The HUAWEI FreeClip 2 earbuds offer a unique clip-on design that keeps ear canals clear while delivering impressive bass output. SoundGuys called them among the best open earbuds on the market, praising their lightweight comfort and convenient features. However, the hefty price tag and lack of noise isolation make them less suitable for environments requiring sound blocking. The earbuds' automatic earbud detection and touch controls are standout features, though the Bluetooth version falls short of the latest standard.
Full review
Design and comfort
SoundGuys found the HUAWEI FreeClip 2 to be a compelling upgrade in terms of comfort and fit, noting that the C-bridge design applies enough pressure to keep the earbuds stable without turning painful during long sessions. WhatGear observed that Huawei has made the Airy SeaBridge 25% softer than the previous generation, using a shape-memory alloy core that maintains its form after thousands of flexes. The earbuds weigh just 5.1g each, making them feel lighter than their actual weight, and the Comfort Bean acts as a counterweight for the audio component. The design allows for interchangeability between left and right earbuds, eliminating the need to figure out which is which, and this feature was praised for its convenience.
WhatHi-Fi? highlighted the distinctive open-sty design as both eye-catching and functional, with the C-bridge that clips around the ear lobe and the spherical Acoustic Ball components hovering over the ear canals. The case has been redesigned to be 17% narrower and 14% lighter than its predecessor, and the charging case features IP54 protection, which WhatGear noted is quite rare for earbud cases. The overall build quality was described as impeccable, with the earbuds being described as among the lightest open-ear earbuds on the market, and the fit secure enough to prevent slippage during physical activity.
GSM Arena emphasized that the FreeClip 2 are easily the most comfortable pair of wireless earbuds tested to date, with one reviewer consistently wearing them throughout workdays without discomfort. The earring-style design is not for everyone, but the comfort level was considered class-leading, with no pressure build-up inside the ear canal. The buds are IP57 rated for water and dust resistance, and the case is IP54 rated. The design includes a micro-moulded plastic material for a denim-like look on the case, and the actual earpiece gets a glossy finish, while the bean that goes behind the ear helix also features a glossy treatment.
Audio performance
SoundGuys measured the FreeClip 2's bass output as impressive, noting that despite being open earbuds, they deliver potent levels of bass which was surprising. The default sound profile offers warm audio with impressive detail and clarity across the mids and treble, with clear instrument separation. The earbuds are equipped with 10.8 mm dual-diaphragm drivers and Huawei's third-generation audio chip, along with a dedicated NPU AI processor for adaptive volume and voice enhancements. The audio quality was described as immersive without feeling isolated, which aligns with the excellent spatial awareness feature.
WhatGear noted that the FreeClip 2's audio components include dual-diaphragm drivers and a dedicated NPU AI processor, which allows for adaptive volume and voice enhancements. The default sound profile offers warm audio with impressive detail and clarity across the mids and treble. The earbuds provide clear instrument separation and potent levels of bass, which was surprising on a pair of open earbuds. The sound quality was described as immersive, and the spatial awareness feature was considered a given with open earbuds.
GSM Arena reported that the FreeClip 2 exceeded expectations from the very start in terms of sound quality, with the default sound profile offering warm audio with impressive detail and clarity across the mids and treble. The earbuds deliver clear instrument separation and even potent levels of bass, which is surprising on a pair of open earbuds. The 10.8 mm dual-diaphragm drivers, along with Huawei's third-generation audio chip and a dedicated NPU AI processor, contribute to the overall audio performance. The FreeClip 2 also offers four default EQ profiles as well as a custom EQ option with a 10-band equalizer inside the AI Life app.
Battery and connectivity
WhatGear measured the FreeClip 2's battery life as up to 9 hours of usage from the buds on a single charge and up to 38 hours if including their charging case. The charging case is also IP54 rated, which WhatGear noted is quite rare for earbud cases. The earbuds are equipped with Bluetooth 5.4, which is an upgrade from the previous generation, and they support dual connectivity through the Huawei AI Life app, allowing users to connect to their smartwatch and phone at the same time or their PC and phone, dynamically switching between them on the fly.
GSM Arena reported that Huawei claims up to 9 hours of usage from the buds on a single charge and up to 38 hours if including their charging case. The earbuds are equipped with 6 microphones spread across the two earbuds with dedicated call noise cancellation. The connection strength was good enough to be considered reliable, with fast pairing and no issues.
