As an avid user of true wireless earbuds, I recently upgraded to the Huawei FreeBuds Pro 3 in the stylish new Green color. Having used the FreeBuds Pro 1 for two years, I was eager to see how the latest model compared, especially in terms of design, comfort, and performance.
Table of Contents
Unboxing and First Impressions
The first thing I noticed was the charging case itself—smaller and lighter than the FreeBuds Pro 1, yet maintaining the same elegant shape. But first, for those who have never touched a FreeBuds charging case, let me describe it a bit: The charging case is a small, smooth rectangular box weighing 45.5 grams with rounded edges, designed to fit comfortably in your palm or pocket. The top is flat with a subtle Huawei logo, while the front features a small LED indicator. The back is smooth with a hinge for opening, and the bottom has a flat surface with a USB-C charging port. The left side is smooth, and the right side has a small, flush button for pairing. To open the case, lift the lid from the front to access the snugly fitted earbuds inside.
Upon opening the case for the first pairing, a pleasant sound indicates the buds are ready to be paired, which also occurs when the buds start charging with a cable. This sound cue is handy for ensuring connectivity and charging status. Hear how they sound below
Inside the box, you’ll find:
- Huawei FreeBuds Pro 3 earbuds
- Charging case
- USB-C charging cable
- Three pairs of silicone ear tips (XS, S, L and M attached to the buds)
- Quick start guide
- Warranty card
Design and Comfort
The FreeBuds Pro 3 maintain the sleek and compact design of their predecessors, featuring a pebble-shaped charging case. The earbuds are lightweight and available in several colors, including a new Green option which I have purchased. The design includes four different tip sizes to ensure a secure and comfortable fit. The touch controls, which involve pinch gestures on the stems, might take some getting used to but offer a range of functions. I found that the FreeBuds Pro 1 could become uncomfortable after extended wear, but the Pro 3 offers a significantly better experience.
The earbuds fit snugly without causing any discomfort, even after hours of use. Additionally, the stems are thinner compared to the FreeBuds Pro 1, contributing to improved comfort.
The FreeBuds Pro 3 earbuds are IP54 certified for dust and water resistance, making them suitable for workouts and outdoor use. However, it’s important to note that the charging case does not share this certification.
Sound Quality and Noise Cancellation
The sound quality is impressive, offering a balanced and clear audio experience across various genres. The bass is robust, which I appreciate for music genres like rock and R&B, while the mids and highs are well-defined. The AI Life app allows for further sound customization with its EQ settings, although I found the default settings to be quite satisfying.
One of the standout features of the FreeBuds Pro 3 is their noise cancellation capability. Both the FreeBuds Pro 1 and Pro 3 have Awareness mode, but it is notably better on the Pro 3. The Pro 3 features an additional microphone dedicated to noise cancellation, making the overall experience 50% improved compared to the FreeBuds Pro 2, according to Huawei. Moving from the FreeBuds Pro 1 to the Pro 3 is a huge upgrade in terms of noise cancellation.
Audio Guidance
Both the FreeBuds Pro 1 and Pro 3 provide audio guidance in English when you pinch the stems to cycle through the modes (Awareness, Noise Cancellation, and Standard), with the Standard mode being narrated as “Off”. This feature is handy for easily knowing which mode you’re in without needing to check your device.
Connectivity and Responsiveness
Pairing the FreeBuds Pro 3 with my devices was straightforward. After the initial pairing, adding a secondary device is simple—just long-press the small button on the right side of the case until you hear the pairing sound. On my Galaxy S23, the responsiveness is excellent. I experienced almost no latency while using TalkBack or typing with the on-screen braille keyboard, which is crucial for my daily use.
However, it’s important to note that the AI Life app is not available on the Google Play Store for Android devices. It needs to be manually downloaded from Huawei’s website, which can be an inconvenience but is necessary to access all the features and customization options of the earbuds.
Battery Life
The battery life is good, though it could be better. With active noise cancellation (ANC) turned on, the earbuds last around 4.5 hours on a single charge, and with ANC off, they last about 6.5 hours. The charging case extends the total battery life to approximately 31 hours with ANC off. Charging is quick via USB-C, and wireless charging is a convenient, albeit slower, option.
Microphone test
Conclusion
Overall, the Huawei FreeBuds Pro 3 are a significant upgrade from the FreeBuds Pro 1, particularly in terms of comfort and noise cancellation. The stylish design, impressive sound quality, and responsive performance make them a strong contender in the premium earbud market. While the battery life could be better and the app download process is slightly inconvenient, the overall experience is highly satisfactory. For anyone looking for a reliable and high-quality pair of true wireless earbuds, the FreeBuds Pro 3 are an excellent choice.
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