Noise Master Buds 2 review: All round audio, all-day comfort

Rating: 3.8/5

The TWS earbuds market in India continues to expand, with brands focusing on adding features like active noise cancellation, spatial audio, and AI-based tools across different price points. With the Master Buds 2, Noise is extending its Master Series portfolio with a focus on combining design, audio tuning, and smart features.

The earbuds come tuned with Sound by Bose, spatial audio with head tracking, and AI-powered tools, priced at Rs 7,999. We used the Master Buds 2 for a few weeks across daily usage scenarios including work calls, music listening, and travel. Here’s how they perform.

Design and comfort

The Master Buds 2 continue with the design language seen in the Master Series, particularly the vinyl-inspired circular metal disc on the case. The Mercury variant that we tested has a matte metallic finish that looks clean without being overly flashy.

The case feels compact enough to carry in pockets, though the plastic build is noticeable. The circular disc on the front adds a distinct visual identity and also houses a slash-like LED indicator similar to its predecessor.

The earbuds feature a stem-style design with a metallic finish and a small circular accent near the top. They feel lightweight and sit comfortably in the ears.

Noise includes multiple ear tip sizes along with stability bands, allowing users to find a secure fit. During extended usage, including long listening sessions and calls, the earbuds remained comfortable without causing fatigue.

The earbuds also come with an IPX5 rating, which makes them suitable for workouts and light outdoor use.

Audio performance

The Master Buds 2 feature 10mm drivers with Sound by Bose tuning. In everyday usage, the Bose-tuned earbuds deliver a balanced sound profile.

The bass is present but controlled. Tracks like The Weeknd’s “Blinding Lights” and Justin Bieber’s “Stay” had enough low-end presence without overpowering the mids and highs. However, users who prefer heavy bass may find it slightly restrained compared to other competitors in this price segment.

Vocals and mid-range frequencies come through clearly. Songs like “Kesariya” from Brahmastra and “Apna Bana Le” from Bhediya maintained clarity without sounding overly processed. This also makes the earbuds suitable for podcasts and calls.

High frequencies are handled well, without sharpness or distortion at higher volumes. The overall tuning leans toward a neutral listening experience.

Spatial audio with head tracking adds a sense of direction while watching movies or listening to supported content. The effect is noticeable, especially in video content, though it depends on the source.

The Master Buds 2 offer active noise cancellation rated at up to 51dB, supported by a redesigned cavity structure.

In real-world usage, the ANC was effective at reducing consistent background noise such as air conditioners, fan noise, and distant traffic. During indoor use, it helped create a quieter listening environment.

While commuting, the earbuds managed to reduce ambient sounds to a noticeable extent, though sudden noises like horns or conversations still came through at reduced levels.

The Adaptive ANC mode adjusts noise cancellation based on surroundings. The transitions between different environments were smooth, though the changes were subtle and not always immediately noticeable.

Transparency mode works as expected, allowing external sounds to pass through when needed. This was useful during quick interactions without removing the earbuds.

Overall, the noise cancellation performs well for daily use but does not match the level of isolation offered by higher-priced earbuds.

Features and connectivity

The Master Buds 2 come with a range of features accessible through the Noise Audio app. Bluetooth connectivity was stable during testing, with support for dual-device pairing. Switching between a smartphone and laptop worked well, though there were occasional slight delays. The earbuds support Google Fast Pair for quick connection on Android devices.

A notable addition is the AI Voice Chat Assistant, which allows users to interact using voice commands. It can handle basic queries and tasks, though its usefulness depends on individual usage.

Head gesture controls, powered by a 6-axis IMU sensor, add a handy way to interact with the earbuds. Users can nod or shake their heads to accept or reject calls, which can be useful when your hands are occupied. In our usage, the feature worked in most cases, though it required a bit of adjustment to get the gestures right consistently. It feels more like a convenience feature rather than something you would rely on all the time.

Wear detection also worked reliably, pausing playback when removing the earbuds and resuming when worn again.

Battery life

The Master Buds 2 offer up to 30 hours of total playback with the charging case. During testing, the earbuds delivered around 5–6 hours of usage on a single charge with ANC enabled. With the case, the battery life extended comfortably across multiple days of use.

Fast charging support is also present. A short 10-minute charge provided several hours of playback, which proved useful during quick top-ups. Charging the case fully took around 90 minutes via USB-C.

Verdict

Priced at Rs 7,999, the Noise Master Buds 2 offer a feature-rich package with balanced audio, comfortable design, and useful additions like spatial audio and AI-based controls.

The earbuds perform well for everyday usage, including music, calls, and casual media consumption. Noise cancellation is effective for common scenarios, though not at the level of premium alternatives. The design stands out with its distinct look, while features like dual pairing, wear detection, and rapid charging add convenience.



Users seeking a balanced audio experience with modern features in this price range will find the Master Buds 2 suitable. If your priority is a mix of comfort, features, and reliable performance, these earbuds can be a very good option.