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Xiaomi Mi Headphones Review | 93 Data compared

Avg. price in UK: ~£70
Avg. price in US: ~$80
Form factor: on-ear/over-ear
Connectivity: wired
Battery life: N/A hours
Active noise cancellation (ANC): no

Xiaomi Mi Headphones review. Compare 93 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among headphones and if it is worth buying.

6.5

Good

5.9

Good

8.8

Excellent

5.5
Gaming
Score components:
35.0%
0.0
Audio latency
25.0%
9.0
Low-latency game mode
20.0%
10
Can be used as a headset
12.0%
10
Noise-canceling microphone
8.0%
0.0
Battery life
2.8
Travel
Score components:
28.0%
1.0
Active noise cancellation (ANC)
24.0%
0.0
Battery life
18.0%
5.1
Weight
16.0%
10
Multipoint support
14.0%
0.0
Ambient sound mode
7.0
Calls
Score components:
28.0%
10
Noise-canceling microphone
24.0%
10
Can be used as a headset
18.0%
10
Multipoint support
16.0%
0.0
Battery life
14.0%
0.0
Companion app
6.6
Workout
Score components:
28.0%
5.1
Weight
24.0%
9.0
Water resistance
20.0%
9.0
IP rating
16.0%
0.0
Battery life
12.0%
10
Can be used as a headset

Best prices in UK

Best rankings

Verdict

The Xiaomi Mi Headphones (1st Generation) are high-fidelity, semi-open-back wired headphones featuring large 50mm beryllium diaphragm drivers designed for superior audio clarity and low distortion. Key specifications include a 32-ohm impedance, a frequency response of 20Hz–20,000Hz, and a sensitivity of 98dB, housed in a premium machined-aluminium build with a breathable leather-stitched headband. Notable pros include their unique convertible design with interchangeable on-ear and over-ear cushions, high-quality silver-plated copper cabling to reduce signal loss, and a foldable structure for enhanced portability. However, main cons involve significant sound leakage due to the semi-open design and a sound profile that some users find lacks sufficient sub-bass depth for genres like EDM or rock.

Technical Specifications of Xiaomi Mi Headphones

Overall score

6.5

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Popularity

What it is: An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the headphones.

When it matters: When you prefer headphones that have already been chosen and reviewed by many other users.

Sound

6.1

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Active noise cancellation (ANC)

What it is: Reduces background noise using active technology

When it matters: When blocking office, travel, or aircraft noise is a priority.

Importance: HIGH

Driver type

What it is: Type of speaker driver technology used

When it matters: When the underlying sound character and driver technology matter to you.

Importance: MEDIUM

dynamic

Driver size

What it is: Diameter of the speaker driver unit

When it matters: When you want extra hardware context behind how the headphones may handle bass weight, scale, or overall presentation.

Importance: MEDIUM

Number of drivers

What it is: Total number of speaker drivers per earcup

When it matters: When multi-driver designs are part of your buying criteria.

Importance: LOW

Lowest frequency

What it is: Lowest audio frequency the headphones can reproduce

When it matters: When deeper bass extension matters for your music or movie listening.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <=10 Hz

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Calls & Controls

8.0

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Noise-canceling microphone

What it is: Built-in microphone reduces background noise during calls

When it matters: When you take calls in busy spaces and want your voice to stay clearer.

Importance: MEDIUM

Can be used as a headset

What it is: Shows whether the headphones can handle voice chat and calls in addition to normal audio playback.

When it matters: When one pair needs to cover music, calls, meetings, and gaming chat.

Importance: MEDIUM

Number of microphones

What it is: Total number of built-in microphones

When it matters: When call pickup quality and beamforming support matter to you.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=2

Boom microphone

What it is: Includes detachable boom microphone for voice clarity

When it matters: When you need stronger voice clarity for gaming, streaming, or work calls.

Importance: LOW

Microphone SNR

What it is: Signal-to-noise ratio of the microphone

When it matters: When call clarity matters and you want your voice picked up more cleanly instead of buried in background hiss.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >80 dB

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Connectivity

7.5

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Connectivity

What it is: Available connection methods (wired, wireless, Bluetooth, etc.)

When it matters: When the headphones need to match how you listen across wired and wireless devices.

