Huawei FreeBuds SE 4 are the latest wireless headphones in the affordable segment that combine active noise cancellation (ANC), robust Bluetooth 5.4 connectivity, and a surprisingly long battery life. In the same wavelength with the new devices the company introduced this fall, from the HUAWEI Watch GT 6 and Watch Ultimate 2 series to updated headphones like the FreeBuds 7i and productive tablets like the MatePad 11.5, the FreeBuds SE 4 target users who are looking for quality sound, comfort, and modern features without a big expense.
Who are they for and what do they bring in practice
They are designed as "no-drama" technology for everyday life: for students jumping from lecture to lecture, parents handling calls on the go, public transport drivers who want peace during their morning commute, and for anyone who wants to get a lot for a small investment. They weigh just 4.3 grams per earbud, and the charging case fits into the smallest jacket pocket. In this price range, the emphasis is on practicality and reliability, so the FreeBuds SE 4 offer a combination of a comfortable in-ear design, precisely measured grip pressure, and touch controls that work consistently.
Active noise cancellation with three modes
The ANC here is above what is typically expected in this class. Huawei has implemented a multi-mode approach with three levels (Ultra, General, and Cozy) so that the filtering intensity can be adapted to the environment – from the city bustle to an open space dominated by lower frequencies. According to official metrics, the average depth of background noise suppression is up to 24 dB, which in practice means that the frequency band of fellow passengers' conversations and traffic hum is noticeably muffled, while vocals, podcasts, and calls remain clear.
Clear calls thanks to a 3-microphone system
Three directional microphones work in tandem with artificial intelligence algorithms that selectively highlight the voice and reject parasitic sounds. In scenarios like walking along a busy road or getting on a tram, the algorithm captures the vocal in real-time and suppresses the noisy carpet in the background. The result is a conversation that remains intelligible even when you are not in a quiet office, which is especially appreciated for short business calls between meetings.
50 hours with the case and 10-minute fast charging
A major advantage of the FreeBuds SE 4 is their autonomy. With the charging case, the declared playback time is up to 50 hours with ANC off, or up to approximately 35 hours with ANC active, which realistically covers a full week of use. A single charge of the earbuds provides up to 10 hours of listening without ANC or about 7 hours with noise cancellation turned on. If you're in a hurry, just 10 minutes on the charger is enough for about 4 hours of music, so even the busiest schedule is easily accommodated.
Bluetooth 5.4 and a stable connection on Android and iOS
The new chip and protocols ensure reliable pairing, low latency when watching videos and gaming, and better resistance to interference in saturated urban networks. The FreeBuds SE 4 support initial fast pairing, automatic reconnection when the case is opened, and an easy transition between devices. In combination with the AI Life app available in the AppGallery and other stores, the user gets access to gesture adjustments, finding the headphones, checking the battery status, and fine-tuning the sound through multiple EQ presets and manual adjustment by frequency bands.
IP54 resistance and durability tests
The earbud casings carry an IP54 certification for dust and splash resistance, which is a level of protection that covers a gym workout, light rain, and everyday situations like a spilled drink. The manufacturer states that the model has passed 26 internal reliability tests, including thousands of insertions and removals, temperature change cycles, and drops from a height of up to 1.8 meters, confirming the focus on longevity.
10 mm dynamic driver and sound tuning
The soundstage is powered by a 10-millimeter dynamic driver that balances energetic lows and clean highs without fatigue during hours of listening to podcasts or playlists. In combination with the profiles in the app, the user can choose a more pronounced bass for workouts, a more linear signature for instrumental music, or a warm vocal focus for audiobooks and video calls. It is important that the headphones maintain consistency in volume and dynamics even at lower listening levels, which is often overlooked in this segment.
Ergonomics and comfort through an ear-adapted design
The ergonomic shell is shaped based on a large set of data on ear canal geometry, and the mass of 4.3 g per earbud makes a difference on marathon days. Three sizes of silicone tips reduce micro-movements when walking, which further helps with passive isolation and sound stability. In practice, this means fewer adjustments with your fingers and more of a "put them in and forget" feeling, which is crucial if you use the headphones as an everyday work tool.
Design, colors, and in-hand feel
Huawei has opted for clean lines and two proven colors – classic white and discreet black. The case is matte, fingerprint-resistant, and shaped for easy removal from a pocket. The magnets are well-calibrated, the lid closes firmly and without "flapping," and the hinge has no unwanted play after repeated opening. In this price class, these small details make the difference between a device that "gets the job done" and one that also provides pleasure in using it.
Touch controls and transparency mode
The gesture system is intuitive: a double-tap for play/pause and calls, a triple-tap to change the song, and a long press to switch between ANC, transparency, and processing off. Transparency is implemented in a way that allows human speech to be heard naturally, so for short conversations at the checkout or in the office, it is possible to stay "in the loop" without taking out the headphones.
