Xiaomi has launched its Buds 5 Pro as the latest flagship earbuds, priced at €199.99 for the Bluetooth-only model. An upgraded version featuring Qualcomm’s XPAN tech retails for €219.99, offering lossless audio via Wi-Fi. The Buds 5 Pro, with an in-ear design, provide a better seal and noise isolation compared to the Buds 5. They include a triple driver setup with an enhanced frequency response, noise cancelation up to 55dB, and support for aptX Lossless streaming. Other features include customizable EQ profiles, head tracking, dual device pairing, and a long-lasting battery. IP54-rated, they support wireless charging as well.
Introducing the Xiaomi Buds 5 Pro, the brand’s latest flagship earbuds, which have just made their global debut following their announcement in China. After reviewing the standard Buds 5, we are excited to share our first impressions of the Buds 5 Pro.
These are priced at €199.99 for the Bluetooth-only version, while a €219.99 variant offers Qualcomm’s XPAN technology. This latter option connects to your Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 or 8 Elite smartphone via Wi-Fi, providing lossless audio up to 96kHz/24bit at a bandwidth of 4.2Mbps—double the capabilities of Bluetooth.
In terms of design, the Buds 5 Pro closely resemble the Buds 5, but with an important distinction—they feature an in-ear design. Equipped with reliable silicone ear tips, these earbuds are expected to offer better stability compared to the Buds 5’s open-ear format.
Xiaomi Buds 5 (left) vs Buds 5 Pro (right)
Regarding the fit, our initial experience is that the Buds 5 Pro provide a solid seal around the ear, which not only keeps them securely in place but also significantly reduces external noise.
What’s included in the box? You’ll find a standard assortment of spare ear tips along with a USB-C cable for the charging case. Notably, the case supports wireless charging, as one would expect from a premium pair of earbuds.
The Buds 5 Pro are equipped with a triple-driver configuration that includes 11mm dynamic drivers, an additional planar driver, and PZT tweeters. They also feature dual DACs and a frequency response span of 15Hz to 50kHz, which is slightly broader than what the Buds 5 offer.
These earbuds boast Snapdragon Sound certification and support the aptX Lossless codec for streaming 48kHz/24-bit lossless audio. The noise cancellation feature has an impressive rating of up to 55dB, along with enhancements for wind noise reduction. Furthermore, Xiaomi is introducing head tracking, dual device pairing, and customizable EQ settings.
The charging case houses a 570mAh battery, while the earbuds themselves contain 53mAh cells, promising up to 8 hours of usage from the earbuds and a total of 40 hours of playback time. We will verify these specifications in our upcoming full review.
The earbuds (not including the case) are IP54 rated for dust and water resistance. Stay tuned for our comprehensive review coming soon!