Over All Rating 4/5
Price Starts From ₹ 7,999/-
PROS 👍
- Bose-tuned sound with rich, balanced audio
- Stylish, retro-inspired design
- Impressive battery life and fast charging
- LHDC 5.0 codec support
CONS 👎
- Mediocre call quality in noisy environments
- Plastic build feels cheap
- ANC is decent but not exceptional
- No wireless charging
The true wireless earbuds (TWS) market is booming, with brands vying to deliver the perfect mix of affordability, performance, and premium features. Noise, a popular Indian audio brand, has entered the fray with the Noise Master Buds, promising a premium audio experience tuned by none other than Bose. Priced at ₹7,999, these earbuds aim to stand out in a crowded market. But do they deliver on their promises? After a week of testing, here’s my detailed review of the Noise Master Buds.
Detailed Review of Noise Master Buds
Design and Build Quality: Quirky Yet Functional
The Noise Master Buds make a bold first impression with their unique design. The charging case features a vinyl disc-inspired aesthetic, with a flat top and curved bottom that mimics a retro turntable. While this design is eye-catching, it’s purely cosmetic, the “rotating wheel” on the front doesn’t actually move, which might disappoint those expecting a functional gimmick.
Available in Titanium, Onyx Black, and Silver, the earbuds I tested (Silver) have a matte finish with a subtle metallic sheen. Noise markets this as a “metal finish,” but the case is unmistakably plastic. While this keeps the earbuds lightweight and portable, it does give them a slightly cheap feel.
The case’s lid is another weak point. It feels flimsy, and the hinge emits a faint creaking sound when opened or closed. Additionally, the earbuds rub against the lid when shut, which could lead to scratches over time. On the bright side, a small LED light at the 2 o’clock position (designed to resemble a gramophone needle) indicates connectivity and charging status, adding a practical touch to the quirky design.
The earbuds themselves are compact and lightweight, with interchangeable silicone ear tips that ensure a secure and comfortable fit. I wore them during commutes without any slippage or discomfort. However, the plastic build doesn’t quite scream “premium,” especially when compared to competitors in this price range.
Performance and Sound Quality
The Noise Master Buds truly excel in their audio performance, thanks to their Bose tuning and 12.4mm titanium and PEEK drivers. Out of the box, the sound is rich and balanced, catering to a wide range of genres. Whether I was listening to the bass-heavy beats of Runaway by Kanye West or the intricate orchestration of Hans Zimmer’s Interstellar soundtrack, the earbuds delivered a consistently satisfying experience. The bass is punchy without overwhelming the mids, while vocals and high notes remain clear and detailed.
The NoiseFit app (available for Android and iOS) enhances the experience further by offering customizable equalizer settings. Whether you prefer a bass-heavy profile for EDM or a neutral tone for podcasts, the app lets you tweak the sound to your liking. Android users also benefit from Google Fast Pair, which makes connecting to devices quick and seamless. While pairing with iOS is smooth, it lacks the ecosystem integration you’d get with AirPods.
Another standout feature is the support for the LHDC 5.0 codec, a rarity at this price point. This ensures high-quality audio transmission, making the Master Buds a great choice for audiophiles on a budget.
Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) and Transparency Mode
The Noise Master Buds come with Adaptive ANC, boasting up to 49dB of noise reduction. In practice, the ANC is decent but not exceptional. It effectively mutes low-frequency noises like traffic or train engines, but higher-pitched sounds like chatter or construction noise still seep through. Compared to premium options like the JBL Live Pro 2 or Sony WF-C700N, the ANC here falls short, but it’s more than adequate for casual use.
On the other hand, the Transparency mode is impressive. It allows you to stay aware of your surroundings, making it ideal for crossing streets or hearing announcements while keeping your music playing softly in the background.
Call Quality
Call performance is where the Noise Master Buds falter. Despite featuring a six-microphone system and Environmental Noise Cancellation (ENC), the results are inconsistent. While my voice came through clearly in quiet environments, outdoor or windy conditions posed a challenge. During a call in a crowded market, the microphone struggled to isolate my voice, resulting in muffled audio on the other end. Background noise reduction was largely ineffective, with ambient sounds often bleeding into the conversation.
If call quality is a priority, competitors like the OnePlus Buds 3 or Jabra Elite 8 Active offer better performance in this price range.
Battery Life
Battery life is one of the Noise Master Buds’ strongest features. Noise claims up to 44 hours of total playback (34 hours with ANC on), with the earbuds offering 6 hours per charge (4.5 hours with ANC). In my testing, I achieved around 38 hours of total playback, with a single charge lasting roughly 5 hours with mixed ANC usage.
The fast-charging feature is a game-changer, just 10 minutes of charging delivers nearly 6 hours of playback. The case itself charges fully in about 30 minutes via USB-C, though the lack of wireless charging is a minor letdown given the premium positioning.
Verdict
The Noise Master Buds aim to deliver a premium audio experience at an affordable price, and they largely succeed. With Bose-tuned sound, 12.4mm drivers, and LHDC 5.0 support, they offer an engaging listening experience that rivals more expensive options. The unique vinyl-inspired design adds a touch of personality, while impressive battery life and fast charging make them highly practical. However, the plastic build feels cheap for the price, and the call quality is subpar in noisy environments. Competing models like the OnePlus Buds 3 or Jabra Elite 8 Active may offer better overall value, but the Noise Master Buds stand out for their audio capabilities and stylish design.
Priced at ₹7,999, the Noise Master Buds are a solid choice for anyone seeking premium sound on a budget, despite their minor drawbacks. If you prioritize audio quality and battery life over call performance and build quality, these earbuds are worth considering.
Key Specification
| Wireless Range: | 10m |
| Bluetooth: | v5.3 |
| Speaker Driver: | 12.4mm |
| Weight: | 48.4 grams |