Xiaomi has officially unveiled its latest flagship audio offering, the Buds 6, positioning it as a premium semi-in-ear true wireless stereo (TWS) solution. Launched alongside the Xiaomi 17 Ultra and Watch 5, the Buds 6 aim to bridge the gap between the effortless comfort of open-fit earbuds and the high-fidelity sound and smart features expected from a modern flagship. Priced at CNY 699 (approximately USD 99), they enter a competitive market with a promise of refined acoustics, intelligent AI capabilities, and a design engineered for all-day wear.
Design and Comfort: Engineered for Extended Wear
The Xiaomi Buds 6 prioritize a lightweight, unobtrusive fit, a hallmark of the semi-in-ear form factor. Each earbud weighs a mere 4.4 grams, and Xiaomi has implemented a biomimetic curved shape alongside specific dimensional tweaks to enhance comfort. The sound nozzle is 11.3% thinner, and the stem is 12% narrower than previous models, while the contact area with the ear has been increased by 8.8% to distribute pressure more evenly. The result is a design focused on reducing listener fatigue, making them suitable for long meetings, commutes, or listening sessions. The accompanying charging case features a compact, pebble-like design, with the Nebula Purple variant sporting a special reflective finish for a premium look.
Comfort Design Improvements
- Sound Nozzle: 11.3% thinner
- Earbud Stem: 12% narrower
- Contact Area: 8.8% larger for even pressure distribution
Audio Performance: Pushing Semi-In-Ear Boundaries
Historically, semi-in-ear earbuds have faced criticism for compromised bass response. Xiaomi addresses this head-on with a custom 11mm triple-magnet dynamic driver system featuring a 24K gold-plated diaphragm. The company claims this design boosts low-frequency sensitivity by 40% and high-frequency sensitivity by 30%, supporting a wide frequency range from 16Hz to 40kHz. The sound signature has been tuned in collaboration with Harman's Golden Ear team, offering a default Harman AudioEFX profile for clarity and a separate "Master" mode for a warmer, bass-enhanced experience. High-resolution audio is supported via aptX Adaptive and aptX Lossless codecs, delivering bitrates up to 2.1 Mbps and carrying both Snapdragon Sound and Hi-Res Audio Wireless certifications.
Audio Performance Claims
- Low-Frequency Sensitivity: +40%
- High-Frequency Sensitivity: +30%
- Driver Power: +7% from triple-magnet design
Intelligent Features and AI Integration
Beyond audio, the Buds 6 are positioned as a versatile AI assistant. A standout feature is the independent recording capability, which allows users to record audio using just the earbuds or even the closed charging case, with storage for up to 3 hours total. Recordings can be uploaded to the companion app for AI-powered summarization and transcription. For global users, the earbuds enable real-time translation and simultaneous interpretation when paired with compatible Xiaomi devices, facilitating cross-language conversations. Furthermore, in a notable move for ecosystem compatibility, the Buds 6 support both Xiaomi's own Find device service and Apple's Find My network, allowing iPhone users to track the earbuds directly within Apple's ecosystem.
Active Noise Cancellation and Battery Life
Despite the semi-in-ear design's inherent challenge with passive isolation, the Buds 6 are equipped with adaptive active noise cancellation (ANC). The system uses a three-microphone array with AI noise reduction, claimed to be effective even in windy conditions up to 12 m/s. The earbuds also feature spatial audio with head tracking for an immersive listening experience. Battery life is rated at up to 6 hours per charge with ANC off (extending to 35 hours with the case) and 3.5 hours with ANC on (20 hours with the case). They feature a USB-C port for charging and carry an IP54 rating for dust and splash resistance.
Key Specifications at a Glance
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Design | Semi-in-ear, biomimetic curve |
| Weight (per earbud) | 4.4g |
| Driver | 11mm custom triple-magnet dynamic, 24K gold-plated diaphragm |
| Frequency Response | 16Hz - 40kHz |
| Audio Codecs | SBC, AAC, aptX Adaptive, aptX Lossless (up to 2.1 Mbps) |
| Certifications | Snapdragon Sound, Hi-Res Audio Wireless |
| Active Noise Cancellation | Yes, Adaptive ANC with 3-mic AI system |
| Battery Life (ANC Off) | 6 hours (earbuds), 35 hours (with case) |
| Battery Life (ANC On) | 3.5 hours (earbuds), 20 hours (with case) |
| Charging | USB-C |
| Durability | IP54 (dust & water resistant) |
| AI Features | Independent recording, real-time transcription, translation, summaries |
| Find My Support | Xiaomi Find & Apple Find My |
| Price | CNY 699 (~USD 99) |
| Colors | Nebula Purple, Pearl White, Titanium Gold, Moon Shadow Black |
Conclusion and Market Position
The Xiaomi Buds 6 represent a comprehensive effort to elevate the semi-in-ear category. By combining a comfort-focused design with serious audio hardware, lossless codec support, and genuinely useful AI features like offline recording and translation, they offer a compelling package. Their dual-platform Find My support is a smart, user-friendly touch. For listeners who prioritize comfort but refuse to compromise on sound quality or smart functionality, the Buds 6, launched at the end of 2025, present themselves as a formidable and feature-rich contender in the premium TWS space.