In-ear and open-type TWS headphones with behind-the-ear mounting are among the many different designs available. Although open-type headphones are frequently made for athletic purposes, this isn’t always the case. The fashionable appearance, vibrant colours, and noise-cancelling capability of the recently introduced Xiaomi OpenWear Stereo make it stand out. These headphones employ a different technology than bone conduction versions, yet they nevertheless include flexible ear hooks for a snug fit. The charging case is bigger as a result of this design, though.
So, for whom are these headphones most appropriate? For people who value stability and comfort, whether for active use or relaxed listening, their distinctive design makes them perfect. However, some consumers looking for small TWS earphones might not find their greater size appealing.
Box Contents and Accessories
The Xiaomi OpenWear Stereo comes in a small, white box that resembles a headphone. The earphones, user manual, and a short USB-C charging cord are all included.
Xiaomi OpenWear Stereo: Design and Comfort
The Xiaomi OpenWear Stereo has curved earphones and a timeless style. Durable nickel-titanium alloy components are incorporated into the interior structure, while the outside is composed of flexible rubber. This robust construction allows the behind-the-ear mounts to withstand up to 5,000 bends.
The Xiaomi logo is shown with a chrome accent on the outside of each earphone. For convenience of use, they also include an integrated touch control panel.
The speakers, two microphones, charging ports, and L and R markers for convenient alignment are located on the inside side.
All things considered, the headphones are stylish and striking, especially when they are Sandstone Beige. There is also a Cosmic Grey version for people who like a more conventional appearance.
The entire weight, including the charging case, is 70 grams, with each earbud weighing 9.6 grams. The casing itself is notably bigger than typical TWS cases and has an extended oval form.
The charging case, which has a textured surface, the Xiaomi logo, and a chrome accent, reflects the chic style of the earbuds. While the Cosmic Grey version is probably more resilient to obvious smudges, the lighter Sandstone Beige shade may eventually display dirt and wear indicators.
The case’s inside has a glossy finish, roomy earphone slots, and a reset button for connection. Once within, they remain firmly in place and are hard to remove.
The case’s front features a discrete LED indication for status updates and a curved shape for easy lid opening.
Xiaomi OpenWear Stereo enables two devices to be connected simultaneously, facilitating fast device switching. The proprietary app must be used to enable this functionality. The app’s active noise cancelling feature, which is presently marked as beta, also has to be activated, but it doesn’t seem to be working as it should.
There is hardly any change when the AI NC is turned on; ambient noise is little reduced. Furthermore, the “transparency” function that is frequently included in more recent AI NC headphones is absent. Users may always hear their surroundings since the design transmits natural sound without ear canal touch.
IP54 certification makes the headphones water-resistant. Because of this, they may be used in wet weather or for strength training.
The handy function that automatically pauses or stops playing when one earbud is removed is sadly absent from the headphones. Such capability is, expected at this price point.
With its Bluetooth 5.3 module, the Xiaomi OpenWear Stereo may connect to two devices at once. The first device is easy to connect to: just open the case, and the earphones will recognise the smartphone and initiate a connection. Even through two thick walls, they deliver a dependable signal.
Taps on the chrome touch panel control the headphones. Because there is no function associated with a single tap, the sensor is responsive without being unduly sensitive, reducing the likelihood of unintentional touches. By default, the controls are:
- Double tapping to play, pause, or end the call
- To go to the previous or next track, triple tap.
- Holding down the button will activate the voice assistant.
You may alter the controls in the app to suit your tastes.
The user-friendly and useful Xiaomi Earbuds app is paired with Xiaomi OpenWear Stereo. Battery levels are shown, dual-device connection and noise cancellation are enabled, touch controls can be customised, the earphones and case can be found, sound presets (although without a complete equaliser) may be activated, a user manual is provided, and more.
Xiaomi OpenWear Stereo: Audio Performance & Mic Quality
The Xiaomi OpenWear Stereo’s open design makes ambient noises always apparent and provides an experience akin to that of conventional earphones. As previously stated, background noise cannot be eliminated by noise cancellation.
Bass is low and mids are only passable since there is no direct contact with the ear canal. Bassists shouldn’t use them since, despite the promised frequency enhancement, the sound feels far away. Crisp highs make them ideal for calls, podcasts, and voices. The microphone is mediocre; if someone has a decent microphone, you can hear them clearly, but your voice might not be clear.
For better sound quality, Use Apple Music to Android users instead of YouTube Music. Your music is genuinely enhanced by the amazing listening experience that Apple Music offers.
Greetings, cyclists! Be careful to turn off your app’s “Adaptive Volume” option if you enjoy listening to music while riding. This setting may not be what you want because it automatically reduces your volume based on background noise. Although you must use both headphones to activate the Artificial Intelligence noise suppression feature, it performs decently at 25 kmph.
Battery Life & Performance
The Xiaomi OpenWear Stereo has a 60 mAh battery in each earpiece and a 788 mAh battery in the shell. With case recharges, its playback time may be extended to 38.5 hours, with a maximum of 7.5 hours each charge.
My battery lasted around 6 hours, which is considerably less than what was claimed. Because to Xiaomi OpenWear’s open design, I frequently turned up the volume to 60–70% or more to drown out surrounding noise, especially when watching movies and listening to podcasts. The battery was depleted more quickly by the increased volume. Even still, 5–6 hours isn’t bad just less than anticipated. The earbuds recharge in a little more than an hour, while the case takes two and a half hours to completely charge. However, there is no wireless charging.
Hands-On Experience
It is a mixed experience to use the Xiaomi OpenWear Stereo. They stand out because to their comfortable fit and fashionable, distinctive style. They’re secure, comfy, and don’t fall off while you move or play sports.
The chrome touch panel seems perfect at first, however it quickly scratches and fingerprints. Despite its elegant appearance, the case is somewhat bulky and not always comfortable to carry in your pocket.
Comparable to the majority of genuine wireless earphones, the microphone is respectable. The design makes the mids and lows shallow, but the highs are distinct. With Xiaomi OpenWear Stereo, you can stay connected to your environment and music throughout the day. It works well for audiobooks, videos, and music, but the lack of bass and mids may make it harder to appreciate music.
Final Verdict
With its open design and behind-the-ear fit, the Xiaomi OpenWear Stereo is a fashionable and striking headset. Due of its many trade-offs, it is both unique and fascinating. It is perfect for people who need to be aware of their surroundings while using headphones. It is also a good choice for people who want a gadget that isn’t only for music and has a strong look. It has useful features including dual connection, moisture resistance, and an easy-to-use software. Most significantly, even when moving actively, it remains firmly in place.
However, because to the open design and insufficient noise suppression, a higher volume is frequently required, thus expect battery life to fall short of the claims. Furthermore, the casing is somewhat heavy, the chrome accents smear and scratch easily, and there is no wear detection.
