Xiaomi's new wireless earbuds are less than one-fifth the price of AirPods

Xiaomi AirDots are equipped with Bluetooth 5.0. — AFP Relaxnews

For under US$30 (RM125), you can get a set of wireless earbuds that features Bluetooth 5.0, but only if you're in China.

Apple is known for its high-quality, albeit often pricy, products which is why companies across the world steal or draw inspiration from their designs to create more cost-efficient models. Xiaomi, a Chinese electronics manufacturer, is just one of many creating AirPods lookalikes, but this particular set of earbuds may even outshine its American twin, based on details of the product appearing in The Verge.

For starters, AirDots are equipped with Bluetooth 5.0, which the second-generation of AirPods are expected to have if they're ever released. Just this feature will save the Xiaomi version energy, making for more efficient battery usage. Plus, the range will increase, and functioning will be much quicker than with the previous Bluetooth standard that AirPods are currently using.

In contrast with the exterior design of Apple's AirPods, the AirDots are much subtler and don't extend beyond your ear like the stem of the Apple version does. Plus, the silicon tips will make them more secure in your ear while providing better sound isolation.

As for what the devices have in common, both feature tappable controls as well as a compact charging case. Each are only available in white.

Unfortunately, these earphones are only available for pre-order to the Chinese market for 199 yuan (RM119.37). At less than US$30 compared to the US$159.99 (RM667.40) price tag of the AirPods, it's a shame that these devices (nor any other Xiaomi smartphone accessories or even the smartphones themselves) aren't available to the US market; however, there is a light at the end of the tunnel: Xiaomi's Operational Project Manager for the North America region, Aaron Yang, announced on Reddit on Nov 6 that the company will be hosting a New York event in December to show off some of the brand's latest and greatest products. – AFP Relaxnews