Choosing earbuds that balance sound quality, noise cancellation, and battery life isn’t easy, especially around the €150 price point. Xiaomi’s Buds 6 arrive with support for Snapdragon Sound and aptX Lossless codecs, aiming to deliver higher-quality wireless audio than many competitors in this segment.
- Support for Snapdragon Sound with aptX Adaptive and aptX Lossless codecs
- Up to 95 dB active noise cancellation and wind resistance
- Battery life of 3 hours with ANC on, 6 hours with ANC off
- Available soon in Europe for about €150 in multiple colors
Snapdragon Sound and Lossless Audio: What It Means
Xiaomi Buds 6 support a range of codecs including AAC, SBC, aptX Adaptive, and notably aptX Lossless via Snapdragon Sound. This combination allows compatible smartphones to stream higher-quality, low-latency audio wirelessly. For audiophiles using supported devices, this elevates sound clarity beyond standard Bluetooth earbuds without moving into premium price territory.
The earbuds feature relatively large 11 mm drivers with a wide frequency response from 16 Hz to 40 kHz, which helps deliver balanced audio with decent bass depth and detailed highs.
ANC and Practical Use Outdoors
Active noise cancellation on the Buds 6 is rated up to 95 dB, which is solid for this class. Additionally, the earbuds include wind noise resistance up to 12 m/s, making them more practical for outdoor use such as walking or cycling in breezy conditions.
Weighing just 4.4 grams per earbud, they remain comfortable for extended wear. The ANC performance should be enough to reduce background noise in busy environments, although the trade-off is reduced battery life when ANC is enabled.
Battery Life and Connectivity Considerations
Battery life is estimated at 3 hours of continuous playback with ANC on at moderate volume using aptX Adaptive, and up to 6 hours with ANC off on AAC codec. This is typical for earbuds with active noise cancellation but means users who prioritize longer use without frequent charging might find this limiting.
Bluetooth 5.4 connectivity ensures a stable wireless link and improved power efficiency, which helps maintain connection quality even in crowded wireless environments.
Availability and Pricing in Europe
Xiaomi has listed the Buds 6 on its French and Italian websites with a price of €149.99, around $160 USD. They come in four colors: Graphite Black, Nebula Purple, Pearl White, and Titan Grey. While not yet orderable, their global launch is expected alongside the Xiaomi 17T series on May 28 in Vienna.
Prices and availability may vary by region, so buyers should watch for official release details in their markets.
Should You Consider the Xiaomi Buds 6?
Consider the Buds 6 if you want wireless earbuds with lossless audio support and effective ANC around €150. They suit users who value sound quality improvements and need noise cancellation for commuting or outdoor use.
Skip them if you need longer battery life or more mature ANC performance found in higher-priced models. The trade-off is balancing solid features at a mid-range price with typical limitations in playback time.
(Via)
