Huawei FreeArc Review: Comfort, Sound and Open-Ear Experience
Huawei FreeArc offers a secure open-ear design, clear sound, strong battery life, and hands-free calls—perfect for workouts and daily use.
Huawei is expanding its range of wearable technology and Huawei FreeArc, a set of open-ear headphones made for comfort & active lifestyle is one of its newest offerings.
Open-ear design of FreeArc, in contrast to conventional earbuds that go within the ear, enables users to listen to music while remaining conscious of their surroundings. Because of this, they are an excellent choice for outdoor pursuits like cycling and running as well as office work where attentiveness is crucial.
The launch of the FreeArc didn’t get much attention, as it was introduced alongside the Huawei Mate XT Ultimate, a tri-fold smartphone that stole the spotlight. However, we took the time to review these headphones, and they proved to be impressive in several areas. Whether you’re looking for a comfortable everyday audio solution or a pair of sports-friendly earphones, the FreeArc has a lot to offer.
Huawei FreeArc Specification
| 📌 Feature | 🔍 Details |
|---|---|
| 🎨 Colors | Green, Black, Grey |
| 📏 Size | Earbuds: 45.4 × 18.35 × 47.50 mm Charging Case: 67.80 × 67.80 × 26.50 mm |
| ⚖ Weight | Earbuds: 8.9 g each Charging Case: 67 g |
| 🔋 Battery | Earbuds: 55 mAh each Charging Case: 510 mAh |
| ⚡ Charging | Wired: USB-C (5V/2A) ⏳ Time: 40 min (earbuds), 60 min (case) |
| ⏱ Battery Life | 🎵 Music: 7 hrs (single charge), 28 hrs (with case) 📞 Calls: 5 hrs (single charge), 20 hrs (with case) |
| 🎛 Controls | 🔊 Swipe: Adjust volume ▶ Double-tap: Play/Pause, Answer/End calls ⏩ Triple-tap: Next track ❌ Press & Hold: Reject calls (Customizable in AI Life app) |
| 📡 Connectivity | Bluetooth 5.2, Fast pairing (Huawei EMUI 10.0+) |
| 🎤 Sensors | Hall Sensor, CAP Sensor |
| 🎧 Sound | 🔊 Driver: 17 × 12 mm 🎼 Audio Formats: SBC, AAC 🔇 Features: Noise cancellation, Multi-EQ sound effects |
| 💦 Water Resistance | Earbuds: IP57 dust & water-resistant Case: Not water-resistant |
| 📦 Box Contents | 🎧 Earbuds (L & R) 📂 Charging Case 📖 Quick Start Guide 🏷 Warranty Card |
Huawei FreeArc Design
Huawei FreeArc is perfect for extended use because it is made to fit comfortably and securely. It has an open-ear design with a hook that encircles ear to provide stability and to let airflow naturally for improved ventilation.
Huawei introduces the “C-Bridge Design”, which consists of three key elements:
✔ Audio hardware placed near the ear for clear sound.
✔ Battery positioned behind the ear for balance.
✔ A thin, flexible wire connecting the two for a lightweight feel.
Made from a 0.7mm high-performance Ni-Ti alloy, each earbud is robust & sufficiently flexible to fit various ear shapes. Soft silicone is used to finish the outside which improves comfort. FreeArc is available in two colors: a striking green and traditional black.
Huawei emphasizes the “140-degree Optimal Triangle Design” as well, which guarantees a snug fit even when moving. The FreeArc is ideal for daily wear, workdays and exercises because of its ergonomic form and lightweight materials which allow it to stay in position for hours.
Huawei FreeArc Features
Open-ear design of the Huawei FreeArc lets you listen to music and be conscious of your surroundings. They are pleasant for prolonged use because they don’t enter the ear canal like conventional earbuds do.
Who Should Use the FreeArc?
✔ For Runners & Athletes – The dual-resonator antenna ensures a strong Bluetooth connection up to 400 meters, so you can leave your phone behind while running on a track.
✔ For Hands-Free Calls – The well-placed microphones provide clear voice quality, allowing you to talk freely at home or in the office without holding your phone.
✔ For City Walkers & Commuters – Since the ear canal remains open, you can hear traffic, people, and alerts while still enjoying music or podcasts—ideal for walking in crowded streets or public transport.
Where the FreeArc Falls Short
✖ Not for Noisy Places – In gyms or loud areas, external noise may overpower the audio.
✖ Not for Cycling – The ear hooks may interfere with helmets or sunglasses, making them less practical for road cycling.
✖ Not for Swimming – Despite an IP57 rating for water and dust resistance, the FreeArc isn’t comfortable with swim caps and could easily fall off in water.
While the Huawei FreeArc isn’t designed for immersive, high-end audio, it excels in situations where awareness, comfort, and stability matter most.
Huawei FreeArc Sound Quality
The Huawei FreeArc delivers clear and balanced audio with its 17mm x 12mm driver, providing punchy bass and crisp sound. It works well for music, podcasts, and calls, making it a great everyday option.
However, due to its open-ear design, the audio isn’t as immersive as in in-ear or over-ear headphones. While it ensures situational awareness, it may not satisfy those looking for a premium listening experience.
For calls, the dual-microphone setup with AI noise filtering helps reduce background noise, ensuring clear conversations even in slightly noisy environments.
Huawei FreeArc Battery Life
For those seeking reasonably priced, comfy, lightweight, and crystal-clear earphones, the Huawei FreeArc is a good option. They are a dependable choice for everyday usage because of their great battery life.
A full charge takes less than an hour via USB-C, but wireless charging is not supported.
With continuous use at 75% volume, the FreeArc lasts over 6 hours, sometimes reaching 6.5 hours. For intermittent use, they can easily last through a workweek before needing a recharge.
- Testing SonoFlow SE HQ31: Noise Cancelling for Under $40
- EarFun OpenJump Review: Why I Couldn’t Wait to Take Them Off
- Are JBL Endurance Race 2 Worth It? Full Review of These Sports Earbuds
Conclusion
For those seeking reasonably priced, comfy, lightweight and crystal-clear earphones, Huawei FreeArc is a good option. They are a dependable choice for everyday usage because of their great battery life.
However, they are best suited for quieter environments. Also, Huawei wearables still face compatibility issues with Apple devices, despite improvements in battery and third-party support.
Priced at £99 in the UK and €99 in Europe (discounted from €119) Huawei offers bundle deals like a Band 9 or Watch Fit at half price in France or a second pair at a lower price. With these offers, FreeArc is worth considering.
