Innovative Earbuds from Huawei and Motorola Put to the Test

In a quest for fun and functionality, we evaluated two unique sets of earbuds that promise an enjoyable listening experience. The Huawei Freeclip 2S are categorized as open-ear headphones, designed to rest on the outer ear rather than being inserted into the ear canal. This design is increasingly popular among leading manufacturers, allowing users to remain aware of their surroundings, which is particularly beneficial for joggers who need to hear approaching vehicles. Additionally, these earbuds cater to individuals who experience discomfort from in-ear models.

The Freeclip 2S feature a round mini-speaker positioned in front of the ear canal, connected to an oval base unit that houses the battery and electronics, which sits behind the ear. While the design may take some getting used to, the Freeclip 2S stay securely in place, even during vigorous movement, allowing for extended wear without discomfort. Users can easily forget they are even wearing them.

Through the accompanying Huawei app, users can adjust sound settings and customize gesture controls for operation. Similar to Apple’s AirPods, these earbuds allow users to answer or decline calls with head movements. A notable feature is their electronic noise suppression during calls, which allows the user to hear ambient sounds while ensuring that their voice remains clear to the person on the other end. However, a complete noise-canceling experience is not achievable due to the design. Another downside is the charging case, which resembles a cheap chocolate box both in appearance and feel. The Freeclip 2S are priced at €200.

On the other hand, the Motorola Moto Buds 2 Plus offer a more budget-friendly option at half the price of the Freeclip 2S. These earbuds come in a conventional charging case and feature various oval-shaped silicone tips that effectively seal the ear canal. The Android-exclusive app allows users to customize gesture controls, and like the Freeclip 2S, these earbuds also filter out background noise during phone calls.

What stood out upon first listening was the surprisingly good sound quality, attributed to the audio expertise of Bose, who designed these earbuds. Both bass and treble are delivered clearly and precisely, providing a refreshing audio experience. However, when compared to high-end models from brands like Apple or Sony, some compromises are evident. This also applies to the electronic noise cancellation, which performs adequately but not exceptionally; for instance, Apple’s AirPods Pro 3 demonstrated superior noise filtering during flights. Overall, the Moto Buds 2 Plus are a solid all-rounder, boasting an impressive battery life of over eight hours.