Huawei FreeBuds Pro 4 vs 6i

Huawei just dropped two new wireless earbuds — the FreeBuds Pro 4 and the FreeBuds 6i — and if you’re trying to decide between FreeBuds Pro 4 vs 6i, you’re not alone. Both promise high-end ANC, big sound, and a clean design. But they’re built for different people.

We tested both models across real-world scenarios: long commutes, noisy cafés, phone calls, workouts, flights, and back-to-back Zoom meetings. The results? Not as close as you’d expect.

In this full breakdown, you’ll find exactly how the FreeBuds Pro 4 vs FreeBuds 6i compare on sound quality, ANC, comfort, battery life, call performance, and iPhone compatibility.

Let’s find out which Huawei earbuds are actually worth your money in 2025 — and which ones to skip.

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Huawei FreeBuds Pro 4 vs 6i at a Glance

Huawei FreeBuds Pro 4 vs Huawei FreeBuds 6i – Build, Finish and Dimensions

Right out of the box, both models deliver a premium unboxing experience. The FreeBuds Pro 4 come in a sleek, pill-shaped case that feels compact and refined. It measures approximately  60mm in width, 45mm in height, and 25mm in thickness, and it slides easily into a pocket without creating bulk. The FreeBuds 6i, on the other hand, has a slightly larger footprint — 61mm by 47mm by 26mm, making it just noticeable in slimmer jeans or jackets.

The difference stays when you take the earbuds out. The Pro 4s are lighter and more minimal, weighing around 6 grams per bud. Their short stem and smooth profiles give them a streamlined and elegant feel. The 6i buds, at roughly 6.5 grams each, have a longer stem and more angular design, making them look and feel sportier.

Build quality is excellent on both, but the FreeBuds Pro 4 leans more premium, with smoother seams and more polished edges. The 6i, while not as luxurious, feels sturdier and grippier in the hand, which might actually be better for those with sweaty hands or who frequently pop them in and out.

If style and pocketability are high on your list, the Pro 4 has the edge. If you want something with a bit more grip and substance, the 6i won’t disappoint.

Huawei FreeBuds Pro 4 vs Huawei FreeBuds 6i – Fit and Comfort: Which Stays In Better?

Comfort is personal, but we noticed some clear trends while evaluating. The FreeBuds Pro 4, thanks to their lighter body and ergonomic silicone tips, almost disappear once they’re in your ears. We wore them through marathon editing sessions and forgot they were even there.

The FreeBuds 6i, while still comfortable, feel more present. Their angled design gives a tighter seal, which helps with noise isolation but can create mild pressure — especially if your ear canals are smaller.

If you have smaller ears, the Pro 4 is definitely the better fit. For those who want a more secure feel during jogs or workouts, the 6i’s snug design offers better grip. For other earbud options that work well for smaller ears, check out our Best Earbuds for Small Ears in 2025.

If you’re looking for Huawei earbuds for small ears, the FreeBuds Pro 4’s lighter, more compact design fits more comfortably and securely in smaller ear canals than the bulkier 6i. In short, the Pro 4 wins for long-term comfort. The 6i wins for active use.

Huawei FreeBuds Pro 4 vs Huawei FreeBuds 6i – Microphone Quality

Microphone quality can make or break a pair of earbuds — especially when calls are part of your daily life.

In quiet environments, both the Pro 4 and the 6i do well. But throw in traffic, wind, or a café espresso machine, and the difference becomes obvious. The FreeBuds Pro 4 features a triple-mic system with bone conduction and advanced noise suppression. In our outdoor tests, it consistently kept voices clear, natural, and up front. Even next to a loud dishwasher, it didn’t falter.

The 6i, while decent indoors, struggles when background noise enters the equation. Voices become slightly robotic and compressed, and the mic has a tougher time isolating speech.

If you’re constantly on Zoom or taking calls on the go, the Pro 4 is easily one of the best Huawei earbuds for calls, thanks to its triple-mic system and strong background noise suppression. For more recommendations on call performance, see our roundup of the Best Call Center Headsets.

