HUAWEI FreeClip 2S: Improved Quality and Control! The Review

Open-ear headphones continue to attract more users, especially those seeking an alternative to classic in-ear models without sacrificing comfort. After appreciating the first generation of FreeClip, we tested the new HUAWEI FreeClip 2 S for a few weeks, alternating between days in the newsroom, train journeys, city walks, and workouts. The goal was to understand if HUAWEI had managed to improve an already convincing product or if the updates were merely marginal.

The first impression came even before listening to a track. Once worn, we almost forgot we had them on our ears. This is a feeling that isn't always experienced with open-ear headphones, as finding the right balance between stability and comfort is not simple. In this case, however, the new silicone bridge is softer than the previous generation, and even after several consecutive hours of use, we didn't experience discomfort or particular pressure points.

Naturally, the typical compromises of this category remain. The ear remains completely free, meaning one continues to perceive everything happening around. This isn't always a limitation; in fact, for those walking in the city, running outdoors, or working in shared environments, it represents one of the main strengths. The question is rather how much audio quality is sacrificed by choosing such a solution.

Generational Differences in HUAWEI's Open-Ear Offer

Having already used HUAWEI FreeClip 2, it was quite simple for us to identify the differences introduced with this new version "S". At first glance, it may seem like a limited update, as the overall design remains faithful to the range's philosophy, but day-to-day use reveals a series of small refinements that make the experience more enjoyable compared to the previous model.

The most evident change concerns the charging case. HUAWEI has abandoned the more essential design of the first version to adopt a glossy finish called Luminous, which is decidedly more refined from an aesthetic standpoint. Beyond the visual impact, we appreciated a more practical detail: the internal space has been increased by about 20%, a modification that makes it easier to store the headphones in their housing without having to pay particular attention to positioning.

The headphones have also been revised, although without upsetting their setup. The flexible bridge connecting the two ends uses a new liquid silicone blend which, according to HUAWEI, is 25% softer than the previous generation. Beyond the numbers, what we felt during the trial period was less pressure on the ear, especially after several consecutive hours of use. With FreeClip 2, after a long workday, we began to experience slight discomfort; with FreeClip 2 S, this sensation arises much later, and in some cases doesn't occur at all. Stability, on the other hand, remains one of the series' strong points: during walks, daily commutes, and even during light jogging, the headphones always stayed securely in place.

Interaction and Usability

HUAWEI also worked on interaction with the device. Traditional touch controls are still present, but a new gesture based on pressing the back of the earbud has been added, which can be customized via the app to summon the voice assistant or other functions. In our use, this proved to be a more reliable command than simple taps, especially when wearing glasses or fixing hair, situations where the previous model saw some accidental activations.

The hardware platform remains largely unchanged, featuring a 10.8 mm dynamic driver with support for the proprietary L2HC codec. However, updates come from the software, where HUAWEI introduces an automatic volume adjustment system with three different sensitivity levels. After using it for a few days, we started to keep it always active: transitioning from quiet environments, like the office, to noisier contexts, like a train station or busy road, the volume adaptation occurs gradually and discreetly, avoiding the need for constant manual adjustments. It’s not a revolutionary feature, but it's one of those small improvements that, over time, contributes to making the user experience more comfortable.

Design, Materials, and Ergonomics: Comfort is the Real Strong Point

HUAWEI did not revolutionize the design of the FreeClip series but chose to refine a project that had already convinced us in the previous generation. The shape remains the now characteristic of the series, with the acoustic sphere positioned in front of the ear, the rear module housing the battery and electronics, and the thin flexible bridge connecting the two elements. A decidedly different solution compared to classic true wireless earbuds, but which now represents a hallmark of the brand.

Despite its unique appearance, it takes just a few minutes to become accustomed to the attachment system. After wearing them a couple of times, correctly inserting them becomes a natural gesture, and once in position, the earbuds distribute the weight evenly. Each module weighs just 5.1 grams and during our workdays, we often forgot we were wearing them. It’s probably the best compliment you can give to a product designed to be worn for many consecutive hours.

As mentioned earlier, HUAWEI states that it has also revised the material of the flexible bridge, now softer thanks to the use of a new liquid silicone blend. Beyond the technical specifications, what we felt was less pronounced pressure on the ear compared to the previous generation. After several hours of continuous use, we didn't experience particular discomfort or the fatigue sensation that, with some open-ear headphones, inevitably tends to appear throughout the day.