Importance: HIGH

Bluetooth version

What it is: Version of Bluetooth technology supported

When it matters: When wireless stability, efficiency, and feature support matter more than treating Bluetooth as a box-check spec.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=5.0

N/A

Maximum Bluetooth range

What it is: Maximum wireless operating distance from source device

When it matters: When you move around rooms and want fewer dropouts from your source device.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=10 m

Audio latency

What it is: Delay between audio and video in wireless mode

When it matters: When you watch video or play games and need sound to stay in sync.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: <60 ms

N/A

Multipoint support

What it is: Supports simultaneous connections to multiple devices

When it matters: When you switch often between a phone and a laptop during the day.

Importance: MEDIUM

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Features

3.8

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Ambient sound mode

What it is: Allows external sounds to pass through for awareness

When it matters: When you need to stay aware of traffic, voices, or announcements.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A

EQ support

What it is: Allows customization of sound profile via equalizer

When it matters: When the stock tuning is not enough and you want to shape bass, mids, or treble to match your taste.

Importance: MEDIUM

Companion app

What it is: Dedicated mobile app for customization and updates

When it matters: When software customization, updates, and extra controls matter.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A

Adjustable ANC levels

What it is: Allows adjustment of noise cancellation intensity levels

When it matters: When you move between quiet rooms, offices, streets, and public transport and do not want one ANC setting for every situation.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=4

Voice assistant support

What it is: Compatible with voice assistants like Siri, Alexa, or Google Assistant

When it matters: When hands-free control is part of your daily routine.

Importance: LOW

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Battery

6.1

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Battery life

What it is: Playback time on a single charge

When it matters: When you commute, travel, or work long shifts and do not want charging breaks to interrupt listening.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >45 hours

N/A

Battery life with ANC

What it is: Playback time with active noise cancellation enabled

When it matters: When you plan to keep noise cancellation on for most of the day.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >40 hours

N/A

Charging time

What it is: Time required for a full battery charge

When it matters: When you often need the headphones ready again after short breaks.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <=2 hours

N/A

Quick charge

What it is: Provides quick playback time with short charging period

When it matters: When a short top-up needs to deliver useful playback before you leave.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A

Battery capacity

What it is: Total energy storage of the internal battery

When it matters: When you are estimating how much battery headroom the design may have before relying only on the official runtime claim.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=720 mAh

?

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Design

7.2

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Brand name

What it is: The manufacturer or brand of the product.

When it matters: When you prefer a specific ecosystem, support network, or design philosophy.

Importance: MEDIUM

Xiaomi

Form factor

What it is: Overall design type of the headphones (over-ear, on-ear, in-ear, etc.)

When it matters: When comfort, portability, and isolation depend on the overall headphone style.

Importance: HIGH

on-ear/over-ear

Weight

What it is: Total weight of the headphones

When it matters: When long listening sessions make wearing comfort more important.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <150 g

Acoustic design

What it is: Type of acoustic design (open-back, closed-back, semi-open)

When it matters: When you need the right balance of isolation, leakage, and soundstage.

Importance: HIGH

semi-open

Clamp force

What it is: Amount of clamping pressure applied to the head

When it matters: When comfort and fit security matter during long sessions.

Importance: MEDIUM

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Xiaomi Mi Headphones vs the average headphone

Why is Xiaomi Mi Headphones better than the average headphone?

