The Noise Airwave Max 5 headphones promise a premium audio experience without the premium price tag. This in-depth review delves into every aspect of these over-ear headphones, from the unboxing experience and comfortable design to the impressive sound quality and exceptional battery life. We'll explore the features that make these headphones stand out, including their impressive 80-hour battery life, low-latency gaming mode, and effective noise cancellation. We'll also examine any potential drawbacks, such as the lack of certain audio codecs, to provide a balanced and comprehensive assessment.Ultimately, we aim to determine whether the Noise Airwave Max 5 delivers on its promise of top-tier sound at a budget-friendly price. Discover if these headphones are worth your investment, considering their comfort, performance, and overall value for money. This review covers everything you need to know before purchasing, helping you decide if the Airwave Max 5 is the right choice for your listening needs.
Pros And Cons
- Good packaging
- Over-ear design for long-term comfort
- Good cushioning
- Three color options (white, beige, black)
- Foldable design
- Includes Type-C to Type-C cable for wired listening
- High-fidelity acoustic support for improved mids and highs
- Strong bass
- 80-hour battery life
- 10-minute Insta Charge for 10 hours of playback
- IP65 rated for water and sweat resistance
- Low latency performance for gaming
- Good microphone quality for calls and gaming
- Dual device pairing
- Lacks support for aptX and LDAC codecs
- Wired sound quality not as good as wireless
- Loudness may be an issue
Read more: EPZ P50 In-Ear Monitor Review: A Breakout Performer?
Unboxing and Packaging
The Noise Airwave Max 5 arrived in an impressively designed box. The branding was clear and prominent, and the packaging felt premium, exceeding expectations for a headphone in this price range. The unboxing experience was pleasant, revealing the headphones, a USB-C to USB-C charging cable, and the usual paperwork.
The inclusion of a second USB-C to USB-C cable is a thoughtful touch, enabling wired listening alongside the wireless Bluetooth connectivity. This adds to the overall value proposition.
Design and Comfort
The Airwave Max 5 boasts an over-ear design, ensuring comfortable listening sessions, even over extended periods. Many users find on-ear headphones uncomfortable after prolonged use, and this design addresses that concern directly. The plush earcups and adjustable headband contribute significantly to comfort.
The headphones are foldable, making them easy to transport and store. Three color options (white, beige, and black) are available, offering choices to suit various preferences. The build quality feels solid and durable.
Sound Quality and Features
The sound quality is a significant highlight. The high-fidelity acoustic drivers provide excellent clarity in mids and highs, particularly noticeable in vocals. The bass is strong and impactful, sure to please bass lovers.
However, there's a notable omission: lack of support for LDAC and aptX codecs. This absence could impact the audio experience, particularly with high-resolution audio. While generally impressive, the sound quality might not reach its full potential without these codecs.
Battery Life and Other Features
Battery life is exceptional, offering up to 80 hours on a single charge. This means a full week of use, making it extremely practical for daily use. The InstaCharge technology provides 10 hours of playback with just a 10-minute charge.
The IP65 rating offers sweat and water resistance, making it suitable for workouts or use in various weather conditions. The dual-device pairing is a convenient feature, allowing simultaneous connection to two devices.
Wired Listening and Low Latency
While wireless is the primary focus, the wired listening option is a useful backup. The provided USB-C cable offers a wired connection in case of battery depletion. However, the wired sound quality isn’t as crisp as the wireless mode.
A notable advantage is the low latency performance, making it ideal for gaming. The low latency mode (30ms) ensures minimal audio delay, greatly enhancing the gaming experience.
Microphone and Call Quality
The Airwave Max 5 features microphones with noise cancellation technology. This results in clear call quality and ensures that your voice is easily heard by the other party, even in noisy environments. Both gaming and calls benefit from this.
The noise-cancelling capabilities also improve the audio experience while listening to music or playing games.
Price and Conclusion
The Noise Airwave Max 5 offers a compelling value proposition. While the initial price may seem high, discounts and sales often bring it down to a more competitive level. Considering the feature set, this makes it a strong contender.
Overall, the Noise Airwave Max 5 delivers impressive sound quality, long battery life, and a comfortable design. The low latency mode is a major plus for gamers, and the dual-device pairing adds further convenience. The lack of LDAC and aptX codec support is a minor drawback, but doesn't completely detract from the overall positive experience. It's a worthy consideration for anyone seeking a versatile and well-performing headphone at a potentially affordable price.