From a construction standpoint, the level is also high. The glossy finish gives the earbuds an elegant look without being excessive, while the charging case conveys a good sense of solidity from the first contact. The lid opens with a precise movement, and magnets automatically guide the earbuds into the correct position. We also appreciated the total absence of a right or left earbud: thanks to the automatic recognition, it is enough to extract them from the case and wear them without worrying about orientation, as the software will correctly assign the audio channels.

Even though they do not enter the ear canal, they remain well secured even when speeding up or changing direction quickly. For a product in this category, it's a result far from obvious. Completing the picture is the IP57 certification, which allows using the FreeClip 2 S without particular worries under the rain or during more intense workouts. Overall, it is comfort that makes the difference; those who have never tolerated traditional in-ear headphones will find this solution one of the most convincing alternatives currently available on the market.

Sound Performance: Convincing, Despite the Limits of Open-Ear Design

Those who choose a pair of open-ear headphones already know they must accept some compromises regarding audio quality. The absence of direct insertion into the ear canal indeed makes it harder to achieve deep bass and isolation comparable to that of a classic in-ear model. For this reason, we approached the test of the FreeClip 2 S with realistic expectations, focusing more on the overall balance of playback rather than simply seeking impact.

HUAWEI continues to use a 10.8 mm dynamic driver with dual membrane and dual magnetic circuit, a solution that on paper promises greater sound pressure. In everyday use, the result is positive: the low frequencies have a more significant presence than one would expect from a product in this category and accompany the listening experience without being artificially emphasized. They obviously do not reach the depth of an in-ear headphone with good sealing, but while listening to pop, rock, and electronic tracks, we never felt the sound to be poor or unbalanced.

Mid frequencies are also well reproduced and particularly enhance podcasts, audiobooks, and vocal content, while highs maintain a good brightness without becoming tiring after several hours of listening. Overall, the balancing seemed well done and perfectly coherent with the philosophy of the product: favoring a pleasant and natural listening experience, without pursuing particularly spectacular effects.

One of the most interesting new features of this version is the integration of a dedicated neural processor (NPU) for smart audio management. Essentially, the system continuously analyzes the surrounding noise and automatically adjusts the volume when the environment we are in changes. This is a feature we particularly appreciated during our daily commutes. Transitioning from the office to the street or boarding a subway, the volume increase happens gradually and almost imperceptibly, avoiding constant manual adjustments. Likewise, returning to a quieter environment, the level decreases without abrupt changes.

HUAWEI also worked on reducing sound leakage, one of the most delicate aspects for any open-ear headphone. While it cannot be completely eliminated, during our tests, we noticed that at a medium volume, people seated next to us could hardly perceive what we were listening to. An important result, especially when using headphones in the office, on public transport, or during a call.

Of course, traditional active noise cancellation is absent, but it's an inevitable compromise for a solution designed to keep the ear free and allow continued perception of the surrounding environment. This is a feature appreciated, for example, during city walks and outdoor runs, where maintaining awareness of traffic and what's happening around represents a safety advantage.

The phone call functionality has also proven convincing. HUAWEI uses three microphones supported by a bone conduction sensor and algorithms dedicated to noise reduction. During calls made outdoors, even in the presence of traffic and moderate wind, our interlocutors always described the voice as clear and natural, without particular distortions or artifacts. We are not at the level of the best headband headphones dedicated to phone calls, but for a pair of open-ear headphones, the result is absolutely up to expectations.

Completing the picture is the support for spatial audio with head tracking. This feature shines with compatible films and content, helping to widen the soundstage. However, it's not a characteristic set to radically change the daily usage experience, but rather an added value for those who often use streaming platforms or enjoy watching multimedia content directly from their smartphone or tablet.

Software Management, Interaction, and Smart Features

The HUAWEI Audio Connect app (or AI life) remains the point of reference for configuring the FreeClip 2 S and customizing their operation. The interface is easy to use and allows you to immediately visualize the charge level of the earbuds and the case, in addition to accessing all the main settings without getting lost in overly complex menus.

