I’ve been using the Huawei FreeBuds SE 2 wireless earbuds for about 3 months now, ever since they were released.
In this in-depth review, I want to share my honest experience with these budget-friendly earbuds and whether I think they’re still worth buying in 2024.
Related: Huawei FreeClip Review
Huawei FreeBuds SE 2: Key Specs
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Bluetooth Version | 5.3 |
| Audio Codec | AAC |
| Driver Size | 10mm dynamic drivers |
| Battery Life (earbuds) | Up to 8 hours |
| Battery Life (with case) | Over 30 hours |
| Charging Port | USB-C |
| Charging Time | Approx. 1 hour |
| Water Resistance | IP54 |
| Touch Controls | Yes, customizable in app |
| App Support | Huawei AI Life (Android & iOS) |
| Dual Device Connectivity | Yes |
| Low Latency Gaming Mode | Yes |
| Microphones | Dual mics with AI noise cancellation |
| Earbud Weight | Approx. 4g each |
| Charging Case Weight | Approx. 37g |
| Colors | White, Blue |
| Price | Check on AliExpress |
Design & Comfort
One of the things I continue to love about the FreeBuds SE 2 is their compact, lightweight design. The case is super small and pocketable – it easily fits in my jeans coin pocket. The buds have an open-fit, AirPods-like design that I find very comfortable, even for long listening sessions and while working out.
The glossy plastic case does attract some fingerprints and micro-scratches over time, but nothing too noticeable. They come in an attractive white or blue color. Overall, the design has held up very well over 8 months and still looks sleek and modern.
Battery Life
I’ve been extremely impressed with the battery life on these:
- Around 7.5 to 8 hours playtime per charge at 40-50% volume
- Over 30 hours total with the charging case
- USB-C charging gets them fully topped up in about 1 hour
While you don’t get wireless charging at this price point, the battery life has been more than sufficient for my needs. Great for commuting and hitting the gym.
Connectivity
The FreeBuds SE 2 have very solid, modern connectivity:
- Bluetooth 5.3
- AAC audio codec
- Low latency gaming mode
- Dual device connectivity
- Android & iOS app support
I did experience some minor connection stability issues when I first got them, but firmware updates completely resolved this. The connection is now rock solid with good range. Gaming mode works well to eliminate any audio lag.
The Huawei AI Life app, while a bit basic, lets you see the battery status, tweak touch controls, and select from a few EQ presets. I do wish it had a custom equalizer though.
Call Quality
This is one area that has significantly improved via firmware updates. The dual mic system and AI noise cancellation do an excellent job now of clearly picking up my voice while reducing background noise, even outdoors in windy conditions or near traffic.
Easily some of the best call quality I’ve experienced in budget TWS earbuds. Very happy with how well the mics perform for phone calls after the updates.
Sound Quality
No, the FreeBuds SE 2 don’t have ANC, but I’ve been very pleased with the sound quality for open-fit buds at this price:
- Impressive bass depth and punch from the 10mm dynamic drivers
- Detailed mids and treble
- Good loudness and clarity, only distorting a bit at max volume
- Semi-open design provides some passive isolation without fully blocking your surroundings
While $200+ buds with sealed in-ear designs will give you better technical audio quality, the FreeBuds SE 2 are extremely enjoyable to listen to and have remarkably full, engaging sound for this form factor and price. Great for casually listening to music, podcasts, videos, etc.
Huawei FreeBuds SE 2 Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Affordable price
- Compact and comfortable design
- Impressive battery life
- Stable Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity
- Good call quality with noise cancellation
- Enjoyable sound quality
- IP54 water and dust resistance
- Customizable touch controls
- Dual device connectivity
- USB-C charging
Cons:
- No active noise cancellation (ANC)
- Glossy plastic case attracts fingerprints
- No wireless charging
- Limited EQ settings in the app
- Sound leakage due to open-fit design
- No in-ear detection for auto play/pause
- Slightly bulky stemmed design
- Basic companion app
- No support for aptX or LDAC codecs
Where to Buy?
Bottom Line
At their current street price of around $40, I think the Huawei FreeBuds SE 2 remain one of the best values in TWS earbuds if you’re looking for an open-fit, AirPods-style design.
The combination of comfort, pocketability, stable connectivity, great call quality, and very enjoyable sound makes them an easy recommendation. Battery life is also top-notch.
Of course, their semi-open design won’t be ideal for noisy environments, but I love the awareness and versatility it provides around the house, office, and neighborhood.
While not perfect, the FreeBuds SE 2 get all the basics right and, with a few updates, have aged very well over the past 3 months. An excellent affordable option if the design suits your needs and preferences.
Let me know if you have any other questions! I’m always happy to share more about my experience with these surprisingly capable budget buds.
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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.
