There’s an abundance of true wireless (TWS) earbuds at the moment, but only the best offer a compelling combination of superb sound quality and bleeding-edge features. Co-engineered with hi-fi specialist Devialet, the HUAWEI FreeBuds Pro 2 boast a unique dual-driver system that delivers bright and punchy sound, as well as an intelligent triple-mic noise-cancelling system that makes both music tracks and calls clearer.
What unites both firms here is the common pursuit to fine-tune the acoustic audio experience in search of excellence to satisfy even the most demanding of audiophiles – and the partnership’s influence is telling.
If you want wireless earbuds that can deliver an energetic, musical experience, then segue seamlessly to crystal-clear calls, look no further.
Hi-res sound with a unique dual driver set up
Huawei isn’t afraid to break the mould in an effort to take its products to another level, a philosophy demonstrated superbly with its new FreeBuds Pro 2. Sporting a wholly unique dual driver system, the earbuds are able to intelligently coordinate between the two to deliver outstanding audio performance and a more immersive listening experience.
Fascinatingly, one driver deployed here is a planar diaphragm usually reserved for high-end headphones. Instead of having a magnet attracting and repelling a voice coil and moving a cone, a planar magnetic driver has a thin diaphragm that’s held between magnets. This diaphragm is printed with semiconductors, and when pushed and pulled by the magnets, the whole diaphragm moves with its surface evenly driven. The result? Treble that is delivered with pinpoint precision whilst reducing any distortion.
The other driver is a quad-magnet dynamic driver that is able to deliver punchy, impactful bass. It’s this unique dual driver combination that lets the FreeBuds Pro 2 give each end of the sonic spectrum equal billing, catering superbly for all kinds and styles of music and faithfully recreating each note within them. So whatever your bag, be it pop or hip-hop, classical or jazz, the FreeBuds Pro 2 will do it justice.
They’re compatible with the LDAC high-resolution audio codec too, delivering ultra-high definition music either streamed or stored locally on your device. And the FreeBuds Pro 2 are certified for both HWA and Hi-Res Audio Wireless Certifications, giving you the best possible sound whatever your music source of choice.
Adjusting on the fly
But not only do they produce stellar audio, they can adjust their sonic performance in real time. They intelligently analyse the structure of your ear canal, the earbud position and volume to dynamically alter their sound output, delivering a completely personalised audio experience on-the-fly. Now that’s freedom.
You can manually fine-tune the sound, too. Just open the HUAWEI AI Life app – available on iOS and Android – and you can choose from a list of predetermined equaliser presets. Or, if you really want to get granular, you can create your own presets, letting you personalise it to your own tastes.
Noise, cancelled
That’s the audio taken care of. But what about the FreeBuds Pro 2's active noise cancellation (ANC)?
Huawei has pushed the boat out here, introducing a Triple-Mic ANC System that boosts the ANC’s average effectiveness by 15 per cent compared to its predecessors. It works dynamically, too, with the FreeBuds Pro 2 able to identify the external sound field environment and select the most effective noise cancelling mode to eliminate sound.
They’re especially effective on flights. In fact, they have an exclusive aircraft noise cancellation curve to eliminate aircraft noise, giving you peace and quiet even at 30,000 feet. It’s the only way to fly.
The ANC works great for calls, too. By utilising a 4-Mic Call Noise Cancellation system, combined with Huawei’s exclusive deep neural network (DNN) noise cancellation algorithm, the earbuds pick up human voices while silencing other sounds for clearer calls throughout.
Even strong winds pose no problem, thanks to the effective design and intelligent wind-noise cancellation algorithms.
It’s simple to switch between music and calls, thanks to seamless connection with two devices for automatic call switching. Handily, the AI life app will remember the last 10 devices you’ve paired with, so you’ll have no problems switching between all of your devices.
Freedom all day
The FreeBuds Pro 2 is no slouch when it comes to battery – giving you four hours with ANC on, with a total running time of 18 hours using the charging case. Turn ANC off, and those numbers jump to six-and-a-half hours and 30 hours, respectively.
On the move? You can charge them wirelessly just by placing them on the back of your supported phone or tablet, and they’re rated IP54 splash-resistant, so you don’t have to worry about rain or sweat interrupting performance.
They’re great value too, available now from the Huawei Store for just £169.99. So, whether you’re listening on the go, making and taking calls, wanting a peaceful flight, or all of the above, the HUAWEI FreeBuds Pro 2 make a compelling argument to be your earbuds of choice.
