Huawei FreeClip Review: Redefining Comfort and Sound in Wireless Earbuds

Wireless earbuds have become increasingly popular in today’s world due to their excellent sound quality enabled by modern Bluetooth technology. Many people have switched from wired headphones to embrace this trend, prioritizing both audio performance and convenience. Among the options available in the totally wireless earbuds market, Huawei FreeClip stands out as an innovative product. With its unique design, it caters to a wide range of users, delivering impressive sound while ensuring comfort even during extended use.

Specifications

• Wearing style: Open-Ear
• Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.3
• Range: 10 m
• Speakers: 10.8 mm dual magnet driver, 20 – 20000 Hz
• Audio codecs: SBC, AAC, L2HC, LC3
• Battery capacity: 55 mAh (earbuds), 510 mAh (charging case)
• Charging port: USB-C
• Wireless charging: Yes
• Weight: 5.6 g (earbuds), 44.5 g (charging case)
• Firmware version: HarmonyOS 4.0.0.112
• Scope of delivery: Earbuds in charging case, USB-C cable, Documentation

Huawei FreeClip Review

Design

The TWS headphones case has a standard appearance with a matte plastic design in a graphite color. It features rounded corners on all sides, which may cause instability when placed on a table, but it rests securely on its side edge. The case has an open Type-C connector at the bottom for charging the battery. A metal rim reinforces this connector for durability. Additionally, there is a sync button on the right side of the case.

The back of the case showcases a well-executed lid-opening hinge that fits perfectly and ensures no creaks or loose parts. The hinge seamlessly integrates into the overall design concept.

When you open the case, magnets release the lid and reveal the fascinating design of the headphones that may not look unique at first glance. The LED indicator also provides information on the sync status, with green indicating successful syncing, blue for the initial setup, and white for resetting the settings. When the case’s battery is low, the indicator lights up in red.

Magnets securely fix the Huawei FreeClip earbuds in place, preventing them from falling out even when the case is overturned with the lid open. Taking the headphones out of the case is a pleasant experience, thanks to the innovative C-bridge Design that connects the Comfort Bean mount and the Acoustic Ball sound source. The symmetrical and interchangeable headphones have microphone holes on both the sound source ball for conversations and the mount for effective noise reduction and wind filtering. The glossy black plastic housings add to their sleek appearance.

From the outer part of the mount, only the glossy surface is visible.

The headphones feature an earbud design that eliminates the need for ear pads on the sound guides’ side. This feature ensures prolonged and comfortable wearing without direct contact with the auricle. The round sound guide, covered with a metal grille, houses the 10.8 mm speaker. At the end of the mount, there are contact pads for charging the battery.

Features and Operation of Huawei FreeClip

Let’s discuss how the Huawei FreeClip, a unique type of earbuds, fits in the ears and what they have to offer. These earbuds sit securely in the auricle, thanks to an ergonomic fastener and a sound guide that directs sound into the ear. It’s worth noting that they have a stylish and interesting design, making them a fashionable accessory to complement any look.

Use the AI Life app from Huawei to connect to the headphones. With a simple press of the sync button, we can easily pair the headphones. The Huawei FreeClip headphones are recognized as default, but you can change their name to your liking.

The app provides several unique features. We can check the battery levels of each headphone and the case, see all devices connected to the headphones, and customize the sound settings.

Furthermore, we can personalize the headphone controls. You can control the headphones by pressing their touch areas on the C-Bridge and the headphone housings. A single press won’t trigger any functions to prevent accidental touches. In the app, we can configure the functions for double and triple taps.

Like most modern headphones, Huawei FreeClip can automatically detect if they are in the ears and pause playback accordingly. They will resume playing once detected in the ears. The app settings feature an option to activate the reduction of audio latency, an additional feature that mobile gaming enthusiasts will appreciate. It’s deactivated by default.

Since the headphones are identical and symmetrical, it doesn’t matter which headphone goes in which ear. By activating the corresponding option in the menu and slightly tilting our head forward, the headphones will automatically determine which channel to play. However, since the headphones do not fit snugly in the ear, some may find the volume level insufficient. You can increase the sound volume above the maximum level, but use this option cautiously to prevent excessive loudness.

Furthermore, I’d like to highlight an interesting feature that helps locate the headphones when they are not in the case. You can search for each earphone separately, and they will play a pleasant melody even in complete silence. The headphones won’t initiate the search if you’re already wearing them in your ears to avoid discomfort.

The app also provides software updates and ensures that the firmware is up to date.

Sound

Initially, these headphones may raise doubts about their sound quality because they don’t have a snug fit or silicone ear pads. However, this design choice was deliberate to allow you to remain aware of your surroundings while listening to music or engaging in conversations with the headphones. The Huawei FreeClip enables you to enjoy music, watch videos, and take calls while still being in tune with what’s happening around you.

Surprisingly, the sound quality of the Huawei FreeClip is quite impressive. The audio is detailed, and you won’t have any issues streaming music through online services. High frequencies are clear, and vocals remain distinguishable even in busy arrangements. The only drawback is that the low frequencies are slightly lacking, which is a consequence of the design.

It’s worth noting that when the volume is at its maximum, people near you may be able to hear the sound from your headphones. However, if you lower the volume, you can still hear your surroundings without others hearing your music. Conversations, even at the highest volume, remain confidential, with no one around you hearing your conversation partner.

Battery

The battery performance of the Huawei FreeClip is impressive. Even at maximum volume, the headphones can play music quietly for over 7 hours. A quick 15-minute charge provides 3 hours of music playback, while a complete charge only takes 40 minutes, making it an exceptional feature among TWS headphones.

Furthermore, the headphones are incredibly lightweight and comfortable for extended use. They weigh only 6 grams each, and the case with the headphones weighs a total of 55 grams. The headphones also support wireless charging, which adds a premium touch to their functionality. During calls, the headphones offer effective noise reduction, filtering out background noise and wind gusts. However, they do not feature active noise cancellation.

Final line

The Huawei FreeClip stands out with its unique design, long-lasting comfort, and impressive battery life. These earbuds offer the advantage of allowing you to stay aware of your surroundings since they don’t block the ear canal. Additionally, they support wireless charging.

If you prefer earbuds that provide stronger noise cancellation and are inserted into the ear canal, consider the Samsung Galaxy Buds FE (REVIEW).

Price and availability

The Huawei FreeClip is currently available for pre-order on Amazon.co.uk in Black and Purple colors, priced at £172.75.