Freebuds 5i Test – Headphones under 100€ certified Hi-Res audio

Huawei is releasing the Freebuds 5i, headphones at a low price but with great potential. Find out what they are worth in our test.

The manufacturer is upgrading the Freebuds 5i by giving them premium functions. They are offered at €99 with a powerful ANC of 42dB and Hi-Res audio compatibility. We tell you everything in our complete test (not sponsored).

Huawei Freebuds 5i – Improved design and ergonomics

The Freebuds 5i arrive in a more compact form than their predecessors. The pebble-shaped case seems tiny. It fits in the palm of your hand. It is covered with a soft-touch matte texture that does not mark fingerprints.

Huawei also worked on the stem of the earphones. It has been shortened and the height of the headphones goes from 36mm to 29mm. We gain 7mm but also a few grams with an 11% lighter weight.

Each earphone weighs 4.9g instead of 5.5g. This results in improved comfort. We do not feel any discomfort even after a long period of listening. The small size of the Freebuds 5i is not a problem. They fit well in the hollow of the ears even when you shake your head.

They are good companions for light sports sessions. Their IP54 certification guarantees them protection against splashes and dust.

Audio quality

The Freebuds 5i are compatible with EMUI, Android and iOS. Installation is simply done via the Ai Life app. Simply press and hold the button on the right side of the case to detect them. They are operational after a few minutes of installation.

A wearing test of the silicone tips allows you to select the best suited to your ears.

The Freebuds 5i incorporate a 10mm dynamic driver. It provides a rich and deep sound. The headphones are Hi-Res Audio compatible. The sound is clear and powerful.

The voices stand out but the headphones abuse the bass a little too much. The default setting is more than enough to deliver an enveloping sound. When you switch to Bass Boost mode, the balance is completely out of order. The bass engulfs everything.

In such circumstances a customizable equalizer would have been nice. The app offers another preset to accentuate the treble, but we run into the same problem. The whole is unbalanced.

Fortunately, the Freebuds 5i give the best with the default setting, which adapts to most styles.

We also appreciate the possibility of connecting the Freebuds 5i to several devices at the same time. For example, you can link them to your smartphone and your computer. So when you receive a phone call you can directly answer with the headphones without having to do anything.

Active noise reduction

The Freebuds 5i rely on a double microphone to offer an effective active noise reduction system. Microphones inside and outside detect surrounding noise and can attenuate it by up to 42dB.

The interface offers three levels of reduction: 25dB, 30dB and 42dB. Pushed to the maximum level, you’ll barely hear the sound of a keyboard and it will drown out the noise of outside traffic. Only the sound of motorcycles manages to pierce his armor.

If you listen to music, the noises around you will fly away and you will be transported in a bubble devoid of sound aggressions. The other levels of noise reduction allow you to reconnect with reality and hear what is around you.

Autonomy

Despite their small size, the headphones each include a 55mAh battery supplemented by the 410mAh battery contained in the case. The latter is compatible with fast charging. Only 15 minutes are needed to recover 4 hours of listening. It takes 60 minutes to fully charge.

You can use the Freebuds 5i for an average of 7.5 hours. This duration may vary depending on the listening volume or the level of ANC chosen. Instead, go for 6 hours with noise reduction set at 42dB and an average sound volume.

With the help of the charging box, their autonomy increases to 28 hours. That’s 6 hours longer than the Freebuds 4i.

What we think

The Freebuds 5i are surprisingly capable for their size and price. Their small size and lightness make them comfortable to wear. Huawei has also made a big effort on the design of the case, which looks like a small speckled pebble that slips easily into a pocket.

The audio quality is on point. The headphones pump out clear, powerful sound that flatters the ears. We just regret the lack of customization of the equalizer but we must leave something to the more expensive headphones.

The Freebuds 5i are also equipped with a very effective 42dB active noise reduction system which allows you to fully concentrate on your music or your work.

At €99.99, the Freebuds 5i are must-have headphones in this price range and even above.