Huawei FreeBuds SE 4 ANC: Huawei FreeBuds SE 4 ANC launch with real noise canceling, triple-mic calls, multi-mode ANC, Bluetooth 5.4, durable build, and up to 50 hours of battery for just £49.99.
Huawei has brought a new pair of earbuds that promise more than just everyday listening. They are made to be light, easy to wear, and filled with features that feel rare for the price. For anyone wanting reliable sound without spending too much, this release stands out.
Lightweight design and durable build
Comfort and practicality remain at the center of the SE 4 design. Each earbud weighs just 4.3 grams and is shaped using data from more than 10,000 ear canal scans to achieve an “airy light” fit. The charging case weighs 36 grams and remains pocket-friendly at 46.5 × 61.8 × 24.7 mm, while the earbuds measure 32.3 × 21.3 × 24 mm.
Huawei also promises durability that goes beyond everyday use. The FreeBuds SE 4 ANC have passed 26 reliability tests, including 8,000 cycles of insertion and removal, 40,000 switch presses, 10,000 case open-and-close actions, and even drop tests from 1.8 meters. They have also been tested against extreme temperature cycles ranging from –40°C to +70°C. With SGS certification, these earbuds are built to last.
The buds themselves carry an IP54 rating, protecting them from dust and splashes, though the charging case is not water-resistant.
Multi-mode ANC and call clarity
The FreeBuds SE 4 ANC introduce three levels of noise cancellation Ultra, General, and Cozy capable of reducing external sounds by up to 24 dB. This flexibility allows users to adjust the level of isolation to their surroundings.
Calls also see a major upgrade thanks to a triple-microphone system with advanced noise suppression, helping your voice remain clear even in busy environments.
Sound performance and connectivity
Inside, the earbuds feature a 10 mm dynamic driver tuned for balanced output across the 20 Hz–20 kHz range. Supported audio formats include SBC, AAC, and mSBC, covering typical daily listening needs.
Connectivity is handled by Bluetooth 5.4, ensuring faster pairing, stable performance, and reduced latency. A special low-latency gaming mode is available when paired with Huawei devices running EMUI 10 or HarmonyOS 2.0 or later.
Pairing is also simple. Opening the charging case automatically triggers a pairing prompt on compatible Huawei phones. For manual setup, holding the case’s function button for two seconds puts the earbuds into pairing mode, indicated by a flashing white light that turns green once connected. After the first setup, the earbuds reconnect automatically whenever the case is opened.
Battery life and charging
Battery life is another highlight. Each earbud carries a 41 mAh cell, while the case houses a 510 mAh battery. Huawei rates playback at 10 hours with ANC off or 7 hours with ANC on. With the case, that extends to 50 hours without ANC and 35 hours with ANC enabled.
For calls, the earbuds deliver 6 hours with ANC off and 5 hours with ANC on, with total talk time reaching 30 hours and 25 hours respectively when using the case.
Charging is handled via USB-C, with a full recharge of the case taking about 110 minutes. Charging the earbuds alone takes around 60 minutes, and a 10-minute quick charge adds up to 4 hours of music playback, ideal for last-minute top-ups.
Smart controls and extras
The earbuds use touch sensors for controls, with double-tap to play or pause audio, triple-tap to skip tracks, and press-and-hold to change ANC modes, adjust volume, wake a voice assistant, or reject calls. A hall effect sensor manages case detection for smooth operation.
Huawei also includes a three-color indicator on the case to show charging and pairing status. In the box, buyers receive the earbuds, the charging case, three sets of silicone ear tips, a quick start guide, safety information, and a warranty card.
Price and availability
The FreeBuds SE 4 ANC are already listed in the UK at £49.99 (around $65) in Black and White. Wider rollout across Europe and Asia is expected in the coming weeks.
