Huawei FreeArc Open-ear Headphones

Tired of earbuds that block out the world—or just won’t stay in? Huawei's FreeArc open-ear headphones might be the answer. They’re light, open, and promise solid sound without ear fatigue. Here’s the lowdown after testing them out.

Design quality

The Huawei FreeArc is all about comfort and fit. With a soft silicone finish and a flexible Ni-Ti alloy frame, these open-ear buds wrap snugly around your ear without any pressure. Huawei’s "C-bridge Design" balances the audio driver, battery, and connecting wire for a light, secure feel. Add in the "140-degree Optimal Triangle Design" and you’ve got buds that stay put for hours, whether you're on the move or just chilling. Available in sleek Black or a bold Green, they look as good as they feel.

Features and real-world use

The FreeArc’s open-ear design keeps you aware of your surroundings—great for safety, not so much for audiophiles. Since nothing goes in your ear, you can enjoy music or podcasts while still hearing the world around you. It’s comfy and breathable, but don’t expect booming bass or studio-level sound.

So, who’s it for? After testing in a bunch of scenarios, a few clear winners stood out. On the track, it’s a champ—Huawei headphones claim a strong Bluetooth connection up to 400 meters, which means you can leave your phone in your bag and just run. It’s also great for hands-free calls at home, casual walks in busy areas, or commuting when staying alert matters. The mic setup delivers solid clarity, so you don't need to shout.

That said, it’s not built for every situation. In loud gyms or for road cycling, it struggles —especially since the fit can clash with helmets or sunglasses. And while it’s IP57 rated, swimming’s a no-go. Not comfy with a swim cap, and they’ll likely slip off without one.

Sound quality

For open-ear headphones, the FreeArc sounds surprisingly good. The 17 x 12 mm drivers deliver punchy bass and clear, balanced audio—great for music, podcasts, and calls. Just don’t expect an immersive, high-end soundstage. The open design means you trade some depth for awareness of your surroundings.

Call quality, though, is a standout. With dual mics and AI noise filtering, your voice comes through clean even in moderately noisy spots. Perfect for casual listening and crystal-clear chats—just maybe not for the audiophile crowd.

Read more: Huawei Freebuds 6 - A Game-changer Among The Best Wireless Earphones

Battery life

Huawei doesn’t officially list battery specs, but each bud packs a 55 mAh battery, with 510 mAh in the case. Charging is quick—under an hour via USB-C (no wireless charging here).

In testing, the FreeArc ran for a solid 6 to 6.5 hours at around 75% volume. With casual, off-and-on use, they’ll easily get you through a few days without needing a top-up. Overall, battery life is one of its strong suits.

Our verdict

All in all, the Huawei FreeArc is a solid pick. Sound is clear and punchy for the price, the fit is light and comfy, and battery life is a real win. They’re perfect for daily use — especially in quieter settings.

That said, they're not ideal for noisy environments, and Huawei's wearables still aren’t seamless with Apple devices, despite some improvements.

The Huawei earbuds price is around £99 in the UK and €99 in Europe (down from €119), along with bundle deals like discounted smartwatches or a second pair. The FreeArc offers great value if you’re after open-ear comfort without breaking the bank.

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