Xiaomi smuggled SonicBass 2 into Europe. The wire between the earbuds feels like a relic this year

There are products that surprise you not by what they can do, but by the fact that they are still being released at all. Xiaomi SonicBass 2 falls precisely into this category. It’s a so-called neckband — a pair of earbuds connected by a cable, the middle part of which houses the battery and charging port. A format that, in the era of true wireless headphones, feels a bit like a visitor from the last decade. And indeed it is: we highlighted the original SonicBass almost six years ago.

What SonicBass 2 offers

Inside, 9.2mm drivers are at work, connectivity is handled by Bluetooth 5.2, and multipoint pairing is also present, allowing you to connect to two devices simultaneously. A pair of microphones with ambient noise cancellation is used for calls, they charge via USB-C, and the entire construction weighs only around 22 grams. The battery life also looks good on paper — the manufacturer promises up to 16 hours of playback, and a ten-minute charge should be enough for approximately 143 minutes of listening, though measured at half volume. The IPX5 rating can handle sweat and raindrops, making them ideal for the gym or running.

Who is it actually for

The cable around the neck has one undeniable advantage: if an earbud falls out of your ear, it won’t end up on the pavement, but will dangle from the wire. For some, a plus, for others an annoying detail that rustles and bounces during movement. The bigger hitch is elsewhere — SonicBass 2 do not support active noise cancellation, so in a noisy city or on public transport, expect to hear ambient noise. The price reflects this.

And availability is precisely the uncertain part of the story. The headphones are not officially launched on the European market; rather, they are quietly trickling in through individual retailers. A German store lists them for 34.90 € with delivery no later than early July, but immediate stock availability is not guaranteed. When and for how much they will appear at Czech retailers is not yet clear.

In 2026, would you give a chance to wired headphones, or only true wireless ones?

Source: NotebookCheck, Xiaomi