NEW Redmi Buds 8 Lite For $20 — FLOP Of The Year?

The Xiaomi Redmi lineup has a weird history with budget TWS earbuds. I compared ALL 5 versions of Redmi Buds 6 and the budget models had serious problems. Now Xiaomi released new wireless in-ear Redmi Buds 8 Lite — and on paper, everything looks different. ANC up to 42 dB, Bluetooth 5.4, IP54 and a 12.4mm titanium diaphragm — for ~$20. The question: are these finally budget noise-canceling earbuds worth recommending?

ANC up to 42 dB — hybrid noise cancellation with dual microphones
12.4mm titanium driver — larger size, titanium diaphragm
Bluetooth 5.4 — dual device connection
Up to 36 hours with case — 8 hours on a single charge
Fast charging — 10 minutes = 2 hours of music
IP54 — dust and splash protection
3 colors — black, white, blue
5 EQ presets + custom tuning via Xiaomi Earbuds app

Noise Cancellation. Hybrid ANC up to 42 dB — same as the Redmi Buds 8 Pro, which costs twice as much. Two microphones work with AI algorithms to suppress noise in urban environments. Plus wind protection up to 6 m/s — useful for outdoors.

Sound. 12.4mm titanium driver — larger than the standard 10mm and theoretically capable of delivering more confident bass. 5 equalizer presets and custom tuning in the Xiaomi Earbuds app. Codecs — AAC and SBC, no LDAC. For $20 — expected.

Battery Life. Up to 8 hours with ANC on a single charge (manufacturer claims — realistically expect ~5-6). With the case — up to 36 hours. Fast charging: 10 minutes in the case = 2 hours of music. Charging via USB-C.

Bottom Line. Redmi Buds 8 Lite is yet another attempt by Xiaomi to make mass-market ultra-budget TWS. ANC matching the older Pro model, Bluetooth 5.4, IP54, decent battery and a titanium driver — all for twenty bucks. Currently available only in China. It remains to be heard how they sound in person — and whether they deserve a spot in our ranking.

After my experience with the 6th generation, I’m very skeptical about new products. Write in the comments — what do you think about the new Redmi Buds 8 Lite? Happy to chat about it.

Specifications: