Huawei FreeBuds 7i Review: Even more enduring, even better

The i-series of Huawei in-ear headphones stands for affordable models that have a lot to offer for a small price. Last year, the FreeBuds 6i already impressed almost everyone in our test. Now the successor, the Huawei FreeBuds 7i, is on the shelves, with even more improvements in the core aspects: Better sound, stronger ANC and longer battery life. Our test reveals more.

Technical data

The product	FreeBuds 7i
Bluetooth version	5.3
Bluetooth codecs	LDAC, AAC and SBC
Maximum operating range	12m (without obstacle)
Battery life	with ANC: up to 6 hours without ANC: up to 8 hours 35 hours in total with charging case; (varies depending on volume level and audio content)
Charging time	1.5 hours (for charging case via USB-C or wireless)
Most important functions	ANC; wearer detection; IP54; 3D sound with head tracking
The price	RRP: 99 euros

Huawei FreeBuds 7i test: Stylish earbuds

The Huawei FreeBuds 7i largely take up the design of its predecessor and also rely on a stylus design that is strongly reminiscent of Apple’s AirPods Pro, especially in the white version.

The difference is that the Huawei counterpart has flat outer sides of the pens. Otherwise, they look very similar to Apple, especially with the contrasting black details. The 7i is also protected against splash water in accordance with IP54 and is therefore ideal for sports.

The plastic housing is virtually unchanged, which keeps the weight pleasantly low. The charging case, on the other hand, has become more compact: Instead of an oval shape as in the previous year, in the case of the Huawei FreeBuds 7i it is now round with a flattened underside, thanks to which it now rests firmly on surfaces.

It offers the obligatory USB-C port for charging, as well as a pairing button on the side, whereby the earbuds automatically switch to Bluetooth pairing mode the first time they are set up.

Thanks to the pleasantly soft ear tips, of which a total of four pairs are included, and the low weight, the Huawei FreeBuds 7i provide excellent wearing comfort, making them very comfortable to wear for several hours.

Features & operation of the Huawei FreeBuds 7i

The Huawei FreeBuds 7i rely on Bluetooth 5.2 and therefore not only achieve a stable connection, but also an excellent wireless range. They come with active noise suppression, which is said to have been noticeably improved compared to the 6i.

Huawei calls the feature “Dynamic ANC 4.0”, meaning it dynamically adjusts to the ambient volume. The matching counterpart in the form of a transparency mode is of course also provided.

The microphones in particular are said to have undergone further improvements to achieve even better voice quality. The Huawei FreeBuds 7i also support simultaneous connection with two end devices.

In terms of sound, the earbuds use the high-resolution LDAC codec and support head tracking. This means that when you move your head, the sound adapts to the direction – however, this function must first be activated in the companion app AI Life.

The Huawei FreeBuds 7i are operated via the touch-sensitive outer sides by tapping once, twice or three times and holding down. A new feature is the ability to adjust the playback volume using gestures (i.e. swiping movements from top to bottom or bottom to top). A welcome innovation, especially as the operation is very reliable and precise.

App connection: AI Life and Audio Connect

In addition to Huawei AI Life, the Huawei FreeBuds 7i are also operated via the Audio Connect app. A wide range of settings can be made here in a tidy interface. For example, you can adjust the spatial audio function or choose between different sound profiles in the “Sound effects” section. If you like, you can even create your own equalizer preset.

You can also customize the operation, switch the wearer detection on and off or update the firmware to update the earbuds to the latest version. You can even switch on head control, which allows the FreeBuds 7i to accept and reject calls by nodding or shaking your head.

Improved battery life

The Huawei FreeBuds 7i have also improved their battery life once again. In combination with the charging case, there is again “only” up to 35 hours of use, but the earbuds themselves deliver slightly longer runtimes.

In the test, I achieved a usage time of around six hours with active noise canceling and just under 8 hours without ANC, which is really good value. Thanks to the quick-charging function, 10 minutes on the mains is enough to get the earbuds ready for 4 hours of playback.

Sound quality, ANC and microphones

Thanks to the high-resolution LDAC codec and new driver architecture, the sound quality of the Huawei FreeBuds 7i is also noticeably better than that of the 6i. Thanks to the 11 mm quad magnetic drivers, the affordable in-ear model impresses with a clear and detailed sound that is pleasantly balanced and also produces a powerful bass without overpowering the mids and highs.

The mid frequencies are pleasantly detailed and clear, allowing vocals and instruments to come across very well. The highs are pleasantly warm and airy without any shrill peaks, resulting in a harmonious and full sound that is perfectly suited to all music genres.

In direct comparison with the much more expensive Huawei FreeBuds Pro 4 (our test), however, the affordable 7i are clearly at a disadvantage, especially when it comes to the reproduction of fine details. And yet: you get a really captivating, lively sound here that is simply fun. Very good.

ANC and transparency mode

The active noise cancellation (ANC) of the Huawei FreeBuds 7i is surprisingly strong and has actually improved noticeably, particularly at high and low frequencies. For example, while the fans of my PC are still clearly audible in normal mode, they are completely suppressed when ANC is active.

Typing on the keyboard, which is located in the mid-frequency spectrum, is significantly reduced, but still comes through audibly. Although this is not enough for a place among the best ANC headphones, it is quite impressive in this price range. Huawei leaves the Audio-Technica ATH-CKS50TW2 (our test), which are in the same price range, far behind.

Unfortunately, the transparency mode, which conversely amplifies ambient noise to enable conversations with earbuds inserted, for example, cannot quite keep up. This has an audible background noise and distorts the sound somewhat, which means that voices do not sound too natural. Nevertheless, it can also be used well.

Mixed microphone quality

Unfortunately, the quality of the built-in microphones cannot keep up. Although they pick up your voice well and reproduce even quiet tones, the voice clearly lacks detail and dynamics, while a natural sound is not achieved.

Microphone test recording Huawei FreeBuds 7i:

Microphone test recording Audio-Technica ATH-CKS50TW2:

Microphone test recording Huawei FreeBuds Pro 4:

For occasional calls in quieter environments, the quality offered is perfectly fine, but you shouldn’t expect much more. To be fair, it has to be said that the FreeBuds Pro 4 hardly sound any better. If you value good microphones, you will have to dig much deeper into your pocket.

Huawei FreeBuds 7i test: Conclusion

A lot of headphones for little money: The new Huawei FreeBuds 7i impress with an impressively full sound, excellent wearing comfort, long battery life and many modern features at an extremely attractive price.

Only the microphone quality is only average, but otherwise you get an excellent overall package for less than 100 euros.