Huawei FreeBuds SE 4 ANC Detailed Review

Hey, my friend! I’ve been digging into the Huawei FreeBuds SE 4 ANC, and I’m excited to give you the lowdown like we’re just kicking back and geeking out over tech. These earbuds, fresh from Huawei’s lineup, promise active noise cancellation (ANC) and a killer battery life at a price that won’t make your wallet cry.

Huawei FreeBuds SE 4 ANC

Huawei dropped these earbuds on August 28, 2025, and they’re making waves as an affordable option with some serious perks. The FreeBuds SE 4 ANC are super light at 4.3 grams per bud, crafted with data from over 10,000 ear shapes for a fit that feels like it was made just for you. They come with three sizes of soft silicone tips to lock in comfort and sound.

Huawei FreeBuds SE 4 ANC (Photo Credit – HUAWEI)

The big deal here is the ANC, a first for the SE series, cutting noise by up to 24dB. You’ve got three modes to play with: Ultra for loud spots like trains, General for everyday noise like coffee shops, and Cozy for quieter vibes. A long press on the bud switches modes, or you can flip to transparency mode to hear what’s around you. Battery life is a showstopper – up to 10 hours per charge without ANC (7 with it on), and the case pushes that to a massive 50 hours total (35 with ANC). A 10-minute quick charge gives you hours of playtime, which is perfect for those rushed mornings.

They’re equipped with Bluetooth 5.4 for reliable connections, low-latency gaming (especially if you’re on a Huawei device), and mics that keep calls clear by filtering out background noise. The buds are IP54-rated, so they can handle sweat or a light drizzle during your jog. Available in White or Black, they’ve got intuitive touch controls – double-tap to play/pause, triple-tap to skip tracks – and you can customize everything in the Huawei AI Life app.

Here’s a clean specs table

FeatureDetails
Design & WeightIn-ear; Each bud: 4.3g; Case: 36g; Ergonomic fit with 3 ear tip sizes
Battery LifeUp to 10 hours (ANC off) / 7 hours (ANC on) per charge; Total: 50 hours (ANC off) / 35 hours (ANC on) with case; USB-C charging
Audio & ANC10mm dynamic drivers; ANC up to 24dB (Ultra/General/Cozy modes); Transparency mode; SBC/AAC codecs; 20Hz-20kHz frequency
ConnectivityBluetooth 5.4; Low-latency for gaming (Huawei devices); Auto-pairing
DurabilityIP54 dust/splash resistance (buds only); Passed 26 reliability tests
Controls & ExtrasTouch gestures (double/triple-tap, hold); Hall sensor for auto-pause; AI Life app for EQ, gestures, find my buds
ColorsWhite, Black
In the BoxEarbuds, charging case, 3 ear tips, USB-C cable, quick guide, warranty

The Good, The Not-So-Good of Huawei FreeBuds SE 4 ANC

The Good Stuff

  1. ANC That Delivers for the Price: The 24dB noise cancellation is legit for a budget pair. It’s not going to make a jackhammer disappear, but it does a solid job muting subway rumbles, office chatter, or that loud fan at home. The three ANC modes are a nice touch – Ultra mode was great for a noisy commute, while Cozy worked well in quieter spots. Transparency mode is super handy for quick chats with a barista without pulling the buds out.
  2. Insane Battery Life: 50 hours total without ANC (35 with it) is wild. I barely had to think about charging the case over a few days, and the 10-hour single-charge life (ANC off) meant I could go through a whole workday without a hitch. The quick charge is a lifesaver – 10 minutes for a few hours of play is clutch when you’re rushing out the door.
  3. Comfy and Durable: At 4.3 grams, these are so light I forgot I was wearing them after a while. The ergonomic design and multiple tip sizes make them perfect for long sessions, whether I was working out or bingeing a podcast. The IP54 rating on the buds held up fine during sweaty runs or light rain, though I was careful to keep the case dry since it’s not rated.
  4. Solid Sound for the Buck: The 10mm drivers pump out punchy bass and clear mids, making pop tracks, hip-hop, and podcasts sound great. You can tweak the EQ in the AI Life app to boost bass or vocals, which is awesome for customizing your vibe. It’s not audiophile-level, but for casual listening, it’s more than enough.
  5. Smooth Controls and Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.4 kept my connection rock-solid, even in crowded places. Pairing was a breeze, especially with Huawei phones, and the low-latency mode made gaming on my phone feel snappy. Touch controls were intuitive – I loved double-tapping to pause or answer calls. The AI Life app let me fine-tune gestures and even locate a lost bud, which is a cool bonus.

The Not-So-Good Stuff

  1. ANC Has Limits: While the ANC is impressive for the price, it’s not on par with premium buds like AirPods Pro or Sony WF-1000XM5. Super loud environments, like a packed train, still let some noise creep in. If you’re in a quieter setting, though, it’s plenty effective.
  2. Soundstage Could Be Wider: The audio is solid but feels a bit narrow compared to pricier earbuds. If you’re into classical music or tracks with complex layering, you might notice the lack of depth. Also, no high-res codecs like LDAC – just SBC and AAC, which is standard but not elite.
  3. Case Isn’t Waterproof: The buds are IP54, but the case isn’t, so you’ve got to be careful with it around water. I wish Huawei had added some protection here for peace of mind.
  4. App Best on Huawei Devices: The AI Life app works on Android and iOS, but some features, like seamless pairing or low-latency gaming, are smoother if you’re using a Huawei phone. It’s not a dealbreaker, but non-Huawei users might miss out on the full experience.

The Verdict

The Huawei FreeBuds SE 4 ANC are a no-brainer if you’re after budget-friendly earbuds with legit ANC and battery life that just won’t quit. They’re perfect for students, commuters, or anyone who wants to block out the world without spending a fortune. The sound is great for everyday listening, the fit is comfy for hours, and the controls are easy to master. Sure, the ANC and soundstage aren’t top-tier, and the case could use some durability love, but for the price, these are a steal.

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