Huawei FreeBuds Pro 4 Review: Premium Wireless Earbuds

The world of wireless earbuds continues to evolve rapidly. Huawei has stepped up their game with the FreeBuds Pro 4, delivering what many consider their finest audio achievement yet.

These premium earbuds promise exceptional sound quality, advanced noise cancellation, and innovative features that set them apart in the competitive market.

Whether you’re an audiophile seeking pristine sound or a professional needing reliable call quality, the FreeBuds Pro 4 aims to deliver on all fronts.

Key Takeaways

• Revolutionary Audio Technology: The FreeBuds Pro 4 features dual-driver configuration with an 11mm quad-magnet dynamic driver and planar diaphragm tweeter, delivering frequencies from 14Hz to 48kHz for exceptional sound clarity across all ranges.
• Advanced Noise Cancellation: Equipped with four distinct ANC modes (Dynamic, Cozy, General, and Ultra) that automatically adapt to your environment, providing up to 100dB noise reduction for immersive listening experiences.
• Exceptional Battery Performance: Offers up to 7 hours of continuous playback with ANC off and 5 hours with ANC on, extending to 33 hours total with the charging case, ensuring all-day reliability.
• Lossless Audio Transmission: First earbuds to support 2.3 Mbps lossless transmission through Huawei’s exclusive L2HC 4.0 audio codec, delivering studio-quality sound without compression.
• Premium Build Quality: Features IP54 water resistance, luxurious design with golden accents, and memory foam ear tips in multiple sizes for optimal comfort and secure fit during extended use.
• Intelligent Call Technology: Advanced quad-microphone system with bone conduction sensor and AI algorithms ensures crystal-clear voice quality, even in noisy environments, making them perfect for professional use.

Design and Build Quality Excellence

The Huawei FreeBuds Pro 4 showcases premium craftsmanship that immediately catches attention. The earbuds feature a sophisticated black finish with elegant golden trim around the stem and case. This luxurious aesthetic pays homage to stringed instruments through laser-engraved details.

Each earbud measures 29.1 x 21.8 x 23.7 mm and weighs just 5.8 grams, ensuring comfortable extended wear. The charging case dimensions of 46.9 x 65.9 x 24.5 mm with a 47-gram weight make it perfectly portable for daily use.

The IP54 rating provides excellent protection against dust and water splashes. Users can confidently wear these earbuds during workouts, light rain, or dusty environments without worry. The solid construction quality ensures durability that matches the premium price point.

Available color options include Black, White, and Green variants, all featuring the distinctive golden accents. The case opens with a satisfying click mechanism that reinforces the premium feel. Memory foam ear tips in four different sizes ensure optimal fit for various ear shapes.

Revolutionary Dual-Driver Audio System

The FreeBuds Pro 4 incorporates groundbreaking audio technology that sets new standards for wireless earbuds. The hybrid driver system combines an 11mm quad-magnet dynamic driver with a planar diaphragm tweeter for unprecedented sound reproduction.

This dual-driver configuration delivers bass frequencies down to 14Hz and treble extending to 48kHz. The result is incredibly detailed sound reproduction that captures every nuance in your music. Professional reviewers consistently praise the rich bass response and crystal-clear highs.

The L2HC 4.0 audio codec represents a major breakthrough in wireless audio transmission. This Huawei-exclusive technology supports lossless transmission at 2.3 Mbps, significantly higher than standard Bluetooth codecs. The codec features low latency, high noise immunity, and wide dynamic range.

Sound quality varies slightly depending on the active mode. With transparency mode active, bass becomes more dynamic but may thud at higher volumes. When ANC is enabled, bass pressure reduces slightly while maintaining excellent detail. The balanced mode provides the most neutral sound signature.

Advanced Noise Cancellation Technology

The FreeBuds Pro 4 features four distinct ANC modes that automatically adapt to your environment. The Dynamic mode provides adaptive noise cancellation that adjusts based on ambient conditions. Cozy mode works best in quiet environments, allowing more natural sound passage.

General mode handles moderate noise levels effectively, while Ultra mode tackles extremely loud environments. The Ultra setting provides the most aggressive noise cancellation, particularly effective against low-frequency sounds like airplane engines or traffic noise.

Independent testing reveals that the FreeBuds Pro 4 provides competitive ANC performance against premium alternatives. While not quite matching the Apple AirPods Pro 2 or Bose QuietComfort series, the difference remains minimal for most users.

