TWS true wireless earphones - under $50
THREE STARS - The Xiaomi Redmi AirDots 3 now has USB-C charging and better battery life than before, but as it costs twice as much as the other AirDots models. Is it worth it?
Xiaomi Redmi AirDots 3 specs:
Bluetooth 5.2 with AptX Adaptive codec
IPX4 waterproof rating (sweat and light rain resistant)
6 - 7 hours listening on a full charge
Charging case can charge earpieces fully 4 times
Comes with 3 sizes ear tips and USB-C cable
$45 - or check price on AliExpress (possibly cheaper here)
Below this Xiaomi Redmi AirDots 3 review you will find comparisons between the Redmi AirDots 3 vs Redmi AirDots 2, Edifier X3, Fiil T1 Lite and Mpow Mbit S.
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Design, comfort and battery life
An oval charging case and oval wireless earbuds: we've seen them before on the Redmi AirDots, the Redmi AirDots 2, and the Redmi AirDots S... and not much has changed on the Xiaomi Redmi AirDots 3.
The USB-C powered case is less pocketable this time around, however. It's noticeably higher and doesn't slide into your jeans pocket as easily anymore. To thank is the new, higher, 600mAh battery capacity. The case can now recharge the earbuds four times fully, providing the earbuds with up to 7 hours of battery life per charge.
Xiaomi Redmi AirDots 2 on the left, 3 on the right
The playtime on the AirDots has always been around the 4 hours mark, and the jump to 7 hours playtime is a very comfortable one. It does mean the Redmi AirDots 3 has longer and thicker earbuds than before. It still has an almost square, oval shape on the inside, and unlike rounder earbuds, acquiring a comfortable and tight fit can be hard in smaller ears. It shouldn't be problematic for medium-sized and larger ears.
The waterproof rating could have been better: IPX4 means it should be resistant to light rain and sweat only. One more note: the earbuds look nicer than before, thanks to the glossy finish of the sides.
Connectivity and controls
Once again, the controls on Redmi earbuds are just too restricted. Xiaomi always aims for simplicity in this regard, meaning the only controls you'll have on the earbuds are:
Double-tap R to play/pause music
Double-tap L to activate the voice assistant
That's it. There are no commands to change tracks or volume on the earbuds themselves. As single-tap functions are missing, you will not easily activate an unwanted function, however.
Except for a double-tap on the right bud, it's also possible to pause music by taking an earbud out. Put the bud in again, and the music resumes automatically - it works pretty well.
You can also listen to one earbud when you're charging the other and seamlessly listen in stereo again when you take the charged bud out again. When you switch from two earbuds to one, you'll always have to resume playback yourself to continue listening - but it's not a big deal.
Bluetooth 5.2 is one of the selling points of the Redmi AirDots 3, but the impact isn't that big over 5.0. It still holds its connection strongly up to ten meters away from your device and holds well in areas crowded with wireless signals.
Calling and watching movies
Watching videos works flawlessly on the Redmi AirDots 3, with spot-on synchronization on the whole of iPhone and Android, including the challenging YouTube-app. However, there is a noticeable delay in sound effects when playing games, as is the case on almost all wireless earphones.
The AirDots 3 has average to good call quality. You can have a pleasant conversation when there's not too much going on around you, as your voice has enough volume, sounds clear, and even natural. Especially brighter noises from your surroundings come through loud, however, making it less suitable to take a call outside or with kids running around the house.
Happily, it's very doable to take a video call or a Zoom meeting with the AirDots 3. Your voice may have a slight hiss underneath it, but you sound loud and clear - and so do people on the other end of the line.
Also read: The best earbuds under $25!
Sound quality of Redmi AirDots 3: Uuuh…
The Xiaomi Redmi AirDots 3 aims for a clear sound that works great for podcasts and phone calls but isn't very engaging for all music.
Like the previously reviewed Xiaomi Mi Air 2 SE, the Redmi AirDots 3 puts most of its effort into upper-mid tones. Brighter instruments like violins, trumpets, and lighter piano play, may not come with an abundance of detail, but they sound natural. Music feels open on top, what makes it easy to listen to and works great if you love classical or new-age/ wellness music.
Still, rather than instruments, the focus on the brighter tones works especially well for voices. Both male and female vocals sound very clear. They are forward and pronounced from other instruments and other frequencies, and whether you're listening to music or a video: voices are always front-and-center - louder than the rest of the sound.
The AirDots achieves clarity without sounding harsh or sharp, but the sound can be flat or thin. That's because the Redmi offers little to no bass to counter the higher tones. The entire lower frequencies are reduced to a little mid-bass slam - it's more of a clap than it's a thump. Don't go looking for the deepest darkest sub-bass rumbles too: you'll rarely encounter them. Lower-mids, like drums and darker electronic tones, don't get special attention either: the AirDots 3 is purely functional in the lower tones.
The AirDots 3 displays an inoffensive clear sound that's good for podcasts or explanatory videos but lacks too much dynamics and punch to make genres like pop, dance, and electronic music engaging.
Xiaomi Redmi AirDots 3 comparisons
Redmi AirDots 3 vs Redmi AirDots 2
The Xiaomi Redmi AirDots 2 has a thinner compact case, smaller earbuds, and actual buttons instead of touch panels. With micro-USB charging and 3,5-4 hours battery life, it's not as modern as the AirDots 2. Soundwise, the AirDots 3 sounds brighter with more extended highs, but the 2 has more body in the bass and lower-mids. Even though the AirDots 2 can sound tinny itself, it sounds fuller. Put the 2's ear tips on the 3, and the sound of the 3 gains weight in the lows as well. This is surprising. Does the AirDots 2 point out the 3 comes with the wrong ear tips?
Redmi AirDots 3 vs Edifier X3
The Edifier X3 comes with micro-USB or USB-C in a newer version, is cheaper, and just as good as an allrounder. It's convenient for phone calls, has 6 hours battery life, and has a brilliant compact case. It has a more engaging sound, too, with further extended upper-mids and highs (which can become a bit sharp sometimes) and added mid-bass punch, especially beneficial for modern music genres like dance, pop, and electronics.
Edifier X3 review ($25)
Redmi AirDots 3 vs Mpow Mbit S
The Mpow Mbit S is a cheaper option for those who seek the opposite to the Redmi AirDots 3 in sound: it has an engaging, warm, and bassy character. These stem-design earbuds carry 6 hours battery life, have all the desired controls on the buds themselves and can even be used under the shower.
Redmi AirDots 3 vs Fiil T1 Lite
The Fiil T1 Lite is a cheaper option than the AirDots 3, and it should be a no-brainer. It has a more immersive sound, with more pronounced and layered bass, better detail in the mid-tones, more precise instrument placement, and more nuances in the upper-mids. The Xiaomi may have slightly better battery life and call quality, but soundwise, the Fiil leaves the AirDots 3 in the dust.
Fiil T1 Lite review ($35)
Verdict
Ultimately, the Xiaomi Redmi AirDots 3 doesn't have a great proposition. With its superior battery life and and USB-charging, it's an improvement over previous models. However, as the case and earbuds are noticeably bigger, it still has limited controls, and the sound is better for podcasts than for music… it isn't worth twice of even three times the price of the Redmi AirDots 2.
Three stars - worth considering
Buy Xiaomi Redmi AirDots 3/ check price:
Buy Xiaomi Redmi AirDots 3 on AliExpress (possibly cheaper here)
I bought the Xiaomi Redmi AirDots 3 to test and review myself. My reviews are 100% independent and non-commercial. I test and review all audio products equally honest - read about it here.
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