Is the Huawei FreeBuds Pro 4 worth the upgrade from the Apple AirPods Pro 3?
Verdict
Downgrade
The Huawei FreeBuds Pro 4 actually scores 5.4 points below the Apple AirPods Pro 3, so on aggregate review consensus this is a step backwards. It loses ground on noise cancelling (9.5 to 8.0) and battery (8.0 to 6.5). On paper: codecs SBC, AAC to SBC, AAC, LDAC, drivers per side 1 to 2 and microphones 3 to 4. Worth checking: battery life goes 8 h to 7 h and weight goes 5.5 g to 11.6 g. It is at least $24 cheaper, so the lower score comes with a saving. Only worth it if a specific feature above matters more to you than overall quality does.
What actually changes
Sub-scores both products have, on the same 0-10 scale. Bars extend right for a gain, left for a loss.
- Sound8.57.5
- Noise cancelling9.58.0
- Battery8.06.5
- Calls8.57.0
- Value7.57.0
Spec differences
Only where the two genuinely differ - everything they share is omitted.
| Spec | AirPods Pro 3 | FreeBuds Pro 4 | Direction |
|---|---|---|---|
| Battery life | 8 h | 7 h | |
| Codecs | SBC, AAC | SBC, AAC, LDAC | |
| Weight | 5.5 g | 11.6 g | |
| Bluetooth | 5.3 | 5.2 | |
| Water resistance | IP57 | IP54 | |
| Battery life (ANC on) | 8 h | 4.5 h | |
| Drivers per side | 1 | 2 | |
| Microphones | 3 | 4 | |
| Driver | 10.7 mm dynamic | 2-driver hybrid | |
| Frequency response | 20 Hz - 20 kHz | 14 Hz - 48 kHz |
About this verdict
Direction matters here: this page answers "AirPods Pro 3 to FreeBuds Pro 4". The other direction is a separate question with a different answer. Scores blend published review verdicts across true wireless and shift as new reviews land, so a marginal call today may not be one next quarter.