The transparency mode allows environmental awareness when needed. However, some users report the amplification feels less natural compared to leading competitors. The voice-enhancing mode specifically boosts human speech frequencies for better conversation clarity.

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Exceptional Battery Life Performance

The FreeBuds Pro 4 delivers impressive battery performance that supports all-day use. Each earbud contains a 55mAh lithium-ion polymer battery, while the charging case provides an additional 510mAh capacity. This configuration offers 7 hours of continuous playback with ANC disabled.

With ANC enabled, battery life reduces to 5 hours per charge. The charging case extends total usage time to 33 hours without ANC and 23 hours with ANC active. These figures place the FreeBuds Pro 4 in the competitive middle range for premium wireless earbuds.

Voice call performance provides 4.5 hours without ANC and 3.5 hours with ANC enabled. Real-world testing confirms these manufacturer claims remain accurate under normal usage conditions. Battery degradation appears minimal over extended use periods.

The earbuds support both wired USB-C charging and wireless charging options. Wired charging completes in approximately 40 minutes for the earbuds and 65 minutes for the case. Wireless charging takes 160 minutes for the case, providing convenient charging flexibility.

Intelligent Touch Control System

The FreeBuds Pro 4 employs pressure-sensitive controls similar to Apple’s approach. The front stem features a noticeable indentation that responds to pressing, stroking, and swiping gestures. This design minimizes accidental inputs compared to overly sensitive touch surfaces.

All gesture controls are fully customizable through the AI Life app. Users can configure media playback controls, volume adjustment, ANC mode switching, and call management functions. The learning curve remains minimal for most users.

Head gesture controls allow accepting or rejecting calls through nodding or head shaking. While innovative, this feature works inconsistently and can be disabled if preferred. The traditional touch controls provide more reliable operation.

The touch sensor responsiveness strikes an excellent balance between sensitivity and accuracy. Users rarely experience missed inputs or unintended activations during normal use. The tactile feedback helps confirm successful gesture recognition.

Crystal Clear Call Quality

Professional call quality represents a major strength of the FreeBuds Pro 4. The quad-microphone system incorporates a bone conduction sensor and AI-assisted algorithms for exceptional voice clarity. Background noise suppression works remarkably effectively in most environments.

Testing in various noisy conditions reveals impressive performance. The microphones effectively suppress wind noise, footsteps, and ambient chatter while maintaining natural voice reproduction. Professional users will appreciate the consistent call quality.

Extreme noise scenarios like concerts or construction sites present greater challenges. While the FreeBuds Pro 4 performs better than most competitors, they cannot completely eliminate very loud background noise. However, voice clarity remains acceptable in most real-world situations.

The AI voice enhancement actively distinguishes between desired speech and unwanted noise. This technology works continuously to optimize microphone sensitivity and noise suppression algorithms based on environmental conditions.

Comprehensive Connectivity Features

The FreeBuds Pro 4 supports Bluetooth 5.2 with multipoint connectivity for seamless device switching. Users can connect to two devices simultaneously and automatically switch audio sources. EMUI device users enjoy expanded connectivity to more than two devices.

Codec support includes SBC, AAC, and LDAC for broad device compatibility. The exclusive L2HC 4.0 codec requires compatible Huawei smartphones but delivers superior audio quality when available. Low latency mode optimizes performance for gaming and video content.

Connection stability remains excellent across various device types. Testing with Android phones, laptops, and desktop computers reveals consistent performance. Range testing shows reliable connectivity up to standard Bluetooth distances.

Quick pairing and automatic reconnection work seamlessly. The earbuds remember multiple devices and prioritize connections based on user preferences. Connection switching occurs smoothly without audio dropouts or delays.

Premium Comfort and Fit

Extended comfort testing reveals the FreeBuds Pro 4 excel in wearability. The lightweight design ensures users hardly feel the earbuds during extended sessions. Memory foam ear tips in four sizes provide superior comfort compared to standard silicone options.

Gym and running tests demonstrate secure fit during moderate activity. The earbuds remain stable during normal movement but may shift slightly during vigorous exercise. The ergonomic design accommodates various ear shapes effectively.

Passive noise isolation improves significantly with proper ear tip selection. The included fit test feature helps users optimize seal quality for maximum performance. However, the feature sometimes indicates all sizes work adequately, limiting its usefulness.