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Hi-Res Audio certification
Xiaomi Mi Headphones has Hi-Res Audio certification, the average headphone does not. 22.9% of headphones are Hi-Res Audio certified.
What it is: Certified for high-resolution audio playback
When it matters: When official support for high-resolution playback matters to you.
Importance: LOW
Xiaomi Mi Headphones has Hi-Res Audio certification, the average headphone does not. 22.9% of headphones are Hi-Res Audio certified.
10 mm larger driver size
Xiaomi Mi Headphones uses a larger driver size than the average headphone (50 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.
What it is: Diameter of the speaker driver unit
When it matters: When you want extra hardware context behind how the headphones may handle bass weight, scale, or overall presentation.
Importance: MEDIUM
Xiaomi Mi Headphones uses a larger driver size than the average headphone (50 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.50 mm vs 40 mm
20,000 Hz higher treble extension
Xiaomi Mi Headphones has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (40,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.
What it is: Highest audio frequency the headphones can reproduce
When it matters: When treble extension and overall frequency reach matter to you.
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: >=24000 Hz
Xiaomi Mi Headphones has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (40,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.40000 Hz vs 20000 Hz
Clear call microphone
Xiaomi Mi Headphones offers a clear call microphone, while the average headphone does not. 45.6% of headphones support noise-canceling microphones.
What it is: Built-in microphone reduces background noise during calls
When it matters: When you take calls in busy spaces and want your voice to stay clearer.
Importance: MEDIUM
Xiaomi Mi Headphones offers a clear call microphone, while the average headphone does not. 45.6% of headphones support noise-canceling microphones.
Direct 3.5 mm plug
Xiaomi Mi Headphones includes a direct 3.5 mm plug, the average headphone does not. 38.8% of headphones have a 3.5 mm male connector.
What it is: Shows whether the headphones end in a built-in 3.5 mm male plug instead of relying on a separate detachable cable.
When it matters: When direct wired compatibility with older devices or adapters matters.
Importance: MEDIUM
Xiaomi Mi Headphones includes a direct 3.5 mm plug, the average headphone does not. 38.8% of headphones have a 3.5 mm male connector.
In-line controls
Xiaomi Mi Headphones includes in-line controls, the average headphone does not. 36.4% of headphones support in-line controls.
What it is: Controls available on in-line remote of wired cable
When it matters: When your wired setup depends on cable-mounted buttons or call controls.
Importance: LOW
Xiaomi Mi Headphones includes in-line controls, the average headphone does not. 36.4% of headphones support in-line controls.
Wind noise reduction
Xiaomi Mi Headphones reduces wind noise, the average headphone does not. 34.1% of headphones support wind noise reduction.
What it is: Reduces wind interference for clearer outdoor calls
When it matters: When you take calls outdoors while walking, cycling, or commuting.
Importance: LOW
Xiaomi Mi Headphones reduces wind noise, the average headphone does not. 34.1% of headphones support wind noise reduction.
Foldable design
Xiaomi Mi Headphones has a foldable design, the average headphone does not. 61% of headphones are foldable.
What it is: Earcups or headband can fold for compact storage
When it matters: When you travel often and want easier storage in a bag.
Importance: LOW
Xiaomi Mi Headphones has a foldable design, the average headphone does not. 61% of headphones are foldable.
Foldable design
Xiaomi Mi Headphones has a foldable design, the average headphone does not. 61% of headphones are foldable.
Hi-Res Audio certification
Xiaomi Mi Headphones has Hi-Res Audio certification, the average headphone does not. 22.9% of headphones are Hi-Res Audio certified.
10 mm larger driver size
Xiaomi Mi Headphones uses a larger driver size than the average headphone (50 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.
20,000 Hz higher treble extension
Xiaomi Mi Headphones has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (40,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.
15 dB higher max SPL
Xiaomi Mi Headphones has a higher max SPL than the average headphone (125 dB vs 110 dB). The average headphones reach a max SPL of 110 dB.
Direct 3.5 mm plug
Xiaomi Mi Headphones includes a direct 3.5 mm plug, the average headphone does not. 38.8% of headphones have a 3.5 mm male connector.
Clear call microphone
Xiaomi Mi Headphones offers a clear call microphone, while the average headphone does not. 45.6% of headphones support noise-canceling microphones.
In-line controls
Xiaomi Mi Headphones includes in-line controls, the average headphone does not. 36.4% of headphones support in-line controls.
Wind noise reduction
Xiaomi Mi Headphones reduces wind noise, the average headphone does not. 34.1% of headphones support wind noise reduction.
Sidetone support
Xiaomi Mi Headphones supports sidetone, the average headphone does not. 29.7% of headphones support sidetone.
Quick mic mute
Xiaomi Mi Headphones includes a quick mic mute, the average headphone does not. 33.5% of headphones support a mute function.

Calls & Controls

Why is Xiaomi Mi Headphones worse than the average headphone?

