- Great sound quality with deep bass
- Comfortable fit for extended use
- Long battery life
- Multipoint connection
- IP54-rated resistance
- No active noise cancellation (ANC)
- Glossy case attracts fingerprints
- No wireless charging
- No customizable EQ settings
The Huawei FreeBuds SE 3 delivers a great balance of affordability and performance, making them a compelling choice for budget-conscious buyers. With solid sound quality, a comfortable design, and reliable connectivity, they stand out in the entry-level segment. While they lack active noise cancellation, their long battery life and multipoint connection make up for it. If you're looking for semi-in-ear wireless earbuds at an affordable price, the FreeBuds SE 3 are worth considering.
Two-Minute Review
The Huawei FreeBuds SE 3 are the latest budget-friendly true wireless earbuds from Huawei, and they bring notable improvements over their predecessors.
They feature a refreshed design, reliable battery life, and multipoint connectivity, all while keeping the price tag low.
While they lack active noise cancellation (ANC), their semi-in-ear design ensures a comfortable and lightweight fit.
The 10mm dynamic drivers deliver strong bass, and while the mids and treble could be better balanced, the overall sound experience is enjoyable. Huawei has also included Bluetooth 5.4, which improves efficiency and connectivity.
These earbuds shine with their multipoint connection, allowing users to pair with two devices simultaneously—a feature rarely found at this price point.
The battery life is solid, offering up to 9 hours of playback on a single charge and 42 hours with the charging case.
However, the absence of wireless charging and in-ear detection is a minor drawback.
Overall, the FreeBuds SE 3 are a fantastic option for those looking for a budget-friendly, reliable pair of wireless earbuds that perform well for music, calls, and casual use.
Also see: Huawei FreeBuds 6i Review: Punching Above Their Price Point
Huawei FreeBuds SE 3 – Specifications
| Dimensions | Earbuds: 33.6 × 17.8 × 18.1mm Charging Case: 50.4 × 50.3 × 23.4mm |
| Weight | Each Earbud: 3.8 g Charging Case: 33 g |
| Battery | Battery Type: Lithium-ion polymer Earbuds: 41 mAh (each) Charging Case: 510 mAh |
| Battery Life | Music Playback: Up to 9 hours (single charge), 42 hours with case Voice Calling: Up to 5 hours (single charge), 24 hours with case |
| Charging | Wired Charging: USB-C Charging Time (Earbuds): ~60 minutes Charging Time (Case): ~110 minutes |
| Controls | Double-tap: Play/pause music, Answer/end call Triple-tap: Play next track |
| Indicator | Tri-color LED on charging case |
| Material | Earbuds: PC (Polycarbonate) Charging Case: PC (Polycarbonate) |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth: 5.4 Pairing Pop-up: Supported (Requires Huawei EMUI10+ device) |
| Sensors | Hall Effect Sensor, Touch Sensor |
| Driver | 10mm Dynamic Driver Unit |
| Audio Technology | Call Noise Cancellation, Multi-EQ |
| Audio Formats | SBC, AAC |
| IP Rating | Earbuds: IP54 (Dust & Water Resistant) Charging Case: Not water-resistant |
| Colors | Black, White |
Design and Comfort
Huawei has kept things simple yet stylish with the FreeBuds SE 3. They come in two colors: black and white, and the case features a matte-textured bottom that mimics leather, giving it a premium look.
However, the glossy lid is prone to fingerprints and scratches.
The earbuds have a semi-in-ear design, meaning they sit in your ears without silicone tips. This makes them comfortable for long listening sessions but reduces passive noise isolation.
They stay secure during light activities like walking or jogging, though they might not be ideal for intense workouts.
Key Features:
- Lightweight and comfortable fit
- IP54 water and dust resistance
- No in-ear detection
- Touch-sensitive controls with customizable gestures
Audio Performance
The Huawei FreeBuds SE 3 deliver good sound quality for their price. Their 10mm dynamic drivers emphasize bass, making them great for genres like hip-hop and electronic music.
The mids and highs are clear but not as refined, though Huawei’s AI Life app provides preset EQ settings to enhance the listening experience.
Spatial awareness is decent for semi-in-ear earbuds, but sound leakage and a lack of passive noise isolation mean they’re not ideal for noisy environments.
There’s no support for hi-res audio codecs beyond AAC and SBC, but at this price point, that’s expected.
Sound Highlights:
- Strong bass response with 10mm dynamic drivers
- Clear vocals and midrange
- Limited noise isolation due to semi-in-ear design
- AAC codec support for decent audio quality on iOS and Android
Call Quality and Microphones
Huawei continues to impress with microphone quality, and the FreeBuds SE 3 are no exception. Dual microphones with ENC (Environmental Noise Cancellation) provide clear voice pickup for phone calls and video meetings.
However, wind noise reduction isn’t the best, so calls in outdoor environments can sometimes be affected.
In quieter settings, the call quality is crisp and natural, making them a reliable choice for work calls and casual conversations.
Connectivity and Features
The FreeBuds SE 3 come with Bluetooth 5.4, offering fast and stable connections. One of their standout features is Multipoint Connection, allowing seamless switching between two devices, which is rare for earbuds in this price range.
Huawei’s AI Life app (available on iOS and Android) provides control over touch gestures, firmware updates, and preset EQ settings. However, there’s no customizable equalizer or advanced touch control customization.
Connectivity Features:
- Bluetooth 5.4 for improved stability
- Multipoint pairing for two devices simultaneously
- AAC and SBC codec support
- Limited app customization
Battery Life and Charging
Huawei advertises up to 9 hours of continuous playback and 42 hours with the charging case. In real-world use, the earbuds typically last 7-8 hours at moderate volume, which is still impressive for budget earbuds.
Charging is done via USB-C with fast charging support, but there’s no wireless charging—a reasonable trade-off at this price point.
Disappointingly, Huawei does not include a USB-C cable in the box, which feels like a cost-cutting measure.
Battery Performance:
- 9 hours playback per charge (real-world ~7.5-8 hours)
- 42 hours total with charging case
- Fast charging via USB-C
- No wireless charging
Huawei FreeBuds SE 3 Review: Verdict
The Huawei FreeBuds SE 3 are an excellent budget option for those looking for good sound quality, long battery life, and multipoint connectivity without breaking the bank.
They’re comfortable for extended use, and their semi-in-ear design makes them an ideal choice for those who prefer AirPods-style earbuds.
However, lack of ANC, limited app customization, and the glossy case finish are minor downsides.
If you’re after affordable semi-in-ear earbuds with solid performance, the FreeBuds SE 3 are one of the best choices in their price range.
Should You Buy Them?
Buy if:
- You want affordable earbuds with solid performance
- You need long battery life and reliable connectivity
- You prefer semi-in-ear earbuds over in-ear silicone tips
Don’t buy if:
- You need active noise cancellation (ANC)
- You want a fully customizable sound experience
- You prefer wireless charging
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.
