Diving Deep into the Noise Buds N1 Pro: A Budget-Friendly TWS with a Bassy Punch
Noise has made a name for itself in the affordable true wireless stereo (TWS) market, consistently releasing new audio products that aim to deliver value for money. Their latest offering, the Noise Buds N1 Pro, is no exception. Priced at an enticing Rs 1,799, these earbuds pack a punch with features like 11mm drivers, Noise’s Instacharge technology, quad-mic support, and impressive battery life. But does this combination create a truly memorable listening experience? Let’s delve deep into this in-depth review to discover if the Noise Buds N1 Pro live up to the hype.
Noise Buds N1 Pro Design and Features: A Compact and Stylish Companion
Noise is known for offering unique color options and designs in their TWS offerings, and the Buds N1 Pro continue this trend. Available in vibrant Chrome finishes – Green, Purple, Beige, and Black – these earbuds are a visual treat. The Green and Purple options stand out, delivering a premium feel and making a visual statement.
The compact charging case boasts a metallic finish that adds to the overall sophistication. Although constructed from plastic, the quality feels surprisingly good considering the price point. Its rounded corners and slim size make it easy to slip into pockets. A small LED indicator subtly reveals the charging level of the TWS. While the design appears compact compared to the Redmi Buds 5C, the Noise Buds N1 Pro might feel slightly underwhelming in terms of visual impact.
The earbuds themselves feature a wedge-like stem with indicator lights at the top, adding a touch of modern aesthetics. The stem’s glossy and matte finish contributes to a pleasing visual appeal. Weighing in as lightweight and compact, these earbuds comfortably fit in the ear for extended wear sessions. The silicone tips offer decent passive noise cancellation. Interestingly, the Noise Buds N1 Pro boasts an IPX5 rating, making them sweat and dust resistant – a valuable feature rarely found in this price segment.
Noise Buds N1 Pro Specifications: A Familiar Framework
The Noise Buds N1 Pro comes equipped with a 11mm driver, promising a powerful audio experience. While active noise cancellation (ANC) is featured, it’s capped at 32 dB, which is a respectable level for indoor environments. The earbuds also support Bluetooth 5.3 for seamless connectivity and incorporate quad microphones with Environmental Noise Cancellation (ENC) technology for clearer calls.
Sadly, the lack of a dedicated companion app is a significant drawback. This absence limits the overall experience, as users are deprived of customization options for sound profiles, touch controls, and more – features readily available with a companion app. In this regard, the Xiaomi Buds 5C appears as a more enticing choice for those who value personalization.
Noise Buds N1 Pro Performance and Battery Life: A Bass-Heavy Journey with Long-Lasting Power
The Noise Buds N1 Pro delivers commendable performance at this price point. The ANC effectively neutralizes indoor noises like fans, AC, or background conversations, reaching up to 32 dB of noise reduction. However, bustling surroundings might require volume reduction to compensate for the remaining background noise.
Switching between ANC modes is effortless – simply tap and hold the right earbud. The touch controls are intuitive and user-friendly. A swipe up or down on the right earbud adjusts the volume, while the same gesture on the left controls volume reduction. Double-tapping on either earbud plays or pauses music. Lastly, a tap and hold on the left earbud activates low-latency mode.
The low-latency mode proves effective with a 40ms response time, making these earbuds ideal for movies and gaming, ensuring minimal audio lag when playing games like BGMI or COD Mobile.
Sonically, the Noise Buds N1 Pro delivers a bass-heavy sound signature. If you enjoy thumping bass lines, these earbuds will undoubtedly appeal to your taste. When listening to "Bass Rani" by Nucelya, the bass felt punchy and well-defined, while vocal separation remained decent. However, the bass often overshadows the highs and mids. This is noticeable when listening to "Hotel California" where the bass dominates the mids and vocals. There are also instances of bleed and distortion when used at full volume. Opting for a volume range between 60 to 70 percent seems advisable for optimal sound quality.
The earbuds also boast impressive battery life. While the manufacturer claims up to 60 hours of playback with the case, real-world testing yielded roughly 40 hours of playtime with the case, and the earbuds themselves delivered an average of 5 to 6 hours of playback on a single charge. Charging from 0 to 100 percent takes less than 2 hours, making it a convenient process.
However, a significant drawback lies in the connectivity aspect. Pairing these earbuds with a smartphone or laptop can be frustratingly inconsistent. To initiate pairing, users must tap and hold the right earbud, but this process lacks consistency, with frequent instances of connection failures. This can be tremendously frustrating during the initial setup and potentially throughout the user experience
Call quality on the Noise Buds N1 Pro is decent. The quad-mic ENC works effectively in indoor settings, ensuring clear voice reception for the receiver. However, in a busy surrounding, the mic’s ability to cancel external noise is average at best.
Noise Buds N1 Pro Verdict: A Promising Start with Room for Improvement
In conclusion, the Noise Buds N1 Pro present a balanced mix of performance and design. Their metallic finish makes them visually appealing and sets them apart from competitors. The bass-heavy sound signature will surely resonate with those who appreciate powerful basslines. Additionally, the battery life stands up quite well.
Despite these strengths, the Noise Buds N1 Pro have their fair share of shortcomings. The bass often drowns out highs and mids, while connectivity issues and the absence of a companion app hinder user experience. We must also consider the stiff competition within this price range, including the Redmi Buds 5C, Honor Choice Earbuds X5, and other impressive offerings.
The Noise Buds N1 Pro are a decent option for those seeking affordable TWS earbuds with a focused bass response and a sleek design. However, users seeking a more balanced audio profile, seamless connectivity, and extensive customization features might consider exploring alternative options in the market.
