boAt Airdopes Flex 454

The bass and low-frequency ANC outperform JBL over-ear headphones priced over 5k INR. The software offers a multitude of options. When the multi-connect feature is working properly, it’s seamless; however, I had to reset the headphones several times to resolve bugs, which isn’t too difficult, but the issue persists. Despite this, I can overlook it. The ambient and speak-through modes are impressive. The ANC mode provides slightly better noise cancellation than the default (non-ANC) mode, but overall, the ANC isn’t extraordinary—still, I can’t complain given the price. The fit is snug, but after an hour of use, it becomes uncomfortable, even with the smaller ear tips.

Pros:

• Software
• Bass
• Low-frequency ANC
• Fast pairing
• Instruction manual available in the app
• Flawless in-ear detection

Cons:

• Multi-connectivity issues
• Poor call quality (people often mention this during calls)

Excellent product for fantastic music! The only drawbacks are the build quality and a slight discomfort in the ears for first-time users. It’s user-friendly and has impressive microphone quality for calls.

If you’re considering buying these earphones, this review will help clear up any doubts you may have.

Pros:

• Multipoint connectivity
• In-ear detection
• Good microphone quality

Meh:

• Sound quality
• App functionality

Cons:

• Active noise cancellation (ANC)
• Eartip quality
• Personalized sound feature
• In-ear detection (it’s actually very effective, which is why it’s a con for me)
• Case quality (paint issues)

Detailed Review:

Starting with the pros, the multipoint connectivity is seamless; it switches between devices effortlessly, making your life much easier. While there may be moments when the switching feels abrupt, that’s simply part of the functionality.

The in-ear detection is impressive as well. I’ve discovered a little trick: if you pinch the eartips after removing a bud, the music continues. However, if the fit isn’t perfect, the music will pause and play randomly, as there’s no threshold for detection. I’ve disabled this feature due to its inconsistency.

The microphones are another highlight. They perform well even in noisy environments, allowing clear communication without raising your voice. However, don’t expect top-tier studio quality—noise cancellation does affect voice clarity.

Now, onto the so-so aspects. The sound quality leans heavily towards bass, which might appeal to bass enthusiasts, but for studio use, it falls short. I own a pair of Sony WI-C100 earphones that deliver a more balanced audio experience, though their mic quality doesn’t compare to these.

I received two firmware updates since purchase, which was encouraging, but there have been no updates since. The app occasionally crashes and may not connect to your device, requiring a Bluetooth reset. When you open the app, it defaults to all supported devices rather than showing your connected ones, which can be a hassle.

As for the cons, the eartips are frustratingly small. Even the largest size feels inadequate. They fit well initially but quickly deform, causing the earphones to become loose with just a bit of sweat or movement. This impacts the in-ear detection, leading to frequent pauses and resumes of playback.

The personalized sound feature is functional but comes with significant drawbacks:

1. It focuses mainly on mids and highs.
2. The setup process is manual and poorly explained, requiring multiple attempts.
3. It can take 15-20 minutes to complete.
4. A silent room is essential for accurate calibration; without it, the feature is nearly unusable.

Finally, the case quality leaves much to be desired. Despite careful use, the paint is chipping, making it look worn out. It attracts dust easily, making maintenance a challenge. Additionally, it lacks a magnetic closure, relying on a plastic latch that doesn’t provide a smooth opening and closing experience.

Excellent product for a great price.