Upgrading the Sleek Huawei Freebuds Pro 3 Earbuds
Following the impressive performance of the Huawei Freebuds Pro 2 in ntv.de's comprehensive testing, the latest edition, the Freebuds Pro 3, have emerged with minor improvements that make them stand out among the top-rated Bluetooth earbuds in 2023.
Unchanged Design, Enhanced Features
Upon first glance, the new Freebuds Pro 3 maintain a striking resemblance to their predecessors. Despite minor modifications, the design remains aesthetically pleasing. The earphones have shrunk slightly, while the charging case has slimmed down in size. The updated features ensure an even more secure and comfortable fit by offering four pairs of silicone ear tips in different sizes, allowing users to adjust for optimal listening experiences.
Stellar Sound Quality
Impressively, the Huawei team has managed to extract a slight improvement in sound quality from its 11-millimeter drivers and upstream tweeter, resulting in an even more pronounced treble with greater detail. Additionally, the stereo sound stage now appears smoother and more expansive. However, the bass staysubstantially powerful and well-balanced, avoiding the risk of becoming overpowering.
Strong Active Noise Cancellation
The Freebuds Pro 3 deliver on the strong ANC performance already seen in the second generation. Though it doesn't drastically surpass its predecessor, the background noise blocking capability remains remarkable, making it an excellent choice for various settings.
Easy and Intuitive Controls
The beloved Apple Airpods-inspired controls have been carried over to the latest model. Press the stems once or twice to control playback or manage phone calls, and press and hold to switch between ANC, transparency mode, or summon digital assistants. Swiping inside the extensions adjusts volume according to preference.
Tidy App and Subpar Battery Life
While the Android app is still unavailable on the Google Play Store, users can still access the app by downloading it directly from the manufacturer. The app offers various presets and an equalizer for more customized adjustments to meet personal preferences.
Regrettably, the battery life remains unchanged, falling just short of longer-lasting options in the market. With ANC activated, the Freebuds Pro 3 can only manage a maximum of 4 hours and 50 minutes before needing to be recharged. Despite the charging box providing an additional 17 hours and half of battery life, this duration pales in comparison to some competitors.
A Valuable Alternative to Top-rated Earbuds
At roughly €200, the versatile Huawei Freebuds Pro 3 offer solid value for money, making them a viable and largely comparable choice to premium contenders such as the Technics EAH-AZ80, Apple Airpods Pro (2), and Sony WF-1000XM5. However, other options like the Nothing Ear (2) and Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 3 have reduced in price, further expanding the selection of choices for discerning shoppers.
Insightful Enrichment
The Freebuds Pro 3 stand out in the market with their:
- Effective Active Noise Cancellation (ANC): Blocking out constant or intermittent background noises, making them ideal for a variety of settings, including train or airplane travel, and office environments.
- High-quality Sound: Equipped with 11-millimeter drivers, upstream tweeters, and a pre-emphasized high-frequency component, users can expect an impressive sound range from 14 Hz to 48 kHz, with robust bass and clear highs.
- Comfortable Design: Adjustable to fit various ear sizes with four pairs of silicone tips and optional memory foam options to ensure optimal comfort during extended listening sessions.
- Intuitive Controls: Offering one-touch or press-and-hold controls, users can easily manage their music or phone calls, allowing for uninterrupted listening experiences.
- Affordable Price Point: Providing strong value for money, the Freebuds Pro 3 are a more budget-friendly alternative to their esteemed competitors.
However, potential drawbacks include:
- Limited Battery Life: With ANC activated, the Freebuds Pro 3 provide only five hours and twenty minutes of use before requiring replenishment, which falls short of some competitors in this aspect.
- Modest Durability: Despite being well-designed, the limited battery life and the earbuds' material may not endure to the same degree as other more durable alternatives.
In the competitive world of Bluetooth earbuds, the Huawei Freebuds Pro 3 hold their ground with its enticing combination of features and price. The ergonomic design, strong ANC performance, and high-quality sound deliver exceptional audio experiences for music lovers. Although the Freebuds Pro 3 offer a short battery life, their other strong points make them a worthy investment in the realm of wireless earbuds.
