Wireless Earbuds and Headphones

How to pick wireless earbuds in Canada

Start with fit, then decide how much outside noise you want to block. Those two choices narrow our range quickly.

Semi-in-ear or sealed fit?

Semi-in-ear earbuds rest in the outer ear rather than sealing the ear canal with a silicone tip. Many people find them less tiring to wear for hours, and they let in some ambient sound, which helps you stay aware on a busy sidewalk. The trade-off is less passive isolation on loud trains and buses.

What noise cancellation figures mean

Active noise cancellation (ANC) uses microphones to sample outside sound and plays an opposing signal to reduce it. It works best on steady, low-pitched noise such as engines and ventilation hum. The REDMI Buds 8 use wideband ANC that reaches up to 4 kHz, extending into more everyday sounds. The REDMI Headphones Neo list adaptive ANC of up to 42 dB, a manufacturer figure for maximum reduction; adaptive systems adjust the effect to your surroundings.

When wired listening makes sense

The Headphones Neo also support Hi-Res wired audio for lossless listening. If you own lossless files or stream in high resolution, a wired connection avoids the lossy compression most Bluetooth connections rely on.

Matching the product to the listener

Daily transit riders who want quiet on the subway or GO train will get the most from the noise cancelling on the REDMI Buds 8. Anyone who finds sealed ear tips uncomfortable should look at the semi-in-ear Xiaomi Buds 6. Need a spare pair for the gym bag, or a first set for a teenager? The REDMI Buds 8 Active keep the cost down. For long flights, home office calls and lossless music at your desk, the over-ear Headphones Neo cover the most ground.

Care in cold weather

Batteries in small earbuds feel the cold quickly. Keep the case in an inside pocket in winter, and let earbuds warm up before charging them after time outdoors. Wipe the earbuds and their speaker grilles regularly to keep sound clear.

Quick buying tips

• Over-ear headphones suit long flights and home listening; earbuds are easier to carry to the gym or on transit.
• Check the product page for phone compatibility and app features before you order.
• Audio products can be returned within 30 days from delivery only if unused and in their original packaging, so review the details before opening the box.

Pairing new earbuds with a phone upgrade? Browse our REDMI phones, many of which have large batteries for long listening days.