Huawei FreeBuds 4i: Huawei’s Best True Wireless With Active Noise Cancellation

There are many good options on the True Wireless headphone market. Most major companies have launched excellent models in recent years, ideal for every need and budget. However, the Huawei FreeBuds 4i stand out for their price/performance ratio.

These are inexpensive in-ear headphones, and feature active noise cancellation. In addition, they offer a well-balanced sound and integrate high-performance batteries. They are a good option for those looking for a cheaper alternative to AirPods.

They look good, they are comfortable, and their performance is great for playing contemporary music. In this review, we examine all the features, pros and cons of the Huawei FreeBuds 4i headphones.

Design

The Huawei FreeBuds 4i are attractive, and look similar to the AirPods 3. We prefer the classic black version, although you can also get them in white or red. They are comfortable, lightweight and IP54 certified. We got a good fit without having to change tips. However, they come in three different sizes, to ensure a perfect fit for any user.

The cups have the standard design of today's True Wireless In Ear headphones . On the other hand, the compact case has an egg shape that makes it a bit difficult to handle. In addition, the glossy finish is a bit slippery. It has a flat section to place them on any surface, and use the USB-C charging port, but you can't open it without holding it.

Like the FreeBuds 3, these Huawei headphones integrate touch controls on the outside of each cup. You can operate all functions with the controls and change the ANC mode, although they are somewhat sensitive, and you should be careful when touching the cups. You can also customize the controls with the application, although it's not worth the time wasted.

Connectivity

They work with Bluetooth 5.2 technology, and connectivity works seamlessly over a very wide range. To synchronize them, you just need to take them out of the case and search for them in the Bluetooth menu of your phone. Once paired for the first time, the Huawei FreeBuds 4i headphones will automatically connect to your device in the future.

Huawei's AI Life app, available for iOS or Android devices, allows you to control many devices from your phone and manage the basic functions of the Huawei FreeBuds 4i. It's a simple and easy to use application from which you can view the battery status, switch between the three noise cancellation modes and customize the controls. Unfortunately, it doesn't offer equalization or different audio settings.

In any case, you can use the earphones without the application, as they do not offer many extra functions. The Huawei FreeBuds 4i are cheap and simple, so we're not surprised. On the other hand, they work with a very low latency. You can use them to play movies or videos without any problems.

The clarity of the calls also surprised us. The Huawei FreeBuds 4i have four built-in microphones that pick up voices clearly.

Sound quality

They integrate 10 mm drivers that deliver amazing sound, especially considering the affordable price. Bass, midrange and treble are perceived with decent detail. They are ideal for reproducing a wide range of music genres with adequate quality.

As with any other pair of Bluetooth In Ear headphones, you need to adjust the Huawei FreeBuds 4i well to get the best sound quality. If you get a good fit, you won't need to turn up the volume too much. However, distortion is minimal at high volumes.

The sound profile is well balanced. All frequencies sound lively, and you can use them hourly without getting tired. The treble and vowels stand out for their clarity. However, the sound lacks richness and texture when compared to that of the best Bluetooth headsets. Likewise, the bass doesn't stand out for its strength.

On the other hand, you will most likely buy the Huawei FreeBuds 4i for their active noise cancellation. The ANC is decent. It can block external noises significantly, although it doesn't compare to that of the best Bose or Sony. The realme Buds Air 3 also offer improved ANC.

You also cannot adjust the ANC levels. To do this you will have to buy one of the fancier noise cancelling headphones on the market. It does, however, offer the ambient mode that lets outside audio through, so you can carry on a conversation without removing your earphones. This also helps keep you aware of your surroundings.

Battery life

The battery life of the Huawei FreeBuds 4i has greatly improved compared to the Freebuds 3i. The previous model only provided 2.5 hours with noise cancellation, while the new version provides up to 7.5 hours with ANC. If you turn off noise cancellation, the capacity increases to about 10 hours at medium volumes.

The case provides you with additional charges, and has a fast charging process. With only 10 minutes of charging, you can use the Huawei FreeBuds 4i for up to four hours. The package comes with the required USB-C cable.

Why do we like the Huawei FreeBuds 4i?

They are a good choice if you are looking for cheap earphones with active noise cancellation. They are easy to use and deliver solid audio. Battery life is also outstanding, and you can use them in the gym thanks to their good fit and IP54 certification.

Why don't we like them?

They are not the best model if you are looking for sound quality in the first place. Audio is solid, but bass doesn't sound that deep, and sonic detail is decent, but not excellent. Noise cancellation is also acceptable, but nothing magical.

Huawei FreeBuds 4i Conclusion

The Huawei FreeBuds 4i are significantly better than the previous version. They integrate a better performing battery and pretty decent active noise cancellation. The sound surprised us for its good balance and lack of distortion.

The sound quality doesn't compare to the best Bluetooth headphones, but for the price it's very good. In addition, the Huawei FreeBuds 4i are comfortable, attractive, and the connectivity works flawlessly. Interested? Find the best price on this link.

We also recommend you check out the Huawei FreeBuds Pro 2 and the Xiaomi Redmi Buds 3 Pro.

Huawei FreeBuds 4i reviews

This model has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars on Amazon. 66% of users rate the Huawei FreeBuds 4i with the highest score for performance. However, here are a few reviews so that you can be guided by user opinions:

• Jorge: “Perfect so far. They are the first noise cancelling headphones I have and I love them. They don't cancel all the noise, but they cancel a lot. I love the transparency mode.”
• Imanol: “Excellent value for money. They sound good, they are comfortable and the battery is blessed. The bad thing is that it's hard for me to take them out of the case and the plastic finish marks the fingerprints.”
• EdlRC: “Good sound, decent noise cancellation and great battery. You can use them for hours, although they are not the safest for doing exercises with a lot of movement. They're also hard to take out of the case.”