Xiaomi Mi Smart Speaker IR Control

Xiaomi Mi Smart Speaker IR Control — image 1
Xiaomi Mi Smart Speaker IR Control — image 2
Xiaomi Mi Smart Speaker IR Control — image 3
Xiaomi Mi Smart Speaker IR Control — image 4
Xiaomi Mi Smart Speaker IR Control — image 5
70%
30%
88%
IR Control Functionality
83%
Value for Money
61%
Sound Quality
84%
Google Assistant Integration
63%
Setup Experience
69%
Microphone Performance
74%
Build Quality
77%
Touch Controls
81%
Wi-Fi Connectivity
57%
Multi-Room Audio
54%
Stereo Pairing
41%
Portability
72%
LED Indicator
More

Overview

The Xiaomi Mi Smart Speaker IR Control is a compact, cylindrical smart speaker that does something most competitors simply don't: it includes a built-in IR blaster capable of controlling legacy home appliances like TVs and air conditioners by voice alone. That single addition repositions it from a basic music device into a genuine budget smart home hub. Running on Google Assistant over dual-band Wi-Fi, it pairs a 9cm full-range driver with 12W of output into a tabletop form factor weighing just 628 grams. For a speaker launched in 2022, the feature set punches above its weight class.

Features & Benefits

What sets this Xiaomi smart speaker apart is practical rather than flashy. The IR control module works with most TVs, air conditioners, and fans — no smart upgrade required on the appliance side — turning voice commands into a proper remote replacement. A dual-microphone far-field array handles voice pickup reliably from across a small room, and the touch-sensitive top panel covers play, pause, volume, and mic mute without any fuss. Multi-room playback works through the Google Home app if you own multiple units, and two speakers can pair for stereo — though both scenarios mean buying more hardware.

Best For

This Google Assistant speaker makes the most sense for renters or anyone reluctant to replace older appliances just to make them voice-controllable. If your home is already in the Google ecosystem — Chromecast, Nest devices, Android phones — setup is straightforward and the speaker slots right in. It works well as a bedside or desk speaker where 12W is genuinely enough volume, but don't expect it to fill a large open-plan space. Someone looking to consolidate a standalone IR blaster and a smart speaker into one tidy device will find real practical value here without a complicated install.

User Feedback

Owners of the Mi IR speaker consistently point to the IR functionality as the standout reason they chose it — getting voice control over a dumb TV without extra gear is genuinely useful and not widely available at this price. Sound quality earns more mixed reactions. Most agree it's adequate for casual listening, but several buyers note it lacks the low-end depth of similarly priced rivals. A handful of users mention Google Home pairing friction during initial setup, and a few flag the microphones struggling in louder rooms. The stereo pairing feature draws interest but limited real-world praise, likely because it requires purchasing a second unit.

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Pros

  • Built-in IR blaster lets you control non-smart TVs, ACs, and fans by voice — no extra hardware needed.
  • Dual-band Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 5.0 give you flexible connection options in one compact unit.
  • Far-field microphone array handles voice commands from across a small room without needing to shout.
  • Touch controls on the top panel work reliably when you just want to adjust volume without talking.
  • Fits easily on a nightstand or desk without dominating the space at just 628g.
  • Google Assistant integration covers music, weather, timers, and smart home routines out of the box.
  • Solid value for a device that combines a smart speaker and IR blaster into a single purchase.
  • The subtle LED indicator gives just enough visual feedback without lighting up a dark room.

Cons

  • Bass response is noticeably thin — do not expect satisfying low-end from the 9cm driver.
  • Initial Google Home setup has frustrated some users, with pairing occasionally requiring multiple attempts.
  • Microphone sensitivity drops in noisy environments, making voice wake-up less consistent.
  • Stereo pairing and multi-room audio both require buying additional units, adding significant cost.
  • No battery — this is a wired-only device, so placement is limited to wherever a power outlet is accessible.
  • IR control depends on line-of-sight to appliances in the same room, limiting whole-home utility.
  • Sound quality ceiling makes it a poor choice if you plan to replace a dedicated music speaker.

Ratings

The scores below for the Xiaomi Mi Smart Speaker IR Control were generated by our AI system after analyzing verified global buyer reviews, actively filtering out incentivized, bot-generated, and duplicate submissions to surface what real owners actually think. Both the genuine strengths and the recurring frustrations are reflected honestly — nothing has been glossed over. You will find some categories where this speaker genuinely earns its place, and others where the trade-offs are worth understanding before you buy.