Huawei FreeBuds Pro 4 vs Huawei FreeBuds 6i – ANC and Transparency Modes

Noise cancelation is a major reason to buy either of these earbuds, and both perform well — but they approach ANC differently.

The FreeBuds 6i surprised us with how effective its adaptive ANC was in daily use. Whether in an office or on a bus, it dialed down background noise significantly. It even did a solid job on a short flight, softening engine rumble without killing battery life. Transparency mode was decent too, letting in enough ambient sound without getting weird or digital.

But the FreeBuds Pro 4 takes things a level higher. Its ANC adjusts more intelligently and smoothly, thanks to better onboard sensors. Walking from a noisy street into a quiet space? The ANC scales down in real time, avoiding that pressurized ear feel.

Transparency mode is also more refined on the Pro 4. It handles voices and ambient details with more clarity and directionality.

If you’re shopping for the Huawei FreeBuds with best ANC, the Pro 4 wins out with smarter, more adaptive noise cancelation that adjusts in real time to your surroundings.

And if noise cancelation is high on your priority list, be sure to check out our Best Budget Noise-Canceling Earbuds for even more options.

Huawei FreeBuds Pro 4 vs Huawei FreeBuds 6i – Sound Quality

Let’s talk sound. The FreeBuds 6i has a warmer tuning, with boosted bass and smooth mids. It’s made for pop, hip-hop, and bass-heavy genres. Tracks sound full and punchy, and the treble stays rolled off to avoid any sharpness. That makes them great for casual, all-day listening.

The FreeBuds Pro 4, though, takes a more balanced approach. Bass is tighter and more controlled. Mids are more forward, making vocals and instruments shine. Treble is detailed but never harsh. You’ll hear better separation between instruments, and the soundstage feels more expansive.

In A/B tests using high-quality streaming audio, the Pro 4 just pulled ahead in nuance and clarity. For serious listeners or those who appreciate detail, it’s the better pick. For bass lovers comparing FreeBuds 6i vs AirPods for bass, the 6i hits harder, offering a warmer and more energetic low end that’s especially noticeable in pop and hip-hop tracks.

Looking for other high-performance earbuds or headphones? Our list of the 8 Best Audiophile Headphones in 2025 might interest you.

Huawei FreeBuds Pro 4 vs Huawei FreeBuds 6i – Features, App and Controls

Both earbuds integrate with Huawei’s AI Life app, but the FreeBuds Pro 4 feels more polished overall. The interface is cleaner, updates are faster, and ANC control is more granular. The 6i is no slouch, but syncing sometimes lags, especially on non-Huawei phones.

The FreeBuds 6i offers physical stem controls, which we actually liked. You can adjust volume, change tracks, toggle ANC, and even enter a game mode for low latency. It’s tactile and intuitive.

The FreeBuds Pro 4 uses touch and swipe gestures, which look clean but can be less reliable. You get full media and call controls, but volume isn’t available by default — you’ll need to enable it manually in the app.

Both support multipoint pairing, letting you switch between two devices without disconnecting. That’s especially useful if you bounce between laptop and phone throughout the day.

The FreeBuds Pro 4 works well across platforms, but if you’re using the FreeBuds Pro 4 for Android, you’ll get the best experience — full app access, granular ANC control, and quick updates via the AI Life app.

Huawei FreeBuds Pro 4 vs Huawei FreeBuds 6i – Battery and Daily Performance

Here’s where the FreeBuds 6i takes a clear win. With ANC on, it offers up to 8 hours on a single charge, with a total of 35 hours using the case. You can go multiple days without plugging in.

The FreeBuds Pro 4 gives about 5 to 6 hours per charge with ANC on, and 24 hours total with the case. It’s good, just not as long-lasting as the 6i.

Both charge quickly, but only the Pro 4 supports wireless charging. If you’re the kind of person who uses a charging pad at your desk or bedside, that might sway your decision.

If battery life is your top concern, check out our Best Headphones with Long Battery Life.

FAQs Huawei FreeBuds Pro 4 vs Huawei FreeBuds 6i

Huawei FreeBuds Pro 4 vs Huawei FreeBuds 6i: Which Is Better?