Basic-Tutorials measured the FreeClip 2 S's battery life as up to 9 hours of usage from the buds on a single charge and up to 38 hours if including their charging case. The charging case is IP54 rated, and the earbuds are equipped with Bluetooth 5.3, supporting SBC, AAC, L2HC, and LC3 codecs. The FreeClip 2 S also features Multipoint for simultaneous connection to two devices, complemented by a cross-OS connection that works between iOS, Android, and Windows.
Controls and app features
WhatGear detailed that the FreeClip 2 features smart touch controls, with the ability to adjust volume by swiping on the Comfort Bean, and play or pause music, answer calls, and end calls by tapping the Bean. Double taps are also recognized, and tapping anywhere on the FreeClip works, not just on the Bean specifically. Triple taps skip tracks, and all of these controls can be remapped in the app. The FreeClip 2 also includes head gesture input, allowing users to answer or reject calls by nodding or shaking their head, though this feature was noted as potentially problematic if used during music playback.
GSM Arena noted that the FreeClip 2 features standard touch controls that can register taps almost anywhere on the buds, including the bean part, the C-bridge, or the driver unit. There are double and triple tap gestures, as well as tap and hold gestures, and swipes for volume adjustment. The controls can be reprogrammed via the Huawei AI Life app, which is available on Android, iOS, and Harmony OS. The FreeClip 2 also includes head controls like on the FreeBuds 7i, allowing users to answer or reject calls by nodding or shaking their head, though this feature was described as gimmicky.
Basic-Tutorials reported that the FreeClip 2 S features reliable touch controls, with double and triple taps that can be triggered anywhere on the earbud, whether on the Acoustic Ball or the Comfort Bean. The earbuds also support head gesture input for answering or rejecting calls, which Basic-Tutorials noted is similar to the FreeBuds 7i but potentially problematic if used during music playback. The FreeClip 2 S also includes Adaptive Audio, which automatically adjusts the volume to the environment and can be fine-tuned across three sensitivity levels.
Call quality and noise cancellation
SoundGuys noted that call quality was about what you'd expect from a pair of open earbuds, performing great in quieter environments but struggling in noisier areas with more instances of background noise. The FreeClip 2 features 6 microphones spread across the two earbuds with dedicated call noise cancellation, which was considered a strong feature for open earbuds.
WhatGear emphasized that the FreeClip 2 features 6 microphones spread across the two earbuds with dedicated call noise cancellation, which was considered a strong feature for open earbuds. The call quality was described as performing well in quieter environments but struggling in noisier areas, which is expected with open earbuds.
GSM Arena reported that the FreeClip 2 features 6 microphones spread across the two earbuds with dedicated call noise cancellation. The call quality was described as performing great in quieter environments but struggling in noisier areas with more instances of background noise, which is typical for open earbuds.
Value proposition
SoundGuys rated the HUAWEI FreeClip 2 7.5 out of 10, noting that while they are among the best open earbuds on the market, they come with a hefty price tag to match. The earbuds are described as a good option for those looking for open earbuds to stay aware of their surroundings while listening to music, with a lightweight design, convenient features, and impressive bass output. However, the price point was considered a major drawback, especially when compared to other open earbuds in the market.
WhatHi-Fi? noted that the FreeClip 2 are a satisfying upgrade for distinctive open-sty earbuds that major on comfort over pure sound quality. The design and features were considered premium, but the price was noted as a significant factor for potential buyers. The earbuds are described as a good option for people who want open earbuds that keep their ear canals clear so they can stay aware while listening.
The value proposition was described as strong for those who prioritize comfort and features, but the price point may be a barrier for some buyers.
Strengths
- +Lightweight design at 5.1g per earbud
- +IP57 water resistance on earbuds and IP54 on case
- +Intuitive touch controls on either earbud
- +Automatic left/right earbud detection and placement
Watch-outs
- −Expensive
- −Bluetooth 5.4 instead of Bluetooth 6
How it compares
The HUAWEI FreeClip 2 offers a lightweight design and automatic earbud detection, features not available in the Shokz OpenDots 2 or Sony LinkBuds Clip. However, unlike the Shokz models, it lacks wireless charging support and has a less impressive IP rating compared to the Shokz OpenRun Pro 2, though it provides a unique clip-on design for secure wear.
Rating sources
“There seems to be an emerging trend. More and more brands are making these portable audio solutions designed for people who don't want things in, over, or on their ears.”
Our 4.1 score is the average of the 4 scored reviews above; 6 more reviewed it without printing a score and are not in the average. Ratings marked * were derived from the reviewer’s written analysis or video transcript — the publisher didn’t print an explicit numeric score, so we inferred one from their own words. Click through to verify. More about methodology.
