Huawei FreeArc is Huawei’s second attempt at producing wireless earphones with an open design. These earphones are designed for comfort through the use of soft skin-friendly silicone material, in addition to an ergonomic design.
This design uses the same principles that Huawei has used in the previous FreeClip models. At the same time, it is seen to resemble the Xiaomi OpenWear Stereo and Honor Earbuds Open. But what about the performance? Here is a review of the Huawei FreeArc.
Huawei FreeArc
Specifications And Usage
Huawei FreeArc
Type Open earphones
Drivers 17 mm × 12 mm
(each earphone)
Microphone Dual-microphone
Call Noise Cancellation
Battery 510 mAh.
7 hours with earphones.
28 hours with charging pod.
USB-C charging port (5V2A)
Wireless charging None
CODEC SBC/AAC
Operating system supported iOS/Android/HarmonyOS/Windows 10
Virtual assistant support Yes
Touchpad Volume up/down
Play/Pause audio
Answer/end call
Play next song list
*Touch controls can be customized in the app
Waterproofing IP57 (earbuds)
Bluetooth Bluetooth 5.2
Selling price RM599
Huawei FreeArc, Xiaomi OpenWear Stereo and Honor Earbuds Open are practical, wearable earphones that are suitable for everyday use. Although the design looks similar, each model has its own advantages, starting from the construction materials, sound quality to the technology used.
They all also offer a unique experience that can be adapted to the needs and lifestyle of the user. I have never tried the Xiaomi OpenWear Stereo or Honor Earbuds Open, so this review for the FreeArc is my first experience with this type of earphone.
Huawei FreeArc
In my opinion, the FreeArc offers a unique yet practical design with the ability to be hooked to the ear. The open concept allows me to enjoy music while remaining sensitive to ambient noise, which is especially helpful when in public.
The soft silicone material used feels comfortable and skin-friendly, while the ergonomic design provides additional stability. These earphones can also adjust their shape to the shape of the ear, providing a more comfortable and enjoyable wearing experience for me.
Huawei FreeArc
Technically, the FreeArc is designed using a specially designed C-Bridge design to fit the shape of most people's ears. The use of soft silicone adds to the level of comfort, and makes it suitable for daily use. The design actually takes inspiration from the FreeClip, but has been improved with a more durable and flexible Ni-Ti alloy material.
These earphones are equipped with two high-quality 17x13mm audio drivers and anti-leakage technology to maintain audio privacy. It also uses materials such as titanium-coated diaphragms and neodymium magnets to produce better sound quality. In addition, it is equipped with two microphones and Call Noise Cancellation technology that ensures that the voice during calls is always clear.
In my experience, these earphones are perfect for active individuals, whether they are exercising or doing outdoor activities in public places. They also make it easier for me to stay aware of my surroundings, for example when commuting to work using the monorail or LRT. In addition, in an open-plan office like my office, the FreeArc allows me to listen to music while chatting with colleagues.
These earphones are lightweight and comfortable to wear. The soft silicone earhook and battery at the tip provide a good balance, making them suitable for users, including those who wear glasses. The firm grip ensures that they stay in place, even during sports activities. In addition, the audio drivers located close to the ear canal ensure that clear and quality sound is delivered directly to the ears.
These earphones can be controlled by swiping and tapping, making them easy to use. The FreeArc has a touch-sensitive surface on the back of the Acoustic Bean. Control functions include: swiping forward or backward to adjust the audio volume, double-tap to play/pause/answer a call, tap and hold to reject a call, and triple-tap to skip a playlist. These touch controls are very helpful especially when I want to change song playback without my smartphone.
The touch-sensitive design looks nice, but it may not be suitable for exercise like jogging. Touch controls on a small surface can be difficult, especially if your hands are sweaty while running. This can cause songs to change accidentally when trying to adjust the position of the earphones.
Another thing to note is that these earphones are IP57 rated and are the first in Huawei’s earphone range to receive this waterproof rating. This rating means that these earphones can withstand splashes and light immersion. However, it is important to note that the charging pod does not have any waterproof rating. Therefore, you are advised to be extra careful.
