Huawei has expanded its wireless audio lineup with three exciting additions: the premium FreeBuds Pro 4, the innovative FreeClip, and the budget-friendly FreeBuds SE 3. Each model is designed for a specific audience, showcasing unique features and styles.
If you’re having trouble choosing the right one for your needs, this comparison will give you a thorough overview to assist in your decision-making.
Huawei FreeBuds Pro 4 vs FreeClip vs FreeBuds SE 3: Differences
| Category | Huawei FreeBuds Pro 4 | Huawei FreeClip | Huawei FreeBuds SE 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | In-ear with premium glossy finish and silicone tips | Open-ear C-bridge design with lightweight build | Minimalistic matte finish, compact, lightweight |
| Sound Quality | Lossless audio (up to 2.3 Mbps) with immersive sound | Moderate sound quality, ideal for casual listening | Balanced audio with clear vocals and moderate bass |
| Active Noise Cancellation | Intelligent dynamic ANC (up to 100 dB) | No ANC (open-ear design prioritizes awareness) | Minimal noise isolation, no advanced ANC |
| Battery Life | 6.5 hours (buds) + 33 hours (case) | 8 hours (buds) + 36 hours (case) | 9 hours (buds) + 42 hours (case) |
| Smart Features | Head-motion tracking, gesture controls, enhanced call clarity | Basic functionality, intuitive design | Popup pairing, gesture controls, “Find My Earbuds” feature |
Design and Comfort: Sleek or Functional?
Both the FreeBuds Pro 4 and FreeBuds SE 3 follow the familiar in-ear design, but they target different preferences. The FreeBuds Pro 4 exudes sophistication with a glossy finish and a premium look, paired with silicone tips for a snug fit.
On the other hand, the FreeBuds SE 3 opts for a more minimalistic matte finish, which is both durable and lightweight, offering decent comfort at a lower price point.
The FreeClip, however, stands out entirely. With its unique open-ear, C-bridge design, it eliminates the need for silicone tips. Instead, it clips onto the ears, making it ideal for users who dislike the feeling of earbuds inserted into their ears. Its lightweight build adds to the comfort, and it stays securely in place during vigorous activities like running or exercising.
- FreeBuds Pro 4: Sleek, high-end design with silicone tips for noise isolation.
- FreeClip: Innovative open-ear design; ultra-lightweight and secure for active use.
- FreeBuds SE 3: Simple, matte finish; lightweight with a compact build for all-day wear.
Sound Quality
Sound quality often determines the right choice for most buyers. The FreeBuds Pro 4 is clearly the leader here, with lossless audio support (up to 2.3 Mbps) that delivers high-resolution, studio-quality sound. Whether it’s deep bass or crisp trebles, it excels in offering an immersive audio experience.
The FreeClip, while less focused on audiophile-grade quality, delivers decent sound for casual listening. Its open-ear design does limit bass response compared to in-ear options, but it’s sufficient for podcasts, light music, or voice calls.
Meanwhile, the FreeBuds SE 3 punches above its weight for the price. It offers balanced audio output with clear vocals and moderate bass, perfect for budget-conscious users who still want reliable sound quality.
- FreeBuds Pro 4: Superior sound clarity with lossless audio and deep bass.
- FreeClip: Moderate sound quality; best for casual listening or podcasts.
- FreeBuds SE 3: Balanced audio performance, suitable for budget users.
Active Noise Cancellation
Noise cancellation is another area where these earbuds differ significantly. The FreeBuds Pro 4 leads with intelligent dynamic ANC, which adapts to your environment automatically. Whether you’re in a noisy café or a quiet office, it ensures optimal isolation by canceling noise up to 100 dB.
The FreeClip lacks ANC entirely due to its open-ear design, which prioritizes situational awareness. This is a trade-off for users who prefer to hear their surroundings during activities like running or commuting.
The FreeBuds SE 3, while budget-friendly, skips advanced ANC but still manages to reduce ambient noise to a reasonable extent, making it a practical choice for everyday use in less noisy environments.
- FreeBuds Pro 4: Advanced adaptive ANC for maximum noise isolation.
- FreeClip: No ANC; prioritizes awareness over isolation.
- FreeBuds SE 3: Minimal noise isolation but sufficient for casual use.
Battery Life
Battery performance is crucial, especially for users on the go. The FreeBuds Pro 4 offers a respectable 6.5 hours of playback on a single charge, extending to 33 hours with the charging case. Its fast-charging feature ensures quick top-ups when needed.
The FreeClip delivers slightly longer usage, with 8 hours of playback and up to 36 hours with the case. This added longevity pairs well with its lightweight design, making it a reliable choice for fitness enthusiasts or frequent travelers.
Impressively, the FreeBuds SE 3 outshines its competitors in battery life, offering up to 9 hours on a single charge and an incredible 42 hours with the case. It even includes fast-charging, providing 3 hours of playback from just a 10-minute charge.
- FreeBuds Pro 4: 6.5 hours (buds) + 33 hours (case).
- FreeClip: 8 hours (buds) + 36 hours (case).
- FreeBuds SE 3: 9 hours (buds) + 42 hours (case).
Smart Features
When it comes to smart features, the FreeBuds Pro 4 leads the pack with advanced options like head-motion tracking for gesture controls and enhanced voice call clarity through its robust noise-canceling microphones. These features make it perfect for professionals and tech enthusiasts.
The FreeClip focuses on simplicity, offering basic controls without overloading the user with features. Its intuitive fit design ensures comfort and convenience without the need for fancy integrations.
Surprisingly, the budget-friendly FreeBuds SE 3 includes several useful smart features, such as popup pairing, gesture controls, and a “Find My Earbuds” function via the Huawei AI Life app, making it a great value for the price.
- FreeBuds Pro 4: Advanced smart controls, head-motion tracking, and crystal-clear calls.
- FreeClip: Simple, user-friendly design with basic functionality.
- FreeBuds SE 3: Smart pairing, gesture controls, and app integration.
Which Should You Choose?
For Audiophiles and Tech Enthusiasts: The FreeBuds Pro 4 is the clear choice, offering unmatched sound quality, intelligent ANC, and innovative features like head-motion tracking. It’s ideal for those who value performance and are willing to invest in a premium experience.
For Comfort and Style: If you prioritize comfort and want an open-ear design that doesn’t feel intrusive, the FreeClip is your best bet. Its lightweight build and unique fit are perfect for users who dislike traditional earbuds.
For Budget-Conscious Buyers: The FreeBuds SE 3 delivers exceptional value with solid sound quality, long battery life, and practical features like water resistance and fast charging. It’s a no-brainer for those looking to save money while enjoying a quality listening experience.
Best Deals:
- FreeBuds Pro 4: View on AliExpress
- FreeClip: View on AliExpress
- FreeBuds SE 3: View on AliExpress
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.
