This review pits the UGREEN HiTune Max 5C wireless ANC headphones against the EGGEL Life 2, both priced around 400,000 IDR. We delve into a detailed comparison, examining design, comfort, control scheme, active noise cancellation performance, audio quality, microphone capabilities, battery life, and overall user experience. Both headphones offer compelling features at their price point, but key differences emerge in areas such as sound signature, ANC effectiveness, and transparency mode functionality.This in-depth analysis explores the strengths and weaknesses of each model, helping you decide which best suits your needs. We assess the comfort and build quality, the effectiveness of the active noise cancellation and transparency modes, and critically evaluate the sound quality, encompassing the impact of different codecs and EQ settings. Ultimately, we aim to provide a clear and unbiased comparison to guide your purchasing decision.
Pros And Cons
- Equipped with LDAC codec and special audio features.
- Comes with a long warranty (24 months).
- Soft-touch plastic material, lightweight.
- Thick earpads reduce clamping force and support ANC.
- Uses buttons for media control and ANC mode changes (not touch sensors).
- USBC port allows wired audio connection and simultaneous charging.
- Consistent audio character in wired mode due to DAC in headphones.
- Effective ANC, especially for low-frequency noise.
- Natural-sounding transparency mode, accurately replicates voices.
- Customizable ANC button functions.
- Adjustable voice prompt volume.
- Bluetooth 5.4 with SBC, AAC, and LDAC codec support.
- Good multipoint connection (can connect to two devices).
- Sound is a bit less silent.
- Wired mode audio is too bassy.
- ANC is less consistent than Egle Life 2 in certain conditions (e.g., highway noise).
- Transparency mode volume is quieter than direct listening.
- Some EQ presets are unusual.
- Gaming mode increases YouTube video delay.
- Special sound feature is considered a gimmick and dulls the sound.
- LDAC codec or high-res audio must be disabled to use gaming mode and multipoint.
- AAC codec compression artifacts are noticeable in the treble area unless LDAC is used.
- Treble can be sharp and cause sibilance for some listeners.
Read more: EPZ P50 In-Ear Monitor Review: A Breakout Performer?
Unboxing and First Impressions
The UGREEN HiTune Max 5C arrived in a well-packaged box. Inside, I found a USB-C to USB-C cable (for wired audio), a separate USB-C charging cable, the headphones themselves, and a comprehensive instruction manual. The inclusion of a 24-month warranty is a nice touch, offering peace of mind to the buyer.
The headphones boast a sleek design, available in black or white. The oval-shaped earcups, slightly boxy and elongated compared to the EGGEL Life 2, are made of a surprisingly soft-touch plastic. This feels less cheap than expected, and the lightweight plastic is a plus for extended wear.
Design and Build Quality
The design is quite similar to the EGGEL Life 2, but with more defined oval earcups. The soft-touch plastic is comfortable and surprisingly high-quality. The lightweight feel is a significant advantage over heavier metal alternatives.
While the earcups feature a subtle UGREEN logo, I would have preferred a less prominent branding. The thick earpads promise reduced clamping force, and they certainly are thicker than those on the EGGEL Life 2. The visible screw points detract slightly from the overall aesthetic, although the white/cream and gold color combination is quite appealing.
Controls and Connectivity
The UGREEN HiTune Max 5C uses physical buttons for media control and ANC mode switching, which is preferable to touch controls. All buttons are conveniently located on the right earcup. Initially, I struggled to distinguish between buttons, accidentally turning the headphones on/off.
The USB-C port allows for wired audio and simultaneous charging. This wired connection provides consistent and predictable audio quality, unlike auxiliary connections. However, I found the bass-heavy audio in wired mode less appealing than the wireless mode.
Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) and Transparency Mode
The UGREEN HiTune Max 5C offers ANC with multiple modes (gentle, general, ultra, and adaptive). I preferred the ultra mode, which provided balanced performance comparable to the EGGEL Life 2. Both headphones are effective against low-frequency noise but struggle slightly with fluctuating high-frequency sounds.
Transparency mode, while naturally replicating mid-frequency sounds and voices, is quieter than direct listening. The EGGEL Life 2 provides more flexible volume control in transparency mode, making it slightly superior for conversations in noisy environments.
Audio Quality and EQ
The UGREEN HiTune Max 5C offers good audio resolution, especially with the LDAC codec enabled. The default audio tuning is neutral to bright, while the EGGEL Life 2 has a V-shaped tuning. The UGREEN app provides EQ presets, with Jazz being my favorite.
The EGGEL Life 2's multi-band EQ provides more flexibility for customization, but the UGREEN HiTune Max 5C’s Jazz preset offers a well-balanced and enjoyable listening experience, especially for those who prefer a neutral or bright sound signature. The EGGEL Life 2 is better for those who prefer more bass.
Microphone Quality and Other Features
Microphone performance was tested in a noisy environment. A direct comparison with the EGGEL Life 2 would be needed to accurately assess the difference in call clarity.
Other features include gaming mode (reduces latency), special sound (a gimmick), multipoint pairing (connecting to two devices simultaneously), and customizable ANC button functions. The ability to adjust voice prompt volume is a welcome addition.
Battery Life and Conclusion
UGREEN claims 45 hours of playback with ANC on and 75 hours with ANC off (using AAC codec at 60% volume). My testing (LDAC codec, 50-60% volume, ANC on) yielded approximately 33.5 hours. This is reasonable, considering the power consumption of LDAC.
The UGREEN HiTune Max 5C offers a compelling combination of features and sound quality for its price point. While the EGGEL Life 2 offers superior ANC and transparency mode flexibility, the UGREEN HiTune Max 5C boasts slightly better audio resolution, particularly with the LDAC codec enabled, and a more enjoyable default EQ. The best choice depends on individual preferences. For those seeking a brighter sound profile and easy-to-use controls, the UGREEN HiTune Max 5C is the better option.