Xiaomi launched the Buds 6 in China on December 25, 2025, positioning them as premium semi-in-ear wireless earbuds with Snapdragon Sound integration and AI-powered communication tools. Priced at CNY 699 (~$99), the earbuds deliver lossless audio transmission at 2.1 Mbps bitrates through aptX Lossless codec, significantly higher than Sony’s LDAC. The lightweight design pairs triple-magnet gold-plated drivers with Harman’s professional tuning and practical AI features including real-time translation and independent voice recording.
What’s New
The Xiaomi Buds 6 introduce several flagship-grade upgrades over the Buds 5:
- Snapdragon Sound platform with aptX Lossless support reaching 2.1 Mbps bitrate for true high-resolution wireless audio
- Triple-magnet driver unit backed by a 24K gold-plated diaphragm that increases high-frequency sensitivity by 30%
- Harman Golden Ear Team tuning with multiple sound modes including Harman Audio EFX and Master mode
- AI-enhanced features: Independent Recording 2.0, real-time interpretation, and face-to-face translation
- Triple-microphone array with AI wind noise reduction cutting ambient call noise up to 95 dB
The earbuds ship with a 35 mAh battery per earbud (6 hours without ANC) and a 475 mAh case, delivering up to 35 hours total battery life. They carry an IP54 rating for dust and light rain resistance, Bluetooth 5.4, dual-device connectivity, and Apple Find My support.
Why It Matters
Xiaomi is challenging the premium earbud segment dominated by Apple and Sony by offering studio-grade audio features at a mid-tier price point. The aptX Lossless codec provides a clear advantage for users with high-quality music libraries or lossless streaming subscriptions, delivering near-wired performance wirelessly. Real-time translation transforms the earbuds from pure audio devices into productivity tools for multilingual environments, reflecting the industry’s pivot toward AI-integrated hardware.
For the global audio market, this launch signals that lossless wireless audio and conversational AI are moving from flagship-exclusive features to accessible price brackets.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Audio codec | aptX Lossless (2.1 Mbps bitrate) |
| Drivers | Triple-magnet + 24K gold-plated diaphragm |
| ANC | Adaptive active noise cancellation |
| Microphones | Triple-mic with AI wind noise reduction |
| Battery | 6h (earbuds) / 35h (with case) |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth 5.4, dual-device |
| Water resistance | IP54 |
| Price | CNY 699 (~$99) |
What’s Next
The Xiaomi Buds 6 are currently available only in China through Xiaomi’s official channels. Global availability, including India and Europe, has not been confirmed. Given Xiaomi’s pattern with the Redmi Buds 6 (a separate budget model launched in India in December 2024), an international version may arrive in Q1 2026. Pricing outside China will depend on regional tariffs and market positioning against competitors like Samsung Galaxy Buds3 and Sony WF-1000XM5.
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What is aptX Lossless audio?
aptX Lossless is a Qualcomm codec that transmits CD-quality audio (16-bit/44.1kHz) wirelessly without compression at bitrates up to 2.1 Mbps. It requires compatible devices running Snapdragon chipsets and preserves full audio fidelity unlike standard Bluetooth codecs.
Does Xiaomi Buds 6 support spatial audio?
The official specs mention adaptive sound modes and Harman-tuned profiles but do not explicitly confirm spatial audio or head tracking. The Redmi Buds 6 (a different model) supports independent spatial audio, suggesting the feature may be region-specific.
How does AI translation work on Xiaomi Buds 6?
The earbuds include real-time interpretation and face-to-face translation features powered by onboard AI. Users can conduct multilingual conversations with automatic voice translation, though language support and accuracy details have not been disclosed.
Can I track Xiaomi Buds 6 if lost?
Yes, the earbuds support Apple Find My network integration, allowing iOS users to locate them through the Find My app like AirTags. This works alongside Xiaomi’s own tracking features in the Xiaomi Earbuds app.