During our testing period, we often used the preset equalizers. The differences between profiles are perceivable, even though none modify the product's sound signature radically. More interesting was the management of the adaptive volume (still in testing), which can be adjusted at three different sensitivity levels based on personal preferences. After a few days, we found the right balance and ended up keeping it always active, as it made usage significantly more practical during daily commutes.

HUAWEI also updated the earbud control system. Besides the classic double and triple taps for managing music and calls, the new command based on pressing the back of the earbud debuts, customizable via the app. In our experience, this proved to be more accurate than simple taps and significantly reduced accidental activations, a concern we had flagged with the previous generation as well.

Also very convenient is the volume adjustment directly from the earbuds: one simply needs to swipe a finger along the rear module to increase or decrease the listening level, without having to pull the smartphone out of the pocket every time. It’s one of those small details that, after a few days, become natural and difficult to abandon.

Among the more particular functions, we also have controls via head movements. It’s possible to accept a call with a nod upwards or decline it by shaking the head slightly. It’s not a feature we used continuously, but in certain situations—such as when both hands were occupied—it proved surprisingly useful.

Lastly, the multi-point connection management is very good. We used the FreeClip 2 S connected simultaneously to a smartphone and a Windows notebook, and the transition between the two devices always occurred swiftly. During a video call or when a phone call arrived on the smartphone, the source switch was immediate, and we did not encounter interruptions or stability issues throughout the testing period.

Battery Life and Charging Times

Power management has always been a cornerstone for devices meant for prolonged use throughout the workday. HUAWEI FreeClip 2 S integrates a battery of 60 mAh within each earbud, while the charging case houses a 537 mAh unit. During our real testing sessions, conducted while maintaining the playback volume around sixty percent and alternating between high-definition music listening and about two hours of voice calls, we managed to cover just over 8 hours of continuous use before receiving the low battery audio alert. This is an excellent value, allowing for an entire day in the office or an intercontinental flight without the need to stow the modules back in the case.

Taking advantage of the additional charges offered by the case, the overall autonomy of the package is around 38 total hours of playback before needing to connect the unit to the power grid via the supplied USB Type-C cable. The speed of energy restoration is supported by a particularly efficient fast charging system: simply placing the earbuds inside the case for just 10 minutes provides about 3 hours of continuous music playback—a lifesaver when one realizes devices are dead just minutes before a run or an important meeting.

A complete charge of the case alone requires about an hour and a half when connected to a standard wall charger, and a small multicolored status LED on the front allows for visual monitoring of the progress of the energy process without having to open the lid or check the application on the smartphone.

Availability, Colors, and Positioning for Italy

The new open-ear listening solutions from the Asian company make their entrance into the Italian market with a commercial strategy focused on premium positioning but supported by promotional launches aimed at making the purchase more accessible. The official price list for our country sets the price of HUAWEI FreeClip 2 S at 229 euros. But be warned, as thanks to our coupon code AFC2SHWUP, you are entitled to an immediate discount of 40 euros, which brings the actual expenditure down to 189 euros, positioning the product in direct competition with the main high-end true wireless alternatives present on the market.

Regarding the color options available at launch, the choice fell on two options characterized by strong visual personalities, both featuring a mirrored metallic finish that provides great brightness to the earbud housing. The first coloration is named Deepsea Blue (our choice), a deep blue tone that changes reflections depending on the angle of ambient light, configuring itself as a sober, elegant option easily matched to both formal and casual attire. The second option is called Space Silver, a lively, cool, and mirrored silver that accentuates the technological aspect of the earbud, openly recalling cutting-edge jewelry lines and transforming the device into a true design element to showcase on the face.

Final Considerations

At the end of this long trial period, we can draw a thorough assessment of HUAWEI FreeClip 2 S. The market for open-ear audio devices has now surpassed the initial experimental phase, and this new proposal demonstrates how geometric refinement can resolve many of the historical limits related to sound pressure and long-term usability.

We are facing a mature product, solid from a construction standpoint and supported by a complete and stable software sector across all mobile platforms. The list price reflects the high technological content of the proposal, but the presence of launch promotions and the immediate discount coupon make the purchase recommended for anyone seeking a comfortable earphone to wear all day that can maintain total awareness of the surrounding environment without sacrificing excellent acoustic reproduction quality.