Xiaomi OpenWear Stereo Review: Open-Ear Comfort & Hi-Res Audio
Xiaomi OpenWear Stereo: Open-Ear Audio Redefining Comfort and Sound
Xiaomi continues its reign as a leader in the True Wireless Stereo (TWS) earbud market, and its latest innovation, the Xiaomi OpenWear Stereo, solidifies this reputation. Launched globally in July 2024, these earbuds boast a revolutionary open-ear design, combining all-day comfort, high-resolution audio, and advanced technology to ensure sound privacy. This comprehensive review will explore the key features of the Xiaomi OpenWear Stereo, its seamless integration with the HyperOS ecosystem, and how it compares to competitors like the Huawei FreeClip and Bose Ultra Open.
An Open Design for a New Auditory Experience
The Xiaomi OpenWear Stereo earbuds adopt an open-ear design, resting gently on the upper part of your ears rather than inserting into your ear canals. This approach, ideal for active users like runners, cyclists, or professionals who need to remain aware of their surroundings, seamlessly blends comfort, safety, and high-fidelity audio. According to Xiaomi Global, each earbud weighs a mere 9.6g, making them incredibly lightweight. They are available in two stylish colors: Sandstone Beige and Cosmic Gray.
The design incorporates an ergonomic hook crafted from a flexible nickel-titanium alloy, tested internally by Xiaomi to withstand up to 5,000 90° bends. This material, combined with skin-friendly liquid silicone, ensures a secure fit even during intense workouts or prolonged use, without interfering with eyeglasses. The IP54 certification guarantees dust and splash resistance, perfect for outdoor activities.
Xiaomi OpenWear Stereo Technical Specifications
Based on information from Xiaomi Global, NotebookCheck, and reviews from sources like TechNave, the OpenWear Stereo offers impressive specifications for its mid-range price point (~$100-$200). Here’s a closer look:
1. Hi-Res Audio with Advanced Drivers
The earbuds feature a 17x12mm dynamic driver with a DLC (Diamond-Like Carbon) diaphragm, enhancing sound precision according to Xiaomi Global. This design produces detailed highs, warm mids, and powerful bass, although the bass is less intense than in in-ear earbuds due to the open design.
- LHDC Codec: Supports high-definition audio up to 96kHz, certified by Hi-Res Audio Wireless, compatible with devices such as the Xiaomi 14 Ultra, Xiaomi 13 Pro, and Xiaomi Pad 6S Pro 12.4, with more models on the way.
- Sound Leakage Reduction: A separate 10mm driver emits sound waves in anti-phase to minimize leakage, maintaining audio privacy beyond 25cm (at 50% volume), according to tests by the National Institute of Metrology, China.
Reviews like Nextpit highlight that the audio quality is clear for podcasts and spoken content but might be less satisfying in noisy environments due to the lack of passive noise isolation.
2. Connectivity and Intuitive Controls
The OpenWear Stereo utilizes Bluetooth 5.4, offering a stable connection up to 10 meters and multipoint connection support for two devices simultaneously, according to TechNave. Integration with HyperOS unlocks exclusive features on Xiaomi devices:
- MIUI Pop-up Window: Displays connection and battery status when opening the case, similar to AirPods on iOS.
- Audio Sharing: Connects two pairs of earbuds to a compatible Xiaomi device (like the Xiaomi 14 or Pad 6S Pro) for shared music or movie playback.
The Xiaomi Earbuds app, available on Google Play and the App Store (iOS 14.0+), allows for customizable touch gestures, audio effect adjustments, and firmware updates. While the touch controls are intuitive, Nextpit cautions that they might be accidentally activated in damp conditions.
3. Noise Cancellation for Calls
While they don’t offer Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) for music due to their open design, the earbuds incorporate two microphones with AI noise reduction, optimized for calls. According to The Technovore, this technology ensures clear voice transmission even in noisy environments like cafes, thanks to beamforming algorithms that filter out ambient noise.
4. Long-Lasting Battery
The OpenWear Stereo boasts exceptional battery life:
- 7.5 hours per charge (50% volume, AAC codec, ANC off).
- Up to 38.5 hours with the charging case (788mAh), according to Xiaomi Global.
- Fast charging: 30 minutes to fully charge the case via USB-C.
Bike Magazine notes that the 5-6 hours per charge are sufficient for short to medium cycling sessions, with the case extending the autonomy for several days.
5. Environmentally Conscious Design
The open design allows for real-time perception of environmental sounds, beneficial for:
- Outdoor sports: Hearing traffic or workout partners.
