Xiaomi has been steadily expanding its audio lineup, and the new OpenWear Stereo Pro marks its latest attempt to combine comfort, open-ear design, and high-quality sound. Designed for users who want a more natural listening experience without the isolation of traditional earbuds, this wearable audio device is aimed at commuters, casual outdoor use, fitness enthusiasts, and anyone who prefers all-day use without ear fatigue. In this review, we will test it based on the performance and the value it has to offers.
Unboxing Content
Design and Comfort
The Xiaomi OpenWear Stereo Pro takes the open-ear concept seriously. Instead of sealing inside the ear canal, it rests just above the ear, using directional audio to deliver sound. The lightweight frame is ergonomically designed with a soft-touch finish that makes it feel natural even after hours of use. Compared to conventional in-ear buds, the open design allows for better awareness of your surroundings, which is especially useful during outdoor activities like walking around, jogging or cycling.
One standout feature is its secure yet non-intrusive fit. Unlike bone-conduction headphones that press firmly against your ear temples, the OpenWear Stereo Pro avoids vibrations and discomfort, making it feel more like an extension of your glasses or ear hooks.
Audio Performance
Xiaomi has equipped the OpenWear Stereo Pro with custom dynamic drivers and advanced acoustic tuning. The result is surprisingly full-bodied audio for an open-ear design with large dynamic woofer for bass and dual tweeter. All of these are made possible thanks to the cooperation with Harman Golden Ear Team on the tuning over the software, EQ and hardware. The bass is punchy enough to enjoy upbeat tracks, while mids and vocals are crisp, making podcasts and calls sound natural.
Of course, since the earbuds don’t create a sealed environment, you won’t get the same deep isolation or sub-bass resonance as premium in-ear monitors. However, for its intended use case, the awareness and comfort matches the sound quality that is balanced and impressive.
The Stereo Pro also supports high-definition audio codecs (such as LDAC), ensuring minimal compression when paired with compatible smartphones.
Connectivity and Features
The device connects via Bluetooth 5.4, ensuring stable pairing and low latency. Xiaomi has added dual-device connectivity, allowing you to switch seamlessly between your smartphone, tablet and laptop. This makes it ideal for users who juggle between work calls and personal entertainment.
Battery life is another highlight, the OpenWear Stereo Pro offers up to 8 hours of continuous playback on a single charge, with the charging case extending usage to nearly 40 hours. Fast charging is supported as well; just 10 minutes of charging provides around 2 hours of playback.
For calls, the dual-microphone AI noise cancellation does a good job of filtering out background sounds, keeping your voice clear even in busy environments.
While this is optional, it is recommended to install the Xiaomi earbuds app to configure your OpenWear Stereo Pro further. Options from Dimensional Audio, Immersion Audio Level, Finding your earphones and Gestures can all be configured via the app.
Durability and Daily Use
The OpenWear Stereo Pro comes with an IP54 dust and water resistance rating, which means it can handle sweat and light rain without issues. This makes it a good fit for both everyday commuting and workout sessions.
Touch controls on the side make it easy to adjust volume, skip tracks, and answer calls. Additionally, it integrates smoothly with Xiaomi’s AIoT ecosystem, allowing for quick pairing with compatible devices and access to voice assistants and translation apps.
Pros:
- Comfortable open-ear design suitable for all-day use
- Good sound balance with clear mids and vocals
- Excellent call quality with AI noise cancellation
- Strong battery life with fast charging
- IP54 water resistance, great for workouts
- Dual-device connectivity for seamless multitasking
Cons:
- Limited bass compared to sealed in-ear earbuds
- Not ideal for noisy environments due to open design
- Slight sound leakage at higher volumes
Verdict & Conclusion
The Xiaomi OpenWear Stereo Pro offers a refreshing alternative to traditional earbuds and bone-conduction headphones. It delivers a comfortable, natural listening experience with solid audio performance and reliable features. While it won’t satisfy bass lovers or those who need total isolation, it’s an excellent choice for fitness users, commuters, and anyone looking for all-day comfort with situational awareness.
For its price point, the OpenWear Stereo Pro strikes a great balance between innovation and practicality, making it one of the better open-ear options currently available with close to just minor compromises only.
The Xiaomi OpenWear Stereo Pro will is available at the price tag of RM549. For more information, click here to find out.