The premium headphone market is seeing a surge of new flagship wireless models, but choosing the right pair can be a challenge for consumers.
Today, one model is emerging as a standout, pushing the boundaries of audio technology.
The new offering boasts a world-first: a dual ANC engine for active noise cancellation. It likewise features an ultra-thin microplanar diaphragm, a next-generation driver, artificial intelligence, and a host of other innovations. The result elevates the experience of listening to Hi-Res music to unprecedented levels, regardless of location. Easy multi-device connectivity and a powerful battery life further enhance its appeal. The choice for premium headphones of 2026 appears to be clear.
HUAWEI FreeBuds Pro 5
After a week of testing the latest HUAWEI FreeBuds Pro 5, our team reached a consensus: these headphones are different. Different from previous generations and from the competition. Each member of our team had the opportunity to evaluate their capabilities.
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Their key advantage lies in the combination of new hardware and software algorithms. This allows HUAWEI to continue its tradition of introducing world-firsts through its premium devices. Below, we’ll detail everything you need to know about the FreeBuds Pro 5 and why they have impressed us.
The Most Elegant FreeBuds Pro Yet
The design of the FreeBuds Pro 5 is both recognizable and refined. The headphones retain the series’ iconic “geometric” shape, but with even smoother lines for maximum comfort during extended wear. The FreeBuds Pro 5 charging case also maintains the signature oval form.
Regarding comfort, the HUAWEI FreeBuds Pro 5 are noticeably more comfortable than the previous generation. They fit snugly, but the soft ear tips don’t cause fatigue. During the longest testing period – approximately five hours – the only issue was forgetting they were still in the ears.
They are available in premium colors, including classic Ceramic White, technological Silver Frost, and the new Starry Blue. The version with a vegan leather blue finish also deserves attention.
Another vital feature is the new concealed hinge, which creates a cleaner design. The hinge is optimized for one-handed opening, offering both convenience and style.
The front light indicator has also received special treatment, creating a soft glow in four colors to indicate different device states.
Materials are selected for durability, and the headphones have an IP57 certification for dust and water resistance.
The headphones are designed for maximum comfort, 10% smaller than the previous generation. The portion that enters the ear canal is 7.5% smaller, and the weight has been reduced by 6% – each earbud weighs approximately 5 grams, about the weight of a sheet of A4 paper.
The package includes four sizes of silicone ear tips (XS/S/M/L) to find the perfect fit. The combination of the small size and ergonomic design, based on extensive research, ensures a snug and secure fit without pressure points.
The Power of Rich Hi-Res Sound
If there’s one area where the FreeBuds Pro 5 truly shine, it’s sound quality. For the first time in Huawei headphones, they feature a Dual-Drive Acoustic System. This translates to two separate drivers, managed by a third-generation chip with two DSP processors and two professional audio DACs. One driver (ultra-linear dual-magnetic) handles deep, powerful bass, although the other (ultra-thin micro planar driver) delivers detailed and clear high frequencies. The sound is separated by the DSP, then each DAC independently drives the corresponding driver.
Just a few seconds of listening is enough to understand the magic of this technology. It delivers 100% more detail in the high frequencies and 45% less distortion in the low frequencies. There’s also 200% higher precision in the digital crossover and 50% lower noise from the digital-to-analog converter (DAC). In other words – a noticeable improvement across the board.
This dual-driver system covers an impressive frequency range – from 10 Hz to 48 kHz. The sound is dense and dynamic. Bass is deep without overpowering vocals, and high frequencies are so detailed you can hear the finest vibrations of guitar or violin strings.
The fact that the low frequencies go down to an impressive 10 Hz is noteworthy, as many competitors only reach 14Hz.
for the first time, dual ventilation openings for low and high frequencies have been added, preventing interference between them and creating a clear, clean soundstage with precise instrument localization.
Huawei’s proprietary L2HC 4.0 codec allows for transfers up to 2.3 Mbps for 48 kHz/24-bit lossless audio – approaching studio quality without wires.
The sound has four settings (Balanced, Voice, Classical, Bass). But more engaging is the new intelligent and adaptive Quadruple adaptive EQ. With it, the headphones automatically self-adjust to the structure of your ear canal, volume, surrounding environment, and how you wear the headphones.
Though much we write, we won’t be able to convey how pleasant, rich, and clear the sound of the FreeBuds Pro 5 is. They certainly outperform the earbuds we’ve previously reviewed.
Earlier this month, colleagues traveling to London tested the Classical mode for symphonic music on a flight. According to one traveler, it felt as if the orchestra was playing in the room. At the same time, the dual acoustic system equalized the sound against the noise of the engines, which was completely neutralized.
