Huawei’s FreeBuds 5i support the high-resolution LDAC codec for Bluetooth and want to transport audio content to the receiver in as high a resolution as possible. Of course, this is only possible with Android devices; neither Microsoft nor Apple natively support Sony’s codec. At the same time, the frequency range of the drivers is extended up to 40,000 Hz, which promises a good sound experience on the spec sheet.
In fact, the sound can largely convince. The FreeBuds 5i convey this in a very differentiated way, even though the high tones are much more present than their lower siblings. Especially the noise behavior is well controlled by Huawei when ANC is deactivated and the LDAC connection is used, and it is virtually inaudible. In everyday use, we occasionally miss a bit more depth in music playback, and the sound does not leave a completely clean impression in action movies when it really rattles. However, it is a good performance considering the price range. The automatic pause function for media content when an earphone is removed is also practical.
The FreeBuds 5i are well suited for phone calls. The two integrated microphones provide a clean voice recording and the DNN algorithm neutralizes minor noise and people in the surroundings. The Huawei headphones are a suitable addition for the home office, but they reach their limits in open-plan offices or in traffic.
Ambient noise is already somewhat muffled by the passive shielding of the in-ear headphones. The hybrid ANC can audibly improve this again. However, especially in quieter environments, you occasionally have to choose between the hum of the fridge or the whirring of a fan or the noise of the active noise cancellation.
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