Noise has introduced the Master Buds Max over-ear headphones, expanding its Master Series lineup. These headphones are now available for pre-order, with sales starting from October 14, 2025, on gonoise.com. Priced at Rs 9,999 as an inaugural offer, the Master Buds Max aims to deliver Bose-tuned audio and active noise cancellation in a segment typically dominated by pricier alternatives. Here's what we noticed during our initial hands-on.
Design and Build
The Master Buds Max feature a design that seems to take cues from popular premium models, while maintaining Noise's signature vinyl disc motif, a design element we've seen on other Master Series products.
We received the Silver variant for testing. The headphones sport a distinctive 2 PM light bar that adds visual character to an otherwise minimalist aesthetic.
Weighing 262g, these headphones felt relatively light during extended wear. The earcups and headband come with breathable cushions that make them comfortable even after several hours of use.
The microfiber carry pouch with suede lining is a thoughtful addition, offering both protection and a more refined look compared to standard hard ones.
Audio Performance
At the core of the Master Buds Max are 40mm drivers with what Noise calls "Sound by Bose " tuning. The headphones support the LHDC 5.0 codec and feature a Dynamic EQ system that adjusts the sound profile based on listening volume. In practice, this meant that at lower volumes, the audio retained warmth without sounding thin. In comparison, at higher volumes, it didn't become harsh or fatiguing, which is a common issue with aggressive tuning.
During our initial listening sessions, the soundstage felt noticeably wide, with clear separation between instruments in orchestral and jazz tracks. The bass was present and rich, but noticeably restrained.
If you're someone who prefers heavy, thumping bass, these may not be a good match for your taste. The mids and vocals came through with clarity, making them suitable for podcasts and vocal-heavy music.
The Master Buds Max deploy five microphones for active noise cancellation, with the company claiming up to 40dB noise reduction. You get four modes to choose from: ANC ON, ANC OFF, Adaptive ANC, and Transparency Mode.
In our testing within a busy office environment, the ANC effectively handled ambient noise, such as air conditioning hum and distant conversations. However, when colleagues were chatting nearby, some of the chatter did filter through. The Transparency Mode worked as expected, allowing ambient sound to pass through when needed without requiring the removal of the headphones.
Features and Battery Life
Battery performance is one area where the Master Buds Max headphones stand out on paper. Noise claims up to 60 hours of total playtime with ANC off, and 48 hours with ANC on. The fast charging support is convenient, as a 10-minute charge delivers 10 hours of playback, which could be helpful for quick top-ups before a commute.
Connectivity features include Google Fast Pair for quick pairing with Android devices, dual pairing for switching between two devices, and spatial audio (though without head tracking). The wear detection feature paused playback when we removed the headphones, resuming when we put them back on, which is a small but useful touch.
What We Think
At Rs 9,999, the Noise Master Buds Max position themselves as an alternative to headphones that typically cost significantly more. Early impressions suggest they deliver balanced audio with the Dynamic EQ system preventing listening fatigue, effective (if not perfect) noise cancellation, and substantial battery life.
We'll need more time to evaluate long-term comfort, real-world battery performance, and how the Dynamic EQ behaves across different genres and listening scenarios for our full review.
For now, the Master Buds Max appear to be a solid option for those seeking premium features without the premium price tag, provided you're not after bass-heavy tuning.
Design and Build
The Master Buds Max feature a design that seems to take cues from popular premium models, while maintaining Noise's signature vinyl disc motif, a design element we've seen on other Master Series products.
We received the Silver variant for testing. The headphones sport a distinctive 2 PM light bar that adds visual character to an otherwise minimalist aesthetic.
Weighing 262g, these headphones felt relatively light during extended wear. The earcups and headband come with breathable cushions that make them comfortable even after several hours of use.
The microfiber carry pouch with suede lining is a thoughtful addition, offering both protection and a more refined look compared to standard hard ones.
Audio Performance
At the core of the Master Buds Max are 40mm drivers with what Noise calls "Sound by Bose " tuning. The headphones support the LHDC 5.0 codec and feature a Dynamic EQ system that adjusts the sound profile based on listening volume. In practice, this meant that at lower volumes, the audio retained warmth without sounding thin. In comparison, at higher volumes, it didn't become harsh or fatiguing, which is a common issue with aggressive tuning.
During our initial listening sessions, the soundstage felt noticeably wide, with clear separation between instruments in orchestral and jazz tracks. The bass was present and rich, but noticeably restrained.
If you're someone who prefers heavy, thumping bass, these may not be a good match for your taste. The mids and vocals came through with clarity, making them suitable for podcasts and vocal-heavy music.
The Master Buds Max deploy five microphones for active noise cancellation, with the company claiming up to 40dB noise reduction. You get four modes to choose from: ANC ON, ANC OFF, Adaptive ANC, and Transparency Mode.
In our testing within a busy office environment, the ANC effectively handled ambient noise, such as air conditioning hum and distant conversations. However, when colleagues were chatting nearby, some of the chatter did filter through. The Transparency Mode worked as expected, allowing ambient sound to pass through when needed without requiring the removal of the headphones.
Features and Battery Life
Battery performance is one area where the Master Buds Max headphones stand out on paper. Noise claims up to 60 hours of total playtime with ANC off, and 48 hours with ANC on. The fast charging support is convenient, as a 10-minute charge delivers 10 hours of playback, which could be helpful for quick top-ups before a commute.
Connectivity features include Google Fast Pair for quick pairing with Android devices, dual pairing for switching between two devices, and spatial audio (though without head tracking). The wear detection feature paused playback when we removed the headphones, resuming when we put them back on, which is a small but useful touch.
What We Think
At Rs 9,999, the Noise Master Buds Max position themselves as an alternative to headphones that typically cost significantly more. Early impressions suggest they deliver balanced audio with the Dynamic EQ system preventing listening fatigue, effective (if not perfect) noise cancellation, and substantial battery life.
We'll need more time to evaluate long-term comfort, real-world battery performance, and how the Dynamic EQ behaves across different genres and listening scenarios for our full review.
For now, the Master Buds Max appear to be a solid option for those seeking premium features without the premium price tag, provided you're not after bass-heavy tuning.
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