Next-Generation Noise Cancellation
Another feature that can only be experienced firsthand is the phenomenal noise cancellation.
The biggest innovation in the FreeBuds Pro 5 is the Dual-Engine AI Noise Cancellation. This represents the first system to use both drivers (for bass and highs) to generate opposing sound waves that neutralize external noise.
The new MIMO AI sensor model actively senses your environment and adjusts parameters in real time.
The result?
A 220% improvement in overall noise cancellation compared to the previous model. The headphones process noise up to 400,000 times per second. So low-frequency rumble from an airplane engine or subway is almost completely eliminated. With the implementation of the dual ANC engine, the headphones can isolate up to 100 dB of ambient noise. Mid-frequency noises like speech in an office, buzzing computers, or coffee machines simply disappear.
The system also has several smart modes. In Awareness Mode, you hear the surrounding environment clearly and naturally – ideal when waiting for an announcement at the airport or walking down a busy street. In Adaptive Mode, the headphones automatically recognize your environment. On the street, for example, they will reduce the noise from tires but exit horns and voices audible for your safety.
FreeBuds Pro 5 are packed with AI technologies that simplify your daily life.
Conversation Awareness Mode allows you to start speaking while listening to music. The headphones automatically lower the volume and switch to transparency mode so you can hear what’s being said to you. Stop speaking, and the music returns, and ANC reactivates. No need to remove the headphones or search for a pause button.
The Adaptive Volume function is ideal for transitioning from quiet spaces to a noisy street. The music will automatically increase in volume so you can hear clearly. When you enter a quieter environment, the sound will normalize.
Stable & Clear Calls provides two-way clear calls and eliminates noise in environments up to 100 dB and wind speeds up to 10 m/s. Whether you’re in a crowded bar, on the subway, or at a stadium, the other person will only hear you, not the surrounding noise.
Let’s bring these technologies into reality. Imagine you’re in a busy office and trying to focus on an important task, but your colleagues are talking loudly. With a single touch of the FreeBuds Pro 5, the noise disappears, and you sink into your “bubble” of silence.
Or you’re traveling – at the airport, connected to your laptop and watching a video while waiting for your flight. Suddenly, your phone rings. You don’t need to take off your headphones or search for a button – they automatically switch the audio source to the phone to answer the call and return to the video immediately afterward. Thanks to three microphones and a VPU bone conduction sensor, your caller will hear you clearly, even if there’s strong wind or you’re in a crowded café.
Suppose you’re riding a bike on a windy day and receive a call. Thanks to the advanced algorithms, the wind blowing in your ears is completely filtered out. You hear the other person clearly, and they hear you without realizing you’re outside in bad weather.
These are just a few of the everyday scenarios where the advanced technologies of the FreeBuds Pro 5 can build your life easier.
Powerful Battery and Easy Connectivity
HUAWEI FreeBuds Pro 5 are designed to work seamlessly with any operating system – whether you use iPhone (iOS), Android, or Windows.
When it comes to battery life, the FreeBuds Pro 5 are prepared for a long day. The headphones offer up to 9 hours of playback, and with the case, you get a total of 38 hours. This surpasses the competition. Even with active noise cancellation enabled, you still have a full day of use. A 10-minute charge in the case provides 2-3 hours of listening.
Connectivity is seamless. The headphones support simultaneous connection with two devices, whether they are iOS, Android, or a computer. You’re working on a laptop, your phone rings, and the sound automatically switches to the call. Once you hang up, the headphones return to the laptop.
The HUAWEI Audio Connect app is available for iOS and Android devices, allowing you to manage the equalizer and all the extras of the headphones.
Availability
HUAWEI FreeBuds Pro 5 set new standards with their dual ANC engine, studio-quality audio, and intelligent features that truly simplify everyday life.
If you’re looking for the best of the best in wireless technology, if you want to hear music as the artists intended, and if you want full control over your sound environment – these are the headphones for you.
Starting February 26, HUAWEI FreeBuds Pro 5 are now available in the Bulgarian market and can be found at Technopolis, A1, Yettel, Vivacom, the Zora chain of stores, and the distributor Polikomp’s partner network, including Ozone.bg, Ardes.bg, PLESIO, Laptop.bg, at a recommended price of €199.
Until March 31, HUAWEI FreeBuds Pro 5 are offered with a €30 discount voucher. Consumers can also purchase a spare earbud at 50% of its official price in case of loss or accidental damage. Availability in Technomarket is expected soon.
You can learn more about HUAWEI FreeBuds Pro 5 here >>>