Huawei has released its new FreeArc open-ear earbuds, the brand’s first IP57-certified headphones and a direct challenger to the popular Shokz OpenFit, designed for use by cyclists and runners.
The new headphones feature Huawei's Earhook and C-bridge design, which is said to stay secure during the most vigorous physical activities, making them appear to be suitable cycling headphones.
Huawei says the FreeArc buds are designed to enable users to experience immersive audio while staying fully aware of their environment, with the open-ear design enabling the user to hear their surroundings when exercising or commuting by bike.
The RRP for the FreeArc is £99.99 and pre-orders are available now with £25 off until 3 March only in Huawei stores.
The full product line will be launched officially on 4 March with a launch offer of £20 off until 1 April.
Environmental awareness
Like the Shokz OpenFits, which we rate as among the best headphones for cycling, the new FreeArc headphones use an open-ear design that enables outside sound to enter the ear.
While it's not a bone-conduction design, the approach used in the OpenFits is among the best for cycling and running, keeping you more aware of other road users and potential hazard than in-ear buds.
Huawei says the soft liquid silicone rubber coating of the headphones provides a gentle yet secure grip, while the S-shaped curves of the ear hooks create a perfectly tailored fit.
The FreeArc buds feature IP57 certification, meaning they're protected from dust and can withstand being submerged in one metre of water.
This is better than the Shokz OpenFits, which are IP54-certified, meaning they can only withstand being sprayed with water from every direction.
For those looking to take on triathlons, the FreeArc’s waterproofing is certainly attractive.
The FreeArc buds are said to offer high-quality sound, with dynamic bass and crystal-clear treble, according to Huawei.
The new FreeArcs have a 17x12mm high-sensitivity driver unit, symmetrical acoustic structure, dynamic bass algorithm and an Adaptive Equal-loudness Algorithm, all of which are said to ensure detailed audio performance.
The Dynamic Bass Algorithm and Adaptive Equal-loudness Algorithm automatically adjust the sound output to ensure the perfect balance of bass and treble, no matter the volume, according to Huawei.
This means the FreeArcs should be able to soundtrack high-intensity intervals or a relaxed ride home from work.
The headphones also feature a dual-mic setup for better audio calls and triple call noise cancellation that blocks ambient noise during calls.
We've requested a set of the Huawei FreeArc earbuds to test and will post a review when we have.
