Noise Airwave Max 5 Review: 80-Hour Playtime & 50dB ANC

The Noise Airwave Max 5 headphones deliver a premium audio experience without the premium price tag. This in-depth review explores every aspect of these impressive over-ear headphones, from their unboxing experience and comfortable design to their exceptional battery life and effective noise cancellation. We’ll delve into the sound quality, the convenient features like dual-device pairing and low-latency gaming mode, and the overall performance in various scenarios, including intense workouts and busy commutes. Prepare to be surprised by what this budget-friendly option has to offer.This review covers everything you need to know before purchasing the Noise Airwave Max 5. We’ll assess the build quality, comfort during extended use, and the effectiveness of the active noise cancellation (ANC). We’ll also scrutinize the audio performance, including bass response, clarity, and volume levels. Finally, we'll weigh the pros and cons and determine whether the Noise Airwave Max 5 truly lives up to its impressive claims of 80-hour playtime and 50dB ANC.

Pros And Cons

Noise Airwave ma5 Headphones
  • Foldable and premium design
  • Premium build quality (matte finish, soft cushions)
  • Comfortable fit, lightweight
  • Good fitting, secure during workouts/travel
  • Bluetooth 5.4
  • High-quality audio codec support (AAC, SBC)
  • Dual device pairing
  • Gaming mode with 30ms low latency
  • Quad mic with environmental noise cancellation
  • Up to 80 hours playtime (NC off), 50 hours (NC on)
  • Fast charging (10 minutes for ~60 minutes playtime)
  • IPX5 water resistance
  • Strong sound quality, clear vocals and instruments
  • High loudness with minimal distortion
  • 360° spatial audio support
  • Punchy bass
  • Value for money in its price segment
  • Some sound leakage at full volume

Read more: EPZ P50 In-Ear Monitor Review: A Breakout Performer?

Unboxing and First Impressions

The Noise Airwave Max 5 arrived in a premium-looking box, exceeding expectations for a headphone in this price range. Inside, the packaging was well-organized and included a user manual, warranty card, a stylish Noise sticker, and even a BookMyShow voucher. The included accessories – a Type-C charging cable and an aux cable – both felt durable and well-made.

Noise Airwave Max 5 box unboxing
Noise Airwave Max 5 box unboxing

The initial impression of the headphones themselves was quite positive. The build quality felt surprisingly premium, with a sturdy, matte-finish plastic construction. The earcups were comfortably padded, promising hours of listening without fatigue.

Design, Fit, and Comfort

The Noise Airwave Max 5 boasts a foldable design, making it easy to store and transport. The lightweight yet robust plastic construction contributes to exceptional comfort during extended listening sessions. The earcups and headband are well-padded, ensuring a snug and comfortable fit even during strenuous activities like workouts.

Close-up of earcup padding
Close-up of earcup padding

The headphones secured comfortably in my ears, staying put during runs and other physical activity. The lightweight materials prevent pressure points or discomfort, even after many hours of continuous use.

Connectivity, Features, and Gaming Mode

The Noise Airwave Max 5 offers seamless Bluetooth 5.4 connectivity, ensuring a stable and fast connection with minimal latency. The inclusion of advanced audio codecs like AAC and SBC provides high-quality audio streaming. The dual-device pairing feature is a huge plus, allowing you to connect to two devices simultaneously.

The gaming mode, with its impressive 30-millisecond low latency, makes these headphones ideal for mobile gaming. The intuitive button controls make switching between gaming mode and music mode a breeze. The overall user experience is enhanced by well-designed controls.

Call Quality and Noise Cancellation

Equipped with a quad-mic system featuring environmental noise cancellation, the Noise Airwave Max 5 delivers crystal-clear calls even in noisy environments. Testing the call quality in various settings, including outdoor biking, showed exceptional performance. The microphone effectively filtered out background noise, making conversations easy to understand.

The active noise cancellation (ANC) impressed me, effectively blocking out surrounding sounds by approximately 90%. Even in crowded areas, the ANC provided a noticeable reduction in background noise, making these headphones ideal for travel or focusing on tasks in busy environments.

Sound Quality, Battery Life, and Additional Features

The Noise Airwave Max 5 delivers rich, detailed audio with clear vocals and well-defined instrument separation. The bass response is punchy and well-balanced, without overpowering other frequencies. The sound quality remained consistent at high volumes, with minimal distortion.

The battery life is exceptional, offering up to 80 hours of playtime with ANC off and approximately 50 hours with ANC on. Fast charging support adds another level of convenience. IPX5 water resistance makes these headphones suitable for workouts and outdoor use, ensuring longevity and durability.

Conclusion

The Noise Airwave Max 5 headphones offer exceptional value for their price point. The combination of long battery life, effective noise cancellation, comfortable fit, and excellent sound quality makes them a compelling option for various use cases—from mobile gaming to everyday listening. The premium build quality and additional features like the gaming mode and dual device pairing further enhance the overall appeal.

While some minor sound leakage at maximum volume is noticeable, this is easily mitigated by lowering the volume slightly. Overall, the Noise Airwave Max 5 presents a strong contender in the budget-friendly headphone market, providing a high-quality audio experience with a host of convenient features.