Personally I prefer in-ear headphones because in my case they hold better and have a design that provides some additional sound isolation even without active noise cancellation.
Huawei has made a remarkable design exercise with this model breaking away from the traditional cylindrical stabilizer bar design that we have been seeing in many models for years, including Apple AirPods.
The Free Buds 5 They arrive as a model for those users who do not want to use in-ear headphones and not therefore lose noise cancellation.
Besides, the design leaves no one indifferentare a version that stands out for its curved lines, like a chubby headset that holds very well once you put it on.
In fact, you can buy them in white, metallic gray or a striking coral orange. Let’s see what these FreeBuds 5 are like and if by around 140 euros that cost are an option to consider.
Content of the Huawei FreeBuds 5 review:
Characteristics and technical sheet of the Huawei FreeBuds 5
Matte finish with a differential shape, inspired by a boulder?
Huawei has a large collection of True-Wireless headphones and has tested different designs in the FreeBuds line, from a design that was very reminiscent of the Apple AirPods of the first models, to models with the parallelepiped-shaped bar and even these striking FreeBuds 5.
So much box as inside they have a matte finish with metallic paint. We have analyzed the gray model.
The box has a very ergonomic design with rounded shapes, very comfortable to carry in your pocket. This box has a button on the side to pair the headphones, USB-C at the bottom, and Qi charging support.
The most striking thing about this box is that it opens in half at an angle and we can see the headphones in full, which are supported for charging, instead of entering the entire stabilizer bar into a hole in the box.
The headphones in question have a very striking design with a shiny metallic finish.
It has rounded shapes from the top to the stabilizer bar area, very Teletubbies style.
In the headphones we see the situation of the microphones on top for noise cancellation with a grill for easy removal of airborne noise.
Comprehensive software with AI and dual device support
Huawei has an application to control devices in its ecosystem, AI Life. In this case, the headphones can be synchronized and all the advanced functions can be controlled from that app.
This application has to download the module from the Free Buds 5 after pairing the headphones. Once downloaded, they appear in the list of devices and if we open the box we can access all the options.
It is a very complete app that shows the percentage of charge of the headphones independently and of the box. It also has functions to control which two devices we connect to, thanks to its dual feature.
It allows you to choose between 4 equalization modes or create our own personalized thanks to its 10 band equalizer and also control the noise cancellation between a mode for quieter environments or a general one. There is the dynamic mode that alternates, according to Huawei with AI, between the two depending on how it detects ambient noise.
We will be able to update the firmware, change the control gestures and even choose if we want to give priority to the connection so that there are no cuts (codec CAA) or sound quality (codec LDAC), so we can play music with high-bandwidth Hi-Res.
As we can see, one of the most complete applications on the market for control and personalization of sound in true-wireless headphones.
Good sound and noise cancellation to not be in-ear
We are talking about headphones and, therefore, we should talk, of course, about sound quality.
Here I can only say that I have been pleasantly surprised. I I have not been a user of this type of headphones for years. I switched to in-ears, with a silicone tip, as soon as I tried them, about 10-15 years ago now.
The sound they offer to be open is very goodAlthough, it is true that I need to have a higher volume level to feel the same sensation as with others, it allows me to be aware of my surroundings.
When listening to music I find a good reproduction in the mids and highs and to be able to enjoy the bass well you have to place them in the correct position in which the sound output points directly to your ear canal.
As they move something, that punch is lost in part, so it is not a bad idea to create a custom equalizer that reinforces the low frequencies somewhat.
Noise cancellation is remarkable and surprises to be open headphones. The effect is noticeable, I have taken several planes during the tests and the sound of the engines is attenuated. However, you have to be honest, it is much less effective than in other types of on-ear or in-ear headphones.
If you are looking for high isolation, these headphones are not for you, however, if you want to reduce some ambient noise without losing an external sound reference, I would consider them.
In terms of autonomy, these Huawei FreeBuds 5 do not disappoint. They keep what they promise, around 5 hours of continuous use or almost 4 hours with noise cancellation and a box that provides him with some 5 additional full charges.
Each earphone has a small 42 mAh battery and the box adds up to a total of 505 mAh.
As for the charging speed, the headphones charge from 0% to 100% in their box in just 20 minutes. The box takes 40 minutes to load.
Versions, offers and price of the Huawei FreeBuds 5
Well, here we stop to show you the three colors in which Huawei offers these headphones, the white model being the most traditional, followed by the model that we analyzed, in gray. If you are a more daring person, perhaps you should opt for that coral orange.
The Huawei FreeBuds 5 are the evolution of the previous generation that are committed to better ergonomics, high-resolution sound and intelligent noise cancellation.
You can buy them at a price of 143 euros if you buy them through the company’s website and for around 160 if you do it from Amazon.
Is it worth buying the Huawei FreeBuds 5?
Let’s move on to assess the good and bad points of these headphones and if they are a good alternative for you. Something that makes the FreeBuds 5 stand out is its autonomyalthough not for continuous use, which are slightly below others, they do with the number of additional charges that the box adds.
It should also be noted that they have a very striking design and different from what we see in the market. It is also the best you can buy (outside of Apple) as a solution that is true-wireless and not in-ear.
He software and the customization options seem top to us and the sound quality is very good if they are well placed.
Here comes the problem, it depends on the shape of your ear and the movement that you continue to have that good listening experience without having to reposition them, which is usually accompanied by false actions by keystrokes and gestures.
The noise cancellation is notable for not being in-ear, but it falls a little short if you want that isolated feeling you get with other headphones. However, If you like to listen to something around you and not lose detail of your favorite music or podcast, these FreeBuds 5 are a good option.