HUAWEI is relaunching its semi-in-ear headphones. The new version of the semi-open earphones is called HUAWEI FreeBuds 6 and boasts some exciting new features. These include dual drivers, bone-sound microphones, active noise suppression and improved wearing comfort. Our test clarifies whether they are worth buying.
Technical data
| The product | FreeBuds 6 |
| Bluetooth version | 5.2 |
| Bluetooth codecs | LDAC, AAC and SBC |
| Maximum operating range | 12m (without obstacle) |
| Battery life |
|
| Charging time | 1.5 hours (for charging case via USB-C or wireless) |
| Size of charging case (H x W x D) | 66.2 mm x 49.9 mm x 24 mm |
| Weight | 4.9 g per earbud; 40.3 g charging case |
| Most important functions | ANC; Wear detection; Hearing dual speaker |
| Price | 159 Euro |
HUAWEI FreeBuds 6 remain true to teardrop shape
- familiar teardrop design
- high-quality workmanship
- very good wearing comfort… but strongly dependent on ear shape
The HUAWEI FreeBuds 6 largely take up the design of the fifth version and thus also rely on a teardrop shape. But don’t worry: under the hood, in terms of technology, a lot has changed in direct comparison.
Our test model comes in the new purple color and looks great with its matte charging case and shiny earphones. Too bad: HUAWEI once again relies on a pill-shaped case that cannot be placed upright. Instead, the charging case lies flat on surfaces. Thanks to IP54 certification, the buds are also protected against dust and water.
The design, but also the concept, of the FreeBuds 6 itself is somewhat reminiscent of the Apple AirPods. As semi-in-ear headphones, the buds are positioned between classic in-ears and open-ear headphones. This means that the earphones sit in the ear but leave the ear canal free – interesting for anyone who finds normal in-ears too uncomfortable.
The HUAWEI FreeBuds 6 are hung in the auricle and this is exactly where the problem lies. For them to sit comfortably and firmly in the ear, the ear must be the right shape and size. This wasn’t a problem for me personally, but past experience shows that the FreeBuds don’t fit everyone.
To counteract this, the manufacturer includes two pairs of rubber tips, which should ensure a slightly firmer fit with better insulation.
But when the FreeBuds 6 fit, the wearing comfort is excellent. I find the earbuds very comfortable even when used for long periods. They just don’t fit really tightly, so they are only suitable for sports to a limited extent.
Features and operation
- Bluetooth 5.2 with LDAC
- Dual drivers with 14 Hz to 48,000 Hz
- Great ear analysis
As already mentioned, the HUAWEI FreeBuds 6 have noticeably improved in terms of features. The earphones use the Bluetooth 5.2 standard and achieve an excellent range with an extremely stable connection. I was able to move around the entire apartment without any problems during my test.
Another innovation concerns the built-in drivers, as these are the first semi-open earphones with dual drivers. HUAWEI combines driver units with four magnets and Palanar diaphragm drivers, which reproduce content with a frequency response of 14 Hz to 48 kHz and can also do so in high-resolution LDAC codec if desired.
Thanks to personalized ear canal compensation and AI Smart Compensation, the earbuds should also be able to analyse and adjust the sound quality by analyzing the ears. Compensation of up to 50 dB should be possible in the bass range in particular.
And this works extremely well in practice. The effect is particularly noticeable when you take the earbuds out and put them back in, so that playback continues thanks to auto-pause and play.
The purchase argument of the 2.3 Mbps lossless transmission only applies to smartphones from the manufacturer itself and is not included here due to the lack of testing options. Active noise suppression is also offered – just like in the AirPods 4.
Coherent touch operation
- Successful touch control
- Operation customizable in the app
- Comprehensive companion app
The HUAWEI FreeBuds 6 are operated by touch control using the touch-sensitive outer sides. This works extremely precisely and without any noticeable delay. The operation is divided into double and triple taps and press and hold, while swiping the touch surfaces increases or decreases the volume.
I really like the operating concept and it works very reliably. If you like, you can also further customize the operation via the companion app “AI Life”. If you like, you can also accept or reject calls by nodding or shaking your head.
The app serves as a central point of contact for all settings. For example, you can choose between different equalizer presets or tweak them yourself with a 10-band EQ.
Disappointing battery life
- Maximum runtime of 6 hours without ANC
- Only 4.5 hours with active noise cancellation
The battery life remains the weakness of the HUAWEI FreeBuds series, although it has been further improved in the sixth version. Nevertheless, the in-ear headphones rank average here:
A maximum of six hours of use is possible with ANC deactivated, with active noise suppression only 4.5 hours of use are possible. The charging case provides power for up to 36 hours of use without ANC or 27 hours of use with active noise cancellation.
Competitors such as the Cambridge Audio Melomania M100 (our test) achieve a runtime of up to 10 hours. With ANC, mind you.
Audio quality, ANC and microphones
However, a major weakness is followed by an even greater strength. The HUAWEI FreeBuds 6 cut an excellent figure in terms of sound quality. Whether in high-resolution codecs or in standard sound, the sound is powerful, full, lively and pleasantly warm.
Even the bass reproduction is extremely detailed, without the bass overpowering the mids and highs. The latter are pleasantly airy and rich in detail, which gives the sound a pleasant width.
The FreeBuds 6 owe this to the dual drivers: While the classic dynamic driver is responsible for the bass and mids, the Palar driver takes care of the treble reproduction, which ensures impressive clarity and a high level of detail.
The earbuds cope excellently with this across all genres and don’t make any mistakes. Electro music sounds just as good as hip-hop, pop, classical or heavy metal. No wonder, as the FrreeBuds 6 use the same driver design as the company’s own top model, the FreeBuds Pro 4 (our test), which has already made a big impression in terms of sound quality. If you are not completely satisfied with the sound, you can also use the equalizer to improve the sound.
Active noise suppression
There is also a noticeable improvement in active noise suppression, which suppresses ambient noise much better than its predecessor. However, you shouldn’t expect too much here.
While low-frequency, monotonous noises in particular are suppressed quite well, higher and medium frequencies come through muted but still clearly audible. The FreeBuds 6 really can’t keep up with the best in-ear or even over-ear headphones with ANC.
Very good microphones
The HUAWEI FreeBuds 6 also make a significant leap forward in terms of microphone quality. The manufacturer has equipped the in-ear headphones with three microphones per earbud, which also feature noise suppression. This should be able to suppress ambient noise up to a volume of 95 dB.
Microphone test recording HUAWEI FreeBuds 6:
Microphone test recording HUAWEI FreeBuds Pro 4:
Microphone test recording Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 4:
In the test, the microphones scored with a high level of detail and convincing voice intelligibility in both quiet and loud environments. The buds are therefore well suited for phone calls.
HUAWEI FreeBuds 6 Review: Conclusion
The HUAWEI FreeBuds 6 are noticeably improved compared to their direct predecessor, especially from a technical point of view. Here you get really good semi-in-ear headphones that deliver excellent sound thanks to the dual drivers from the Pro model. The active noise suppression is also noticeably better, but cannot keep up with classic in-ears.
Wearing comfort is also very good (at least if your ear shape fits), although the buds are very loose. However, the biggest point of criticism remains the meagre battery life.
- Attractive design
- Warm, detailed sound
- Good features
- Weak battery life
- ANC has its limits
- Wearing comfort depends on ear shape
HUAWEI FreeBuds 6
Workmanship
Wearing comfort
Sound quality
Recording quality
Features
Price-performance ratio
89/100
Comfortable and powerful-sounding semi-in-ear headphones that are interesting for anyone who doesn't like classic in-ears. However, the battery life is disappointing.
