Huawei FreeArc Review: The Ultimate Open-Ear Headphones with Surprising Sound Quality and Comfort

Open-ear headphones have long struggled to balance sound quality, comfort, and practicality. However, Huawei is taking a bold step forward with the Huawei FreeArc, a new take on open headphones designed to challenge existing stereotypes. With an innovative S-shaped memory alloy hook, IP57 water resistance, powerful bass-driven sound, and reduced sound leakage, Huawei aims to make the FreeArc a game-changer in this category.

Beyond its premium design and comfortable fit, the Huawei FreeArc offers directional audio transmission, a large speaker unit, and advanced Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity. But does it live up to its promises? In this in-depth Huawei FreeArc review, we’ll dive into its design, sound quality, battery life, features, and real-world performance to see if these are the best open-ear headphones you can buy today.

Design & Comfort: Lightweight, Stylish, and Secure

Huawei has taken a unique approach to open-ear headphone design with the FreeArc. Unlike traditional bone conduction or clip-on earphones, these headphones feature an S-shaped memory alloy ear hook, providing a secure yet comfortable fit. This alloy is wrapped in ultra-light liquid silicone, ensuring long-term comfort, whether you’re working, commuting, or exercising.

Weighing just 14-15g, the FreeArc sits comfortably on the ears without pinching or pressing. Unlike in-ear headphones, which can cause ear fatigue after extended use, the FreeArc allows for all-day wear without discomfort.

Huawei offers the FreeArc in three stylish colors: Green, Ceramic White, and Obsidian Black. The Green variant we tested has a refreshing, modern aesthetic, perfect for users looking to make a subtle statement.

Another standout feature is IP57-rated water and dust resistance, meaning these headphones can withstand sweat and rain, making them ideal for workouts and outdoor activities. However, the charging case is not waterproof, so users should dry the earbuds before storing them after exercise.

Sound Quality: Impressive Bass & Balanced Audio for an Open-Ear Design

The biggest challenge for open-ear headphones is delivering rich, immersive sound without sound leakage. Huawei has tackled this with a massive 200mm² speaker unit, larger than some smartphone speakers. This results in deep bass, crisp mids, and natural high frequencies, making the FreeArc suitable for various music genres.

Bass & Low Frequencies

One of the most impressive aspects of the FreeArc is its low-frequency performance. The deep, punchy bass is comparable to some in-ear headphones, making it perfect for EDM, rock, and hip-hop tracks. The Elevate mode further enhances bass response, providing a fuller, more dynamic listening experience.

Midrange & Vocals

The midrange is well-balanced, ensuring that vocals and instruments sound clear and natural. Whether listening to pop, folk, or jazz, the FreeArc maintains excellent clarity without overpowering the treble or bass.

Treble & High Frequencies

While high frequencies are clear and detailed, there is room for improvement in high-frequency resolution. Users who prefer crystal-clear treble for classical or instrumental music may notice a slight lack of sharpness.

Customizable EQ Modes

Huawei allows users to fine-tune their listening experience with multiple EQ modes:

• Default Mode – Balanced sound profile for all genres.
• Voice Mode – Enhances vocals for podcasts and audiobooks.
• Treble Boost Mode – Increases treble clarity for classical and instrumental music.

Sound Leakage Test: Surprisingly Effective Noise Control

One of the biggest concerns with open-ear headphones is sound leakage, as they lack the traditional seal of in-ear or over-ear headphones. Huawei has addressed this with its Reverse Sound Wave System, which directs audio toward the ear canal while eliminating external sound waves.

 

Our testing revealed that at low to moderate volumes (below 40%), sound leakage is minimal to non-existent. However, at higher volumes in quiet spaces, some sound may be audible to people nearby. In noisy environments like a subway or crowded café, sound leakage is barely noticeable.

Battery Life & Fast Charging: Impressive Endurance

Huawei claims that the FreeArc delivers:

• 7 hours of continuous playback on a single charge.
• 28 hours with the charging case.
• Fast charging: A 10-minute charge provides 2-3 hours of playback.

During our testing at 50% volume with AAC streaming, the FreeArc lasted approximately 6 hours, which is close to Huawei’s claimed 7-hour battery life.

One downside is the lack of wireless charging—the charging case only supports USB-C wired charging.

