Huawei has been making waves in the wireless headphone market with its impressive offerings. In this comparison, we will take a closer look at two of Huawei’s top wireless headphones: the Huawei FreeBuds 5 and the Huawei FreeBuds Pro 2.
Both models boast high-quality designs, advanced features, and excellent sound quality. Let’s dive into the details and find out which one stands out as the better choice.
Specifications
| Huawei FreeBuds 5 | Huawei FreeBuds Pro 2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Brand | Huawei | Huawei |
| Model | FreeBuds 5 | FreeBuds Pro 2 |
| Design | TWS Earbuds | TWS Earbuds |
| Weight | 55.3 g (With Case), 5.5 g Per Earbud | 52g (With Case), 6.1g Per Earbud |
| Type | In the Ear | In the Ear |
| Connectivity | Wireless | Wireless |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.2 |
| Waterproof | IP54 | IP54 |
| Battery Capacity | 505 mAh (Case), 42 mAh Per Earbud | 580 mAh (Case), 55 mAh Per Earbud |
| Battery Life | 30 hours with Case (ANC Off) 5 hours (Earbuds with ANC Off) 20 hours with Case (ANC On) 3.5 hours (Earbuds with ANC On) | 30 hours with Case (ANC Off) 5 hours (Earbuds with ANC Off) 18 hours with Case (ANC On) 4 hours (Earbuds with ANC On) |
Design and Build Quality
Both the Huawei FreeBuds 5 and the Huawei FreeBuds Pro 2 feature well-built cases with quality materials. The cases are compact and come with USB Type-C ports for charging. The FreeBuds 5 case has a metallic finish with the Huawei logo on the front, while the FreeBuds Pro 2 case offers a glossy or matte finish, depending on the color variant. The earphones of the FreeBuds 5 have a unique design, while the FreeBuds Pro 2 earphones are smaller and provide better noise isolation. The choice between the two will depend on personal preference.
Battery Life
The battery capacities of the FreeBuds 5 and FreeBuds Pro 2 are similar, offering around 4-6.5 hours of playback time with noise cancellation activated. Both models come with USB Type-C charging cables and support wireless charging. In terms of connectivity, both headphones feature Bluetooth 5.2, ensuring stable connections and low latency. They also support the LDAC codec for high-resolution audio wireless playback.
Connectivity
Both the FreeBuds 5 and FreeBuds Pro 2 are compatible with Huawei’s AI Life app, available for both Android and iOS devices. The app allows users to monitor battery levels, customize touch controls, adjust the equalizer settings, and more. It also offers a “Find My Earphones” feature, enabling users to locate their earphones when misplaced. The FreeBuds Pro 2 further provides a seamless pairing experience with Huawei devices, similar to AirPods on iOS devices.
Both the FreeBuds 5 and FreeBuds Pro 2 feature Bluetooth 5.2 and support the LDAC codec, a proprietary high-resolution audio wireless codec developed by Sony. The LDAC codec allows for a transfer rate of up to 990 kilobits per second (kbps) for superior audio quality with compatible files. However, it is important to note that LDAC only works on Android devices and has limited compatibility with iOS devices.
Microphone Quality and Noise Cancellation
Both headphones offer excellent microphone quality, ensuring clear and crisp voice calls. However, the FreeBuds Pro 2 surpass the FreeBuds 5 in terms of active noise cancellation. The FreeBuds Pro 2 provide effective noise isolation, making them a better choice for users seeking a more immersive audio experience and enhanced noise cancellation.
Sound Quality
When it comes to sound quality, the FreeBuds Pro 2 outshine the FreeBuds 5. The FreeBuds Pro 2’s dynamic drivers, including a UHF flattened diaphragm driver, offer better control, clarity, and detail in the audio. The FreeBuds 5 deliver decent sound quality, but they lack the same level of precision and control found in the FreeBuds Pro 2.
Touch Controls
Both models offer touch controls, but with slight differences. The FreeBuds 5 have traditional touch controls, while the FreeBuds Pro 2 use a pinch gesture on the earpiece stem. Personal preference may play a role in determining which control method is more comfortable. Both models offer features like automatic play/pause, customizable controls, and the ability to change tracks, adjust volume, make calls, and switch between noise cancellation modes.
Colors
The FreeBuds 5 are available in white, gray, and orange, while the FreeBuds Pro 2 come in white with a glossy finish, gray, and a beautiful blue with a matte finish. The color options provide a variety of choices to suit individual preferences.
Price
The initial price of the Huawei FreeBuds 5 is around $159, while the FreeBuds Pro 2 starts at $199. However, the FreeBuds Pro 2 can often be found at a lower price, making it a more cost-effective option. Considering the superior sound quality and noise cancellation capabilities of the FreeBuds Pro 2, it is the recommended choice for those seeking the best possible audio experience.
Difference
Design:
Both headphones have well-built cases with quality materials.
Huawei FreeBuds 5 case has a USB Type-C port, a pairing button, and the Huawei logo on the front.
Huawei FreeBuds Pro 2 case has a USB Type-C port, a charge indicator LED, and a metallic finish with the Huawei logo on the back.
Huawei FreeBuds 5 have a unique headphone design, while Huawei FreeBuds Pro 2 are smaller and more similar to AirPods.
Huawei FreeBuds Pro 2 provide better noise isolation compared to FreeBuds 5.
Touch controls:
Both headphones offer touch controls.
Huawei FreeBuds 5 have traditional touch controls.
Huawei FreeBuds Pro 2 use pinching on the earpiece stem for control.
Battery:
Huawei FreeBuds 5: 42mAh capacity per earphone, 505mAh in the charging case. Up to 5 hours of playback with the headphones, 30 hours with the case.
Huawei FreeBuds Pro 2: 55mAh capacity per earphone, 580mAh in the charging case. Up to 4 hours with noise cancellation activated, 6.5 hours with noise cancellation deactivated, 30 hours with the case.
Connectivity:
Both headphones feature Bluetooth 5.2 and support LDAC for high-resolution audio wireless.
Huawei has a companion app called “AI Life” available for both Android and iOS.
The app allows customization of settings, equalizer adjustments, and headphone tracking.
Both headphones can connect to two devices simultaneously and have good connectivity and range.
Microphone:
Both headphones have high-quality microphones.
Huawei FreeBuds 5 cancel external noise better for microphone use.
Sound quality:
Huawei FreeBuds 5 have an 11mm Ultra Magnetic Dual dynamic driver.
Huawei FreeBuds Pro 2 have an 11mm Dynamic Driver with quads and a UHF flattened diaphragm driver for improved control and clarity.
FreeBuds Pro 2 offer better detail, control, and audio performance compared to FreeBuds 5.
Price:
Huawei FreeBuds 5 originally cost 159 dollars but have lower prices over time.
Huawei FreeBuds Pro 2 originally cost 199 dollars but can be found for around 160-170 dollars.
Conclusion!
In conclusion, both the Huawei FreeBuds 5 and FreeBuds Pro 2 offer impressive features and performance. The FreeBuds Pro 2 stand out with their superior sound quality and noise cancellation, making them the preferred option for audiophiles.
Huawei FreeBuds Pro 2 are better in terms of sound quality and noise isolation.
Choice between the two depends on personal preferences for the headphone concept.
Both headphones are excellent choices, and the decision ultimately depends on individual preferences.
