Noise Buds Marine Review: A Bold Entry in India's Affordable TWS Market
The Indian affordable TWS earbuds market is fiercely competitive, with numerous brands battling for consumer attention. Noise has entered this arena with the Noise Buds Marine TWS earbuds, offering a distinctive design that aims to stand out from the crowd. Priced at Rs 1,999, these earbuds boast India's first fully metallic case, a statement chain, and active noise cancellation up to 32dB. We tested the Noise Buds Marine extensively, and here is our detailed experience.
Design and Build Quality
The Noise Buds Marine sets itself apart with a unique metal alloy charging case, marking a first for India's TWS segment. This fully metallic case features a bold design complemented by a stylish chain attachment, providing a premium in-hand feel. However, the added chain increases bulk, making it less pocket-friendly in tight spaces. Many users might prefer wearing the chain around the neck for convenient carrying. Available in Marine Grey and Marine Black, our review unit was the Marine Grey variant.
Despite a lidless design, strong magnets at the base securely hold the earbuds, preventing falls even when the case is inverted. The case includes a USB Type-C port and an LED indicator for charging status. The earbuds follow a traditional in-ear, stem-style design, constructed from plastic with silicone ear tips in multiple sizes. During testing, the medium tips offered a snug and comfortable fit for extended use. An IPX4 rating ensures water and sweat resistance, making these earbuds suitable for workouts and outdoor activities.
Audio Performance and Software Features
Equipped with 13mm dynamic drivers, the Noise Buds Marine delivers a bass-heavy sound profile. Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity provides a stable connection with a 10-metre wireless range. The audio leans towards controlled lows with mildly crunchy highs. In tests with hip-hop and EDM tracks like Kendrick Lamar's "Humble" and David Guetta's "I Don't Wanna Wait," the bass response was punchy and well-defined without overwhelming the mix. Lows added depth without muddiness.
However, when switching to rock and Bollywood tracks such as Led Zeppelin's "Stairway to Heaven," Queen's "Bohemian Rhapsody," or the Dhurandhar album, mids lacked clarity, with vocals and instruments sometimes overshadowed by bass and treble. Highs offered sparkle for cymbals and sharp notes but could sound slightly harsh at higher volumes. A standout feature is the impressive volume levels, suitable for noisy environments or users preferring louder playback.
Active noise cancellation, rated up to 32 dB, effectively handles low-frequency sounds like background chatter but struggles with high-frequency noises. It performs adequately for commutes but falls short of premium offerings. Pairing is seamless with auto-pairing upon opening the case, and dual-device pairing allows smooth switching between devices like laptops and smartphones. Low Latency Mode reduces lag during gaming and video playback, enhancing experiences in mobile games like BGMI, where footsteps and directional audio were clear.
Call quality is good in quiet environments, thanks to a quad-mic setup with Environmental Noise Cancellation, which isolates voice from background noise. However, performance declines in very noisy settings. Voice assistant support includes Siri and Google Assistant.
Battery Life and Charging
Battery life is a highlight of the Noise Buds Marine. The company claims up to 35 hours of total playback with the charging case, and our testing consistently achieved close to these numbers. Instacharge technology provides nearly 2 hours of playback from a 10-minute charge, while a full charge takes about 90 minutes, adding practical value for users on the go.
Verdict
The Noise Buds Marine combines a distinct design with solid performance. The metallic case with a chain makes a bold statement, while features like dual-device pairing, quad-mic ENC, and 35-hour battery life offer practical benefits. With decent ANC and a stylish build, these earbuds appeal particularly to young, budget-conscious users. If you prioritize endurance, fast charging, and a visually standout product, the Noise Buds Marine at Rs 1,999 is a solid choice in the affordable TWS segment.
