True wireless earbuds with noise-cancellation sprouted like crazy in 2019. Not to be outdone, Huawei, along with a few other wearables, launched the Freebuds 3. And these earbuds are actually pretty darn good.
Comfy fit, on the fence about the look
Let’s get it out of the way before anything else. The Huawei Freebuds 3 looks a lot like Apple’s Airpods. In fact, the entire Freebuds line has looked like this since it’s first iteration.
But is it fair to reduce it as simply an AirPods knockoff? Not quite.
Looks-wise, I kind of get why they went with this design. Not everyone’s a fan of in-ear earbuds. Some feel they are too invasive.
I can definitely say that the in-ear ones feel more secure but the Freebuds can cling onto your ear just fine. The only time I saw one fall off was during a Huawei demo but that was only because a dancer wore it and she was moving pretty intensely.
Also, perhaps the only way to put all the tech that Huawei managed to pack in the Freebuds 3 is to have them look the way they do now. I’m personally not too wild about it, but that’s just me.
Noise-cancelling all star
Speaking of “all the tech” in these earbuds, at the heart of it is the Kirin A1 chip. Made specifically for wearables, this is what enables a lot of what makes these earbuds great.
Chief of those features is the intelligent noise cancellation. I’m quite skeptical about noise cancellation claims especially on wireless earbuds, but the Freebuds 3 performs just about as good as advertised.
It doesn’t quite shut you out of your environment the way noise-cancelling headphones do. However, it does it well enough that your attention won’t easily be taken away when you have these on even when you’re in a crowded area.
The noise cancellation is still a tier and a half below the Sony WF-1000XM3 which I consider to be a superstar in that department. That said, the Freebuds 3 still does an awesome job and should be more than enough for most users.
Surprising bass, fantastic sound quality
The default bass setting on the Freebuds 3 is such a pleasant surprise. Coupled with the noise cancellation, it gives you such a full sound that if you close your eyes you’d almost feel like you’re surrounded by the music you’re listening to.
I wasn’t even playing bass heavy tracks when I noticed this. I was in a bit of a slow jams mood while trying these earbuds out and listened to tracks like Nice and Slow by Usher and I Wanna Know by Joe and man, the bass was really banging in a really good way.
This level of bass can be achieved in other true wireless earbuds but they’re usually not turned on by default. On the Freebuds 3, there isn’t any option to tweak the sound quality but I don’t imagine anyone needing to do this.
There is significant leak out of the audio though when you turn the volume to maximum. But I never felt the need to do this. Only tried it for the heck of it.
Easy pairing and controls
Pairing these are pretty straightforward, you only need to hold the button on the case for about two to five seconds to enter pairing mode. Make sure the case’s lid is open.
It’s even easier when your using a device that already has EMUI10. It’ll automatically find the Freebuds 3 once you pop the lid open. Similar to how Samsung Galaxy phones quickly detect the Galaxy Buds.
Controls are straightforward. Double tap on the left to turn on/off noise cancelling, tap on the right to play or pause, and double tap to skip to the next track. You can switch this up on the Huawei AI Life but that’s about the level of tweaking you can do on these.
I paired our review unit with both the iPhone 11 Pro and the Huawei P30 Pro. It’s worth noting that at the moment, you won’t be able to make these control changes on the Huawei AI Life/Smart Home app on iOS. Then again, if you’re using an iPhone, you’ll probably just get an AirPods or AirPods Pro anyway.
Is the Freebuds 3 your GadgetMatch?
There’s a lot to love with the Freebuds 3. The noise cancellation is pretty good, sound quality is superb, and the carrying case is small enough to be pocketable but not too small that they’re easy to misplace.
The battery is also pretty darn good. I’ve only had to charge it once in my week with the device. Speaking of charging, you can do so through a USB-C cable which comes with the device on the box or through wireless charging.
My only real gripe is how it looks. I’m still not a fan of how Apple has normalized wireless earbuds with stems sticking out. I find it frustrating that it’s now somehow considered trendy and fashionable.
That said, if you like rocking these types of earbuds, that’s completely fine. Live and let live, right? But part of me is hoping the next version has a different look. These do come in two colors: Ceramic Black and Carbon White so you can at least go with the black one if you think the white looks too much like a knockoff.
The Freebuds 3 is priced as follows: UK (GBP 147), Singapore (SG$ 238), Philippines (PhP 8,990), Malaysia (MY R679). That’s very competitive considering everything you get. These might just be the value upper tier true wireless earbuds with noise cancellation. Everything works as advertised and that is truly satisfying.
If you’re looking to splurge a little for a better audio experience, either for you or as a gift for someone else, then it’s hard not to recommend the Freebuds 3.
SEE ALSO: Huawei Freebuds 3: Give the gift of freedom this holiday season
Anker has just unveiled the soundcore Liberty 5 Pro series earbuds in New York during Anker Day. They are available in the Liberty 5 Pro and Liberty 5 Pro Max variants.
Available colors are:
- Pro Max: Midnight Black, Titanium Gold
- Pro: Pearl Blue, Midnight Black, Pearl White, Rose Gold
These latest TWS earbuds feature Anker’s first neural-net chip, the Thus AI chip. This breakthrough architecture introduces neural-net compute-in-memory processing.