Compatibility and multiple connections
Although they "breathe" best in the Huawei ecosystem, the FreeBuds SE 4 perform equally well on devices with Android and iOS. Pairing is simple and without surprises, and the automatic reconnection system when opening the case shortens the time between pulling them out of your pocket and listening. If you frequently switch from a laptop to a phone, the stable connection and good response will be noticeable even without special settings.
Synergy with the new generation of Huawei watches
The FreeBuds SE 4 fit harmoniously into the newly introduced generation of wearable devices. The Watch GT 6 series, which arrived in European markets on September 19, 2025, brings longer battery life and more advanced tools for training and health. The pair of a watch on the wrist and headphones in the ear enables a completely wireless everyday life – from tracking a running route with precise GPS to answering calls while cycling, without reaching for the phone.
Specifications in summary
- Type: TWS in-ear, IP54 dust and splash resistance
- Weight: 4.3 g per earbud; case approx. 36 g
- Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.4, fast pairing, automatic reconnection
- Driver: 10 mm dynamic
- Microphones: 3-microphone system for calls with AI algorithms
- ANC: multi-mode (Ultra/General/Cozy), up to ~24 dB average reduction
- Battery: up to 10 h without ANC / approx. 7 h with ANC; total up to 50 h with the case (up to ~35 h with ANC)
- Fast charging: 10 min ≈ up to 4 h of playback
- Colors: white and black
- Price: around €59 in selected EU markets (may vary by market and promotions)
Audio for every day: music, movies, calls
In real life, headphones like the FreeBuds SE 4 are most often used for a mix of everything: a bus ride with a playlist, a series on a tablet before bed, and a quick Teams/Meet call during a break. The tuning here emphasizes vocal clarity, so dialogues in series do not require increasing the volume, while the bass has enough "body" so that pop and hip-hop do not sound flat. The latency is low and unnoticeable when watching videos, and the synchronization of image and sound remains stable even in dynamic scenes.
Comparison with the higher class
It is important to set realistic expectations: these are not "pro" headphones, nor is that their ambition. However, the fact that you get multi-mode ANC, long battery life, and well-handled calls in this range means that the main needs of a wide audience are covered. Those who are aiming for studio listening or the most advanced features like head-tracking spatial audio should move on to the FreeBuds 7i or Pro series, but for everyday life, the SE 4 is a well-struck compromise of price, comfort, and features.
Details that matter in practice
The lid opens with one hand, the LED indicator is legible from both the front and the top, and the USB-C port remains standard and practical. The magnets firmly position the earbuds in their cradle so they do not fall out during a quick removal from a pocket. The surface of the shell is large enough for reliable recognition of double and triple taps, without accidental activations.
Software, updates, and the AI Life app
The app allows for firmware updates that bring fixes and sometimes new functions, so it is advisable to periodically check for new versions. In doing so, gesture settings and EQ profiles are saved on the headphones, which means that the desired behavior will remain even when you switch to another device. For EMUI users, there is also a quick card with information about the battery and the current connection.
For whom are the FreeBuds SE 4 particularly worthwhile
If you are a student looking for reliable headphones with a good microphone and a long battery life, the SE 4 tick all the key boxes. If you are a young professional or a parent on the move, you will appreciate the quick switching between devices and the fact that background noise follows you less in conversations. And if you are active, the IP54 resistance and lightweight construction mean they are ready for training and walks in the rain.
The connected Huawei ecosystem
Pairing with the Watch GT 6 and Watch Ultimate 2 turns the FreeBuds SE 4 into an extension of your wrist: you can accept a call with a button on the watch, adjust the volume, and at the same time monitor your running pace or a cycling climb. If you are also considering a tablet for studying or work, the MatePad 11.5 offers reliable autonomy and a good IPS display for learning and work.
Where to buy and what to look out for
As this is a new model, expect prices in different EU markets to vary slightly, and promotions can further lower the already favorable recommended price of around €59. When buying, check if it is the official EU version with full local support and warranty, as well as if the packaging clearly indicates that it is a model with ANC. Also, note that the IP54 rating applies to the earbuds themselves (not the case) and avoid charging in humid conditions.
Our initial recommendation
The Huawei FreeBuds SE 4 represent a rare combination of affordability and features that were until recently reserved for more expensive models. For users whose priority is a stable connection, long battery life, and peace during a commute or work in an open office, this is a very compelling choice. If you are looking for even more advanced sound options and smarter ANC scenarios, turn your attention to the FreeBuds 7i, but for most everyday tasks, the FreeBuds SE 4 remain a logical choice.
For more detailed information and additional photos, it is useful to check the official product page: HUAWEI FreeBuds SE 4 ANC.