Controls
- Reliable touch controls
- Easily switch between ANC modes
- Can be redefined in app
As with all wireless earbuds these days, you have a few different touch-based controls at your disposal. Double tapping either bud will play/pause tracks or answer an incoming call. Triple taps will skip tracks, either forward or backwards depending on which bud you tap. You can also switch between ANC modes by tapping and holding either bud.
It’s pretty basic stuff, but I found the responses to be excellent throughout. Very rarely did a tap not work, and this was usually if my hair had gotten in the way.
Foundry
If you download the Xiaomi Earbuds app to your Android device (iOS not available) or use a Xiaomi handset, then you’ll also be able to assign the taps to different functions. More on that in a minute.
Software
- Access to additional ANC modes
- Remap controls
- Enable features like Hi-Res and Immersive audio
In the past, I’ve bemoaned the fact that Xiaomi has reserved some of its best audio features for those who use the company’s phones, as the software allows extra features to be accessed. This remains true in part, but the addition of the Xiaomi Earbuds app to the Google Play Store means non-Xiaomi fans can also get the most from their earbuds.
In the settings you can alter what each tap command does, so if you prefer volume controls over track skipping, you can select that from the relevant menu and make it happen. Controls are independent too, so you can have one option on the left bud and another on the right. You’ll also be able to access different levels of ANC, with the two modes expanded to four – Adaptive, Light, Balanced and Deep.
You can turn it off completely if you prefer, and there is also an additional Transparency mode option called True Voice that makes it easier to talk directly to someone while your content is still playing.
Foundry
If you play a lot of games, then the Low Latency mode will be worth enabling as it does a good job, plus it’s also handy when using the buds with video content. You can also use a find my earbuds alarm that will make the buds play alert sounds that gradually increase in volume and should help locate them down the back of a sofa or in a jacket pocket.
If you have an Android phone, download the app as it’s an essential part of the experience. Sadly, iPhone users will be stuck with the rather basic features that come preset in the buds, but Apple has a few AirPod-branded options available for those who prefer that platform.
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