FreeClip 2 S: Huawei transforms earphones into stylish accessories
They aren’t changing the category, but they’re refining the formula. The new Huawei FreeClip 2 S offer improved comfort, design and smart audio management
Huawei continues to lead the way in a niche that has now become a category in its own right: ‘wearable’ open-ear earphones – the earring-style ones, to be clear. The FreeClip 2 S builds on the concept that made the first model so original: not cutting you off from the world, but offering you a personalised audio experience that leaves room for your surroundings. It’s a product designed for those who walk around town, work in co-working spaces, go for a run or simply don’t like the invasive feeling of in-ear earphones.
What are they like?
The FreeClip 2 S remain true to the famous C-bridge design – that structure which hooks over the ear like a little piece of technological jewellery. And here lies the first new feature: Huawei has placed even greater emphasis on the fashion aspect. The new model is clearly aimed at a premium, almost lifestyle-oriented market, positioning itself more as a designer accessory than a simple audio gadget.
What’s new compared to FreeClip 2
The main difference lies not in the audio hardware itself – which remains very similar – but in three specific areas: design, comfort and interaction. The first new feature is the new ‘Luminous’ design. The Deepsea Blue and Space Silver colourways are far more sophisticated than before, and the case has been redesigned with a glossy, jewel-like finish. Huawei has put a great deal of effort into the tactile and visual experience: the case looks more like a treasure chest than a standard phone case. There’s also 20 per cent more space inside. It’s a small detail, but it clearly conveys the direction the product is taking. The second new feature is improved comfort. The new Airy C-Bridge uses softer liquid silicone and, according to Huawei, is 25 per cent softer than the original generation. The weight remains extremely low: 5.1 grams per earbud. This means that, after just a few minutes, you almost forget you’re wearing them. For an open-ear design, this is essential.
Third new feature: software improvements. There’s now a more advanced adaptive volume control, with three sensitivity levels. The earbuds adjust the volume based on ambient noise and normalise volume differences between apps, videos and music. In practice: TikTok, Spotify and YouTube should have fewer sudden changes in volume. It’s a more useful feature than it might seem in real life.
What is most convincing?
Comfort remains the real standout feature. If you hate earbuds that go right into the ear canal, the FreeClip 2 S are among the most appealing options on the market. They feel wonderfully light, and they stay securely in place whilst walking or doing light exercise.