Connectivity & Controls: Bluetooth 5.3 & Multi-Device Support

The Huawei FreeArc is equipped with Bluetooth 5.3, ensuring a stable, low-latency connection. It also supports multi-device pairing, allowing users to seamlessly switch between a phone, tablet, or laptop.

A unique feature is the gesture-based volume control:

• Swipe along the ear hook to adjust volume.
• Tap for playback controls (play, pause, skip tracks).
• Press and hold to activate voice assistants.

However, the FreeArc lacks wear detection, meaning music won’t automatically pause when you remove them, which is a small drawback.

Huawei FreeArc: Pros & Cons

Pros

• Unique open-ear design with an ultra-light S-shaped memory alloy ear hook for all-day comfort.
• Excellent bass response, making them one of the best open-ear headphones for music.
• Directional sound transmission significantly reduces sound leakage compared to other open-ear models.
• IP57 water and dust resistance, making them ideal for sports and outdoor activities.
• Fast charging delivers 2-3 hours of playback in just 10 minutes.

Cons

• No wireless charging, which feels like a missed opportunity at this price point.
• Lacks wear detection, meaning music won’t pause automatically when removed.
• High-frequency resolution could be slightly improved for classical music lovers.

Conclusion: Should You Buy the Huawei FreeArc?

The Huawei FreeArc is a bold step forward in the open-ear headphone category, delivering rich bass, balanced audio, and impressive sound leakage control. The lightweight, memory alloy hook provides all-day comfort, while IP57 water resistance ensures durability for workouts and outdoor use.

While it lacks wireless charging and wear detection, these are minor drawbacks considering its excellent sound quality, durability, and innovative design. If you’re looking for the best open-ear headphones for music, fitness, and everyday use, the Huawei FreeArc is one of the top choices available today.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Huawei FreeArc

How does the Huawei FreeArc differ from traditional open-ear headphones?

• The Huawei FreeArc introduces an S-shaped memory alloy ear hook, providing better stability and comfort than traditional open-ear designs. It also features a large 200mm² speaker unit for improved bass response, making it one of the best-sounding open-ear headphones available.

Does the Huawei FreeArc have sound leakage issues?

• Huawei has implemented a Reverse Sound Wave System, which significantly reduces sound leakage. At moderate volumes (below 40%), sound leakage is minimal. However, at higher volumes in quiet environments, some sound may be audible to nearby people.

Is the Huawei FreeArc waterproof?

• Yes, the headphones themselves are IP57-rated, meaning they are resistant to dust and water splashes, making them ideal for workouts and outdoor use. However, the charging case is not waterproof, so users should dry the earbuds before placing them inside.

Does the FreeArc support active noise cancellation (ANC)?

• No, since the FreeArc is an open-ear design, it does not include Active Noise Cancellation (ANC). Instead, it focuses on directional audio transmission, minimizing external distractions while maintaining situational awareness.

How good is the bass on the Huawei FreeArc compared to in-ear headphones?

• The Huawei FreeArc offers surprisingly deep and punchy bass, thanks to its large speaker driver. While it doesn’t match the full isolation of in-ear headphones, it provides better bass than most open-ear competitors.

Can I connect the Huawei FreeArc to multiple devices?

• Yes! The Huawei FreeArc supports multi-device pairing via Bluetooth 5.3, allowing you to switch seamlessly between smartphones, tablets, and laptops.

Does the Huawei FreeArc have touch controls?

Yes! The FreeArc supports tap and swipe gestures:

1. Swipe along the ear hook to adjust volume.
2. Tap to play/pause music or answer calls.
3. Press and hold to activate voice assistants.

How long does the battery last on the Huawei FreeArc?

• The FreeArc provides up to 7 hours of playback on a single charge and 28 hours with the charging case. Additionally, fast charging offers 2-3 hours of playback in just 10 minutes.

Does the FreeArc support wireless charging?

• No, the charging case only supports USB-C wired charging. Unfortunately, wireless charging is not included in this model.

Is the Huawei FreeArc suitable for workouts and running?

• Yes! The secure memory alloy ear hook, lightweight build, and IP57 water resistance make the FreeArc perfect for workouts, jogging, and outdoor activities. Plus, its open-ear design allows you to stay aware of your surroundings while exercising.