I tried Huawei's new affordable open-ear headphones for running – here's what I think

It was only a matter of time before Huawei came out with its own open-ear workout headphones. The brand already has open-ear buds better suited for casual use (see also: Huawei FreeBuds 5 review) and even a workout-centric model (FreeClip), but the FreeArc are the most durable and fitness-ready audio device to date from Huawei.

The Huawei FreeArc are akin to running headphones, such as the Shokz OpenFit 2 and the Cleer ARC II Sport, providing better situational awareness and sound quality. They're more comfortable to wear than in-ear buds, albeit they're larger and heavier than those.

One of the biggest selling points of the Huawei FreeArc is their price. They seriously undercuts the competition, which helps me overlook some shortcomings, such as the gigantic Comfort Droplet behind the ears and the lack of physical buttons.

I haven't had enough time with the FreeArc to give them a star rating, but I managed to get out on a few runs, which gave me an indication of what I can expect from the headphones. Are they best budget open-ears for running? Maybe...

Huawei FreeArc review

Price and availability

The Huawei FreeArc was announced in February 2025 and is available to buy now directly from Huawei UK for £99.99 – US and AU price and availability TBC. It's available in three colours: Grey, Black and Green. The brand has a pre-order offer running between 18 Feb and 2 March, saving you £25 if you buy the FreeArc now. If you miss out on that, you'll still be able to get £20 off between 4 March and 1 April with the launch offer, though.

Specifications

• Type: Bluetooth open-ear true wireless with ear hooks
• Battery life: 7 hours + 21 hours in the charging case (28 in total)
• Fast charge: yes, 10 minutes = 3 hours of playback time, USB-C charging
• ANC: No
• Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.2
• Weight (per bud): 8.9 g (buds), 67g (case)
• Weather resistance: IP57

Design and build quality

Huawei loves a fancy name, and the FreeArc’s design comes with plenty – think ‘140° Optimal Triangle Design’ and ‘C-Bridge Design’. In reality, though, it looks and feels like most open-ear headphones. The 0.7mm nickel-titanium shape memory alloy (that’s the C-Bridge Design, apparently) connects the Acoustic Bean (the audio unit) to the Comfort Droplet (the counterweight behind your ear).

Huawei claims the C-Bridge structure has been tested through 20,000 simulated wear cycles, which is way more bending than you’ll ever put them through. That said, the Comfort Droplet is pretty big—not uncomfortable, but noticeable, especially if you wear glasses. On the bright side, the soft silicone coating feels great against the skin, adding to the overall comfort.

Unfortunately, Huawei went with touch controls instead of physical buttons, and for workouts, this is a pain. Adjust the buds mid-run, and you’ll end up pausing or skipping a track; frustrating when you’re in the zone.

On a more positive note, the FreeArc is built to last. With an IP57 rating, they can handle sweaty workouts and even be rinsed under running water. Would I dunk them in a bucket? Probably not, but in theory, they should survive even that.

Sounds performance

The Huawei FreeArc packs a 17x12mm high-sensitivity driver unit with Neodymium Iron Boron magnets – the same kind you’ll find in high-end headphones from Sony, Bose, Sennheiser, and Apple. These magnets are known for boosting bass and clarity, and while they don’t turn the FreeArc into an audiophile’s dream, they do help deliver a solid, well-balanced sound for an open-ear design.

Huawei has also gone all in on sound tuning, using a PU and PEN titanium-plated diaphragm; fancy terms that essentially mean punchy bass (PU), refined mids and highs (PEN), and crisp treble (thanks to the titanium coating). It’s a smart combination, and it works well for the kind of listening experience these earbuds aim to deliver.

That said, a lot of algorithmic fine-tuning is happening behind the scenes. Features like Adaptive Equal-Loudness Algorithm adjust frequencies based on volume, while the Dynamic Bass Algorithm tries to keep the low end tight and controlled. It makes for an enhanced listening experience, but it also means the sound is digitally altered quite a bit – whether that’s a good or bad thing depends on your preferences.

Huawei has also tackled a common open-ear headphone problem: sound leakage. The Reverse Sound Waves System helps keep your audio private, so you’re not blasting your playlist to the person next to you.

As for customisation, the four EQ presets are a nice touch, though pretty standard these days (unless you’re using AirPods, of course). And while the FreeArc isn't immune to the usual open-ear headphone drawbacks, it does a decent job minimising them, making it a strong contender in the category.

Verdict

For how much Huawei charges for the FreeArc, I'd say they are one of the best affordable open-ear headphones on the market today. They use quality materials with a peppy, bright sound that will delight most users.

Due to the modifications Huawei applied to the sound, the FreeArc won't be the top choice for audiophile listeners – there are other buds with more natural-sounding profiles, even in the workout headphones scene.

However, if you're after some inexpensive open-ears that provide excellent value for money, the FreeArc are a sterling choice. I'll need to test them for another week to make a final assessment, but the first impressions are definitely good.

Also consider

Shokz OpenFit: These earbuds feature a similar open-ear design and have flexible earhooks to provide a stable fit. The OpenFit's battery life is identical to the FreeArc, but the former has a more well-rounded sound profile. The key difference is the price: the OpenFit's RRP is twice as much as the FreeArc. These days, you can easily get them for under £100, though.

Bose Ultra Open Earbuds: A more premium option, these buds feature a unique design that clips onto the ears. The Ultra Open are my current favourite for outdoor exercise, and deliver clear and balanced audio while keeping your ears open to the environment. Battery life is slightly longer than the FreeArc at 7.5 hours.