Every day more and more wireless earphones on the market come with built-in active noise cancellation support. For example, Huawei FreeBuds Pro 2 which has just been introduced in Malaysia with a price tag of RM899. These earphones carry a design similar to their predecessors that are light enough and comfortable to use. But improvements have also been made and one of them is the Devialet tuned audio system and improvements to ANC. This is our review of the latest TWS earphones from Huawei.
Specifications & Design:
Huawei FreeBuds Pro 2
Type of in-ear headphones
Driver 11 mm Dynamic Driver + Planar Diaphragm
Microphone 3 microphones
7 hour battery
30 Hours with charging pod
USB-C charging port
Standard Qi wireless charging (2W)
CODEC LDAC/AAC/SBC
Supported operating systems HarmonyOS, Android, iOS, iPadOS, Windows, Mac
Bluetooth Bluetooth 5.2
Control Pad Yes
IP54 waterproof capability
Selling Price RM899
For this new generation, there are not many significant changes following the same mold as a FreeBuds Pro unit is still used. As can be seen in the image below, it has a short stem equipped with the support of various sensors such as touch and pressure. Also included are in-ear headphones with matching buds made of silicone. There are up to three sizes of silicone buds included in the purchase box but we are quite comfortable with the silicone buds available.
As has been said, these earphones are able to filter environmental noise more effectively due to This is due to its design which seems to stick neatly in the ear. Very good when worn.
Its capabilities are further highlighted with an active noise cancellation (ANC) system and three built-in microphones loaded onto 11mm audio drivers. Huawei advertises that each earphone weighs around 6.1 grams and promises comfortable use. For us too, it's really comfortable and doesn't feel disturbed at all for long periods of use.
The build is also very good even though it is entirely made of plastic. Not only that, it also looks beautiful and premium with a glossy finish. This is further matched with a Silver Blue color finish. The color here can vary between blue to purple. We feel that the finish looks more prominent compared to the other two color options such as Ceramic White and Silver Frost.
However, it is so easy to trap dirt and slippery that it is difficult to remove from the storage pod. If you remember, this situation also happened when we did Freebuds Pro before. It also occurs possibly due to the magnetic connection inside the charging pod being too strong.
But if we look at the positive, it can still be praised because the earphones can be stored neatly without easily falling out. Even though it is turned over, it is not removed from the storage place.
Talking more about its storage space, it still maintains pocket size and ergonomics. The hinge construction on it also feels sturdy and can be opened with one hand without any problems. Then there is the Devialet branding which clearly shows the collaboration between Huawei and the leading audio company. This is the same audio technology used on some of Huawei's previous audio devices such as the Sound Joy and Sound X.
Also included, two LED lights built into the charging pod for docking status and battery charge level. One lamp can be found on the inside, while the other is on the bottom. Green light for full charge, then it will turn to red when battery is low.
Next, there is also a dedicated button on the right side intended for bluetooth tethering. A white LED light will flash when this button is pressed indicating the earphones are ready to be paired with a nearby device. There is also a USB-C port connection for recharging and a white colored cable is also provided in the purchase box. Then, it also uses a bluetooth 5.2 connection and an IP54 waterproof rating which means it's fine to use for exercise as well as moderate rain conditions.
Like most bluetooth earphones these days, Freebuds Pro 2 can also be controlled by touch and a smartphone app. Supported touch controls include holding, pinching and swiping on the earbud itself. It also works well on most smart devices like HarmomyOS, Android, iOS, iPad, Windows and Mac.
Although it can work without any application, we strongly recommend that it be used through the Huawei AI Life application. The experience is better with more comprehensive control and it can also be downloaded through Google Play Store, Huawei App Gallery and App Store. iOS device users can also change settings through the app.
The docking process is simple by simply opening the storage pod cover and pressing the physical button on the side of the charging pod. Various settings can be found in the application and can be adjusted according to comfort. This includes the ability to change the gesture control system, pressure control, audio mode, battery charge level, activate ANC and access the Tip Fit Test feature. Also included is support for retracing lost earphones which is very useful for earphones that are small, slippery and easily dropped like these Freebuds 2.
The active cancellation system on these earphones comes with four levels of ANC strength that can be used in different situations.
Ultra – Significantly reduces low frequency noise in very noisy environments such as when on an airplane or train.
General – Used in general environments such as cafes for a noise-free audio experience.
Cozy – Used in closed rooms such as offices to reduce distractions due to air conditioning and computer keyboard noise.
Dynamic – Automatically adjusts the ANC level on the earphones based on the current environment.
Audio Quality
Our comments are specifically about the audio quality, the Freebuds Pro 2 have a bass that is not punchy and deep enough. It's there but less satisfying with a sound impact that isn't very immersive. However, the overall vocal quality is good and satisfying. It sounds clear enough like hearing the singer's voice right in front of your eyes. Although a little subtle but still clearly heard.
At the same time, the resulting sound also sounds natural and not like it has been processed using software. Then the treble abilities have clear and good details. But still not enough to reach the right level. The audio performance is fine with moderate quality. To be honest, it sounds flat, simple and not very fun. Good enough for slow tempo songs but unsatisfactory for pop genre types.
Turning to the capabilities of the ANC system, the use at the Cozy level is quite good but it still produces a buzzing sound. The same situation also applies to the General settings.
However, the Ultra setting works really well, especially when used on an airplane. It reduces the noise completely where the sound of the airplane engine is also reduced. However, don't worry it won't cause 'deafness' in the ears. However, the situation is different when riding the train because the surrounding noise can still be heard.
Battery Endurance
Freebuds Pro 2 comes with a 580mAh battery. Each earphone is advertised to last for 7 hours and up to 30 hours with the charging pod if ANC is not activated. Otherwise, it is reduced to 4 hours and 18 hours with the charging pod. It is justified as our tests found the earphones to last up to 4 hours with the ability to play audio at a fairly loud volume and the ANC function always activated.
We also noticed that the left earbud often runs out of battery sooner than the right earbud. The recharging process can be done in a quick period of around 1 hour using a USB-C head charger.
In the box
Here's what you get with every device purchase in Malaysia.
1x Huawei Freebuds Pro 2.
1x USB-A to USB-C charging cable.
3x Install the silicone bud.
1x Manual.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Freebuds Pro 2 is able to provide good and clear audio quality. It also offers great ANC support especially when Ultra Mode is activated. In simple terms, it's an earphone with good ANC for those who don't want to spend more. The collaboration with Devialet further highlights the capabilities of these earphones.
In the meantime, it is also a good choice for users who care about cosmetic value because it has a good premium body and is not boring. The experience is also enhanced with the Huawei ecosystem that offers a more comprehensive use. For those interested, it is sold at a price of RM899 per unit.
Pro
Satisfying audio experience.
Small and ergonomic storage pod design.
Battery life is adequate.
IP54 waterproof.
LDAC support.
Good ANC mode.
Cons
Bass is not strong enough.
The price is quite high.
The surface is still smooth so it is difficult to take it out of the storage pod.