Xiaomi’s Buds 5 Pro offer exceptional sound quality, but what truly sets them apart is their innovative connectivity features. Featuring Qualcomm’s XPAN integration, these earbuds seamlessly switch between Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, enhancing music playback up to 96kHz/24-bit. With a standard pricing of £159 ($213) in the U.K. and a Wi-Fi model available for £189 ($253), these earbuds exceed expectations in value and performance.
The design of the Buds 5 Pro reflects a premium aesthetic, featuring elongated stalks with metal accents and a matte finish. Weighing only 5.6 grams, they are lightweight and comfortable for extended wear. While they provide IP54 dust and water resistance—suitable for workouts—some users may be disappointed by the lack of Qi wireless charging, relying instead on USB-C.
Sound quality is where the Buds 5 Pro truly shine.
Equipped with a custom 11mm driver paired with a planar driver and dedicated tweeter, these earbuds deliver outstanding bass, clear mids, and an elevated treble without harshness. The bass response can be tuned via EQ for different listening preferences, making them versatile for both movies and music. However, some features are exclusive to Xiaomi users, such as the low latency mode and spatial audio after a personalized hearing test.
Using the Buds 5 Pro with the Xiaomi 15 Ultra unlocks the full potential of these earbuds, offering an enriched audio experience that is hard to match. Overall, for those entrenched in the Xiaomi ecosystem, the Buds 5 Pro stand as a compelling choice, blending remarkable sound and connectivity into a sleek package.