The Huawei FreeBuds Pro 4 and Huawei FreeBuds 6i both offer strong performance, but they serve different needs. The Pro 4 stands out with better microphone clarity, smarter adaptive noise cancelation, and more balanced audio tuning.

The 6i, on the other hand, delivers impressive ANC for its price, warmer sound with deeper bass, and longer battery life. If you prioritize calls and sound detail, go with the Pro 4. If you’re on a budget and want solid performance, the 6i is excellent.

Are Huawei FreeBuds Pro Good for Daily Use?

Yes, the Huawei FreeBuds Pro series, including the FreeBuds Pro 4, is great for daily use. They offer high-quality audio, effective ANC, reliable microphone performance, and good comfort even during long sessions. Whether you’re commuting, working from home, or just listening to music, they’re among the top Huawei earbuds available today.

Are Huawei FreeBuds 4i Waterproof?

The Huawei FreeBuds 4i come with an IP54 rating, which means they are water and dust-resistant, not fully waterproof. They’re safe for workouts, light rain, or splashes, but not meant for swimming or heavy water exposure. If you’re looking for earbuds specifically designed for waterproof performance, check out our Best Swimming Headphones.

Do Huawei FreeBuds 6i Work with iPhone?

Huawei FreeBuds 6i are compatible with iPhones and other iOS devices via Bluetooth. Core functions like playback, calling, ANC, and voice mode work well. However, if you want to use the full AI Life app experience, it’s optimized for Android, and some features might be limited on iOS.So, if you’re wondering if FreeBuds 6i good for iPhone? — The answer is yes, especially if you’re focused on battery life and bass performance.

Huawei FreeBuds 6i vs Redmi Buds 5 Pro: Which One Is Worth It?

The Huawei FreeBuds 6i outperform the Redmi Buds 5 Pro in ANC effectiveness, call quality, and overall fit. While both are budget-friendly, the 6i offers a more polished sound profile and a more refined transparency mode. The Redmi Buds 5 Pro, however, do offer competitive sound and decent battery life, making them a strong value alternative for non-Huawei users.

Huawei FreeBuds 6i vs FreeBuds Pro 3: What’s the Difference?

The FreeBuds Pro 3 have a more refined ANC system and slightly better sound tuning compared to the FreeBuds 6i. They’re part of Huawei’s premium line, like the Pro 4, and come with a higher price tag to match. The 6i offers surprisingly good ANC for the price, longer battery life, and a warmer sound, making it a better value for most everyday users.

Huawei FreeBuds 6i Noise Cancelling: How Good Is It?

The Huawei FreeBuds 6i feature adaptive noise cancellation that adjusts based on your environment. While not as intelligent as the Pro 4’s system, it does a great job reducing background hum from buses, offices, or street noise. For the price, the ANC performance is one of the best in its class. You can also check our Best Budget Noise-Canceling Earbuds list to see where the 6i ranks.

What Is Voice Mode on Huawei FreeBuds 6i?

Voice Mode on the Huawei FreeBuds 6i is part of the transparency mode feature. When enabled, it enhances human speech while still reducing environmental noise. This is especially useful in conversations where you want to hear voices clearly without taking your earbuds out. It’s a smart addition that makes the 6i more versatile in public or work environments.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for the best Huawei true wireless earbuds in 2025, both the FreeBuds Pro 4 and FreeBuds 6i deliver real value — but they’re built for different types of users.

Go for the Huawei FreeBuds Pro 4 if you want smarter ANC, better mic quality, and a more refined sound profile. It’s the stronger choice for daily calls, mixed-use audio, and users who care about control, clarity, and a more premium experience.

Choose the Huawei FreeBuds 6i if you’re focused on battery life, secure fit during workouts, or want rich bass without spending a fortune. It’s ideal for commuters, fitness routines, and anyone looking for reliable earbuds at a solid price point

Bottom line: both the FreeBuds Pro 4 and 6i are excellent — it really comes down to how you use your earbuds most: clearer calls and detailed sound, or longer battery and thumping bass.

Whichever one you choose, you’re getting a sharp blend of design, comfort, and everyday performance.