Noise Master Buds Max review: Not quite Bose, but closer than ever

Noise’s partnership with Bose has already produced some interesting results, but the new Master Buds Max feels like the true climax we’ve been waiting for. They may not be Bose, but they’re certainly reaching for that level and in this review, we explain why. Positioned as Noise’s flagship over-ear entry, the Master Buds Max take aim at premium competitors while keeping a surprisingly aggressive price tag. With Bose-tuned acoustics, high-definition wireless tech, and impressive battery life, these headphones make a strong case for themselves after extensive real-world testing.

Design, Comfort, and Build Quality

The Noise Master Buds Max successfully merges a high-end design with practical comfort. At first glance, the headphones definitely look premium the kind that instantly catches your attention. The aesthetic showcases Noise’s signature vinyl disc motif on the earcups, complemented by a subtle light bar that indicates charging and pairing status. They’re also notably lightweight for full-size headphones, helping reduce fatigue during extended listening sessions.

However, on closer inspection, some cost-cutting becomes apparent. The plastic quality feels a bit flimsy, which slightly undercuts the otherwise upscale look. Still, they remain comfortable, thanks to thoughtful ergonomics.

Comfort is clearly a priority here, achieved through:

• Ergonomic Earpads: Ultra-soft, breathable vegan leather cushions with memory foam that provide a solid acoustic seal and even pressure distribution.
• Adjustable Headband: Memory foam padding ensures a snug yet gentle fit.

That said, the ear cushions aren’t user-replaceable, which might pose an issue over time especially for those using them daily across different settings like the gym, office, or while watching content. The pads could wear out with long-term use.

The build quality overall feels decent, with earcups that swivel flat and fold compactly, and an IPX5 water resistance rating protecting against sweat and light splashes. However, the lack of a hard carrying case is disappointing a surprising omission that would’ve made the package feel truly complete. Instead, you get a soft microfiber travel pouch, which feels just average in quality, though a premium vegan leather case is sold separately.

Another point to make is that we would have preferred more features from the buttons mounted on the headphones. So far the use case for just volume and connectivity feels limited.

Acoustic Performance: Sound by Bose and LHDC 5.0

The sonic engine of the Buds Max is its most noteworthy feature. It utilizes mm high-excursion Neodymium drivers with tuning specifically optimized by “Sound by Bose” technology. This collaboration results in a detailed, balanced, and studio-accurate sound signature.

Spatial Audio

The headphones include Spatial Audio for a three-dimensional listening experience. However, it doesn’t include head tracking, meaning the soundstage remains fixed offering depth and dimension without adapting to the listener’s head movements. While the spatial audio experience isn’t on par with premium offerings, it’s still impressive for the price and adds a welcome sense of immersion that’s easy to appreciate in this segment.

Battery

Noise claims that the Master Buds Max can deliver up to 60 hours of playback without ANC and around 40 hours with ANC enabled impressive numbers for over-ear headphones in this price range. The Buds also support fast charging, offering up to 10 hours of playback in just 10 minutes of charge time.

In our experience, the claims hold up well. We’ve only needed to charge them once in an entire week, despite using them daily for music, calls, and editing sessions. That kind of endurance means you can travel with them confidently without ever worrying about running out of battery mid-journey a huge plus for frequent commuters and travelers alike.

Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) and Call Clarity

The Noise Master Buds Max delivers one of the most refined ANC experiences in its segment something Noise has clearly mastered over time. The headphones employ a dedicated five-microphone setup for environmental detection and noise cancellation, resulting in a three-part ANC system that’s genuinely commendable. It can effectively block out low- and mid-frequency sounds like engine hums and background chatter, making it ideal for travel or work.

There are four ANC modes ANC On, ANC Off, Adaptive ANC, and Transparency. In our testing, we primarily used the headphones in Transparency Mode, which strikes the right balance between situational awareness and immersive audio. Ambient sounds pass through naturally, allowing for quick conversations or awareness of surroundings without needing to remove the headphones.

When it comes to call quality, the same five microphones handle Environmental Noise Cancellation (ENC) for voice clarity. The algorithms work effectively to isolate your voice, keeping calls clear and crisp even in busy environments such as crowded streets or office spaces.

Apart from music, we also used the Buds Max for video editing on our laptop and they performed reliably, maintaining consistent audio quality and minimal latency, making them versatile for both entertainment and professional use.

Connectivity & App Experience

The Noise Master Buds Max offers a well-rounded set of connectivity features designed for both convenience and reliability. Bluetooth ensures a stable, low-latency connection, making it suitable for streaming, calls, and even editing tasks. The Dual Pairing feature lets you connect the headphones to both a laptop and smartphone simultaneously, allowing seamless switching between media and calls without manual disconnection. Google Fast Pair further enhances usability, enabling quick and effortless setup on Android devices. There’s also Wear Detection, which automatically pauses audio when you lift the right earcup or remove the headphones, and resumes playback when you put them back on — a thoughtful addition for everyday use.

We daily drove the Buds Max with an iPhone, and while we didn’t pair them traditionally through the Bluetooth settings, the automatic detection via the Noise Audio App was uber smooth and impressively fast — something we truly appreciate. It made setup feel almost instant and in line with what you’d expect from far pricier brands.

Through the Noise Audio App, users can unlock deeper customization and control. The built-in Equalizer allows you to fine-tune audio profiles beyond the default Dynamic EQ settings, while ANC Control lets you adjust noise cancellation levels or toggle between modes. The Focus Mode minimizes distractions by locking touch controls, and Find My Headphones helps locate misplaced devices. However, the app’s user interface feels a bit plain and uninspired, especially for the premium standard Noise is aspiring to. A touch of animation or visual polish would make the experience far more engaging and cohesive with the product’s otherwise premium vibe.

Verdict and Value

The Noise Master Buds Max offers an extremely compelling package at its introductory price of ₹9,999. But even at ₹11,999 they make a compelling case and definitely deserve a chance. They delivers flagship-level battery endurance (up to 60 hours), high-fidelity sound through LHDC and Bose tuning, and genuinely effective ANC. While the Spatial Audio lacks dynamic head tracking, the core sound quality and comfort for all-day use make these headphones an immediate top contender in the premium-mid range. If extreme battery life and pristine, customizable audio are your priorities, the Buds Max is an excellent investment.