- Feather-Light Weight
- Massive Battery Life
- Life-Saving Fast Charge
- Ideal for Runners
- Stable Connection
- Clear Calls
- No Active Noise Cancellation (ANC)
- No Wear Detection
- Limited Controls
- No Multipoint Connection
- Poor Isolation
The Huawei FreeBuds SE 2 take a practical approach with their ultra-lightweight, open-fit design, blending all-day comfort with a staggering 40-hour battery life. They deliver reliable connectivity, impressively clear calls, and a secure fit for workouts, though the lack of active noise cancellation and limited touch controls may leave power users wanting more.
The budget earbud market is crowded, but Huawei’s “SE” series has always aimed to offer a gateway to quality without the Premium price tag. After spending two whole weeks using the Huawei FreeBuds SE 2 as my daily drivers from morning commutes to sweaty gym sessions, I’ve realized that specs on paper only tell half the story.
If you are looking for an affordable pair of buds, here is my honest experience regarding where they shine and where they fall short.
Recommended: Realme Buds Air 7 Pro
Huawei Freebuds SE 2 Specs
| Feature | Specification |
| Driver Size | 10.0 mm Dynamic Driver |
| Bluetooth Version | Bluetooth 5.3 (Stable & Fast) |
| Audio Formats | SBC and AAC |
| Battery Life (Buds) | Up to 9 Hours (Single Charge) |
| Total Battery (Case) | Up to 40 Hours |
| Fast Charging | 10 mins charge = 3 hours playback |
| Earbud Weight | 3.8g (Ultra-lightweight) |
| Durability | IP54 Dust and Splash Resistance |
| Sensors | Hall effect sensor / Touch sensor |
| Charging Port | USB Type-C |
Design & Comfort
The first thing I noticed is the shift to a completely open design. Unlike the previous generation, there are no silicone tips here.
- Comfort: At only 3.8g each, they are incredibly light. In my two weeks of testing, I often forgot I had them in.
- Build: The “Ceramic White” case is shiny and compact, though it lacks a physical pairing button (you use the touch panels instead).
- Durability: The IP54 rating is a lifesaver. I used them in the rain and during heavy sweat sessions without any damage.
My Take: If you hate the “clogged” feeling of rubber tips, you will love these. However, because they are open, they don’t block out background noise. They are perfect for staying aware of your surroundings while walking or working.
Controls
The control experience is where Huawei kept things fundamental to keep the price down.
- Gestures: By default, it only supports double-taps. You can customize these in the AI Life app to play/pause, skip tracks, or wake the voice assistant.
- Missing Features: There is no wear detection (the music doesn’t stop when you take them out), and no volume control on the earbuds themselves.
My Take: The touch panels are responsive, but the lack of “Single Tap” or “Triple Tap” felt limiting. I found myself reaching for my phone more often than I’d like to adjust the volume.
Sound Quality
Usually, open-fit earbuds lose all their “oomph” because they don’t seal the ear. However, the 10mm dynamic driver here surprised me.
- Balance: The sound is well-defined. While it uses basic SBC and AAC codecs, the Audio is crisp.
- EQ Presets: Through the app, I used the “Bass Boost” preset. While it adds punch, I found the “Default” setting best for a balanced experience.
My Take: These aren’t for audiophiles, but for casual listening or podcasts while commuting. They sound better than most competitors in this price range. The bass is punchy enough to keep you motivated during a workout.
Microphones Quality
Huawei integrated AI noise reduction to help the microphones focus on your voice.
- Real-World Test: I took several calls on busy streets. In medium-noise environments, my voice was perfectly clear. In very loud areas, the AI tries hard to optimize the voice, though some background noise still leaks in.
My Take: For video calls and standard phone calls, these perform excellently. They are much more reliable for “work from home” setups than I expected for a budget device.
Battery Life
This is where the FreeBuds SE 2 truly shine. They offer a massive 40 hours of total playback with the case.
- Daily Use: I used them for about 3-4 hours a day and didn’t have to charge the case for the entire 14-day period.
- Fast Charge: The most impressive feature is that 10 minutes of charging gives you 3 hours of music.
My Take: The battery is the “hero” feature here. If you’re someone who constantly forgets to charge your devices, the fast-charge capability makes these a no-brainer.
Final Verdict: Is it worth it?
After 14 days of rigorous testing in the gym, during office commutes, and on busy city streets, the Huawei FreeBuds SE 2 have proven to be a masterclass in “essentials done right.” They don’t try to be Premium “Pro” earbuds; instead, they focus on being the most reliable, comfortable, and long-lasting buds in the budget category.
Who are these for?
- The Active Soul: If you are a runner or hit the gym daily, the open-fit design is a game-changer. You get stability and environmental awareness without the “thumping” sound of your own footsteps.
- The Battery Worrier: If you frequently forget to charge your gear, the 40-hour battery and lightning-fast 10-minute top-up will be your favorite features.
- The Value Seeker: Especially in markets like Mexico, where they are bundled with the Huawei Band 8, the value-for-money ratio is simply unbeatable.
My Final Thoughts:
If you need Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) or advanced features like “Auto-Pause,” these aren’t for you. But if you want a pair of earbuds you can “set and forget,” that feel weightless, sound great for the price, and rarely run out of juice, the Huawei FreeBuds SE 2 are an easy recommendation.
