Huawei FreeBuds Pro 5 review: Hands down, the best bargain earbuds I’ve tested in a while
Huawei FreeBuds Pro 5 cost less than what Apple and Sony would charge for premium audio goodness, but they leapfrog the rivals with sheer audio goodness and plenty of other perks.
If you can find them, grab the Huawei FreeBuds Pro 5. After testing them for weeks, I now include Huawei in my list of premium earbuds, joining Apple, Sony, and Bose. The FreeBuds Pro 5 provide exceptional value at around $220 to $240, far below flagship options. They excel in comfort and sound quality, often matching top-tier competitors and even surpassing a couple.
What makes these buds stand out is their comfort and noise cancellation. They are incredibly comfortable to wear, even during long flights or work sessions. The balance of bass and crisp highs is impressive, thanks to a dynamic woofer and micro-planar tweeter. Huawei's AI Active Noise Cancellation works well, providing excellent noise isolation without any connectivity issues.
However, there are some drawbacks. Availability is limited to third-party importers in the US, and Android users face app installation challenges outside Google Play Store. Additionally, advanced high-bitrate codecs like L2HC 4.0 are limited to Huawei's ecosystem. Despite these issues, the FreeBuds Pro 5 offer flagship-level audio and noise cancellation without the premium price tag.
Huawei optimized the design based on over 10,000 ear profiles, resulting in a lightweight and comfortable fit that reduces ear fatigue even during extended use. The earbuds come with four tip sizes for a perfect seal, and they stay securely in place during activities like jogging.
The charging case is compact and conveniently fits in a pocket. It features an IP57 rating, offering dust protection and water resistance in light rain. The earbuds themselves have an IP57 rating as well. For workouts, they even have an IP57 rating, ensuring protection against dust and splashes. The charging case is smaller than its predecessor and comes in four finishes, including a sand metallic option.
A standout feature is the four-color LED ring on the case, providing battery level and charging status at a glance. While the app support is currently limited, once installed, the Huawei Audio Connect app offers easy customization, firmware updates, and advanced controls.
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