HUAWEI FreeClip 2: Design, comfort and scope of delivery
The HUAWEI FreeClip 2 earbuds feel a little unusual at first because they don't go inside the ear, but rather wrap around it. The small speaker unit is at the front, a counterweight at the back, and a flexible clip in between holds everything in place.
They are pleasantly unobtrusive when worn, because the open design means nothing sits in the ear canal that could press against it. The longer you wear them, the more likely you are to forget you're even wearing them.
At the same time, you notice that they don't fit quite as securely as regular earbuds. For the best sound, you'll need to readjust them slightly from time to time, especially if they shift a little when you move. There's no left or right here, by the way. Both earbuds are identical, and the system automatically detects which earbud is in which position.
Visually, the FreeClip 2 earbuds are anything but subtle. They come in black, white, blue, and rose gold. In collaboration with Les Néréides, HUAWEI has also released a limited edition with jewelry attachments that can be clipped onto the earbuds. This clearly demonstrates HUAWEI's vision for the FreeClip 2.
The build quality is solid. The materials feel high-quality, the case is pleasantly compact, and with IP57 protection, the earbuds are also well protected against water.
The scope of delivery, however, is quite basic. Besides the earbuds and the charging case, there's nothing else included, not even a charging cable. While this is sufficient, it seems a bit meager for the price.
HUAWEI FreeClip 2: Features and Operation
Instead of small touch areas, there are more or less open areas for tapping. You can tap in various places on the earpiece and don't have to hit a precise spot. This usually works well, although I occasionally had to tap again because the first attempt wasn't registered.
New is the volume control via swipe gestures. This works quite reliably directly on the back and feels completely natural after a short adjustment period. Additionally, there are gestures like nodding or shaking your head to accept or reject calls.
The app allows you to control additional functions, including touch gestures and a 10-band equalizer, which lets you adjust the sound to some extent. The connection itself was mostly stable in the test, and multipoint connectivity is also included, so you can stay connected to two devices simultaneously.
HUAWEI FreeClip 2: Sound and everyday life
Regarding the sound, you first need to understand what the Huawei FreeClip 2 are actually designed to be. They are open-back earbuds. This means you'll always hear your surroundings. Conversations, traffic, and announcements are constantly present. If you're looking for complete isolation, these are definitely not for you.
For this design, the sound is surprisingly good. Compared to the first generation, everything sounds significantly fuller. There's more substance, especially in the bass, than you'd expect from open-back headphones. Of course, it lacks the punch you'd expect from classic in-ear headphones, but it's perfectly adequate for everyday use.
With well-fitting headphones, music sounds pleasantly balanced. Voices come through clearly and have enough warmth to ensure podcasts and music remain easily understandable. Even across different genres, nothing sounds overly emphasized. At the same time, however, the limitations are noticeable. Finer details are lost more quickly, and with more complex songs, the overall sound is somewhat less precise.
In everyday life, the concept works quite well. It's fine for background listening, on the go, or in the office, because you're not completely isolated. However, as soon as it gets louder, the surrounding environment quickly takes over. Then you have to turn up the volume or accept that the music will remain more of a background sound.
HUAWEI FreeClip 2: Phone calls and battery life
The Huawei FreeClip 2 earbuds deliver solid, but not outstanding, call performance. In quiet environments, you can be heard clearly, and the other party's voice comes through well. However, as the surroundings get louder, their limitations quickly become apparent. Wind and traffic noise are reduced, but they don't disappear completely. They're sufficient for short calls on the go, but for longer conversations, I'd recommend using your phone.
The battery life is a real plus. Around nine hours with the earbuds themselves and up to 38 hours with the case is more than sufficient for everyday use. I rarely had to actively charge them because they simply last so long. A full charge via USB-C takes about 40 minutes. A 10-minute charge provides approximately 3 hours of music playback. Wireless charging is also possible, but takes considerably longer.
