Huawei has a longstanding reputation for producing excellent wireless earbuds, and the FreeBuds 7i now enter the budget segment of the brand's audio lineup. Although their design closely resembles that of previous models, the 7i features improved active noise cancellation that Huawei claims is 30% more effective than the previous iteration, along with 50% lower latency.
A standout addition is the new bone conduction microphone, designed for better voice pickup during calls, in addition to supporting spatial audio with head tracking. The earbuds also incorporate head motion controls, enabling users to accept or decline incoming calls by nodding or shaking their heads. Retaining the same battery life, codec support, and IP54 ingress protection, the FreeBuds 7i have much to offer.
We have been testing the FreeBuds 7i for approximately two weeks. The question remains: Do they stand out in the crowded TWS market and are they worthy of a spot on your short list for wireless earbuds priced under €100/£100? The answer is a resounding yes.
Let’s delve into our findings.
Table of Contents:
- Design
- Features
- Sound Quality
- Battery Life
- Verdict
Design
The design of the FreeBuds 7i has received subtle enhancements, with the charging case adopting a more rounded shape compared to its predecessors. This newly sculpted case resembles a dental floss kit and is compact enough to fit into tight spaces, like the coin pocket of your jeans.
While the earbuds themselves maintain a similar design to the last year's model, they offer a traditional in-ear shape with silicone ear tips and a short touch-sensitive stem that houses the microphones.
We reviewed the white variant, but they are also available in pink and black. The buds and their case feature a glossy finish that looks great in white. However, we personally prefer the matte finish of the black variant, which provides better grip compared to the slippery design.
With the right size ear tips, the in-ear fit is secure, allowing for a comfortable experience even during extended use, including workouts and runs. We used the medium size tips, which offered a snug fit throughout our activities.
The FreeBuds 7i weigh 5.4 grams each, with the charging case weighing an additional 36.5 grams, making the total weight 47.3 grams. The new case design is slightly narrower than that of the FreeBuds 6i, making it easier to store in small pockets.
The retail package includes the earbuds, charging case, and a set of size L and S replacement silicone ear tips. The buds are rated IP54 for water and dust resistance, making them suitable for sweat and rain exposure.
Features
The FreeBuds 7i support Bluetooth 5.4 connectivity and allow dual device pairing. They feature spatial audio with head tracking that works across devices, enhancing your viewing or listening experience. Users can choose from four sound profiles – default, theater, concert hall, and movie theater – each effectively simulating their respective environments.
These earbuds also introduce Huawei’s Dynamic ANC 4.0, which achieves noise cancellation of up to 28dB with 50% lower latency compared to the FreeBuds 6i, aided by an 8 mm² air vent and three microphones on each earbud.
Furthermore, the addition of a bone conduction microphone in each earbud enhances call quality by improving voice pickup compared to earlier models. Wear detection sensors automatically pause and resume playback when the earbuds are inserted or removed from your ears.
The FreeBuds 7i maintain the touch control features of their predecessors. Users can employ touch and hold, double tap, triple tap, and swipe functionalities for volume adjustments, all customizable within the Huawei AI Life app.
For added novelty, the FreeBuds 7i provide head controls, enabling users to answer or reject calls by nodding or shaking their heads.
Sound Quality
Equipped with 11 mm quad-magnet dynamic drivers carried over from earlier models, the FreeBuds 7i deliver a satisfying sound stage from the outset, particularly with their balanced default profile. While bass may feel slightly lacking, this could be advantageous as many earbuds tend to emphasize lower frequencies excessively.
Within the Huawei AI Life app, users can access five additional EQ profiles: bass boost, treble boost, voices, symphony, and Hi-Fi Live. For further customization, a 10-band slider allows users to create a tailored EQ profile.
With simple adjustments, lows and highs can be balanced for an enjoyable overall sound. Our experience with the FreeBuds 7i led us to find them a great option for general media consumption.
Huawei AI Life app interface, EQ profiles, and Custom EQ
The FreeBuds 7i support SBC, AAC, and LDAC codecs. Recent Huawei devices also feature L2HC support for “near-lossless” streaming at up to 960 kbps. Noise cancellation performance is commendable, particularly at lower frequencies, effectively eliminating background noise from HVAC systems and similar sources. Although there are four noise cancellation modes (Dynamic, Cozy, General, and Ultra), we did not detect significant differences among them.
Transparency mode stands out among competing earbuds, effectively isolating voices, though the typical hissing found in many wireless earbuds remains present.
Call quality is sufficient in quiet environments; however, heavy background noise and strong winds present challenges for the microphones, which is common in earbuds within this price range.
Throughout our testing, we experienced stable connectivity without drops or irregularities across multiple platforms, including Android, iOS, Windows, and macOS.
Battery Life
The FreeBuds 7i are equipped with 55 mAh batteries in each earbud, alongside a 510 mAh battery in the charging case, mirroring the specifications of the FreeBuds 6i. Huawei claims eight hours of playback from the buds with ANC off and about five hours with ANC activated. These numbers extend to 35 hours and 20 hours, respectively, when using the charging case.
During our evaluation, we achieved a total of **7 hours and 40 minutes** from the buds with **ANC off** and **4 hours and 20 minutes** with **ANC on**. The charging case provided four full recharges.
For recharging, a USB-C port located at the bottom of the case serves the purpose. The earbuds recharge from 0 to 100% in approximately 40 minutes, while the case requires an additional 60 minutes to fully recharge.
Verdict
The FreeBuds 7i represent Huawei’s budget-friendly TWS option, delivering satisfying sound without an excessive focus on bass, a sleek design, and a compact charging case. The excellent fit, combined with a comprehensive range of features expected from 2025 wireless earbuds under €100/£100, positions them as a strong choice.
From balanced default sound tuning and exemplary ANC to numerous customization options available in the Huawei AI Life app, the FreeBuds 7i excel in several areas. However, we would have appreciated improvements in microphone quality and support for LDAC streaming.
If you’re seeking a new pair of TWS earbuds without investing in premium prices, the FreeBuds 7i should definitely be on your radar.
