Russia’s Noise-Cancelling Headphone Demand Takes Off

AliExpress CIS reported a noticeable increase in Russia’s demand for wireless headphones with active noise cancellation and high-resolution audio support during the second quarter of 2026. The marketplace analyzed sales of TWS and full-size models and compiled a ranking of the most popular devices.

Most popular TWS headphones

Realme led the fully wireless category, taking the top three positions. The Buds Air8 Pro also quickly became one of the most sought-after models after launching on the Russian market.

The quarter’s ranking also included open clip-on headphones for the first time. These models do not block the ear canal, making them suitable for workouts, walks, and situations where users need to remain aware of their surroundings.

The five leading TWS models were:

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• Realme Buds Air8 Pro
• Realme Buds Air 8
• Realme Buds Air7 Pro
• Lenovo LE302
• Xiaomi Redmi Buds 8 Pro

Full-size headphones and new features

Ugreen took three of the five places in the full-size and on-ear category. The list also included Baseus EH10 NC and Fiio EH11, a retro-styled model aimed at buyers seeking a more distinctive design alongside noise cancellation.

The ranking was:

• Ugreen Studio Pro
• Ugreen Max5c
• Baseus EH10 NC
• Fiio EH11
• Ugreen Studio Plus

AliExpress CIS analysts attributed the shift to premium features moving into the mid-range segment. These include noise cancellation, modern codecs, long battery life, and AI-based functions such as real-time speech translation. Sony, JBL, Anker, and other major brands are promoting similar capabilities, making competition less dependent on price alone.

The report also noted that three models in the top 10 launched only in 2026. In a category whose lineup is refreshed almost monthly, that suggests buyers are adopting new features quickly when they make a visible difference in everyday use.

Technical reviewer Maksim Tretyakov mainly covers the mobile phone market and automotive technology. He has prepared 740 articles analyzing flagship smartphone launches, including Xiaomi and Apple products, the development of neural-network features in consumer gadgets, and the current state of Russia’s domestic auto industry. His expertise also covers hardware launches—from graphics-card concepts to smart rings—and legal issues in the technology market.

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