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2 Hz weaker bass extension
Xiaomi Mi Headphones has a higher lowest frequency than the average headphone (20 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
2 dB/mW lower sensitivity
Xiaomi Mi Headphones has a lower sensitivity than the average headphone (100 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
95% lower input power handling
Xiaomi Mi Headphones has a lower max input power than the average headphone (5 mW vs 100 mW). The average headphones handle max input power of 100 mW.
5 dB SPL lower sound pressure level
Xiaomi Mi Headphones has a lower sound pressure level than the average headphone (98 dB SPL vs 103 dB SPL). The average headphones reach a sound pressure level of 103 dB SPL.
No voice assistant support
Xiaomi Mi Headphones does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
No voice assistant support
Xiaomi Mi Headphones does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
What it is: Compatible with voice assistants like Siri, Alexa, or Google Assistant
When it matters: When hands-free control is part of your daily routine.
Importance: LOW
Xiaomi Mi Headphones does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
2 Hz weaker bass extension
Xiaomi Mi Headphones has a higher lowest frequency than the average headphone (20 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
What it is: Lowest audio frequency the headphones can reproduce
When it matters: When deeper bass extension matters for your music or movie listening.
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: <=10 Hz
Xiaomi Mi Headphones has a higher lowest frequency than the average headphone (20 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.20 Hz vs 18 Hz
2 dB/mW lower sensitivity
Xiaomi Mi Headphones has a lower sensitivity than the average headphone (100 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
What it is: Sound pressure output level per unit of input power
When it matters: When you plan to use weaker sources like phones, handhelds, or entry-level dongles and still want enough volume.
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: >=106 dB/mW
Xiaomi Mi Headphones has a lower sensitivity than the average headphone (100 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.100 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW
5 dB SPL lower sound pressure level
Xiaomi Mi Headphones has a lower sound pressure level than the average headphone (98 dB SPL vs 103 dB SPL). The average headphones reach a sound pressure level of 103 dB SPL.
What it is: Output loudness level of the headphones, usually measured in dB. It helps compare how loud a model can play under similar conditions.
When it matters: When you need a rough idea of how loud the headphones can get before you pair them with a weaker source.
Importance: LOW
Good value: >=108 dB SPL
Xiaomi Mi Headphones has a lower sound pressure level than the average headphone (98 dB SPL vs 103 dB SPL). The average headphones reach a sound pressure level of 103 dB SPL.98 dB SPL vs 103 dB SPL
95% lower input power handling
Xiaomi Mi Headphones has a lower max input power than the average headphone (5 mW vs 100 mW). The average headphones handle max input power of 100 mW.
What it is: Maximum input power the drivers can safely handle
When it matters: When you pair the headphones with stronger sources or dedicated gear.
Importance: LOW
Good value: >=300 mW
Xiaomi Mi Headphones has a lower max input power than the average headphone (5 mW vs 100 mW). The average headphones handle max input power of 100 mW.5 mW vs 100 mW

Graphic comparison of Xiaomi Mi Headphones and

Attribute category

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Third-party reviews

United Kingdom

United States

(Reviews last updated: Jun 2026)

What customers like about Xiaomi Mi Headphones?

Versatile sound profiles: Includes three sets of interchangeable ear pads (on-ear pleather, over-ear pleather, and on-ear foam) that allow users to customize the audio signature and fit.
Premium build quality: Features a sturdy construction using milled aluminum ear cups and synthetic leather with red stitching, giving them a high-end feel.
Excellent value: Offers high-fidelity sound and a rich accessory kit (hard case, adapters, multiple pads) at a fraction of the price of established competitors.
Highly portable: The headphones feature a folding, collapsible design and come with a compact clamshell carrying case for travel.
Comfort: The over-ear pads are noted for being extremely comfortable for long listening sessions due to their soft padding and breathable design.
Driveability: With a low impedance of 32 ohms, they are very easy to power directly from a smartphone or portable player without needing an external amplifier.

What customers dislike about Xiaomi Mi Headphones?

Proprietary pad design: The ear pads use a twist-lock mechanism, making it difficult to use third-party replacements without modification.
Sound leakage: Due to the semi-open-back design, sound tends to leak out, making them less suitable for use in very quiet public environments.
High-volume distortion: Some users noted that audio quality can become 'cranky' or lose control at very high volume levels.
Inconsistent pad performance: Reviewers often found the default on-ear pleather pads to sound 'bloated' or 'muddy' compared to the superior clarity of the foam pads.
Microphone placement: The microphone is located low on the Y-split cable, which can lead to muffled voice transmission if covered by clothing like jackets or scarves.

Expert reviews

head-fi.org

21/04/2015

Shootout: 114 Portable Headphones Reviewed (Xiaomi Mi Headphones Added)

The Koss KSC75Go to product viewer dialog for this item. is highly regarded as an unparalleled budget clip-on headphone featuring an open, forward sound, impressive instrument separation, and a full-sounding midrange. Pros include sparkling high frequencies, a forgiving 60-ohm impedance suitable for all sources, and a secure design ideal for outdoor activity. Head-Fi.orgConversely,...Read more

wired.com

21/12/2015

Review: Mi In-Ear Headphones

The WIRED review of the Xiaomi Mi In-Ear Headphones rates the budget earbuds a 6/10, describing them as a solid product with distinct acoustic flaws. Debuting in China for 99 yuan and priced around $29 for US consumers, the earphones feature a dual-driver design inside each chamber—combining a balanced armature driver for high frequencies and a traditional dynamic driver for mids...Read more

