Huawei has two amazing wireless earbuds – the budget-friendly FreeBuds 5i and the premium FreeBuds Pro 2.
Both offer solid features and performance, but there are some key differences between them.
In this article, we’ll compare the FreeBuds 5i and FreeBuds Pro 2 across key areas like design, sound quality, battery life, and price to help you decide which one is right for you.
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Price & Availability
There’s a significant price difference between these two earbuds. The FreeBuds 5i has $99 while the FreeBuds Pro 2 is $199, though it can often be found on sale for around $170. So you’re looking at a $60-$100 difference.
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Huawei FreeBuds 5i: View on AliExpress
Huawei FreeBuds Pro 2: View on AliExpress
Huawei FreeBuds 5i vs FreeBuds Pro 2: Specs Comparison
| Specification | Huawei FreeBuds 5i | Huawei FreeBuds Pro 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Drivers | 10mm dynamic driver | 11mm dynamic driver + planar diaphragm driver |
| Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) | Yes, up to 42dB | Yes, up to 47dB |
| Transparency Mode | Yes | Yes, high-quality |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.2 | 5.2 |
| Codec Support | LDAC, AAC, SBC | LDAC, AAC, SBC |
| Battery Life (earbuds) | 7.5 hours | 4-6.5 hours |
| Battery Life (with case) | 28 hours | 30 hours |
| Charging | USB-C | USB-C, Qi wireless |
| Controls | Touch | Pinch |
| Multipoint Connection | Yes | Yes |
| Water Resistance | IP54 | IP54 |
| Wear Detection | Yes | Yes |
| Gaming Mode | No | Yes |
| App Support | Huawei AI Life | Huawei AI Life |
| Colors | White, Black, Blue | White, Gray, Blue |
| Price | $99 | $199 |
Huawei FreeBuds 5i vs FreeBuds Pro 2: In-depth Review
Design and Comfort
In terms of design, the FreeBuds 5i and Pro 2 look quite similar with compact earpieces and a stem. However, the Pro 2 buds are slightly smaller and lighter.
Both come with a nice charging case, though the Pro 2’s case has a more premium metallic finish compared to the plastic 5i case.
For controls, the FreeBuds 5i use standard tap gestures while the Pro 2 uses a pinch gesture on the earbud stem. It comes down to personal preference which you prefer.
Both earbuds provide a secure and comfortable fit suitable for sports. The Pro 2 feels a bit more premium overall.
Both the FreeBuds 5i and Pro 2 come in three color options. The 5i offers white, black, and blue while the Pro 2 comes in white, gray, and a nice blue shade. The matte finish options hide fingerprints better than the glossy white.
Sound Quality
This is where the FreeBuds Pro 2 really shine and justify their higher price point. While the FreeBuds 5i sound quite good for the price with 10mm dynamic drivers, the Pro 2 is notably better.
The Pro 2 uses a premium dual driver system – an 11mm dynamic driver with a rigid 4-magnet structure for powerful bass and a planar diaphragm driver for detailed mids and highs. This results in superior clarity, detail, and bass impact compared to the 5i.
Both have active noise cancellation up to 42dB on the 5i and 47dB on the Pro 2. While the Pro 2 is slightly better based on specs, real world performance is quite similar with good noise isolation.
However, the Pro 2 has better transparency mode performance, letting in outside sound very naturally.
The earbuds support the LDAC codec for high resolution wireless audio. You can customize the sound using an equalizer in Huawei’s AI Life app.
Battery Life
The FreeBuds 5i actually beat out the Pro 2 when it comes to battery life. The 5i earbuds last around 7.5 hours per charge and the case provides a total of 28 hours. In contrast, the Pro 2 lasts 4-6.5 hours depending on ANC and the case holds 30 hours total.
So those wanting maximum battery life should opt for the 5i, though both perform well. The cases charge via USB-C and the Pro 2 case adds wireless charging.
Other Features
Both earbuds have wear detection to auto pause, customizable touch controls, a find my earbuds feature, and mono earbud use. They also support multipoint to connect to two devices simultaneously.
The FreeBuds Pro 2 supports a low latency gaming mode and has bone voice sensor for clearer calls. Speaking of calls, while both have good microphones, the 5i actually performs better in noisy environments based on testing.
Huawei FreeBuds 5i vs FreeBuds Pro 2: Final Verdict
So which one should you buy? The Huawei FreeBuds Pro 2 are clearly the better earbuds, with superior sound quality, great ANC and transparency, premium design, and bonus features like wireless charging and gaming mode. If you want the best and are willing to pay more, get the FreeBuds Pro 2.
However, the FreeBuds 5i are an incredible value, offering probably 90% of the Pro 2’s performance at a much lower price. You get similar design and comfort, good sound quality, ANC, and controls in a more affordable package. And the 5i even beats the Pro 2 in mic quality and battery life.
So if you’re on a budget, the FreeBuds 5i are an excellent buy. But if you want the absolute best sound quality and features, the FreeBuds Pro 2 are worth the extra money.
You can’t go wrong with either, but those are the key differences to consider when deciding between Huawei’s latest wireless earbuds.
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Nick, the Co-founder of Earbuds Arena, is a seasoned freelance tech journalist with over ten years of experience covering wearables, apps, headphones, and gadgets. When he’s not immersed in the tech world, you’ll likely find him unwinding with video games, going for a run, or enjoying a game of soccer on the field.