- Office settings: Remaining attentive to conversations without removing earbuds.
- Daily use: Enjoying music without isolating yourself from the environment.
Bike Magazine highlights this feature as crucial for urban cyclists, although wind noise at high speeds can affect audio quality.
Redmi Buds 6 Pro Trendy Edition vs. Xiaomi OpenWear Stereo
Given Xiaomi’s TWS market leadership (22% in China, Q1 2025, according to Canalys/Omdia), the Redmi Buds 6 Pro Trendy Edition and the OpenWear Stereo represent two distinct approaches within its portfolio. A comparison based on previous information about the Buds 6 Pro:
| Feature | Redmi Buds 6 Pro Trendy Edition | Xiaomi OpenWear Stereo |
|---|---|---|
| Design | In-ear, modern, colorful | Open-ear, comfortable |
| Sound | Hi-Res, triple coaxial drivers, 55dB ANC | Hi-Res (LHDC), less intense bass |
| Battery | 42 hours total (6 hours per charge without ANC) | 38.5 hours total |
| Ideal Use Case | Noisy environments, immersion | Sports, open offices, situational awareness |
| Price | ~$80-$100 | ~$100-$200 |
Comparison with Competitors
The Xiaomi OpenWear Stereo competes with open-ear earbuds like the Huawei FreeClip and Bose Ultra Open, according to Gagadget. Here’s a comparison:
- Vs. Huawei FreeClip: Both offer an open design and long battery life (36 hours for FreeClip vs. 38.5 hours for OpenWear). The OpenWear Stereo has an advantage with LHDC and sound leakage reduction, but the FreeClip are more compact and lighter (5.6g per earbud).
- Vs. Bose Ultra Open: Bose offers a premium design and superior sound quality, but at a significantly higher price (~$300 vs. ~$129 for OpenWear). The Xiaomi earbuds are more affordable and have better battery life.
- Vs. Shokz OpenFit Air: Shokz are popular among athletes, but the OpenWear Stereo offer Hi-Res audio and more customizable controls at a similar price.
TechNave concludes that the OpenWear Stereo is a solid option in the mid-range segment, especially for Xiaomi device users.
Availability and Pricing
The Xiaomi OpenWear Stereo are available globally since July 2024, with prices varying by region:
- Malaysia: RM499 (~$115), with an initial promotion of RM499 until July 22, 2024, according to Price Shop Malaysia.
- Singapore: S$199 (~$150), according to The Technovore.
- Japan: ¥12,980 (~$85) with an initial discount until July 17, 2024, according to Xiaomi Japan.
- Global (Amazon): ~$129-$150, according to Amazon.com (Cosmic Gray and Sandstone Beige).
They can be purchased on mi.com, Amazon, Shopee, and local distributors like Giztop ($89.80 on sale).
Social Media Sentiment
Posts on X reflect mixed opinions. @leijun highlighted the sound leakage reduction technology as an innovative solution, while @XiaomiSingapore emphasized the comfort (9.6g) and call clarity. However, on Reddit, users like u/zenpower41 consider the OpenWear Stereo ideal for runners and guided walks but less practical for offices due to the lack of ANC for music. Others criticize the sound quality and the absence of effective noise cancellation.
Conclusion: An Innovative Choice for Active Users
The Xiaomi OpenWear Stereo stands out in the TWS market with its open design, combining comfort, environmental awareness, and Hi-Res audio at a competitive price (~$100-$150). With a 38.5-hour battery, customizable controls via the Xiaomi Earbuds app, and sound leakage reduction technology, they are ideal for sports, open office work, or daily use. While they don’t match the isolation of in-ear earbuds like the Redmi Buds 6 Pro Trendy Edition, their design makes them unique for users prioritizing safety and comfort. In the context of Xiaomi’s TWS market leadership, the OpenWear Stereo reinforces its diversification strategy. If you’re looking for earbuds that keep you connected to your surroundings without sacrificing quality, the OpenWear Stereo is an excellent choice. Visit mi.com or Amazon to purchase them and share your experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the battery life of the Xiaomi OpenWear Stereo? Up to 7.5 hours per charge and 38.5 hours with the case, according to internal testing.
- Are they water-resistant? Yes, they have an IP54 rating against dust and splashes.
- Do they have noise cancellation? They don’t offer ANC for music, but they include AI noise reduction for calls.
- Where can I buy the Xiaomi OpenWear Stereo? On mi.com, Amazon, Shopee, or distributors like Giztop, with prices ranging from ~$85-$150.