It means AI computation directly inside NOR Flash Memory is enabled, instead of continuously transferring data between memory and processor.
Thus applies compute-in-memory principles inspired by the human brain, allowing AI models to process information where the data already resides.
Earbuds that think
Applying the Thus AI chip to the new soundcore Liberty 5 Pro series, Anker has integrated an advanced AI-powered 10-sensor fusion system.
This system combines eight MEMS microphones and two bone conduction sensors to isolate the user’s voice from environmental noise in real time.
Such system continuously cross-references airborne audio with vibrations captured directly from the speaker’s cranial structure. The result is significantly clearer voice isolation during calls, even in loud environments.
The Liberty 5 pro series also debuts Adaptive ANC 4.0. It is soundcore’s newest intelligent noise cancellation platform.
This system dynamically adjusts cancellation depth across varying environmental frequencies, while also minimizing pressure fatigue commonly observed on traditional ANC systems.
Integrated smart display
Both variants of the Liberty 5 Pro series come with Control at a Glance, an integrated smart touch display built directly into the charging cases.
Users can switch between ANC modes, customize EQ settings, manage playback, and answer calls from the case.
The Pro Max variant, in particular, comes with a 1.78-inch AMOLED smart screen which has an AI Note-Taker for AI-powered recording, real-time transcription, speaker identification, intelligent summaries, and more.
Furthermore, both models support three-device multipoint connectivity, IP55 dust and water resistance, Bluetooth 6.1, and up to 28 hours of total battery life.
From phone cases to luggage, the collaboration turns the classic virtual pet into a lifestyle collection
CASETiFY has announced a new collaboration with Bandai Namco Entertainment inspired by Tamagotchi.
The collection mixes retro digital pet nostalgia with modern accessories. Designs feature bright colors, pixel-inspired graphics, and classic Tamagotchi characters.
First released in 1996, Tamagotchi became a global hit. The interactive virtual pet encouraged players to care for their digital companion. More than 100 million units have been sold worldwide.
The new collaboration includes phone cases, tech accessories, straps, charms, and customizable luggage.
One of the highlights is the CASETiFY Travel Tamagotchi luggage collection. Customers can choose their favorite Tamagotchi character and add custom text using the franchise’s signature font style.
The 21-inch Carry-On Bounce Suitcase comes in Primrose Pink and Cobalt Blue.
The collection also introduces a CASETiFY-exclusive Tamagotchi device. It features a custom CASETiFY shell design.
Fans can also pick up the Tamagotchi Plush Earbuds Pouch designed by Bandai. CASETiFY is also offering themed straps and charms for added personalization.
Accessories include a 3-Way Strap with adjustable lengths and a silicone phone charm with a detachable plush accessory. A Tamagotchi-shaped metal charm hook is also available.
CASETiFY is also launching Tamagotchi Chase Cards alongside the collection. The collectible cards come in seven rarity levels. These range from Common to Supreme Ultra Rare.
To celebrate the launch, CASETiFY will host activations at its Shibuya PARCO store in Tokyo and its Dosan flagship store in Seoul.
Visitors can try the exclusive CASETiFY Tamagotchi device and enjoy interactive photo activities.
Price and availability
The CASETiFY x Tamagotchi collection starts at US$36. It launches on May 29 through CASETiFY and select CASETiFY STUDiO stores worldwide.
Accessories
The UGREEN Nexode Air 65W is the only charger I travel with now
Why carry five chargers when one does everything?
Traveler guilt sets in the moment you open your carry-on and realize half of it is occupied by cables.
Not clothes. Not souvenirs. Cables. A brick for the laptop, an adapter for the tablet, a dongle for the country you’re visiting because you forgot it has different outlets, and a portable battery that is, somehow, the size of a hardcover novel.
I used to be that person. Then the UGREEN Nexode Air 65W happened, and I’ve been reformed.
The case for a single standard
This charger is roughly the size of a golf ball. It weighs 72.9 grams — lighter than most lipstick cases — and yet it pushes enough power to fast-charge a MacBook Air or an iPad Pro without breaking a sweat.
It measures 33 x 31 x 40.4 millimeters, which means it disappears into any bag with an almost smug confidence. In the best way.
For the outlet you didn’t plan for
You know that crowded café in an airport lounge where the only available outlet is suspiciously close to a stranger’s elbow? The Nexode Air is designed for exactly that scenario.
It runs on universal voltage — 100 to 240 volts — so whether you’re in Singapore or Santorini, it simply works. No adapter required. (And we all know the adapter is always the first thing we forget.)
ThermalGuard technology manages heat during the charging process, so your expensive devices are protected from voltage spikes and thermal stress even when you’re running on your third hour of a delayed flight.
The single USB-C port is a design philosophy in itself. One cable. One brick. That’s one less thing to think about.
Less bulk, same power
The bulky laptop brick that came in the box of your MacBook is retired.
The Nexode Air handles your laptop and tablet both, which means that space is now available for the things that actually matter — like that extra pair of shoes you were debating.
Travel isn’t about packing for every possible scenario. It’s about packing for the life you actually live. And this little charger, this impossibly compact overachiever, makes moving through the world feel a little more effortless.
The UGREEN Nexode Air 65W Charger retails for US$ 39.99 and now available in the United States through the UGREEN Official Store and Amazon.
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