Diving into the world of audio tech, I’m thrilled to sit down with Oscar Vail, a renowned technology expert whose insights into cutting-edge gadgets have guided countless enthusiasts and professionals alike. With a deep passion for emerging fields like quantum computing and robotics, Oscar brings a unique perspective to consumer tech, especially when it comes to audio innovations. Today, we’re focusing on his hands-on experience with the Xiaomi OpenWear Stereo Pro earbuds, exploring everything from their standout design and innovative features to the challenges they face in delivering top-tier sound and fit. Our conversation delves into the balance of style versus functionality, the real-world impact of sound leakage reduction, and how these earbuds stack up in a competitive market.
Can you share what first grabbed your attention about the Xiaomi OpenWear Stereo Pro earbuds when you started testing them?
Honestly, the first thing that caught my eye was the sheer number of drivers—five per earbud. That’s pretty wild for open earbuds, where you usually see just one or two, even in premium models. I was intrigued by how Xiaomi packed so much hardware into such a small form factor, especially with a dedicated driver to tackle sound leakage, which is a notorious issue with open designs. It set high expectations right out of the gate for what these buds could deliver.
What were your initial thoughts on the design of these earbuds, especially their shiny aesthetic?
I have to say, they look striking. The glossy finish—mine were in rose gold—gives them a premium vibe that stands out compared to the more understated designs of other open earbuds I’ve tested. You can practically use them as a mirror; they’re that shiny. But while they score points for style, I did wonder if that flashiness would translate to durability or if it might attract scratches over time. It’s a bold choice, no doubt, and it makes a strong first impression.
Moving to comfort, how did the weight and fit of these earbuds hold up during extended use?
At 9.7 grams per bud, they’re a tad heavier than some competitors, but I didn’t find the weight bothersome during long sessions, like a two-hour gym workout or a commute. The real issue was the fit. They felt comfortable when I was upright, but the moment I bent down or lay back for exercises like sit-ups, they’d shift out of place. It’s frustrating because open earbuds need that rigid hold, and these just didn’t have it in more dynamic scenarios.
Speaking of fit, can you elaborate on the specific activities where this unreliable hold was most apparent?
Absolutely. It was most noticeable during gym workouts that involved bending or reclining—think sit-ups, bench presses, or anything where my head wasn’t straight up. Gravity just pulled them away from my ears. Running or cycling wasn’t as bad; they stayed put decently there. But for anyone planning to wear these for intense gym sessions, that loose fit became a real distraction.
Let’s talk about one of their standout features—sound leakage reduction. How effective was this in real-world environments?
This was a big win for Xiaomi. Open earbuds are notorious for letting everyone around you hear your playlist, which can be embarrassing if you’re blasting something niche. The dedicated 10mm driver designed to curb leakage worked surprisingly well. I tested them in a local park during morning runs, and I didn’t get those awkward glances from passersby. It’s not perfect—there’s still some leakage—but it mutes the sound enough that ambient noise, like traffic or chatter, often drowns it out. It’s a noticeable improvement over other open designs I’ve used.
Sound quality seemed to be a mixed bag for you. What didn’t you like about the default audio profile when you first listened?
Oh, it was rough at first. On the default setting, the sound was incredibly tinny and compressed. Instruments in rock tracks, for instance, just mushed together into this jangling mess—drums sounded like sleigh bells, and details like backing vocals got lost. It felt like a wall of noise rather than a proper soundstage. I was pretty disappointed, especially given the impressive hardware specs I’d read about.
Did tweaking the audio presets in the app make a significant difference to the sound?
It did, thankfully. Once I connected the buds to the Xiaomi app and switched to a different preset, the sound opened up a lot. The instruments had more separation, and the soundstage felt wider. It wasn’t perfect—bass still felt a bit loose unless I fiddled more—but it went from unlistenable to passable. My advice to anyone getting these is to skip the default profile right away and experiment with the app settings.
Another audio challenge was the low maximum volume. How did that impact your listening in noisier settings?
That was a real drawback. In loud environments like near a busy road or on public transport, I often struggled to hear my music or podcasts clearly. I’d crank the volume to max, and it still wasn’t enough to cut through the background noise. It’s a safety feature of open earbuds to keep you aware of your surroundings, but there were times I wished for just a bit more power to stay immersed in what I was listening to.
Xiaomi added a voice note recording feature to these earbuds. How useful did you find that during your testing?
I was pleasantly surprised by this. I’m someone who often jots down quick ideas or reminders, and having a gesture-activated recording mode right on the earbuds was super handy. I used it a few times a day—whether to note a podcast idea while walking or a to-do list item. It’s much faster than pulling out my phone. The only caveat is you’ve got to be mindful of local laws about recording in public spaces, as it picks up ambient sound too. But overall, it’s a neat addition.
Finally, looking at the bigger picture, what’s your forecast for the future of open earbuds like these in the audio market?
I think open earbuds are carving out a solid niche, especially for people who prioritize safety and situational awareness—like runners or cyclists. The focus on features like sound leakage reduction, as seen with the Xiaomi OpenWear Stereo Pro, shows manufacturers are listening to user complaints and innovating accordingly. I expect we’ll see even better fit solutions and audio quality in the next couple of years as competition heats up. Battery life and app customization will likely improve too. It’s an exciting space to watch, especially as more brands jump in with their takes on balancing style, function, and sound.
