Huawei FreeBuds or Apple AirPods wireless headphones?

The AirPods wireless headset from the best manufacturer Apple was released in the fall of 2016. Until that day, she really had no rivals. There were popular models that sound better or provide more functionality, but they did not reach the Apple headset.It has excellent battery life and compactness, plus a fairly natural sound, and a practical storage box. But, based on recent events, the iPad headset eventually has a worthwhile rival. This article will help users decide on the question: "Which is better to buy wireless headphones - Huawei FreeBuds or Apple AirPods?"

Compare FreeBuds to AirPods

Gradually, the name Huawei has become a brand that is perceived on a similar level with such giants of the mobile industry as Apple and Samsung. In simple words, Huawei is a class "A" trademark, since the popularity of the models of gadgets of this company practically does not differ from the above brands.

One of the clear proofs that Huawei has become a category “A” brand is consumer confidence in it. The fact is that all the new items produced by the company are bought regardless of the opinions indicated in the reviews. In addition, many devices regularly hold leading positions in the ranking of quality devices.

In addition, the company's devices "explode" sales levels from the first days. It was this year that this happened with the popular FreeBuds, which will be discussed below. Even before the release of any reviews, they "took off" in implementation. And this is despite the fact that the headphones do not belong to the budget segment in terms of price.

AirPods package

• Headphones;
• Storage and charging case;
• Lightning cord;
• Leadership.

FreeBuds package

• Headset in the charging box;
• USB type C cord;
• Silicone plugs of various sizes;
• Documents.

Design and ergonomics

Before the developers creating the appearance of the headset from Huawei, the goal was most likely announced: "to make it like the Apple organization, but better." And from the side of appearance and ergonomics, they did it with a bang. At first glance, the headset seems like a futuristic analogue of Apple earbuds.

The shape is a little similar, but a little more intricate and dynamic, there is a black color scheme. The charging case is completely different, not as practical as the AirPods, but significantly less when compared to Samsung's Gear Icon X. For example, if there is a desire, then it is quite possible to carry it in a tiny pocket of jeans.

Compared to an iPhone headset, the key and powerful aspect of Android headphones is sound isolation. If you correctly choose the size of the plugs for each ear (4 sets of nozzles are provided in the package bundle) and try to rotate the earbud to achieve a tight fit in the ear canal, then surround sound is guaranteed, with rich bass. By the way, everything is fine with the HF and MF range.

It should be noted that the FreeBuds headset is comfortable and does not put pressure on the ear, so using them for a long time to listen to music is much more pleasant than AirPods. But they will not become as inconspicuous as the latter, because for earbuds that fit snugly to the ear, this is actually unrealistic.

Control

There are practically no differences in management. Double-clicking on the right earphone plays or stops audio, on the left - activates the voice assistant. By the way, Siri, Google's assistant, and even Alice work equally well.

During an incoming call, you can answer or end the conversation with the same double press. The response to tapas is carried out without difficulty, as well as the moment the headset is removed from the ear. At this point, playback stops.

Sound

For bluetooth headphones with a microphone, the sound in FreeBuds is good, but the comparison of excellent compressed audio for stream (Apple Music services) with the encoded “lossless” FLAC format did not lead to anything. The headset from Huawei does not support the smartest codecs like aptX or LDAC. In general, music fans, regardless of this, are unlikely to be delighted with this type of headset.

Connection

FreeBuds on the Android system have no difficulties with connecting to a smartphone. The continuity of the connection is also excellent - it "stutters" only for a moment when playing music, mostly only a couple of times in a few hours, which is incredible value for a Bluetooth headset, in addition to being completely wireless. Compared to AirPods, such "lags" happen more often there.

Autonomy

With the duration of the new product from Huawei, everything is fine. After a couple of hours of connecting the charging case with the headset in it to the charger, it is quite realistic to hope for about 8-9 hours of uninterrupted operation. The power of the tiny batteries that are mounted in the earbuds lasts for about 3 hours (but, about 20 minutes before the end of this time period, systematic sound alerts begin to be emitted, reminding that it is time to recharge the headphones).

The case, according to the manufacturer, is able to charge the headset a couple more times, but as practice shows, the final portion of charging for a full time interval (3 hours) is not enough, only for two and a half. By the way, the period of autonomy is how loud to listen to music, as well as the quality of the connection.

Approved runtime is 5 hours per earpiece. Due to the charging case, a day of work is guaranteed. There is a fast charging option, when after 15 minutes. in the case, the headset can be used for 3 hours of playback, which is ideal for games as well as for sports.

Pros and cons of AirPods

• Fully intuitive connection to Apple devices;
• Good autonomy, fast charging option;
• Clear and dense sound;
• Incredibly natural voice quality;
• Simple control, work with a voice assistant (for example, the "Stop music playback" command pauses the current audio file in any application);
• Ease of use of the headset and charging module (even a child will understand everything);
• No difficulties with communication, activity during the day and duplicated connections;
• Despite the lack of specialized protection against sweat, the headset can be used for running, since they do not have a cord, they do not cling, they are comfortable to wear for a long time.

• After connection (for Android phone), the display does not accurately show the charge level of the headset, which requires reconnection;
• If you use AirPods on various gadgets of the "apple" company, then after returning to work with the iPhone, the tiny headphone indicator, which is usually located in the device's notification panel, may disappear;
• In the process of connecting to the iPhone, all signals from the gadget are audible in the earbuds, for example, if you dial SMS, you will hear key sets, but the volume level is allowed to be reduced;
• If you open the case without the headset inside, the display does not show charging information for the case itself;
• The headset cannot be used with several devices at the same time, so the user will have to choose whether it will be an iPhone or TV.

FreeBuds pros and cons

• Build quality;
• Fashionable appearance;
• Excellent sound insulation;
• A good supply of duration of work;
• Touch control by voice assistants;
• Automatic stop of playback when pulled out of the ear.

• Inconvenient case;
• Low quality audibility in the activated "Headset" mode;
• Doesn't support LDAC or aptX.

How much is?

The average price of AirPods is 12,000 rubles.

Average price of FreeBuds - 10,000 rubles

Specifications

Which company is better or 3 reasons to change AirPods to FreeBuds

First of all, the device has ear cushions made of rubber materials, in connection with which foreign sounds are not audible. Almost all owners of Ear or AirPods complained that there is no noise cancellation - the headphones are muffled in the subway or in other crowded places.

Secondly, the Huawei headset has surpassed Apple in terms of water resistance by equipping FreeBuds with IPX4 technology, making it possible to wear them in the rain.

Thirdly, in European countries the headset will cost 150 euros, but the Celestial Empire has pleased domestic consumers with an inexpensive cost of 10 thousand rubles.

Conclusion

The FreeBuds headset, in any case, should be advised as an analogue of AirPods for users who need perfectly isolated from extraneous noise, lightweight and at the same time exquisite wireless-type earbuds without suspicious sports chips. Most likely, the headset will first of all be an excellent choice for owners of devices on the Android platform.

But there is no point in advising Apple owners about the new product, because, in any case, in terms of the comfort of connection, AirPods still occupies a leading position. In addition, the duration of their work, at least on Apple gadgets, is higher.