Huawei has built a solid reputation for creating high-quality wireless earbuds, and the FreeBuds 7i emerge as an attractive budget-friendly option within the brand's audio lineup. While their appearance closely resembles previous models, the 7i boast significant improvements in active noise cancellation, which Huawei claims is 30% more effective than the last generation, alongside reduced latency by 50%.
A new bone conduction microphone enhances voice clarity during calls, and the earbuds also feature spatial audio with head tracking capabilities. Notably, head motion controls allow users to swiftly answer or decline calls by simply nodding or shaking their heads, all while preserving the battery life, codec support, and IP54 ingress protection found in earlier models.
How do the FreeBuds 7i compare to others in the market, and should they be on your list for true wireless earbuds priced under €100/£100? After two weeks of usage, the answer is a resounding yes, they perform exceptionally well.
Do the enhancements make the FreeBuds 7i stand out in a competitive market? Here are our insights.
Table of Contents:
- Design
- Features
- Sound Quality
- Battery Life
- Verdict
Design
The FreeBuds 7i exhibit subtle design modifications, including a more rounded charging case compared to their predecessors. The case has a sleek shape resembling a dental floss container and is compact enough to fit into small pockets, such as the coin pocket of jeans.
The earbuds themselves maintain a design similar to last year's model, featuring a standard in-ear design with silicone ear tips and a short touch-sensitive stem that houses the microphones.
We tested the white version, although pink and black options are also available. Both the earbuds and their case have a glossy finish, which looks appealing in the white variant, but we found the black matte finish more attractive as it provides better grip against the slick surface.
The in-ear fit is commendable, especially when wearing the correct size of tips. We managed to achieve a snug fit using the medium tips, which held securely during workouts and runs. Comfort levels are satisfactory; the FreeBuds 7i can be worn for hours without discomfort.
Weighing in at approximately 5.4 grams each, the earbuds plus the case total about 47.3 grams. Notably, this new case is narrower than that of the FreeBuds 6i, facilitating easier storage in confined spaces.
The retail package includes the earbuds, the charging case, and a selection of size L and S replacement silicone ear tips. They boast an IP54 rating for water and dust resistance, making them suitable for damp environments and workouts.
Features
The FreeBuds 7i incorporate Bluetooth 5.4 technology and allow for dual device pairing. They also provide spatial audio with head tracking that is compatible across all devices, enhancing the immersive experience for various content types. Users can choose from four distinct audio profiles: default, theater, concert hall, and movie theater, the latter three simulating their respective environments with impressive accuracy.
Equipped with Dynamic ANC 4.0, the FreeBuds 7i offer up to 28dB of noise cancellation while achieving 50% lower latency than their predecessors—an enhancement made possible by the presence of an 8 mm² air vent and a trio of microphones on each earbud.
The introduction of bone conduction microphones in each earbud further improves call quality, allowing for clearer voice capture compared to the last generation. Additionally, the wear detection sensors automatically pause playback when you remove the earbuds and resume when you reinsert them.
Touch gesture controls remain consistent with previous models, offering options like touch and hold, double tap, and triple tap, as well as swipe controls for volume adjustments. These can be customized via the Huawei AI Life app, providing an opportunity for personal adjustments.
Among other notable features, the FreeBuds 7i allow users to control calls with head gestures, enabling answers or declines by nodding or shaking the head.
Sound Quality
Featuring 11 mm quad-magnet dynamic drivers, the FreeBuds 7i deliver a generally balanced sound stage right out of the box. Our assessment indicated that the bass response is somewhat subdued, which may be preferable for those who find that many earbuds overly emphasize low frequencies.
Users can explore five additional EQ profiles through the Huawei AI Life app, offering options such as bass boost, treble boost, voice, symphony, and Hi-Fi Live. For those seeking a tailored sound experience, a custom EQ profile can also be created using a 10-band slider.
With minor adjustments, both lows and highs can be fine-tuned to produce a satisfying overall sound. Our experience with the FreeBuds 7i was positive; they are an excellent choice for casual media consumption.
Huawei AI Life app interface, EQ profiles, and Custom EQ
The FreeBuds 7i support SBC, AAC, and LDAC codecs, with newer Huawei devices also offering L2HC support for near-lossless streaming at a bitrate of up to 960 kbps.
In terms of noise cancellation, the earbuds excel at reducing lower-frequency sounds, effectively eliminating disturbances from HVAC systems. Four modes—Dynamic, Cozy, General, and Ultra—are available, though we did not notice significant differences among them.
Transparency mode, on the other hand, surpasses many competitors in this price range, managing to isolate voices effectively, although it retains the typical hiss associated with many wireless earbuds.
Call quality was satisfactory in quieter environments; however, excessive noise and wind proved challenging for the microphones, which is expected for earbuds in the sub-€100 category.
Throughout our testing, we experienced reliable connectivity, without any drops or irregularities, across Android, iOS, Windows, and macOS devices.
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 configuration of the FreeBuds 6i. Huawei indicates approximately 8 hours of playback with ANC disabled, dropping to 5 hours with ANC enabled. When included with the charging case, these times extend to 35 hours and 20 hours, respectively.
In our testing, the earbuds provided a playback time of 7 hours and 40 minutes with ANC off and 4 hours and 20 minutes with ANC on. The charging case facilitated an additional four complete recharges.
When recharging is necessary, it can be done via the USB-C port located at the bottom of the case. The earbuds reach a full charge in approximately 40 minutes, while the case takes about 60 minutes to recharge.
Verdict
The FreeBuds 7i offer Huawei’s affordable TWS option, delivering an enjoyable sound experience without the bass-heavy emphasis found in many competitors. With an elegant design, a compact charging case, an excellent fit, and a comprehensive array of features one would expect from 2025 wireless earbuds priced under €100/£100, they are a strong contender in the market.
Huawei FreeBuds 7i
Key advantages include a well-balanced sound profile, effective ANC, and extensive sound customization options within the Huawei AI Life app. However, improved microphone quality and LDAC streaming support would have been welcome additions.
If you’re searching for a new pair of TWS earbuds without wanting to spend a premium, the FreeBuds 7i deserve serious consideration.
