Active noise cancellation used to be a feature reserved for earbuds costing several thousand rupees. The Noise Buds VS104 Max brings ANC down to the budget tier, sitting just above the standard VS104 in both price and features. Is the step up worth it? Here is our full review.
Noise Buds VS104 Max specs at a glance
- Active Noise Cancellation: Reduces ambient noise by up to 25dB
- Driver: 13mm dynamic driver
- Microphones: Quad mic with ENC
- Low latency: 50ms gaming mode
- Total battery: Up to 45 hours with the case (~7 hours per bud)
- Fast charging: Instacharge — 10 minutes for up to 180 minutes of playback
- Water resistance: IPX5
- Price: Around ₹1,799
How good is the ANC?
Let us set expectations: budget ANC is not flagship ANC. The VS104 Max’s up-to-25dB cancellation will not silence the world the way premium earbuds do. What it does well is take the edge off constant, low-frequency drone — the hum of a ceiling fan, an air conditioner, the steady rumble of a bus or metro. Sudden, sharp sounds like voices still come through. For the price, though, the ANC is a real, audible benefit that makes commutes and noisy rooms more comfortable, and it is a clear differentiator from the standard VS104, which has no ANC at all.
Sound quality
The single 13mm driver delivers the energetic, bass-leaning sound Noise is known for. With ANC switched on, the bass actually feels a little cleaner because less external noise is competing with it. Mids are serviceable and the treble is bright; this is a fun, consumer-friendly tuning rather than a reference one. Most listeners enjoying mainstream music, podcasts and videos will be satisfied, while critical listeners looking for neutrality should look elsewhere.
Call quality and ENC
The quad-mic ENC system handles calls well, keeping your voice clear and trimming background noise in typical environments. It is dependable for work calls and everyday conversations. As with most earbuds in this class, heavy wind is its weak point, but indoors and in moderate outdoor noise it performs reliably.
Battery life and charging
Battery remains a strong suit. You get up to roughly seven hours per bud and around 45 hours total with the case — though note that using ANC continuously reduces those figures, since cancellation draws extra power. Even so, real-world endurance is excellent for the segment. Instacharge gives up to 180 minutes of playback from a 10-minute charge, so you are rarely caught short.
Latency and connectivity
A 50ms low-latency mode keeps audio reasonably in sync for casual gaming and video. It is not as tight as the 40ms mode on the gaming-focused Buds N1, but it is perfectly fine for most players and for watching content. The connection is stable at normal range.
Design and comfort
The VS104 Max keeps a lightweight, in-ear stem design with an IPX5 rating that shrugs off sweat and light rain, making it usable for workouts. The fit is comfortable for long sessions provided you choose the right ear tips — and with ANC, a good seal matters even more, because passive isolation works alongside the active cancellation.
Pros and cons
- Pros: Genuine (if modest) ANC at a budget price, strong battery, good ENC calls, IPX5, fast charging.
- Cons: ANC is limited to low-frequency noise, costs more than the standard VS104, bass-heavy tuning.
VS104 Max vs the standard VS104
The decision really comes down to ANC. If you commute on noisy public transport or work in a loud environment and want to dull that background drone, the extra spend on the VS104 Max is justified. If you mostly listen in quiet settings and care most about getting the lowest price and longest battery, the standard VS104 gives you nearly the same experience for less.
Verdict
At around ₹1,799, the Noise Buds VS104 Max makes active noise cancellation accessible without abandoning the long battery life and solid calls that made the VS104 a hit. The ANC is modest but real, and the overall package is well-rounded. If noise reduction is on your wishlist and you do not want to spend more, it is an easy recommendation.
Rating: 4.2 / 5. Price is indicative (India) and changes frequently — always check the current price before buying.