Huawei FreeClip 2

Huawei FreeClip 2 – what’s new

In addition to numerous optimisations, the Huawei FreeClip 2 offer expanded personalisation options, including an EQ section for individual sound tuning, adaptive volume adjustment, and optional head control for calls. The large touch control area has also been enhanced: the bean-shaped rear section behind the ear can now be used to adjust volume via upward and downward swipes.

Design and wearing comfort

The defining feature of the Huawei FreeClip 2 is the innovative open C-Bridge design, which is worn like an ear clip and exerts no pressure – a major benefit for users with sensitive ears. The extremely low weight of just five grams per side further enhances comfort, allowing the earbuds to be “forgotten” shortly after clipping them on. At the same time, the clip format ensures a secure, sport-friendly fit, while IP57 certification confirms protection against dust, water and sweat.

Those who wish can also “decorate” the clip-style open-ears. As with the original Huawei FreeClip, the delicate bridge element is suitable for attaching charms with various motifs such as stars, flowers or animals, allowing the earbuds to double as a personalised piece of jewellery.

Battery life

A single charge delivers a solid nine hours of playback when using the AAC codec at a higher listening volume. In addition, the earbuds can be recharged three times in the compact charging case, which weighs just 38 grams, before an external power source is required.

When time is short, a ten-minute fast charge provides close to three hours of playback, while a full charge takes around 50 minutes. Recharging the case itself via USB-C is equally quick, also taking around 50 minutes, although no charging cable is included. Alternatively, wireless charging via Qi is supported.

Bluetooth specs

In addition to Bluetooth 6.0, the Huawei FreeClip 2 support multipoint connections with two devices simultaneously. Supported audio codecs include LC3, AAC and the high-resolution L2HC format. A low-latency mode for computer and mobile gaming is also on board.

While the wireless connection remains stable over distances exceeding 25 metres outdoors, switching floors indoors more frequently results in dropouts – something that was not noticeable with the previous generation.

Operation

Optional head control allows calls to be accepted with a nod and rejected by shaking the head. The Huawei FreeClip 2 are also equipped with wear detection, which can be enabled or disabled via the app as desired. There is no fixed left-right assignment, as the earbuds automatically detect their position and adjust the stereo channels accordingly – a highly practical feature that works flawlessly.

Out of the box, touch control handles playback, call management, track skipping and volume adjustment. Additional functions such as track rewind and voice assistant activation can be added, with support for double and triple taps as well as swiping gestures on the bean-shaped rear section.

Notably, the touch-sensitive area spans the entire surface of the earbud. Single-ear use in mono mode is also possible. However, manual power on/off is not supported, meaning the charging case is always required.

Huawei Audio Connect app

The app-based sound tuning (available for iOS and Android via AppGallery or as an APK from Huawei’s website) includes three preset profiles in addition to the default setting, designed to boost bass, treble or vocals. New to this generation is a 10-band EQ for custom adjustments, with up to three presets that can be saved.

The connection centre allows multipoint connections to be viewed and disabled, and a preferred device can be defined for automatic reconnection. In addition to touch and head controls, wear detection and automatic channel adjustment, the low-latency mode can also be configured. Acoustic feedback from the charging case can likewise be adjusted.

A search function helps locate misplaced earbuds, while adaptive volume adjustment can also be enabled – although at launch this feature is still in an advanced testing phase. Firmware updates for the earbuds are managed via the app as well.

Call quality

The Huawei FreeClip 2 perform exceptionally well when it comes to communication. Thanks to the combination of three microphones per side and a multi-channel DNN (Deep Neural Network) algorithm, background noise is suppressed in an impressive manner. Neither wind nor ambient noise significantly affects voice transmission, while the AI-supported NPU processor amplifies the user’s voice clearly and distinctly.

At the same time, adaptive volume adjustment ensures that the caller on the other end remains perfectly intelligible even in noisy environments. Any potential disadvantages of the open design are actively counteracted, allowing for a natural conversational experience in which users can still hear their own voice. A thoroughly convincing solution.

Sound

The Huawei FreeClip 2 use specialised dynamic drivers with a dual-sided diaphragm, which, in combination with the NPU AI processor, deliver substantial output despite the open clip design. The new driver construction is also intended to provide a rich, deep-reaching bass response – a goal that is largely achieved, with one caveat.

Club-oriented productions are reproduced with impressive weight and clearly perceptible sub-bass, but the lower frequencies can distort once volume levels exceed around 60 per cent. This is unfortunate, as the otherwise powerful bass tuning avoids excessive emphasis and offers a high level of listening enjoyment.

The soundstage is pleasantly expansive. Despite the strong bass presence, the sound never feels one-dimensional, heavy or overloaded. The more restrained midrange has a pleasing underlying warmth, yet remains very clean and benefits from the open acoustic character, creating a spacious presentation without losing definition in complex arrangements. Speech intelligibility for vocals, film dialogue and spoken content is excellent.

The upper frequencies are relaxed rather than aggressive, appearing soft rather than sharp. Even at higher volume levels, the treble remains unobtrusive and gains little additional presence, avoiding the shift towards a brighter, thinner sound often found in many open-ear models. Sibilance is handled conservatively, reinforcing the forgiving overall character.

Conclusion

With the Huawei FreeClip 2, the manufacturer elevates its distinctive C-Bridge design to a new level, delivering convincing results in terms of handling, control and wearing comfort. One of the standout strengths is call quality, as the technical solutions ensure effortless communication for both parties even in wind and noise. In addition, these lightweight open-ears offer surprisingly powerful sound with high volume reserves, although bass-heavy club music can currently reveal a weakness.

Tip: Customers who purchase the Huawei FreeClip 2 by 01/03/26 via the Huawei Online Store or the Huawei Flagship Store Berlin receive a €20 discount.