With the FreeClip, HUAWEI has already impressively demonstrated that its expertise in the field of in-ear headphones can also be transferred to the currently fast-growing open-ear segment. In our test, the model impressed us with its high level of comfort and great sound. With the new HUAWEI FreeArc, the manufacturer is now offering another pair of open-ear headphones with a headband design that should fit even better and is primarily aimed at athletes. Our test.
Technical data
| The product | FreeArc |
| Bluetooth version | 5.3 |
| Bluetooth codecs | SBC, AAC |
| Maximum operating range | 400m (without obstacle) outdoors; 100m (without obstacle) indoors |
| Battery life | Up to 7 hours, 28 hours in total with charging case; (varies depending on volume level and audio content) |
| Charging time | 1.5 hours (for charging case via USB-C) |
| Size of charging case (H x W x D) | 67 mm × 67 mm × 22 mm |
| Weight | 8.3 g per earbud; 85 g charging case & earphones |
| Most important functions | Multipoint; IP57 |
| Price per Earbud | € 119.00 * |
HUAWEI FreeArc Review: Elegant design, high wearing comfort
- Elegant, high-quality design
- high wearing comfort
- No USB cable included
In contrast to the FreeClip, the HUAWEI FreeArc use a classic headband design, as we see with many open-ear headphones. The earphones offer a new “140° triangle design”, as the manufacturer calls it. It is modeled on the natural contour of the ears and is intended to ensure even greater wearing comfort.
This worked extremely well during the test. The 8.3 gram FreeArc are simply placed over the ear and then twisted in slightly for a perfect, secure fit. Thanks to the lightweight and ultra-soft C-Bridge, which connects the driver unit to the counterweight behind the ear, you won’t even notice that you’re wearing the FreeArc. That’s how light and comfortable they are. Yet they sit so securely that absolutely nothing wobbles, even when running or jumping.
In terms of design, the HUAWEI FreeArc offer a very high-quality look, while the workmanship is also of an excellent standard. The matt black housing (alternatively also available in gray and green) looks really good, while the silver frame and the manufacturer’s logo create a harmonious contrast.
Due to its design, the charging case with a size of 67 mm x 67 mm x 22 mm is of course significantly larger than classic in-ear headphones. Charging is via USB-C on the back. Unusual: In addition to the instructions, the scope of delivery only includes the earphones and charging case. The manufacturer does not even include a USB-C cable.
Features and battery life
- IP57 certification
- Impressive range
- 7 hours battery life
The HUAWEI FreeArc are the first headphones from the manufacturer to be IP57-certified. This means they are dust-proof and protected against water jets from any angle. In addition, the manufacturer has given the open-ears a brand new dual antenna that achieves a range of a whopping 400 meters outdoors. Indoors, the range is also an impressive 100 meters.
In practice, this means that you can simply leave your smartphone in your sports bag while running on a track and the connection will still remain stable. That alone is absolutely impressive. The practical test also shows that HUAWEI has by no means promised too much here.
The FreeArc also offer dual connectivity with two audio devices simultaneously and feature private listening technology, which, despite the open design, is intended to minimize the leakage of sound to the outside. This also works extremely well in practice.
However, there is no active noise suppression or transparency mode. But this is not surprising for open-ear headphones, as they are designed to let ambient noise through. In terms of audio codecs, only SBC and AAC are available.
The battery life is a very good 7 hours, or 28 hours with the charging case. A good value, but competitors such as the beyerdynamic Verio 200 (our test) have more endurance. Thanks to Fast Charge, 10 minutes in the charging case is enough for three hours of playback.
Control of the HUAWEI FreeArc
- Precise touch control
- clear app
The HUAWEI FreeArc is operated via the touch-sensitive outer sides and works flawlessly. Double-tapping pauses or resumes a song, triple-tapping skips to the previous or next track.
If you move your finger on the touch surfaces from top to bottom or from bottom to top, you can reduce or increase the volume. The commands are recognized very precisely and implemented without any noticeable delay. It doesn’t get any better than this.
HUAWEI AI Life is used as a companion app. This informs you about the charging status of the earphones and the charging case and allows you to make various settings.
For example, you can choose between one of four equalizer presets to influence the sound or cobble together your own preferred sound using a 10-band EQ. You can also locate the FreeArc here if you have misplaced it and adjust the gesture control to a minimum.
Optionally, you can select a low-latency audio mode in the settings and adjust the dual connectivity. However, not much more is possible in the app.
Audio quality and microphones
- 17×12 mm drivers
- Detailed, but somewhat narrow sound
- good bass; slight weaknesses in mids and highs
From a sound perspective, the HUAWEI FreeArc have an exciting new feature. This is because the manufacturer has given the open-ear headphones 17×12 mm drivers, which are significantly larger than in the case of the FreeClip.
But they have to be, because while the output of the Clip model sits directly in front of the ears, with the FreeArc it sits slightly turned in and angled in front of the ear. This ensures that the sound is not quite as full. The FreeArc therefore don’t sound quite as voluminous and full as the FreeClip, but compared to many other open-ear headphones, they still deliver a detailed, albeit somewhat narrow sound.
For open-ears, the FeeArc really sound very good across all music genres. I particularly like the bass reproduction here. Normally, this is often a problem with open-ear headphones, which is simply due to the open design. Not with the FreeArc – I can really confirm the “punchy bass” that HUAWEI advertises. Of course, it should be clear that the experience is not comparable to in-ear headphones.
In any case, it is important that you align the earphones perfectly in front of your ear, which unfortunately requires a bit of fiddling around.
However, the HUAWEI FreeArc’s biggest sonic weakness is in the highs and upper mids, which is why instrumentalization and vocals are noticeably in the background. So if you prefer to listen to rock, metal or certain pop music, you will have to make adjustments here using the equalizer. Fortunately, the EQ preset “Treble boost” already delivers significantly better results here.
Microphone quality
The HUAWEI FreeArc uses microphones with an integrated noise-cancellation function, which should suppress ambient and ringing noises very well. In terms of sound, the microphones deliver a good sound and ensure clear intelligibility even in louder environments.
HUAWEI FreeArc microphone test recording:
HUAWEI FreeClip microphone test recording:
soundcore C40i microphone test recording:
I actually like the microphone quality noticeably better than that of the FreeClip, as my own voice is clearer and more detailed and we can be better understood by the other person.
HUAWEI FreeArc Review: Conclusion
With the HUAWEI FreeArc, the manufacturer once again demonstrates its expertise in the headphone segment and delivers a very good pair of open-ear headphones. They are particularly impressive in terms of wearing comfort, elegant design and very good battery life.
The comfort in particular should be emphasized, as this is at an excellent level thanks to the flexible C-Bridge and the shape modeled on an ear and clearly outperforms the competition. In terms of sound, the FreeArc also cut a good figure, but have a few weaknesses in the treble and upper mid-range.
Nevertheless, the result is an absolutely coherent overall package that should appeal to all those who are looking for comfortable, durable and convincing open-ears. Those who don’t want to use them for sports, on the other hand, will get a more coherent overall package and a fuller sound with the manufacturer’s FreeClip.
- Outstanding comfort
- Long battery life
- Good sound
- Weaknesses in highs and mids
- Narrow sound stage
- Susceptible to dust
HUAWEI FreeArc
Workmanship
Wearing comfort
Sound quality
Recording quality
Features
Value For Money
88/100
High-quality and incredibly comfortable open-ear headphones with precise touch control and good sound. Especially recommended for sports enthusiasts.
