Xiaomi’s latest wearables drop has something most fitness earbuds don’t: a swimming mode that actually works underwater. Set to launch July 21, the Xiaomi Bone Conduction Earphones 2 are priced at ¥699 (roughly $96 USD), and they’re clearly aimed at active users—particularly swimmers who’ve had to settle for clunky workarounds until now.
Music Underwater, No Phone Needed
The standout feature here is no doubt the dedicated swimming mode, powered by updated bone conduction tech that promises clearer audio beneath the surface. Unlike traditional earbuds, which struggle with water interference and sealing, bone conduction sends sound through your cheekbones—bypassing your ears entirely. It’s a format that’s been around, but Xiaomi is betting that theirs will do it better.
One big upgrade? The ability to store music on the earphones themselves. That means no need to bring your phone poolside or depend on Bluetooth (which typically fails miserably underwater). You load your tracks directly, switch to local playback mode, and dive in. Simple.
Also worth noting: the integration with Suunto’s swim-tracking algorithms, which adds some real utility for serious swimmers. Whether you care about split times, stroke recognition, or distance tracking, this pushes the Earphones 2 beyond just entertainment and into performance territory.
Xiaomi Bone Conduction Earphones 2 Feature Rundown
Here’s what the Bone Conduction Earphones 2 are bringing to the table:
- Onboard music storage for standalone playback
- Quick switching between Bluetooth and local music
- Waterproof design specifically rated for swimming
- Swim tracking powered by Suunto algorithms
It’s a targeted product—and that’s probably the point. Rather than trying to do everything, Xiaomi is leaning into a specific niche: people who want audio while they swim, without the usual compromises.
Price, Availability, and Strategy
At launch, the earphones will be available through JD.com and other major Chinese retailers. There’s no word yet on global availability, though Xiaomi often gauges local demand before expanding abroad. At $96, they’re priced to compete directly with other sport-focused audio brands like Shokz and JBL—though the added features might give Xiaomi an edge in the water.
A Notable Upgrade
The original Bone Conduction Earphones from Xiaomi launched back in October 2022. That model was fine for general fitness use, with decent battery life and USB-C charging. But it lacked local storage and wasn’t really built for swimmers.
The new version feels more intentional. More refined. And with the fitness wearables space getting crowded, narrowing the focus might actually be the smart move. It won’t be for everyone—but for the right kind of user, it could be exactly what’s been missing.
