Huawei FreeBuds Neo review: tiny, fun earbuds only let down by the software situation
The Huawei FreeBuds Neo are lovely tiny earbuds — but they also sound energetic and aren't too expensive.
Huawei FreeBuds Neo are tiny, fun earbuds that are let down by the software situation. The Chinese company Huawei, currently struggling to gain traction in the phone and tablet markets, has produced reliable earbuds. The FreeBuds Neo aim to improve upon the AirPods Pro 3 by being smaller and cheaper. These new earbuds feature an ice-white design, shortened stems, and a V-shaped sound profile that adds energy to music.
The case is slim and easy to slip into pockets, and the buds are lightweight. However, the software experience is a significant drawback. The Huawei app is not available on the Play Store, requiring users to side-load it from the Huawei AppGallery, a complicated process that didn't work for the reporter. Battery life and ANC are decent but not exceptional, making these earbuds a good option for those seeking a compact solution, but may not appeal to those not interested in their small size.
Released in September 2026 and sold in October, the FreeBuds Neo cost £119.99 / AU$290 (around AU$160) and are unlikely to be released in the US.
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