Is it possible to find the best active wireless earbuds in the mid-price segment? Huawei claims that it is, and the FreeBuds 6i serve as evidence of this claim. But is it really true? To determine how well the intelligent noise cancellation works and to explore what else might please or disappoint with the new model, let’s delve into this Huawei FreeBuds 6i review below.
Huawei FreeBuds 6i specifications
- Design type: In-ear
- Active noise cancellation: Yes
- Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.3, USB Type-C
- Codec support: SBC, AAC, LDAC
- Control: Touch panels
- Emitter membrane diameter: 11 mm
- Water and dust protection: IP54
- Battery life: Up to 35 hours (including charging case)
- Charging case battery: 510 mAh
- Earbud battery: 55 mAh (each)
- Charging case dimensions: 48.2×61.8×27 mm
- Total weight: 44.8 g
Huawei FreeBuds 6i Review
Unboxing
The Huawei FreeBuds 6i arrives in a sturdy square white box made of thick cardboard, which features a Euro-hanger on top. Additionally, the front side displays a life-size image of the headphones without the case, along with the brand logo and model name.
At the bottom, a sticker provides export information. Additionally, the back of the box highlights the main advantages of the model, including active ANC technology, a speaker with powerful bass, and 35 hours of battery life under laboratory testing conditions. Furthermore, the back side features numerous icons indicating the earbuds’ environmental friendliness, non-toxicity, disposal instructions, and compliance with various international standards.
Inside the box, you will find the earbuds in a compact charging case, wrapped in packaging that includes brief recommendations for the first connection and touch control. Beneath the cardboard tray that securely holds the device in place, you’ll find a warranty card and an instruction manual. The box also includes side compartments holding a 23-cm USB Type-C charging cable and two spare ear pads in sizes M, S, and L.
Design
This active noise reduction headset comes in black, white, or purple. Our Huawei FreeBuds 6i review unit is in black. The oval case features durable matte textured plastic, which feels good in the hand and resists fingerprints and scratches. Additionally, the brand name appears in the center of the case in the brand’s font, with a single LED positioned below it. On the right side, you will find the pairing button, while the Type-C connector for charging is located at the bottom.
The case lid opens and closes easily with one finger with a pleasant click. A reliable magnet holds it tightly and prevents unplanned openings. The earbuds are securely magnetized inside the case, avoiding accidental drops or unintentional shakes. However, you can easily remove them with two fingers. Overall, the structure feels solid and well-constructed, with no gaps, backlashes, extraneous sounds, or rattles when shaken.
The earbuds themselves are made of high-quality glossy plastic, on which, oddly enough, dust and fingerprints are barely noticeable. The anatomically shaped earpiece ends with a replaceable antibacterial silicone tip. At the end of the elongated rectangular stem are two magnets, and inside are the letters “L” and “R” to distinguish the right and left earphones. Additionally, a proximity sensor is included for further functionality. The outer side of the stem serves as a touch control platform. Each earbud is equipped with three microphones.
User Experience
Overall, I found the experience to be quite pleasant. For the first connection, it is enough to hold down the button on the case for a few seconds, and FreeBuds 6i will immediately appear in the list of available ones on your device. And if you have the same brand’s smartphone, a pleasant animation will appear.
Reconnections occur automatically when you remove the earbuds from the case. You can connect two devices at the same time. It is convenient for answering calls while watching a video on a laptop or tablet without removing the earphones or switching anywhere. In this case, the video will automatically pause for the duration of the call and continue after it ends.
Fine adjustments are made via the Huawei Al Life app. Here you can see information about the charging level of the earbuds and case. You can also view a list of connected devices and choose the preferred one; perform an in-ear test to select the optimal nozzle and position, and enjoy the highest sound quality and noise-canceling capabilities.
Thanks to the anatomical shape of the earpiece and replaceable ear pads of three sizes, the earphones will be comfortable for any auricle. They are not felt in the ear, do not cause discomfort when worn for a long time, and sit tightly enough to use them during training or active recreation, especially since the IP54 dust and moisture protection level protects the device from splashes and drops without immersion in water.
Another advantage of FreeBuds 6i is its responsive and intuitive touch control. Double-tap to pause or restart playback, triple-tap to switch tracks, and adjust the volume by swiping up or down on either earbud. Tap twice to answer/end an incoming call, and hold to reject it.
Call Experience
Huawei FreeBuds 6i will appeal to those who like long phone conversations. The active noise cancellation system and the well-designed placement of microphones ensure you no longer need to find a quiet place to talk. Even in noisy environments, the caller’s voice comes through clearly and distinctly. The other party will listen to you, not the background noise, so you won’t need to repeat yourself or postpone important conversations.
Battery life
Thanks to its impressive battery life, the FreeBuds 6i can last all day. You get 5 hours of listening time with noise cancellation on and up to 8 hours with it off. The case is enough to increase these figures to 20 and 35 hours, respectively.
Connectivity
The connection is stable, without breaks, and the declared radius of 10 meters is quite true. There is no sound delay, or it is so insignificant that it is not noticeable. Although this can become critical in games and the position of the sound source may not be determined quite clearly, the FreeBuds 6i is not a gaming accessory. However, the earbuds can earn the respect of a music lover or become a reliable companion for those who enjoy watching videos, movies, and TV series.
Sound
No matter how comfortable the headphones are, the main thing for this type of device is still the sound quality. Huawei FreeBuds 6i has 11 mm dynamic drivers with 4 magnets for this. The frequency range is from 17 Hz to 40 kHz. In the default mode, the sound is pleasant, deep, and balanced, without protruding any highs or bass.
The Huawei AI Life app offers users a choice of 6 audio effects modes (bass boost, treble boost, vocals, symphony, live music, and default) based on their preferences and listening situations. However, the sound nuances in different modes are not that noticeable. You can also manually move the equalizer sliders, setting up a custom mode.
In the application, you can choose between prioritizing sound quality or connection. If you select sound quality, the earbuds will discharge slightly faster and may experience minor delays. On the other hand, if you prioritize connection, the application will balance between a stable connection and sound quality.
You can listen to your favorite tracks or watch videos in FreeBuds 6i anywhere—even in a busy office, on public transport, near highways, or airports—and the surrounding sounds will not disturb you. You can turn on/off active noise cancellation, as well as select the sound mode in which the sounds of the environment are audible.
Final line
Based on the results of all tests and personal experience of everyday use, Huawei FreeBuds 6i showed themselves to be exclusively positive. Stylish design, balanced sound, and active noise reduction characterize the FreeBuds 6i. These active noise cancelling true wireless earbuds offer near-flagship technology while remaining in the mid-range price segment, promising to satisfy their users.
Also see: Honor Earbuds X6 Review
If you need earbuds for extended gaming sessions, they are not the best choice. However, for those seeking an accessory for daily music listening, video watching, and phone calls—especially in noisy environments—the Huawei FreeBuds 6i stands out as an ideal choice.
Huawei FreeBuds 6i price and availability
It will be the best active wireless earbuds under £90, as it can be purchased via Amazon.co.uk at £89.99 and $150 on Amazon.com. How did you find this Huawei FreeBuds 6i review? Please share your thoughts in the comments and let us know your opinion.
