A Promising Budget Contender with ANC & Long Battery Life
Homegrown brand Noise has started the year strong, launching a variety of smartwatches and audio products. Among its latest releases is the Noise Airwave Max 5, a pair of budget wireless headphones that promises adaptive noise cancellation (ANC), 80-hour battery life, and low-latency gaming support—all for under ₹5,000.
I tested these headphones for over three weeks to see if they truly deliver on their claims. Are they the best budget ANC headphones? Let’s find out.
Design & Unboxing: Minimalist Yet Functional
Packaging & Build Quality
Noise deserves credit for premium packaging. The black box feels sleek and minimalistic, offering a clean unboxing experience. Inside, you get:
- Noise Airwave Max 5 headphones
- Type-C to Type-C cable (for wired listening)
- Type-A to Type-C cable (for charging)
- User manual & documentation
The headphones come in three colors—White, Beige, and Black—with Beige being the most stylish in my opinion.
Comfort & Ergonomics
The full-plastic build keeps them lightweight, while the adjustable headband and soft earcups ensure comfort. The metal-reinforced hinges add durability, making them sturdy for daily use.
One thoughtful touch: L and R indicators inside the earcups for easy identification. The right earcup houses four physical buttons:
- Volume control (doubles as track change button)
- Power button (triggers Google Assistant/Gemini on long press)
- Dedicated ANC button
With an IPX5 rating, they handle light rain and sweat, making them gym-friendly. However, during intense workouts, the earcups do get sweaty, leading to a slightly loose fit. A minor issue, but something Noise could improve in future iterations.
Sound Experience: Balanced Audio with Impressive ANC
For the price, the Noise Airwave Max 5 delivers decent audio quality. The highs and vocals are crisp, though the bass feels slightly underwhelming. If you’re a bass-heavy music lover, this might not be the ideal choice. However, for casual listening, the audio output is surprisingly good.
Gaming Mode & Low Latency
With a dedicated gaming mode (activated via the ANC button), Noise promises low-latency gaming up to 30ms.
I tested them with Call of Duty Mobile and Modern Combat 5, and while there was no noticeable lag, serious gamers would still prefer wired alternatives for precision timing.
Call quality is decent, though not exceptional—understandable at this price point.
Hits & Misses: Where the Noise Airwave Max 5 Excels and Falls Short
What Works?
✅ Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) – Up to 50dB Reduction
The standout feature of these headphones is adaptive noise cancellation, which significantly reduces background noise. While it won’t block out loud city sounds like car horns or DJ speakers, it works well for office, gym, and travel settings.
✅ Excellent Battery Life – Up to 80 Hours
Noise claims 80 hours of playback, and while I couldn’t verify the exact figure, my usage over 20-25 days (with ANC on) required only 2-3 charges. Even for power users, battery life is a non-issue.
✅ Comfortable Fit for Extended Listening
The soft earcups and adjustable headband provide a comfortable fit, making them ideal for 2-3 hours of continuous use without discomfort.
✅ Gaming Mode – Low Latency
While not on par with wired gaming headsets, the 30ms low-latency does a good job for casual mobile gaming.
What Could Be Better?
❌ No Hi-Res Audio Codec Support
There’s no support for LDAC or LHDC, so audiophiles looking for high-resolution audio might be disappointed. The lack of a dedicated app for sound customization is also a missed opportunity.
❌ Ambient Mode Needs Improvement
While ANC is effective, the Ambient Mode isn’t as refined—it doesn’t amplify external sounds well, making it less practical for outdoor use.
❌ Sweaty Ear Cups During Workouts
During intense workouts, the earcups tend to accumulate sweat, leading to a looser grip.
Verdict: Are the Noise Airwave Max 5 Worth It?
For a budget of around ₹5,000, the Noise Airwave Max 5 is a solid option, offering:
✔ Strong ANC
✔ Long battery life
✔ Comfortable fit
✔ Decent audio quality
✔ Low-latency gaming support
While they aren’t ideal for bass lovers or audiophiles, casual users will find them a great value, especially if you grab them at a discounted price (₹4,000-₹4,500 during sales).
Final Rating: 4/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
✅ Great for everyday users, budget-conscious buyers, and casual gamers
⚠️ Not ideal for audiophiles or those needing an ultra-secure fit for workouts
Bhupendra Singh Chundawat is a seasoned technology journalist with over 22 years of experience in the media industry. He specializes in covering the global technology landscape, with a deep focus on manufacturing trends and the geopolitical impact on tech companies. Currently serving as the Editor at Udaipur Kiran, his insights are shaped by decades of hands-on reporting and editorial leadership in the fast-evolving world of technology.