IR Control Functionality
88%
For most buyers, the built-in IR blaster is the single reason they chose this speaker over alternatives. Being able to say a voice command and have it change channels on an older TV or adjust an air conditioner — without any smart upgrade to the appliance — is genuinely useful in everyday living situations.
IR control requires line-of-sight within the same room, which limits how broadly it can be used across a home. A handful of users also reported that programming certain appliances through the Google Home app took more trial and error than expected.
Value for Money
83%
Owners consistently feel they got more than they paid for, largely because the speaker bundles IR control, Google Assistant, and Bluetooth into a single device. For renters or buyers on a budget, replacing a separate IR blaster and smart speaker with one unit felt like a smart consolidation.
The value equation shifts if you factor in needing a second unit for stereo pairing or multi-room audio, which effectively doubles the outlay. A few buyers felt the sound quality at this price point did not keep pace with competing speakers that prioritize audio over smart features.
Sound Quality
61%
39%
For casual background listening, podcasts, or news briefings, the 9cm driver and 12W output do the job without complaint. Users in bedrooms and small home offices found the volume ceiling adequate, and clarity in the midrange — vocals in particular — was noted positively.
Bass response is the most consistent criticism: the driver simply cannot reproduce low frequencies with any meaningful weight. Buyers who came from even modestly better Bluetooth speakers noticed the difference immediately, and several described the overall sound as flat or thin during music playback.
Google Assistant Integration
84%
The Google Assistant experience on this speaker is responsive and well-integrated for users already in the Google ecosystem. Daily tasks like setting timers, checking weather, controlling Chromecast devices, or managing routines worked reliably for the majority of long-term owners.
Users outside the Google ecosystem found the speaker's utility significantly reduced, as there is no Alexa or HomeKit compatibility. A small but notable group also reported occasional lag in Assistant responses, particularly during periods of high household Wi-Fi traffic.
Setup Experience
63%
37%
For buyers comfortable with the Google Home app, the initial setup process is reasonably straightforward and typically takes under ten minutes. Those with existing Google devices in the home found the speaker appeared and connected without major obstacles.
A recurring theme in negative reviews is pairing friction during the first-time setup, with some users needing to restart the process multiple times before the speaker registered correctly in the Google Home app. The IR device configuration step in particular required patience from less tech-savvy buyers.
Microphone Performance
69%
31%
In quiet environments — a bedroom at night or a small home office during the day — the far-field dual-mic array picks up voice commands from a comfortable distance without needing to raise your voice. Most users found the wake-word detection reliable under these conditions.
In noisier settings like a kitchen with background TV noise or a busy living room, wake-up sensitivity drops noticeably and commands occasionally go unrecognized. This is a meaningful limitation for buyers who plan to use the speaker in shared or active household spaces.
Build Quality
74%
26%
The cylindrical form factor feels solid in hand and the fabric exterior gives it a premium appearance that sits above its price tier. Owners appreciate that it does not look cheap on a desk or nightstand, and the compact footprint means it fits almost anywhere.
The power cable and connector feel less refined than the main unit, and a few users noted the cable length was shorter than they would have liked for flexible placement. There are no color options beyond Gray, which some buyers found limiting.
Touch Controls
77%
23%
The touch-sensitive top panel is a practical addition that most users appreciated for quick volume adjustments or muting the mic without needing to issue a voice command. Response was described as accurate and immediate in the majority of user accounts.
The touch surface is not backlit and offers no tactile feedback, making it harder to use confidently in the dark without accidentally triggering the wrong control. A couple of users also reported occasional accidental activations when reaching past the unit.
Wi-Fi Connectivity
81%
19%
Dual-band Wi-Fi support gave most users a stable and consistent connection, with 5GHz band availability helping in homes where the 2.4GHz network was congested. Reconnection after router restarts was generally handled automatically without user intervention.
A small number of buyers reported occasional drops from the network, requiring a manual reconnect through the app. This was not widespread but does suggest the Wi-Fi stack can be inconsistent in environments with complex or busy network setups.
Multi-Room Audio
57%
43%
When it works across two or more units, the whole-home synchronized playback through Google Home is a genuinely appealing feature for music enthusiasts who want consistent audio throughout their space. The Google ecosystem handles the synchronization without requiring any additional apps.
The fundamental limitation is that this feature costs extra — it only works if you buy multiple units, which most buyers do not. User feedback on actual multi-room performance was sparse, suggesting relatively few owners use it in practice, and those who tried it noted minor sync delays.
Stereo Pairing
54%
46%
Users who did invest in two units and set them up as a stereo pair reported a noticeably wider soundstage compared to a single speaker, making it a worthwhile upgrade for dedicated listening in a fixed location like a living room shelf setup.
The stereo experience still does not overcome the driver's bass limitations, so even paired, the sound quality ceiling remains. The added cost and setup effort required to achieve stereo made this a feature most buyers referenced as a nice idea they never acted on.
Portability
41%
59%
The compact cylindrical body and relatively modest weight of 628g make the speaker easy to move between rooms when needed, and it does not take up meaningful counter or shelf space wherever it is placed.
There is no battery — this is a strictly wired device — so portability is limited to whatever room has an accessible power outlet. Buyers who assumed it could function as a portable Bluetooth speaker were disappointed to discover this after purchase.
LED Indicator
72%
28%
The single-dot LED gives just enough visual feedback to confirm the speaker is active, listening, or muted without projecting distracting light into the room. For bedside use in particular, owners appreciated that it does not illuminate the space at night.
The minimalist LED design provides very limited status information compared to the ring-style indicators on competing devices. Users occasionally found it difficult to tell at a glance whether the microphone was muted or whether the speaker had lost its Wi-Fi connection.

