Huawei has a new budget champion in its earbud range. The Huawei FreeBuds SE 5 MAX promise up to 80 hours of playtime with the charging case, noise cancellation up to 52 dB and high-resolution sound via LDAC, for a recommended price of just €79. That is a lot of specification for very little money.
The SE series has always been Huawei’s affordable line. With the MAX version, the brand clearly wants to show that a low price no longer has to mean leaving out the features that matter on a daily commute.
Huawei FreeBuds SE 5 MAX: 80 hours of music
Battery life is the headline feature. On a single charge, the earbuds play for up to 10 hours with noise cancellation switched off, or around 7 hours with ANC on. Together with the charging case, Huawei quotes up to 80 hours in total. Huawei measured these figures with AAC at 50% volume, so real-world results will vary with volume and codec.
When the battery runs low, a 10-minute charge gives you about 4 more hours of listening. For most people, that means charging the case once every week or two.
Four ANC modes, up to 52 dB
Noise cancellation reaches a maximum depth of 52 dB in specific situations and frequency bands. There are four modes: Ultra, General, Cosy and Dynamic. Dynamic mode adjusts the level automatically in real time, depending on the noise around you. A two-second press switches between noise cancellation, transparency mode and off.
Huawei is honest about the limits: ANC works best on low, constant sounds such as engines and air conditioning, and is less effective on higher sounds like voices and car horns.
LDAC and a 10 mm driver
Sound comes from a 10 mm dynamic driver. The Huawei FreeBuds SE 5 MAX support the LDAC codec with data rates up to 990 kbps and carry the Hi-Res Audio logo. Four preset sound modes and a 10-band custom equaliser in the HUAWEI Audio Connect app let you shape the sound to your taste.
Bluetooth 6.0 and cross-OS connection
The earbuds use Bluetooth 6.0 and work with iOS, Android and HarmonyOS. They can stay connected to two devices at the same time, even when those run different operating systems. On non-Huawei phones you need the HUAWEI Audio Connect app for features such as proximity pairing, firmware updates, custom gestures and Find My Earbuds.
Three microphones with AI noise reduction should keep your voice clear on calls. The earbuds are IP55 rated against dust and water, so sweat and rain are no problem. The charging case is not water resistant.
Light and tough
Each earbud weighs 4.3 grams. Huawei shaped them using data from more than 10,000 ear profiles, and includes three sizes of silicone ear tips. The semi-transparent case has a frosted matte finish and a slim, rounded oval shape. Huawei also put the earbuds through 26 lab tests, including a 1.8-metre drop test and temperature shocks from -40 to +70°C.
Wondering where wireless sound is heading next? Read our explainer on Bluetooth HDT and lossless wireless audio.
Pricing and availability
The Huawei FreeBuds SE 5 MAX are available now in Pearlescent Blue, Classic White and Timeless Black, with a recommended retail price of €79. From November 10 to 30, 2026, they are on offer on Amazon for €49. More information is available on the Huawei website.
Key specifications
- Driver: 10 mm dynamic
- Codecs: LDAC (up to 990 kbps), AAC
- Noise cancellation: up to 52 dB, Ultra, General, Cosy and Dynamic modes
- Battery life: up to 10 hours (earbuds), up to 80 hours (with case), 7 hours with ANC
- Fast charging: 10 minutes for 4 hours of playback
- Bluetooth: 6.0, dual connection across operating systems
- Calls: 3 microphones with AI noise reduction
- Protection: IP55 (earbuds)
- Weight: 4.3 g per earbud
- Colours: Pearlescent Blue, Classic White, Timeless Black
- Price: €79 (€49 on Amazon from November 10 to 30)
Are 80 hours of battery life and LDAC for under €80 enough to make the Huawei FreeBuds SE 5 MAX your daily earbuds?