These earphones also have a few drawbacks. In noisy environments like when riding public transit, background noise can interfere with the listening experience and cause the audio to be less clear. This is to be expected for earphones of this type. Also, prolonged use can also cause discomfort behind the ears, especially if used all day long.
Another thing to note is the charging pod. While it provides good protection, its rather large size made it difficult for me to fit it in my pocket. For some people, this may not be a problem, but for those who are on the go and need something more portable, this size may be less practical.
Connection App
Like other Huawei products, the HUAWEI AI Life app is required to enhance the FreeArc experience. Connection can be easily done in a few simple steps, especially when using Huawei phones. The app is available through the Huawei AppGallery for Huawei phones or downloaded via the official Huawei link for other Android devices. iPhone users can get it from the Apple App Store.
Through this app, I can update new software, switch to low latency mode, automatically adjust the volume in noisy environments, and change the touch controls as needed. The EQ section provides four preset sound profiles, and I can also create custom sound settings for better control. All of these functions can be accessed by connecting the earphones to an Android device. However, iOS device users are facing issues with the display of the user interface (UI) in the AI Life app. This app is only used to update the FreeArc software when an update is available.
In addition, the battery level for the earphones is now difficult to predict because both are combined into one graph. Although the frequent ‘beep’ sound can give an early warning of battery depletion, it would be better if the battery levels of both earphones could be displayed separately. The lack of EQ settings is also a significant drawback that forces users to rely entirely on the audio options provided.
Audio Quality
In terms of audio quality, the FreeArc delivers satisfactory performance for its price. In most situations, the audio sounds clear and balanced, especially when the volume level is set at 60-70 percent. However, at low volume levels, the audio may be difficult to hear. On the other hand, when the volume level is increased, the listening experience becomes more satisfying.
One of the main advantages of these earphones is their bass capabilities. Despite their small size, the bass produced is strong and clear. This performance is quite impressive, especially considering that most earphones in the same price range often fail to produce quality bass.
However, there is a slight weakness in the mid-frequencies, which in certain circumstances may sound drowned out. However, this weakness is not so noticeable that it disrupts the overall listening experience. On the other hand, vocals remain clear, providing a pleasant audio experience for various types of music.
Another thing to note is the lack of functionality for users to manually adjust the equalizer (EQ). FreeArc only offers presets available in the official application. While this is sufficient for some users, it may be disappointing for those who like to customize their audio to their personal taste. However, the app is easy to use and user-friendly, although the design may seem too basic to some.
Battery Performance
The FreeArc's battery is on par with most other earphones. It can last around 4 hours of continuous use on a single charge, and feels adequate for moderate use. However, for longer periods of use, such as long trips or a full workday, this battery life may be a constraint.
Huawei FreeArc
However, this performance is still satisfactory considering the small size of the earphones. However, it does not fully meet Huawei's claim of up to seven hours of battery life per charge. In addition, the battery life with the charging pod has not been tested as it has not been charged yet.
What's in the Box?
Huawei FreeArc Earphones
User manual.
Warranty manual.
Conclusion
FreeArc is a suitable choice for various activities, especially for those who are active in sports, are less comfortable with in-ear earphones or want to remain aware of the environment. Despite some shortcomings, such as less effective in noisy areas, uncomfortable to use for long periods of time, and basic applications. However, it is still able to provide a satisfactory experience in certain situations. For users who do not have premium features, FreeArc is also a worthy option to consider because it combines price, quality and functionality in a balanced way. However, it is not suitable for long-term use.
Pros
Lightweight construction.
Environmentally sensitive for safety purposes.
IP57 waterproof suitable for sports.
Battery endurance is adequate.
Cons
Limited EQ settings in the app.
Large charging pod.
Not comfortable to use for long periods of time.
The app for Android needs to be installed using an APK.
Get your Huawei FreeArc now for an unbeatable audio experience! 🎧🔥 With a comfortable hook design, premium sound quality, and long battery life – it's everything you need in a pair of earbuds!