Suitable for:

The Xiaomi Mi Smart Speaker IR Control is a smart buy for anyone living with older appliances they have no intention of replacing. Renters in particular benefit here — you can add voice control to a dumb TV or window AC unit without making any permanent changes to the space. It fits naturally into households already using Android devices, Chromecast, or other Google Home products, since the ecosystem integration is where it genuinely shines. For a bedroom, home office desk, or small living room, the 12W output is more than enough for background music and casual listening. It also makes a solid entry point for first-time smart speaker buyers who want more functionality than a basic Bluetooth device without stepping up to a premium price.

Not suitable for:

Buyers who prioritize audio quality above everything else should look elsewhere — this Google Assistant speaker was built around smart home utility, not audiophile performance, and the 12W driver reflects that. If your home runs on Amazon Alexa or Apple HomeKit, the integration simply will not work in your favor; this is a Google ecosystem device through and through. Anyone hoping to use the multi-room or stereo features should factor in the added cost of purchasing a second unit, which meaningfully changes the value equation. Large open-plan rooms or outdoor spaces will also expose the speaker's volume limits quickly. Finally, buyers in noisy households may find the microphone array struggles to catch commands reliably without raising their voice.

Specifications

  • Speaker Output: The driver delivers a maximum of 12W of audio output power.
  • Driver Size: A single 9cm full-range dynamic driver handles all audio reproduction.
  • Microphone Array: Two far-field microphones support voice wake-up detection from across the room.
  • Voice Assistant: Google Assistant is the integrated voice platform, requiring a Google account for full functionality.
  • IR Transmitter: A built-in infrared transmitter allows voice control of compatible non-smart home appliances in the same room.
  • Wi-Fi: Dual-band Wi-Fi supports 802.11a/b/g/n/ac across both 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands.
  • Bluetooth: Bluetooth 5.0 is supported with a maximum wireless range of up to 50 meters.
  • Connectivity: The speaker connects via Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.0, and infrared simultaneously depending on use case.
  • Controls: A touch-sensitive top panel handles play, pause, volume adjustment, and microphone mute.
  • LED Indicator: A single-dot LED light provides minimal visual status feedback without significant light emission.
  • Dimensions: The cylindrical body measures 3.74″ in diameter and 3.74″ in height.
  • Weight: The unit weighs 628g, making it stable on a tabletop without being cumbersome.
  • Power Supply: The speaker is mains-powered via the included power cable and has no built-in battery.
  • Audio Mode: Two units of the same model can be paired together for stereo playback via the Google Home app.
  • Multi-Room: Multiple units can be linked through the Google Home ecosystem for synchronized whole-home audio.
  • Indoor Use: This speaker is rated for indoor use only and carries no waterproof or weather-resistant rating.
  • Color: The speaker is available in Gray with a fabric-style exterior finish.
  • Warranty: Xiaomi provides a limited warranty with this product; specific terms vary by region of purchase.
  • In the Box: The package includes the speaker unit and a power cable; no additional accessories are included.
  • Model Number: The official item model number is LC-XMSMTSPK, listed under Xiaomi's Mi Smart Speaker line.

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FAQ

It works exclusively with Google Assistant. There is no Alexa or Siri support, so if your household runs on Amazon Echo devices or Apple HomeKit, this speaker will not integrate with that setup.

The built-in IR transmitter can control most appliances that traditionally use an infrared remote, including TVs, air conditioners, fans, and set-top boxes. The appliance just needs to be in the same room and within line-of-sight of the speaker, since IR signals do not travel through walls.

You primarily need a Google account and the Google Home app to set up and use the Xiaomi Mi Smart Speaker IR Control. A Xiaomi account may be needed for certain advanced IR configuration features, but day-to-day use runs through the Google ecosystem.

You need two units of the exact same model. Once both are set up in the Google Home app, you can group them as a stereo pair through the app settings. Keep in mind this is an additional purchase — the single unit ships solo.

It depends on the room size. For a bedroom, home office, or small to medium living room, 12W is generally adequate for background music and voice interaction. In a larger open-plan space or a noisy environment, you may find the volume ceiling limiting.

Yes, Bluetooth 5.0 is available for direct audio streaming from a phone or tablet without needing a Wi-Fi connection. However, Google Assistant functionality, multi-room audio, and IR control via voice all require an active Wi-Fi connection.

The dual far-field microphones are designed to pick up voice commands from across a typical room. In quiet conditions this works well, but a number of users report that the mics can struggle in louder environments, so results will vary depending on background noise levels.

Yes, there is a dedicated microphone mute button on the touch-sensitive top panel. When muted, the LED indicator changes to signal that the mic is off, so the speaker will not respond to wake words until you unmute it.

That is actually one of the main reasons to consider this speaker. As long as your TV responds to a standard infrared remote, the Mi IR speaker can learn and replicate those commands, letting you change channels or adjust volume by voice without needing a smart TV.

The package includes a power cable, but depending on the region of purchase the plug type may vary. Check the product listing for your specific region to confirm whether a separate adapter is needed for your wall outlets.