Oraimo FreePods 4 vs FreePods 3 (2025): Real-World ANC Test, Battery Life & Price - Should You Upgrade?
Introduction
If you live in Nigeria, Ghana, or anywhere in Africa, chances are you’ve heard of Oraimo. From their power banks to smartwatches, they’ve built a name for themselves by giving us affordable tech that actually works. But one product line that’s gotten a lot of attention is their FreePods series.
When the FreePods 3 dropped, people loved them for the price, the sound, and the comfort. Now, Oraimo has come back with the FreePods 4, promising new features like Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), Transparency Mode, and longer battery life.
So the big question is: Are the FreePods 4 really worth the hype, or should you just stick with the FreePods 3? Let’s talk about it in plain English.
Quick Specs at a Glance
Before we get into the juicy details, here’s a quick side-by-side:
Feature Oraimo FreePods 4 Oraimo FreePods 3
Noise Cancellation Yes (ANC + Transparency Mode) No
Battery (per charge) ~8.5 hours ~8 hours
Battery (with case) 35.5 hours 28 hours
App Support Yes (Oraimo Sound app) No
Waterproof Rating IPX4 (sweat & splash resistant) IPX5 (slightly better)
Charging USB-C (fast charge) USB-C
Price in Nigeria (2025) = ₦27k – ₦32k ~₦16k – ₦20k
Design & Comfort – Sleek Upgrade or Same Old?
Both FreePods 3 and 4 have that classic stem design, so at first glance they don’t look all that different. But when you hold them, the FreePods 4 feels more premium. The case is sturdier, and the earbuds sit more comfortably in the ear.
For long listening sessions; say you’re streaming Afrobeats playlists, or listening to a podcast on your way to work, the FreePods 4 feels better. The silicone tips give a tighter seal, which also helps with noise cancellation.
The FreePods 3 are fine, but some people complained they felt a bit loose after a while.
👉 Winner for comfort: FreePods 4.
Sound Quality & ANC - How Do They Really Perform?
Now let’s get to the heart of the matter: sound.
FreePods 3: The sound is clear, and the bass boost mode is fun if you love that extra punch in your music. But the big weakness? Background noise. If you’re in a noisy bus or sitting by the roadside, you’ll hear almost everything around you.
FreePods 4: This is where Oraimo stepped up. With Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), outside noise drops down a lot. In real-world use, it doesn’t block everything (don’t expect Bose or Sony levels), but it takes the edge off traffic sounds, generators, and fans. That makes your music or calls feel way clearer.
The FreePods 4 also adds Transparency Mode, which lets you hear what’s going on around you. Handy when you’re walking in traffic and still want to stay aware.
Call quality is also better on the FreePods 4. During test calls, the mic did a better job of cutting background noise, so the person on the other end could hear me more clearly.
👉 For sound and features: FreePods 4 win hands down.
Battery Life & Charging – Long Enough for All-Day Use?
Oraimo has always done well with battery life, and both earbuds give you plenty of juice.
FreePods 3: Around 8 hours per charge, 28 hours total with the case. Not bad at all.
FreePods 4: Slightly better, 8.5 hours per charge (closer to 6–7 if ANC is on) and a total of 35.5 hours with the case.
Both charge through USB-C, and a 10-minute charge gives you nearly 2 hours of playtime. That’s clutch if you’re in a hurry.
Smart Features & App Support
This is one of the biggest differences.
FreePods 3: Simple. What you buy is what you get. No app.
FreePods 4: Smarter. With the Oraimo Sound App, you can:
Customize your sound with EQ settings
Control ANC/Transparency mode
Update firmware (so your buds stay fresh with improvements)
Customize touch controls
That means the FreePods 4 grow with you. You can tweak them to fit your style, which is a big plus.
👉 For smart features: FreePods 4 blow FreePods 3 out of the water.
Price in Nigeria – Are They Worth the Extra Money?
Okay, let’s talk naira.
FreePods 3: Between ₦16k – ₦20k depending on where you shop.
FreePods 4: Between ₦27k – ₦32k.
That’s a difference of about ₦10k. For some people, that’s a big jump.
So, should you spend the extra cash? It depends.
If you’re the type that just wants decent earbuds for music and calls, the FreePods 3 are still solid in 2025. But if you care about ANC, better calls, and app support, the FreePods 4 are worth the money.
Oraimo FreePods 4 vs FreePods 3 – Which One Should You Buy?
Let’s make it simple:
Get the FreePods 4 if…
You want ANC + Transparency Mode
You take a lot of calls and need clear audio
You like customizing your sound
You’re okay with paying extra for future-proof features
Stick with the FreePods 3 if…
You’re on a budget
You just need basic earbuds for music and calls
You don’t really care about ANC or app controls
Both are good, but FreePods 4 clearly pushes things to the next level.
FAQs
Q: Do the FreePods 4 support wireless charging?
No, only wired USB-C charging.
Q: Can I use FreePods 4 with both iPhone and Android?
Yes, they work with any Bluetooth device.
Q: Is the ANC as good as AirPods Pro or Sony earbuds?
Not quite. It’s good for the price but not flagship-level.
Q: Are they waterproof?
FreePods 4 are splash-resistant (IPX4). Don’t swim with them.
Q: Where can I buy genuine Oraimo products?
Best bet is Oraimo’s official website, Jumia, Konga, or authorized shops. Avoid random street vendors.
Conclusion
So, here’s the bottom line: FreePods 4 are definitely an upgrade. The sound is cleaner, the ANC and Transparency Mode make a real difference, the battery lasts longer, and the app support makes them smarter than the FreePods 3.
But… if money is tight and you just want good earbuds that get the job done, the FreePods 3 still hold their ground in 2025.
👉 My honest verdict: If you can afford the jump, go for the FreePods 4. If not, you’re not missing out too much with the FreePods 3.
Your Turn 🚀
I’ve shared my thoughts, now I’d love to hear yours.
👉 Do you think Active Noise Cancellation is worth paying extra for? Or are you fine with the basics as long as the sound is good?
Drop your answer in the comments — and if you’ve tried either FreePods 3 or 4, share your experience. Your story might help someone make the right choice.
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