Huawei FreeBuds Pro 5 Review: Premium Sound and Strong ANC at a Competitive Price
Huawei has launched its latest flagship earbuds, the FreeBuds Pro 5, making bold claims about high-end sound quality, advanced noise cancellation, and a premium design. Priced at £149.99, with an early launch discount of £30 available, these earbuds aim to challenge big-name rivals from Apple, Sony, and Samsung by offering similar features at a more affordable price point.
Design and Build Quality
Opening the compact box reveals a predictably designed case available in four colors, with the blue option featuring a vegan leather coating that feels expensive and durable. A light in the centre of the case changes color to indicate battery status. The earbuds themselves have a smart design with a chrome-ringed oval panel and a new logo, resembling AirPods in white at first glance. Build quality is top-notch, focusing on comfort and function with a refined stem design and lightweight construction for secure, long-lasting wear.
Sound Quality and Performance
Sound quality is a standout feature, offering a clean, hi-fi presentation rather than exaggerated bass. Bass is punchy and controlled, vocals are clear without being pushed forward, and higher frequencies remain crisp without fatigue. There's a surprising sense of space for in-ear buds, providing a wider, more open feel that rewards high-bitrate streaming services. However, to unlock the top echelons of tech prowess, a flagship Huawei smartphone is required.
Noise Cancellation and Additional Features
Active noise cancellation (ANC) is another strong area, effectively reducing low-frequency sounds like trains, traffic, and aircraft noise while minimizing office chatter and background hum without uncomfortable pressure. Transparency mode feels natural for conversations, and call quality is impressive, maintaining clarity even in windy or noisy environments. The earbuds can even dim sound during conversations to avoid removal. Battery life offers around five hours with ANC enabled, with the case providing extra charge for a full day of use, though fast charging helps reduce downtime.
Software and Ecosystem Support
On Huawei phones, the FreeBuds Pro 5 work seamlessly with fully integrated features. On other Android devices or iPhones, setup can be less straightforward due to companion app installation and management issues. While Bluetooth connectivity is reliable, advanced controls and updates require extra effort compared to mainstream alternatives, making the experience slightly less frictionless.
Overall Impression and Recommendation
Living with the FreeBuds Pro 5 highlights strong fundamentals: stable connections, reliable controls, and versatile performance for podcasts, music, and calls. Engineered with attention to audio performance rather than marketing gimmicks, these earbuds are worthy competitors to big brands, offering exclusivity and value. With a decent entry price, especially with the launch deal, they are among the best-sounding buds for the money, delivering a polished performance that is easy to recommend.