goughlui.com

31/01/2016

Xiaomi Mi Headphones Teardown and Review

The Xiaomi Mi Headphones (ZBW4189CN) are a semi-open, over-the-ear headset designed by 1MoreDesign that offers high-end aesthetics and rich structural inclusions at an affordable price point of around $80. A standout positive feature highlighted in the review is the premium build quality, which incorporates a heavy use of milled metal for the earcups, folding joints, microphone...Read more

head-fi.org

24/01/2015

Xiaomi Mi Headphones - Reviews - Head-Fi

The Xiaomi Mi Headphone is described as a versatile, premium-feeling, semi-open portable headset featuring milled aluminum ear cups, a foldable design, and three interchangeable ear pad options (on-ear, over-ear, foam) that significantly alter the sound profile, particularly the bass. Pros include high-value construction, a warm and energetic sound, and strong modularity, which...Read more

techradar.com

26/03/2016

Xiaomi Mi Headphones review: Premium looks, average performance

Review Summary The TechRadar review of the Xiaomi Mi Headphones gives the product a mixed 3.7/5 overall score, praising its premium design but critiquing its steep Rs 5,499 price tag and acoustic flaws. The reviewer notes that while Xiaomi is celebrated for high-value, budget-friendly gadgets, these headphones struggle to compete against established audio giants like Sony,...Read more

theheadphonelist.com

13/04/2015

Xiaomi Mi Headphones Review

The Xiaomi Mi Headphones are highly versatile, semi-open portable headphones that uniquely convert from an on-ear to an over-ear design using two sets of factory-supplied, twist-and-lock earpads. Boasting an exceptional build quality for their price point, they feature machined aluminum earcups, metal mesh grilles, and heavy plastics that deliver a remarkably premium and solid feel....Read more

techtest.org

06/06/2016

Xiaomi Mi Headphones HiFi Edition Review: The Best Headphones for the Money?

Summary of the Xiaomi Mi Headphones HiFi Edition Review The reviewer ordered the Xiaomi Mi Headphones HiFi Edition from Asia for roughly €72, noting that the unboxing experience includes a highly generous accessory package despite the plain white packaging. Structurally, these open-back headphones successfully achieve a high-end audio aesthetic by making prominent use of aluminum. A...Read more

techtest.org

05/04/2017

Xiaomi Mi Headphones review: affordable, stylish, good?", "Xiaomi Mi Headphones in the test: cheap, chic, good?

The Xiaomi Mi Headphones offer impressive design and material quality for an affordable price of around €40, bypassing cheap glossy plastics in favor of a sleek, fingerprint-resistant matte white finish with subtle gold accents. The build quality and haptics comfortably outperform their price bracket, utilizing a classic 1.4-meter 3.5mm audio cable equipped with a functional inline...Read more

computerbild.de

15/08/2015

Xiaomi Mi Headphones: Over-Ear Headphones Review", "Xiaomi Mi Headphones: On-Ear Headphones Test

The COMPUTER BILD review evaluates the 2015 Xiaomi Mi Headphones, a unique set of wired over-ear/on-ear headphones priced at approximately €70. The device earns a mediocre final test score of 2.6 ("satisfactory") due to highly polarizing design choices and audio performance. On the positive side, the headphones feature high-quality aluminum ear cups and a solid, durable frame,...Read more

noticias.compudemano.com

16/06/2019

Xiaomi Mi True Wireless Review: Incredible Earphones

Based on the provided review, the Xiaomi Mi True Wireless Earphones (priced at €79.99) offer a reliable, well-built alternative to Apple's AirPods, delivering strong value for money and an impressive overall audio profile. The review highlights several notable advantages, including a secure and comfortable fit suitable for workouts, backed by an IPX4 liquid resistance rating. Audio...Read more

gizchina.it

06/06/2015

Xiaomi Mi Headphones, the GizChina.it review of the high-fidelity headphones

Review Summary The Xiaomi Mi Headphones are high-fidelity, semi-open back headphones that deliver premium build quality and high performance at an affordable price point. A standout pro is the inclusion of multiple interchangeable ear cushions, allowing users to easily convert the headset from an on-ear (supra-aural) to a more comfortable over-ear (circumaural) configuration. The...Read more

tuttoandroid.net

22/05/2015

Xiaomi Mi Headphones Review - TuttoAndroid

The Xiaomi Mi Headphones are semi-open, on-ear/over-ear headphones priced around €100 that feature an aluminum design heavily inspired by Grado headphones. On the positive side, they offer exceptional build materials, an eco-leather headband with red stitching, and a highly customizable experience thanks to three pairs of interchangeable ear pads (on-ear leather, on-ear foam, and...Read more

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