The UGREEN HiTune MAX5c headphones promise a compelling blend of affordability and advanced features, making them a tempting option in the competitive budget ANC market. This review delves into the performance and overall user experience of these headphones, examining their design, sound quality, noise cancellation capabilities, and the accompanying app. We'll explore whether the MAX5c truly delivers on its promise of budget-friendly excellence, or if compromises were made to achieve its attractive price point.From unboxing and initial impressions to a comprehensive analysis of sound quality, ANC effectiveness, and app functionality, we cover all aspects of the UGREEN HiTune MAX5c. We'll scrutinize the battery life, connectivity, and comfort, ultimately determining whether these headphones are a worthwhile investment for discerning listeners seeking a balance between performance and cost. Our detailed review will help you decide if the UGREEN HiTune MAX5c is the right choice for your listening needs.
Pros And Cons
- 75 hours of battery life (with ANC off), 45 hours (with ANC on)
- 5-minute quick charge for 5 hours of playtime
- Supports high-resolution audio with LDAC and wireless
- Hybrid active noise cancellation
- Spatial audio
- Comfortable memory foam ear cushions
- Foldable and compact design
- Bluetooth 5.4
- Type-C charging
- Good passive noise cancellation
- Good low latency
- App with equalizer and various sound modes (Classic, Jazz, Electronic, Pop, Classic Rock, Bass, Trouble, Gaming, Spatial)
- Dual device connection
- App not available on the Play Store
- App interface design is bulky
- Some lettering on the packaging and app is cut off
Read more: EPZ P50 In-Ear Monitor Review: A Breakout Performer?
Unboxing and First Impressions
The UGREEN HiTune MAX5c arrived in a simple, yet adequately protective box. The packaging felt slightly worn, suggesting it may have been pre-opened, which was a minor disappointment considering it was a new purchase. Inside, I found the headphones, a USB-C to USB-C charging cable, a USB-C to USB-A cable (presumably for wired use), and the standard instruction manual.
The headphones themselves have a sleek design. The color scheme – a combination of beige and gold accents on a predominantly black frame – is attractive. The earcups appear well-padded with memory foam, suggesting a comfortable fit for extended listening sessions. The build quality felt sturdy enough for everyday use.
Specifications and Features
The UGREEN HiTune MAX5c boasts Bluetooth 5.4 for stable connectivity and supports multiple audio codecs, including AAC, SBC, and LDAC for high-resolution audio. The frequency response is advertised as 20-40kHz, and the battery life is impressive, offering up to 75 hours with ANC off, and approximately 45 hours with ANC on. A 5-minute quick charge provides around 5 hours of playback.
Notable features include hybrid active noise cancellation (ANC), transparent mode for ambient sound awareness, and a dedicated app with an equalizer and spatial audio options. The headphones also offer a dual device connection, allowing for seamless switching between two paired devices.
App Functionality and Controls
The UGREEN HiTune MAX5c utilizes a dedicated app (not available on the Play Store, which is a minor drawback). This app allows for customization of noise cancellation levels, equalizer presets (Classic, Jazz, Electronic, Pop, Rock, Bass, and Trouble), and the activation of spatial audio and gaming modes.
The touch controls are straightforward, though the app provides further control over functions like single-tap (noise cancellation), press-and-hold (gaming/music/spatial mode). Overall, the app offers a good degree of customization and control over the listening experience.
Sound Quality and Microphone Test
The sound quality of the UGREEN HiTune MAX5c impressed me. The bass response was powerful and well-defined, without overpowering the mid-range and high frequencies. The overall sound profile was well-balanced, with clear instrument separation. The spatial audio mode created a wider, more immersive soundscape.
The microphone performed adequately for calls and voice recording. While not studio-quality, it effectively captured my voice with minimal background noise. The noise cancellation effectively muted background sounds while preserving clear sound during music playback.
Final Verdict
The UGREEN HiTune MAX5c headphones deliver impressive value for their price. The combination of comfortable design, long battery life, effective noise cancellation, customizable sound profiles via the app, and relatively good sound quality makes them a strong contender in the budget ANC headphone market.
While the app's absence from the Google Play Store is a minor inconvenience, and the slightly worn packaging of my unit was a concern, these are overall minor issues. If you're looking for affordable headphones with decent ANC and a good sound profile, the UGREEN HiTune MAX5c is definitely worth considering.