Handles noise best

Review: Huawei Freebuds Pro 4 - Magical Sound

Huawei's new headphones surpass most of what we test on most points, but the call sound quality in noisy environments is what surprises the most.

Erik Mörner

Published 5 February 2025 - 17:11

Huawei is primarily focusing on smartwatches and headsets today, and when we test the Huawei Freebuds Pro 4, we can conclude that their efforts have paid off, significantly. The earbuds come with an accompanying app that works with both iPhone and Android, featuring effective noise cancellation, good music sound, and incredibly good call sound, even in noisy environments with a lot of other disturbing sounds.

We have experienced this with previous versions of Freebuds Pro as well, but the new model takes the prize. When I make calls from a busy environment with many others talking nearby and music playing, I apologize to the person I'm calling that it might sound bad, but I'm only met with an uncomprehending laugh, as they hear my voice excellently and none of the noise around me. The call sound is excellent regardless of whether it's wind, loud music, noise, or others talking nearby. And that's whether you're using an Android or an iPhone. The explanation is that the earbuds use a combination of regular microphones and bone conduction where vibrations in the jawbone are picked up. This means that your voice can be heard so well even if you're being drowned out where you're speaking.

For iPhone and Android

The app that manages the settings for Huawei Freebuds Pro 4 is available for both iPhone and Android phones. A QR code that you photograph with your phone leads you directly to the download. Here it is easy to manage the connection between the headphones and several different devices, regardless of whether it is a mix of iOS and Android devices. The app, which is called Huawei AI Life, allows you to not only manage the connection to multiple devices and update the headphones' software when needed but also manage the sound, noise cancellation, and sound quality.

On iPhone, there is only one mode for sound quality, where AAC is used, which provides good sound. Music from Huawei Freebuds Pro 4 is well-balanced with both good detail and bass punch when needed. On Android, it is possible to choose higher sound quality, but it can be tricky to find the right settings. The headphones support LDAC, which provides better sound. When I test with about ten different Android phones (yes, we have many phones in for testing right now), I often have to go deep into the settings both in the Huawei app and in the phones' system settings for the high-resolution sound to be available. But it's worth it, as it undoubtedly adds extra depth to the sound.

Effective Noise Cancellation

I test the noise cancellation in the car, in the office environment, on airplanes, and in public transport. It is effective and ranks among the best we have tested. The headphones are therefore at the top in area after area. I can control the noise cancellation either via the app as mentioned, or through pinch gestures on the headphones. In the app, these gestures can be customized, most settings can be adjusted and changed. Pinch and hold can be used for noise cancellation, I can swipe along the stem of the headphones to change the volume and press to, for example, answer calls. The headphones also have a form of head control, so that I can nod or shake my head to answer or reject incoming calls.

The headphones come with a large number of tips in different sizes, both in rubber and memory foam, so there are plenty of opportunities to try out the right size. They then sit securely and stably even when I exercise, and the gestures for control do not jeopardize the stable placement of the headphones, so they do not risk falling out of the ear.