After a long period of silence, Xiaomi has quietly introduced a rather unique pair of headphones to the European market.
The SonicBass 2, which follows the original Redmi SonicBass that debuted nearly six years ago, is now up for grabs through a retailer based in Germany—though it seems like supplies are limited and delivery times are a bit of a mystery.
With a price tag of €34.90, the SonicBass 2 definitely falls into the budget-friendly category. However, its launch feels anything but ordinary.
Instead of a big, coordinated rollout, these headphones appear to be making their way into Europe in a more subdued manner, which is a trend we sometimes see with Xiaomi’s niche or delayed products.
A hybrid design that stands out
The SonicBass 2 doesn’t follow today’s fully wireless trend. Instead, it adopts a hybrid approach: the earbuds connect to devices via Bluetooth 5.2, but remain physically linked to each other by a cable. This design may feel dated to some users, yet it offers a practical advantage—if one earbud slips out, it won’t fall to the ground.
At the center of the cable sits a module that houses both the battery and a USB-C charging port. Xiaomi claims the battery can deliver up to 16 hours of music playback, a respectable figure for headphones in this price range.
Inside, the earbuds are equipped with 9.2mm drivers, suggesting a focus on balanced, everyday audio performance rather than premium sound tuning.
Built for durability, not isolation
The SonicBass 2 comes with an IPX5 rating, meaning it can handle sweat and light splashes. This makes it suitable for workouts or outdoor use, though its fitness appeal may depend on personal preference. Some users may appreciate the added security of the neckband-style cable, while others could find it cumbersome during intense activity.
One notable omission is active noise cancellation (ANC). Without it, users will remain more aware of their surroundings—something that could be either a benefit or a drawback depending on usage. In busy urban environments, external noise may interfere with listening, especially compared to modern ANC-equipped earbuds.
A niche option in a wireless world
In a market dominated by true wireless earbuds, the SonicBass 2 feels like a throwback with a modern twist. Its combination of Bluetooth connectivity and tethered earbuds targets users who value battery life, affordability, and a bit of extra security over cutting-edge features.
For now, availability remains limited, with shipments expected by early July at the latest. Whether Xiaomi plans a broader European rollout is unclear—but for budget-conscious buyers open to a different form factor, the SonicBass 2 offers an interesting alternative.
Source: Xiaomi
Nick, the Co-founder of Earbuds Arena, is a seasoned freelance tech journalist with over ten years of experience covering wearables, apps, headphones, and gadgets. When he’s not immersed in the tech world, you’ll likely find him unwinding with video games, going for a run, or enjoying a game of soccer on the field.
