Our guide to picking the right audio companion this year. Hint: Try out the HUAWEI FreeBuds 4i

This article is sponsored by HUAWEI.

Wireless earphones are no longer a rare tech accessory, with plenty of choice for consumers. The HUAWEI FreeBuds 4i are one of the latest entries into the market, boasting a range of features — but how do they stack up to competitors?

We take a look at the HUAWEI FreeBuds 4i, Apple AirPods 2 and AirPods Pro, and Samsung Galaxy Buds+ to see how they compare in terms of their features…

Apple AirPods 2

The second generation Apple AirPods deliver faster performance than their predecessor, while also allowing access to Apple’s Siri voice assistant. They are the go-to option for Apple fans looking for a more affordable Apple audio solution.

However, they do not feature Active Noise Cancellation (ANC).

The do offer up to 24 hours of battery life when the charging case is included. When it comes to standalone listening time, the earbuds offer up to five hours. 

You can use the earphones with an iPhone, Apple Watch, iPad, or Mac. But they are not fully compatible with non-Apple devices, since many of their features do not transfer to Android.

Apple AirPods Pro

For AirPods that do feature ANC, there are the Apple AirPods Pro. 

Like other AirPods, they are only fully compatible with Apple devices like the iPhone, Apple Watch, iPad, or Mac.

When using noise cancellation, you can also enable Transparency mode, which allows you to hear the people around you when you need to have a conversation. This mode is activated by pressing and holding the sensor on the stem of the earphones.

When it comes to battery life, the AirPods Pro offer 24 hours of listening time when including the charging case. 

On a single charge without the case, the earbuds provide up to 4.5 hours of listening time.

Samsung Galaxy Buds+

Whether you’re an Android or an iPhone user, you can enjoy using the Galaxy Buds+, which are compatible with different brands and mobile operating systems. 

They feature a different design to the other earbuds on this list, choosing a round form factor with no stem. 

When it comes to battery life, you can get up to 22 hours of playtime on the Buds+ when you include the charging case. With just the buds, you get up to 11 hours of playtime and up to 7.5 hours of talk time.

While they offer premium AKG audio, they do not have active noise cancellation. There is also an option to allow more ambient noise from your surroundings in, to help you stay more aware of your surroundings when listening to music.

HUAWEI FreeBuds 4i

The HUAWEI FreeBuds 4i are the newest entry onto the market, having launched in South Africa on 1 April. 

Featuring an ergonomic in-ear design with a stem for touch controls, the earbuds also have Active Noise Cancellation and the ability to switch to an Awareness mode. This mode allows you to hear ambient sound and communicate with others. 

When it comes to battery life, the earbuds deliver up to 10 hours of continuous music playback by themselves. With their charging case, they last up to 22 hours.

Like the Buds+, the FreeBuds 4i are compatible with both Android and iOS devices — as long as your device supports Bluetooth 5.2. 

But one of the most competitive aspects of the FreeBuds is the price. When it comes to a long battery life and having ANC, the manages to provide both while remaining the most affordable option on this list.

You can see a table summarizing the differences between the earphones, as well as their prices on their official local storefronts at the time of writing, below: 

HUAWEI FreeBuds 4i launch deal

If the HUAWEI Freebuds 4i have caught your eye, you’ll be glad to hear that the company is running a launch special for the earphones. 

The FreeBuds 4i launch bundle from the HUAWEI Store, at a price of R1 499, includes additional free gifts and services worth R978. This includes a HUAWEI Mini Speaker valued at R599, a protective case cover valued at R199, and a three-month HUAWEI Music subscription valued at R180. 

Meanwhile, there is a Vodacom bundle that includes a protective case cover and a HUAWEI Music three-month subscription. The mobile provider is also offering the FreeBuds 4i as an add-on for select contracts, available at an additional R49 per month for 24 months.

Feature image: HUAWEI