Huawei FreeBuds Pro 2 strikes the ear again. This successor to the FreeBuds Pro offers a number of new features that make it a top choice for anyone looking for true wireless stereo (TWS) to impress.
One of the standout features of FreeBuds Pro 2 is active noise canceling (ANC). This feature works well to block background noise, making it ideal for use in noisy environments such as airplanes, KRL, MRT and even busy offices.
For details, read the Huawei Freebuds 2 Pro review below:
Design
The overall design of the Freebuds Pro 2 isn't that different from its predecessor. It's just that Huawei has cut the size a little, both the case and the earbuds.
The dimensions of the Freebuds Pro 2 case are smaller and thinner. The whole body is matt-coated, only near the hinge is made glossy with the words Huawei.
When opened, we will find the battery indicator LED. While on the right side of the body there is a pairing button, below there is a USB Type C port for recharging.
The erabuds are slightly refined. The trunk is still rectangular, but made shorter than the first version.
Huawei provides several eartips size options. When attached to the ear it is quite tight, so it doesn't come off easily even if you shake your head.
Silicone on the eartips is comfortable to wear. As a result, using Freebuds Pro 2 remains comfortable even for a long time.
Unlike its predecessor, FreeBuds Pro 2 is IP54 certified which makes it resistant to splashing water. So using it for sports or getting exposed to light rain shouldn't be a problem.
Control
Like its predecessor, the FreeBuds Pro 2 retains the same touch controls. The contact point on the bar is now hidden but still located in the center of the bar. Although moving there is no difficulty accessing it.
The TWS touch controls themselves are intuitive and easy to use. Similar to AirPods Pro, touch-based controls on FreeBuds Pro 2 use more of a pinch-based system for greater control accuracy.
There is also an auto play/pause feature when you put the earbuds on/off your ears.
Sound Quality
One of the main attractions of the FreeBuds Pro 2 is the Devialet touch. In addition, FreeBuds Pro 2 now uses a dual driver system, its predecessor only used a single driver.
But does that sound any better? The short answer is really.
The new FreeBuds Pro 2 deliver a cleaner sound that offers more detail across all frequencies when compared to the FreeBuds Pro. The earbuds are equipped with 11mm dynamic drivers which produce rich and clear audio, allowing us to fully immerse ourselves in music.
The FreeBuds Pro 2 also supports LDAC and HiRes Audio Wireless, but requires a compatible phone of course. We used the Oppo Find X2 Pro and Apple Music Hi-Res Lossless, the song Nothing Else Matter sung by Miley Cyrus amazed us.
The ANC on its predecessor was good but the noise cancellation capabilities on the FreeBuds Pro 2 take it even further. The sound of the arrival of the train was successfully minimized.
The FreeBuds Pro 2 by default run on the Dynamic setting, which automatically selects the ANC intensity level based on the surrounding noise. But if you are in an environment like a cafe, train, bus or plane it is advisable to go for the Ultra option as it reduces the noise significantly.
Huawei provides an Awareness mode feature that allows external environmental sounds to enter the earbuds. This is really useful when using the Freebuds Pro 2 for jogging or driving so you stay safe on the road.
This awareness mode can be activated by simply tapping and holding the earbud handle, so you can switch from ANC without removing the device from your ear.
There is also a voice mode, you can still hear other people's voices clearly even when listening to your favorite music. This is useful when you are in a coffee shop or restaurant, you don't need to remove your earbuds when you want to order.
Speaking of microphones, Huawei says the FreeBuds Pro 2 uses four microphones along with a deep neural network noise cancellation algorithm to drown out noise and wind. The result helps when making phone calls in a crowd, the sound is still clearly heard by the other party.
Connection and Battery
FreeBuds Pro 2 supports Bluetooth 5.2 connectivity, and can be paired with Android phones and iPhones in just seconds. Huawei completes the AI Life application which is now available for the iOS platform.
The AI Life app let us check battery life, perform software updates, and most importantly adjust the touch controls and EQ.
Battery life is actually the weakest point of these earbuds. When fully charged the earbuds last only 4 hours when ANC ultra is turned on. If using dynamic ANC a little longer, about 4.5 hours.
Without ANC, Freebuds Pro 2 can be used for up to 6 hours. When combined with the case, this TWS can be used for up to 18 hours with ANC always activated.
Our Opinion
Overall, the Huawei FreeBuds Pro 2 are a great choice for anyone looking for high-quality wireless earbuds with active noise cancellation. This TWS offers a rich audio listening experience and an impressive set of features.
Whether you travel a lot or just someone who likes sound that pleases their ears, the FreeBuds Pro 2 are definitely worth considering. One drawback is that the battery power doesn't last that long, especially when the ANC feature is always activated.