Long-term wear comfort exceeds most competitors in the premium category. Users report minimal ear fatigue during multi-hour sessions. The balanced weight distribution prevents the ear canal pressure common with heavier earbuds.

Advanced AI Life App Integration

The AI Life app provides comprehensive customization options for the FreeBuds Pro 4. While the interface design appears slightly dated, functionality remains robust and intuitive. iOS and Android compatibility ensures broad device support.

The 10-band equalizer offers detailed sound customization with six basic presets and two professional options. Users can create up to three custom presets for different music genres or listening preferences. Preset differences could be more pronounced for easier identification.

Noise control options include detailed ANC customization and transparency mode adjustment. The Connection Center manages device prioritization and multipoint settings. Firmware updates install automatically through the app.

Additional features include earbud location finding, low-latency gaming mode, and auto-pause functionality. The app lacks status sound customization and voice prompt adjustment, which some users find limiting.

Real-World Performance Testing

Extensive real-world testing across diverse scenarios confirms the FreeBuds Pro 4 deliver consistent performance. Music listening across various genres reveals excellent sound reproduction with impressive dynamic range. Classical music benefits from the wide frequency response.

Commuting performance shows effective noise cancellation on trains, buses, and airplanes. The Ultra ANC mode handles consistent low-frequency noise particularly well. Variable noise environments benefit from the adaptive Dynamic mode.

Office use demonstrates excellent call quality and comfort during extended meetings. Background noise suppression works effectively in typical office environments. Battery life easily supports full workday usage.

Exercise testing reveals adequate stability for moderate activities. Gym workouts and casual running pose no significant issues. However, high-impact activities may require periodic readjustment for optimal fit.

Value Proposition Analysis

At the €199 launch price, the FreeBuds Pro 4 offer competitive value in the premium wireless earbud segment. The combination of advanced audio technology, effective noise cancellation, and premium build quality justifies the investment for serious users.

Comparison with similarly priced competitors reveals strengths in sound quality and call performance. Weaknesses include limited availability in key markets and moderate battery life compared to some alternatives.

Long-term value depends on software support and hardware durability. Huawei’s track record with previous FreeBuds models suggests reasonable longevity. The included accessories and premium materials support extended use.

Target users include audio enthusiasts, professionals requiring call quality, and users within Huawei’s ecosystem. Casual users might find adequate alternatives at lower price points.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are the Huawei FreeBuds Pro 4 worth the upgrade from FreeBuds Pro 3?

The FreeBuds Pro 4 offer incremental improvements over the Pro 3, including better microphone pickup, enhanced L2HC 4.0 codec, and refined sound tuning. However, the changes are not revolutionary. Users satisfied with Pro 3 performance may want to wait for more significant updates.

How does the noise cancellation compare to Apple AirPods Pro 2?

The FreeBuds Pro 4 provide competitive noise cancellation but don’t quite match the AirPods Pro 2. Apple’s offering delivers superior background noise suppression and more natural transparency mode. However, the difference remains minimal for most real-world scenarios.

Can I use the L2HC 4.0 codec with non-Huawei devices?

The L2HC 4.0 codec is exclusive to Huawei devices running compatible software. Non-Huawei phones will use standard codecs like SBC, AAC, or LDAC. Sound quality remains excellent with these codecs, though not quite reaching the lossless L2HC performance.

How long does the battery actually last in real-world use?

Real-world battery testing confirms manufacturer claims are largely accurate. Expect 6-7 hours per charge with moderate ANC usage and volume levels around 50%. Total battery life with the case reaches 25-30 hours depending on usage patterns.

Are the FreeBuds Pro 4 suitable for sports and exercise?

The IP54 rating provides adequate protection for light exercise and casual jogging. However, the fit may not be secure enough for high-impact activities. The included memory foam tips improve stability compared to standard silicone options.

Do the FreeBuds Pro 4 work well with iPhone?

iPhone compatibility works excellently through standard Bluetooth protocols. Users get full functionality including AAC codec support, touch controls, and basic app features. However, some advanced features like multipoint connectivity work better with Android devices.

The Huawei FreeBuds Pro 4 represent a significant achievement in wireless earbud technology. They deliver exceptional sound quality, effective noise cancellation, and premium build quality that justifies their position in the competitive market. While not perfect, they offer compelling value for users seeking high-quality wireless audio with professional-grade call performance.