The Noise Airwave Max 5 headphones promise a compelling blend of features at a budget-friendly price point. This review delves into the performance of these over-ear headphones, examining their build quality, comfort, sound profile, noise cancellation capabilities, and overall user experience. We'll assess whether the Airwave Max 5 truly delivers on its promise of being a top contender in the affordable noise-cancelling headphone market. From unboxing and initial impressions to detailed testing of sound quality, ANC performance, and battery life, we'll provide a comprehensive evaluation to help you decide if these headphones are the right fit for your needs.This in-depth review covers all aspects of the Noise Airwave Max 5, including its comfortable design, intuitive controls, Bluetooth connectivity, and impressive battery life. We explore the effectiveness of its active noise cancellation and assess the overall sound quality, highlighting both strengths and weaknesses. We'll also discuss any shortcomings, such as the lack of a dedicated app for customization, and ultimately determine whether the Noise Airwave Max 5 delivers exceptional value for its price, particularly for users seeking affordable noise cancellation and extended listening comfort.
Pros And Cons
- Good noise cancellation in closed rooms
- Smooth ear cushions comfortable for long listening
- Good build quality
- Strong bass
- Good overall sound quality for vocals, trebles, and instrumentals
- Long battery life (up to 80 hours without ANC)
- Fast Bluetooth 5.4 connection
- Dual device pairing
- Quad mic support for clear calls
- ANC and Ambient mode available
- Loud bass may be too much for some
- Slight latency in gaming mode (wired connection recommended for gaming)
- No app support
- No LDAC support
- ANC performance is somewhat reduced in noisy environments
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Unboxing and First Impressions
The Noise Airwave Max 5 arrived in a standard-sized box, containing the headphones, a manual, a Type-A to Type-C charging cable, and a Type-C to Type-C cable. The packaging was straightforward, and the included manual provided clear instructions on how to connect and use the headphones. The initial feel of the headphones was pleasant, with smooth earcups and a comfortable headband.
The build quality felt surprisingly solid for a sub-₹5000 pair of headphones. The materials used seemed durable and well-constructed, promising decent longevity. The overall weight of 241g was manageable, ensuring comfortable extended listening sessions.
Design and Controls
The Noise Airwave Max 5 boasts a comfortable design, although some users might find the headband a tad tight initially. The earcups are adequately cushioned for extended wear, and the overall fit is secure. The physical buttons offer tactile feedback, making them easy to use even without looking.
The controls are all located on the right earcup, including volume buttons, a power button, and an ANC button. The left earcup is free of controls, maintaining a clean and minimalist aesthetic. While the button-based controls are intuitive, the absence of touch controls may be a preference issue for some users.
Connectivity and Features
The Noise Airwave Max 5 supports Bluetooth 5.0, enabling quick and stable connections with devices. The dual-device pairing feature is convenient, allowing simultaneous connection to two devices. Quad-mic support ensures clear call quality, with minimal background noise.
A noteworthy feature is the 30ms low-latency mode for gaming. Although testing revealed slight latency, the provided Type-C cable provides a wired option to eliminate this entirely. The inclusion of a gaming mode shows the manufacturer's attempt to cater to various uses.
Sound Quality and Active Noise Cancellation (ANC)
The sound quality is impressive for the price, with a noticeable emphasis on bass. While this might be a plus for bass lovers, it could overwhelm other frequencies at higher volumes. The mids and highs are balanced and detailed, complementing the overall sonic experience.
The ANC effectively reduces noise in quiet environments, but its performance is slightly hampered in noisier settings. The Ambient mode allows outside sounds to pass through, which is a useful inclusion. While the advertised 50dB noise cancellation isn’t fully achieved in all conditions, the noise reduction is still impressive for its price point.
Battery Life and Other Considerations
The 600mAh battery provides impressive playback times. While the manufacturer claims up to 80 hours without ANC and 50 hours with ANC, real-world testing suggests around 30-40 hours with ANC enabled. The charging time is about one to two hours, which is acceptable for a device with this capacity.
The lack of a dedicated app for customization and the absence of LDAC support are notable drawbacks. The lack of LDAC support may deter audiophiles who prioritize high-resolution audio. The lack of app support prevents user customization of EQ settings.
Conclusion
The Noise Airwave Max 5 offers a compelling combination of features for its price. The strong bass response, comfortable design, and effective ANC (though not perfect) make it a strong contender in the budget noise-canceling headphone market. The long battery life is also a significant advantage.
However, the lack of LDAC support and a dedicated app for customization are definite shortcomings. These omissions may be deal-breakers for some users. Overall, it's a great budget option, especially for users prioritizing noise cancellation and comfortable listening but should be considered carefully by audiophiles.