Huawei FreeBuds 6i in review: Affordable with noise-cancelling focus
A TEST REPORT from Tanya Depper 
on August 27, 2024, 8:00 pm | Write a comment
The Huawei FreeBuds 6i are true all-rounders in the field of true wireless headphones: inexpensive wireless headphones with strong noise cancelling. In this review, we take a closer look at the FreeBuds 6i - just like the previous models FreeBuds 5i.
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tl; dr
The Huawei FreeBuds 6i offer an impressive price-performance ratio with strong noise cancelling (ANC), powerful bass and a long battery life of up to 35 hours. Despite small weaknesses, such as the occasional slipping out during exercise and the cumbersome installation of the AI Live app, they impress with their excellent sound quality and intuitive operating options. For under 100 euros you get a solid pair of true wireless headphones that are hard to beat in their price range. Currently available for 89,00 euros on Amazon or for 99,00 euros directly from Huawei.
Design and scope of delivery
The Huawei FreeBuds 6i are delivered in a compact and sturdy packaging. In addition to the headphones, the scope of delivery includes a USB-A to USB-C charging cable, three pairs of ear pads of different sizes and a quick start guide. Particularly noteworthy is the elegant, oval charging case, which closes with a satisfying "click" and keeps the headphones safe.
Wearing comfort and operation
The FreeBuds 6i sit comfortably in the ear and can be individually adjusted thanks to the various ear pad sizes included. However, if you sweat a lot, for example when exercising, the headphones can slip out of your ears. The touch operation is intuitive: adjust the volume by swiping, change the ANC (Active Noise Cancellation) modes by holding down, and start or pause playback by double tapping. Further settings such as adjusting the equalizer or updating the firmware require the installation of the AI Live app.
Sound quality and noise cancelling
The sound of the FreeBuds 6i is powerful and is particularly impressive due to the dynamic bass produced by the 11 mm quad magnet drivers. The Active Noise Cancellation 3.0 works excellently and effectively eliminates annoying ambient noise - whether on the train, in the home office or in the gym. For even better sound, the sound can be adjusted to your own preferences using the AI Live app.
Battery life and charging case
With an impressive battery life of up to 35 hours including the charging case, the FreeBuds 6i are ideally equipped for long days. Without ANC, the headphones last up to eight hours, with ANC activated it is around five hours. The charging case with a capacity of 510 mAh offers four full charges of the in-ears, so overall nothing is left to be desired.
Connectivity and Compatibility
The FreeBuds 6i are compatible with both Android and iOS devices. However, a small downside is the lack of availability of the AI Live app in the Google Play Store. Instead, the app must be downloaded via the Huawei AppGallery, which can cause complications on some Android devices. Once installed, however, the app offers extensive options for customizing the headphones and defining individual touch gestures.
Conclusion: Excellent value for money
The Huawei FreeBuds 6i impress with their strong noise cancellation, good wearing comfort and excellent sound quality. Despite minor weaknesses, such as the occasional slipping out during sports and the complicated installation of the app, they are a strong candidate in their price range. For under 100 euros you get a solid pair of true wireless headphones that enrich everyday life and do not disappoint even during longer sessions - clearly a pair of inexpensive true wireless headphones with strong noise cancellation.
Picture: TechnikNews