Huawei Strikes a Chord: New FreeClip 2 Earbuds Look Better Than AirPods and Might Sound Better Too

Huawei’s new FreeClip 2 earbuds elevate open-ear audio technology with stylish design and improved sound that could rival AirPods.

A Fresh Take on Open-Ear Earbuds

If you’ve followed the evolution of wireless earbuds, you might recall Huawei’s bold move two years ago when they introduced the original FreeClip 2 earbuds—open-ear earbuds that let you enjoy music and the sounds around you simultaneously. Perfect for city strolls and staying aware of your environment, these earbuds dropped the traditional earbud seal for something far more breathable and, frankly, revolutionary.

But here’s the catch: open-ear earbuds are a tricky beast. They prioritize safety and environmental awareness over airtight, Hi-Fi sound quality. Without that snug seal, the sound naturally loses some of its clarity and bass richness.

Yet, the concept took off wildly after the first FreeClip release in 2023, inspiring even the biggest players in the industry to explore open-ear designs.

A Design That’s Both Unique and Comfortable

Huawei hasn’t settled for resting on its laurels. The FreeClip 2 ups the ante with a design that’s as eye-catching as it is functional. Unlike many open-ear earbuds, they feature an “acoustic sphere” housing the speaker, connected by a flexible C-shaped bridge to a “comfort bean” component that supports the earbud and offers touch controls.

Compared to its predecessor, the FreeClip 2 is 11% smaller and lighter—dropping from 5.6 grams to just 5.1 grams—and claims to reduce ear pressure by 25%, making for a more comfortable fit over longer periods. Even the charging case got a sleek, compact makeover.

Better Fit and Smarter Controls

The “comfort bean” has been redesigned to better suit various ear shapes, and its touch controls have been upgraded for more responsiveness. Now you can swipe along the surface to adjust volume seamlessly. Even more impressively, head gestures reminiscent of AirPods Pro let you answer or reject calls with a simple nod or shake—no fumbling with your phone required.

Sound Quality Gets a Serious Upgrade

The original FreeClip earbuds was charming but flawed—many fans (myself included) bemoaned its metallic, thin sound that lacked warmth and dynamic depth. Huawei is tackling this head-on with a revamped acoustic system in the FreeClip 2 designed to “optimize” audio for open-ear listening.

Inside that acoustic sphere is a 10.8mm “turbo” dynamic driver with a dual diaphragm, boasting twice the bass power of the first generation. Additionally, the internal space has been re-engineered with two ventilation holes, increasing air volume by 53%. This subtle tweak makes a surprisingly big difference.

Smart Features Without Noise Cancellation

True to its open-ear nature, the FreeClip 2 doesn’t offer active noise cancellation—because let’s face it, sealing off your ears would defeat the purpose. Instead, Huawei employs AI-based volume adaptation that dynamically adjusts sound levels depending on ambient noise, so you get the best listening experience whether you’re on a bustling street or a quiet park.

To minimize sound leakage—a common issue with open-ear designs—the earbuds use reverse sound field technology that cancels out unwanted sound waves.

Clear Calls Even in Noisy Places

Phone calls on open-ear earbuds can be hit or miss, but Huawei steps up here as well. The FreeClip 2 features noise reduction technology capable of handling loud environments up to 85 dBA. Dual microphones and enhanced voice capturing tech work in tandem to ensure your voice comes through crisp and clear. It’s a game-changer for those who rely on earbuds for calls during busy commutes or outdoor workouts.

All-Day Wearability with Impressive Battery Life

Battery life has also improved. The FreeClip 2 packs a punch with nine hours of continuous playback per charge and a total of 38 hours when combined with the compact charging case. Plus, a quick 10-minute USB-C charge gives you a solid three hours of music—a lifesaver when you’re on the go.

Water resistance is no afterthought: the earbuds boast an IP57 rating, making them sweat and splash-proof, while the case holds an IP54 rating.

Pricing and Availability

The FreeClip 2 retails for £179 (roughly $220), matching the original’s price point from two years ago—a bold move that reinforces Huawei’s confidence in this upgraded model.

You’ll find them in four stylish finishes: blue, white, black, and rose gold. Availability outside the UK is yet to be confirmed, but anticipation is already high.

The Verdict Is Brewing

I’ve got my hands on a FreeClip 2 sample, and initial impressions are promising. This is not just a minor update but a thoughtful evolution that may finally settle the debate around open-ear earbuds. Stay tuned for the full review as I put these intriguing little gadgets through their paces.

“Open type headphones are a mistake. But Huawei stubbornly proves otherwise with the new FreeClip 2.”

FAQ

• How do open-ear earbuds like FreeClip 2 differ from regular earbuds?
  Open-ear earbuds rest outside the ear canal, allowing you to hear ambient sounds alongside your music, unlike traditional earbuds that seal the ear for noise isolation.
• Does the FreeClip 2 support active noise cancellation?
  No, due to their open design, they don’t use active noise cancellation but instead use AI-based volume adaptation to optimize sound in different environments.
• Can you control volume and calls with FreeClip 2?
  Yes, touch controls allow you to swipe for volume adjustment, and head gestures let you answer or reject calls hands-free.
• What is the battery life like on the FreeClip 2?
  You can expect up to 9 hours of playback on a single charge and 38 hours total with the charging case, plus fast charging gives 3 hours of playtime after 10 minutes.
• Are these earbuds water-resistant?
  Yes, the FreeClip 2 earbuds have an IP57 rating, making them suitable for sweat and splashes, with the case rated at IP54.

Love the vibe of the FreeClip 2? Bring that stylish energy home with your favorite album cover poster—shop at our store here to make your music space as fresh as your sound.