BETTER THAN THE FREEBUDS PRO?
After a not so spectacular experience, I wasn’t too enthusiastic about reviewing the Huawei FreeLace Pro, and was actually eyeing the FreedBuds Pro instead. But after spending the last few weeks with this sporty pair of wireless earbuds, I think it may even be a better option than the FreeBuds Pro.
Why? Lets give the Huawei FreeLace Pro the Ups and Downs.
WHATS IN THE BOX?
The Huawei FreeLace Pro retains the same packaging as its predecessor. It’s simple clean and sturdy enough to be a keeper. UP!
On the front you have the image of the FreeLace Pro, some highlighted features, and the Huawei branding. Slide out the inner box and you see the Huawei FreeLace Pro tucked securely in place.
What I like about this packaging is that you can easily store the FreeLace back without the risk of disfiguring it or getting the cables tangled as it hides neatly underneath. UP!
Take the Huawei FreeLace Pro’s casing out of the way and you’ll find a paper documents including the warranty card, safety information, and user guide. Then there’s a short USB Type-C charging cable and two extra ear tips in Small and Large sizes, so you can choose the right fit for your ears. UP
DESIGN AND BUILD
Our Huawei FreeLace Pro came in Graphite Black, which I didn’t like as mu first FreeLace was Orange, but I later realized at my age Black looks a lot better. I do have to give this a DOWN! because other color options are always good.
There are two metallic “bands” on each side of the neckband that keeps the neckband down when worn and it also houses the controls for the FreeLace Pro. On the right side are volume controls, and microphones. Pull it off and you’ll find the built-in USB Type-C connector.
The earbuds also come in a matte finish with silicone ear tips that are shaped to provide a secure and ergonomic fit. Both buds have a magnet so you can attach the two together when not in use to keep it from falling off. For the Design and Build it gets an UP!
As much as I like those TWS “peashooter” designs, I’ve never been confident wearing them outside as I’m afraid they might fall in the most unfortunate spots. So, I prefer using wired or those with neckbands when I’m out for a walk or at the mall.
The FreeLace Pro features a necklace/band design that wraps around your neck. It might not look as cool as the FreeBuds, but its more practical to use for running or other sports activities. Its very light and comfortable you’ll forget its even there. This design also means its less likely to fall out and land on the ground somewhere and the eartips fit more secure in your ear.
The magnetic back of the earbuds holds the two earbuds in place, so it won’t dangle around and also disconnects from your device’s Bluetooth when they’re magnetically connected and automatically reconnects once you take them apart saving you some battery. UP!
For the controls, the volume up/down, play/pause are located on the right metal portion, together with the power button. They’re clicky and tactile and have different shapes so you can familiarize with the controls. You can use the power button to reconnect with the previously connected device as well. UP!
Here’s the thing, the easiest way to charge the FreeLace Pro is via your smartphone’s USB-C port but if you don’t have one or don’t want to, Huawei has included a t cable adapter you can plug into a normal charger. A 5-minute charge from your smartphone will get you 5 hours of playback which is not bad. If you have a type C smartphone you can easily charge the FreeLace Pro, if not you better not lose the adaptor. So while it’s neat it isn’t for everyone. DOWN!
The FreeLace Pro, has a lot of tricks up its sleek sleeve–or should I say, neckband. Not only is it wireless, but it also offers active noise cancellation, a promise of 24-hour battery life, bluetooth 5.0 and is rated IP55 for splash, water, and dust resistance.
Now for the sound quality. The FreeLace Pro sounds fantastic. UP!
Just because its priced lower than the Freebuds Pro, doesn’t mean Huawei skimped on the audio quality –unlike the previous version. Thanks to a 14 mm dynamic driver that works with an independent low-frequency sound tube, it is able to achieve resonance effect, delivering punchier, deeper bass.
The Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) works great, and you have several options to choose from. But if you want to keep things simple, just leave noise canceling on “dynamic,” and let the earphones decide which work best in your situation. There’s also Awareness mode that blocks out all the noise and only lets voices get through. This is useful when you are having a conversation and you don’t want to remove them or if, let’s say you are waiting for an announcement. UP!
The in-call noise cancellation also works well because of the multiple mics on the FreeLace Pro, and people on the other end will hear your voice loud and clear, without any background noise even though you are out in traffic or indoors with aircon noise.
Like I said the FreeLace Pro sounds great. Whatever type or genre of music you are listening to, podcasts or watching movies everything sounds loud, crisp and clear. UP!
Huawei promised 22 hours of music playback, but that estimate depends on whether ANC is on or off and on the volume level you are playing. In my experience, I was able to easily get 15 hours during my testing period which is still quite impressive. UP!
I was really surprised at the FreeLace Pro and it was as good or even better as other pricier true wireless counterparts. If you don’t mind neckband form factor, and looking for a good companion to your daily runs and workouts, the Huaweir FreeLace Pro ticks of all the right boxes with a price tag that’s sounds just as good.
Overall the Huawei FreeLace Pro gets an UP for its price and features. You can get it here at the HUAWEI STORE
