Two true wireless earbuds with active noise cancelling, two very different price tags, and one question: do you need to spend more to get more? The Huawei FreeBuds Pro 3 and the Soundcore P31i/R60i NC both promise solid ANC and wireless convenience, but they sit at opposite ends of the budget spectrum. This head-to-head uses published specs, review consensus, and the HearWiki database to help you decide which one fits your wallet and your ears.
Price and positioning
The Huawei FreeBuds Pro 3 asks for $51, which is a remarkable price for a pair that launched in 2023 as a premium flagship. The Soundcore P31i/R60i NC, released in 2025, costs $37. That is a $14 gap, roughly 27 percent more for the Huawei. In absolute terms, both are budget buys, but the positioning differs: the FreeBuds Pro 3 is a former top-tier model discounted into the mid-range, while the Soundcore is designed from the ground up to be a value champion.
What does the extra money get you? The Huawei has a dual-driver hybrid setup, wireless charging, and an IP54 rating. The Soundcore has a single 11 mm dynamic driver, no wireless charging, and Bluetooth 6.1. Neither price is a stretch, but the Soundcore leaves more room in your pocket for a case or cable.
The scores, side by side
The HearWiki buyability score for the Huawei FreeBuds Pro 3 is 95/100, while the Soundcore P31i/R60i NC scores 82/100. That is a 13-point gap, which looks significant on paper. But remember, the headline score is a buyability measure derived from review consensus, price-to-value, and availability, not a simple average of sub-scores. The Soundcore has recorded sub-scores of 7.5 for sound, 7 for ANC, 8 for battery, 7 for calls, and 9 for value. The Huawei's sub-scores are not recorded in the HearWiki database, so we cannot compare them category by category. The gap in headline scores likely reflects the Huawei's stronger overall feature set and its pedigree, but the Soundcore's value sub-score of 9/10 shows it punches well above its price.
Sound
Sound is where the two diverge most clearly. The Huawei FreeBuds Pro 3 uses a two-driver hybrid design, which typically allows for better separation between bass and treble. Published reviews praise its excellent sound quality, with a detailed and energetic presentation. The Soundcore P31i/R60i NC has a single 11 mm dynamic driver, and its recorded sound sub-score is 7.5/10. That is respectable, and the Soundcore offers a customizable EQ, so you can shape the sound to your taste. However, the Huawei's dual-driver architecture gives it an edge in clarity and layering, especially at higher volumes. If you listen to complex music or value detail, the Huawei is the safer bet. If you just want a lively, adjustable sound for pop and podcasts, the Soundcore will not disappoint.
Noise cancelling and battery
Both earbuds have active noise cancelling. The Huawei's ANC is described as effective and adaptive, which means it adjusts to your environment in real time. The Soundcore's ANC has a recorded sub-score of 7/10, which is solid for the price but not class-leading. Neither will completely silence a busy office or train, but both should reduce low-frequency hums like engine noise. The Huawei likely has the edge here, given its premium heritage, but without a recorded sub-score we cannot quantify it.
Battery life is a clearer differentiator. The Huawei offers 6.5 hours per charge, while the Soundcore claims 10 hours. That is a substantial 3.5-hour advantage for the Soundcore, which matters if you are on long commutes or forget to charge your case. The Huawei does support quick charging and wireless charging, which the Soundcore lacks, so there is a trade-off between raw endurance and charging convenience. If you need all-day battery, the Soundcore wins outright.
Calls and everyday use
Call quality is not recorded for the Huawei, so we cannot compare it directly. The Soundcore has a calls sub-score of 7/10, which suggests it handles voice pickup adequately for a budget pair. Both support multipoint connectivity, so you can switch between a laptop and phone without re-pairing. The Huawei's app interface has been criticised as awkward to navigate, while the Soundcore's touch controls may be overly sensitive, according to published notes. Neither is perfect, but both are usable. The Soundcore also includes a transparency mode and real-time translation, which are handy extras at this price. The Huawei's IP54 rating means it can handle sweat and light rain, which is useful for workouts.
Which one should you buy?
Buy the Huawei FreeBuds Pro 3 if you prioritise sound quality, want a more refined ANC experience, and appreciate wireless charging. The extra $14 buys a dual-driver setup and a more premium feature set, and the 95/100 headline score reflects that. It is the better choice for critical listening or if you want a pair that feels closer to a flagship.
Buy the Soundcore P31i/R60i NC if you want maximum battery life, a lower price, and you are happy to trade some sound detail for value. Its 10-hour battery is a genuine advantage, and the 82/100 score with a 9/10 value sub-score shows it is a smart pick for budget buyers. It is the better everyday companion for long days away from a charger.
If you are still torn, the full comparison table at /compare/huawei-freebuds-pro-3-vs-soundcore-p31i-r60i-nc lays out the specs side by side. For more budget options, see our best budget earbuds under $50 or best earbuds under $100 lists.
FAQ
Which earbuds have better noise cancelling, Huawei FreeBuds Pro 3 or Soundcore P31i/R60i NC?
The Huawei FreeBuds Pro 3 likely has the edge in ANC, given its adaptive system and premium design, but its ANC sub-score is not recorded in the HearWiki database. The Soundcore has a recorded ANC sub-score of 7/10, which is solid for the price. If you need strong noise reduction, the Huawei is the safer bet, but both will handle low-frequency noise.
Are the Soundcore P31i/R60i NC good for phone calls?
The Soundcore P31i/R60i NC has a calls sub-score of 7/10, which means it handles voice pickup adequately for most situations. The Huawei FreeBuds Pro 3's call quality is not recorded, so we cannot compare directly. For budget earbuds, the Soundcore is a reasonable choice for calls, but neither is a dedicated headset.
Can I use these earbuds for workouts?
The Huawei FreeBuds Pro 3 has an IP54 rating, meaning it is protected against dust and splashes, so it can handle sweat and light rain. The Soundcore P31i/R60i NC does not have a recorded IP rating in the brief, so its water resistance is not confirmed. If workouts are a priority, the Huawei is the safer option.
