuds themselves can be hit or miss. As semi in-ear buds, they lack the snug fit of models with silicone tips, which might not suit everyone, especially during physical activities. While they are comfortable for long listening sessions, they tend to feel loose, making them less ideal for workouts or running.
Features and Companion App The Buds 5 are packed with features, including high-bitrate audio streaming via aptX Lossless and support for Snapdragon Sound. They also boast active noise cancellation, which claims to block up to 40dB of ambient noise. Additionally, the buds support dual-device pairing, allowing seamless switching between devices.
Xiaomi’s companion app, Xiaomi Earbuds, offers customizable controls, including single, double, and triple presses, as well as a squeeze gesture on the stems. The app also includes an EQ with preset sound profiles, a 10-band custom EQ, and a toggle for noise cancellation. A unique feature is the built-in audio recording function, which can record up to 3 hours of audio directly on the buds, providing an extra level of utility.
Performance and Sound Quality In terms of sound, the Xiaomi Buds 5 deliver a strong performance. The bass is surprisingly powerful for an open-ear design, while the mids and highs are well-balanced, providing clear and vibrant sound across various genres. Instrument separation is particularly impressive, making for an enjoyable listening experience, whether it’s music or podcasts. The Harman AudioEFX sound profile offers a lively soundstage, though users can fine-tune the sound through the app’s EQ settings.
However, the ANC performance is limited by the open design. While the Buds 5 can reduce some background noise, they fall short of isolating low-frequency sounds compared to in-ear models with silicone tips. Call quality is decent in quiet environments but struggles in noisier surroundings.
Battery Life Xiaomi claims up to 6.5 hours of playback on a single charge with ANC off, extending to 39 hours with the case. However, in real-world tests with ANC on, the buds lasted around 5 hours and 15 minutes. A quick 10-minute charge provides up to 2 hours of playback.
Verdict At €99, the Xiaomi Buds 5 offer excellent sound quality for open in-ear buds, especially with features like aptX Lossless support, dual-device pairing, and audio recording. However, their loose fit and mediocre ANC performance might be drawbacks for some users. If you’re looking for a pair of open in-ear earbuds that deliver great sound without the pressure of in-ear tips, the Buds 5 are a solid option. That said, improvements in battery life and call quality would be welcome in future iterations.
