Xiaomi launches OpenWear Stereo sports-friendly ear wearable

Xiaomi today (15 July 2024) announced the launch of its new true wireless ear wearable, the Xiaomi OpenWear Stereo, for the Singapore market.

Xiaomi OpenWear Stereo is a budless personal audio wearable made for a secure fit and long hours of wear, with all the features needed for wearing during commute, in the office, or even during exercise.

These earbuds are rated IP54 water and dust-resistant (IP rating guide here), and each side weighs a mere 9.6g. That’s lightweight if you consider their budless design, which means they don’t require insertion into your ear to be used.

Instead, the Xiaomi OpenWear Stereo uses silicone open-ear hooks that hug your ear nook (behind your ear’s helix), while the speakers sit at your concha. This design is ideal for users who experience discomfort when using conventional silicone-tipped earbuds with in-ear designs, like the Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro.

Despite their over-ear fit, Xiaomi said the ear wearables have a sleek profile that “minimises interference with eyewear” such as glasses and swimming goggles.

Mindful of its open design, Xiaomi goes to great lengths to assure to-be users of their high audio quality and privacy via its official media statement. The 17 x 12mm elliptical dynamic drivers use diamond-like carbon (DLC) coating on their diaphragm to improve their sound quality and accuracy. 

The buds support Hi-Res Audio and connect via Bluetooth 5.3, but the wearable's online specs sheet doesn't specify the exact codecs it supports.

Additionally, the OpenWear Stereo uses an independent sound leakage reduction system that emits antiphase audio waves. This helps prevent the earpiece from leaking too much audio, improving call privacy.

Also, the wearable packs a beamforming algorithm for its dual-microphone array structure, which makes picking up speech easier while avoiding environmental noise.

Xiaomi said the OpenWear Stereo has up to 7.5 hours of battery life (ANC off) with the 60mAh wearables and a maximum total of 38.5 hours if you include the 780mAh capacity on the charging case. A 10-minute charge (from 0%) can offer 1.5 hours of listening.

More importantly, Xiaomi OpenWear Stereo is built using Xiaomi HyperOS, making it easy to connect to other HyperOS devices, such as its Xiaomi 14 Ultra and HyperOS tablets. They also come with a Xiaomi Earbuds app for additional customisation, on top of support for HyperOS’s Audio Sharing (two pairs of buds can connect to one Xiaomi phone or tablet simultaneously).

Pricing and availability

Xiaomi OpenWear Stereo retails at S$199 from 15 July 2024 onwards, in Sandstone Beige and Cosmic Grey.

You can find them on its official Shopee and Lazada e-commerce platforms.

Between 15 and 22 July 2024, customers can get the ear wearable at a promotional price of S$149 from the two platforms mentioned above.

Our articles may contain affiliate links. If you buy through these links, we may earn a small commission.