The Noise Airwave Max 5 headphones promise a premium audio experience, and this review dives deep into whether they deliver. We unpack the stylish packaging, examining the headphones' build quality, comfort, and design features. From its sleek aesthetics to the thoughtful inclusion of extras like a BookMyShow voucher, we explore the initial impression and the unboxing experience. This in-depth review will cover every aspect, from the intuitive controls and impressive battery life to the crucial areas of sound quality and noise cancellation performance.This comprehensive analysis covers the Airwave Max 5's technological features, including Bluetooth 5.4 connectivity, dual device pairing, and IPX5 water resistance. We meticulously assess the audio performance, examining the 40mm drivers, the efficacy of the Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), and the clarity of calls facilitated by the quad-mic system. Ultimately, we determine if the Noise Airwave Max 5 justifies its price point and stands as a worthy competitor in the crowded premium headphone market.
Pros And Cons
- Premium design and finish
- Large, comfortable ear pads
- Foldable for easy portability
- IPX5 water resistance
- Latest Bluetooth 5.4 version
- Dual device pairing
- Multiple control button functions
- High-fidelity sound output with wider audio space and better sound distance effect
- Good sound separation across frequencies
- Well-balanced sound output with minimal distortion at up to 100% volume
- Hybrid active noise cancellation (ANC)
- Ambient mode
- Adaptive ANC
- Good call quality with environmental noise cancellation
- Up to 80 hours of usage time (depending on usage)
- Fast charging (60 minutes of usage after 10 minutes of charging)
- Sound leakage at 100% volume
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Unboxing and First Impressions
The Noise Airwave Max 5 arrived in a classic black box, featuring Noise branding, a product image, and the model name. The minimalist design is clean and uncluttered. Inside, the packaging is well-organized and premium, reflecting the headphones' higher price point.
The contents included the headphones, a USB-C charging cable, and a booklet of documentation including a welcome note, warranty information, a user guide, and even a BookMyShow voucher.
The headphones themselves boast a minimal yet premium design with a shiny, sleek finish and subtle Noise branding. The left and right earcups are clearly marked, and a simple and elegant design is maintained throughout.
Design and Comfort
The over-ear design of the Airwave Max 5 features generously sized earcups that comfortably envelop the ears. The thick cushioning ensures a comfortable listening experience, even during extended use.
The headphones are surprisingly lightweight, despite their sturdy build quality. The earcups can also be folded flat for compact storage and transport. The metal and plastic construction provides a durable feel that can withstand normal use and travel.
The headphones are available in black with a matte finish that resists fingerprints. Additional color options are also available, offering more variety to consumers.
Connectivity and Controls
The Noise Airwave Max 5 utilize the latest Bluetooth 5.4 technology, ensuring a stable and seamless connection with both Android and iOS devices. The headphones support dual device pairing, allowing simultaneous connection to two devices.
Intuitive controls are integrated on the right earcup. These buttons allow for basic music playback control, volume adjustment, call management and access to the voice assistant. The controls are responsive and easy to use.
The headphones include an IPX5 water resistance rating, offering some protection against sweat and light rain. This makes the headphones ideal for those who workout often or live in wetter climates.
Sound Quality and Noise Cancellation
The Airwave Max 5 features 40mm drivers that deliver high-fidelity audio with a wide soundscape and impressive sound separation. The headphones produce a well-balanced sound profile with strong bass, clear mids, and crisp highs, capable of handling a wide range of music genres.
Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) effectively reduces environmental noise, making it ideal for use in noisy environments like public transport. Ambient mode allows for the passage of external sounds if needed.
The Adaptive ANC intelligently adjusts the noise cancellation based on the surrounding environment. The headphones also have a comfortable volume output and minimal sound leakage at moderate volumes.
Call Quality, Battery Life, and Final Thoughts
The quad-mic system with environmental noise cancellation ensures clear calls even in noisy environments. The call quality is impressive, producing clean audio, and minimizing background noise.
The Noise Airwave Max 5 boasts an impressive battery life up to 80 hours on a single charge. Fast charging is also supported, providing several hours of playback from a short charge. Usage time, however, can vary greatly depending on volume, ANC usage, and call usage.
Overall, the Noise Airwave Max 5 offers a compelling combination of premium design, excellent sound quality, effective ANC, long battery life, and convenient features. At its price point, it represents strong value, making it a solid contender in the premium headphone market.