The UGREEN Max5C ANC Spatial Audio Bluetooth Wireless Headphones aim to deliver a premium listening experience at a fraction of the cost. Packed with high-end features like immersive spatial audio, powerful active noise cancellation (ANC), impressive battery life and a sleek, comfortable design, they position themselves as a serious contender against the more expensive rivals. But do they truly live up to the hype? Here’s our in-depth review of their strengths—and where they might fall short.
Design and Comfort:
The Max5C sports a sleek, over-ear design constructed primarily from ABS plastic. While the plastic doesn't exude premium quality, it contributes to a lightweight feel, which is crucial for long listening sessions. The ear-cups are generously padded with soft memory foam, conforming comfortably to the ears. The adjustable headband is similarly padded, ensuring a snug yet gentle fit. The clamping force is well-balanced – secure enough to provide a good seal for noise cancellation, but not so tight as to cause discomfort over extended use.
Compared to other headphones in its price range, the Ugreen Max5c holds its own in terms of build quality. While it may not match the premium materials of, say, a Sony WH-1000XM5 or Bose Quiet Comfort 45, it feels robust enough to withstand daily wear and tear. The minimalist design is understated and avoids being overly flashy, making it suitable for both casual and professional settings. A minor drawback is the plastic creaking that can sometimes occur when adjusting the headphones, a common issue with budget-conscious options.
Features and Performance:
The Ugreen Max5c is packed with features that aim to deliver high-end audio:
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Spatial Audio Technology: This is arguably the Max5c's flagship feature. The spatial audio attempts to create a 3D soundstage, making you feel like you're surrounded by music. The effectiveness varies depending on the content. For movies and games with well-mixed spatial audio tracks, the effect is quite impressive, adding a sense of depth and immersion. Music, however, may sound less natural, especially tracks not specifically mixed for spatial audio. It's a feature that enhances specific content but isn't universally beneficial. Competitors like Apple's AirPods Max and Sony's headphones with 360 Reality Audio offer more refined and natural-sounding spatial audio experiences, but at a significantly higher price point.
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Active Noise Cancellation (ANC): The Max5c employs a hybrid ANC system, combining feedforward and feedback microphones to reduce ambient noise by up to 43dB. In practice, the ANC performs admirably for its price range. It effectively blocks out low-frequency sounds like engine rumble and background chatter, making it suitable for commuting or working in a noisy environment. However, it struggles with higher-frequency sounds like keyboard clicks and sharp noises, which are only somewhat muffled. The ANC performance doesn't quite reach the levels of top-tier headphones like the Bose QC45 or Sony WH-1000XM5, which are industry-leading. But at a fraction of the cost, the Max5c's ANC provides a significant improvement over passive noise isolation.
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Sound Quality: The Max5c is equipped with 40mm audio drivers that deliver a balanced sound profile. The bass is present and punchy without being overwhelming, the mids are clear and detailed, and the highs are crisp without being harsh. The soundstage is reasonably wide, contributing to a pleasant listening experience. The inclusion of LDAC decoding and Hi-Res Audio support further enhances sound quality, allowing for higher bitrate audio streaming from compatible devices. However, the overall sound quality isn't quite as refined as more expensive headphones. The Max5c may lack the nuanced details and dynamic range of premium options.
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Battery Life: UGREEN claims a staggering 75 hours of playtime on a single charge in standard music mode, and around 45 hours in ANC mode. In testing, these claims proved to be largely accurate. With moderate use and a mix of ANC on and off, the Max5c easily lasted for several days without needing a recharge. The fast charging capability is also a welcome addition, providing 5 hours of playback with just a 5-minute charge. This impressive battery life is a significant advantage over many competitors.
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Call Quality: The Max5c features a 5-microphone system with dual-mic DNN (Deep Neural Network) call noise reduction. This setup aims to improve call clarity by suppressing background noise. During calls, the Max5c effectively reduces wind noise and ambient chatter, making it easier for the person on the other end to hear you clearly. However, the voice quality isn't quite as natural as headphones with more sophisticated microphone systems.
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Bluetooth Connectivity: The Max5c utilises Bluetooth 5.4, which provides a stable and reliable connection with minimal latency. Pairing is quick and easy, and the headphones maintain a strong connection even at a distance. The ultra-low latency of 0.06s is particularly beneficial for gaming, minimising audio lag and ensuring a smooth and responsive experience.
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Other Features: The Max5c also includes a transparency mode, which allows ambient sounds to pass through, enabling you to stay aware of your surroundings without removing the headphones. A 3.5mm jack is included for wired listening, providing a fallback option when the battery is depleted. Additionally, the UGREEN app provides access to 8 EQ presets, allowing you to customise the sound to your liking.
Pros:
- Affordable Price: The Max5c offers a compelling feature set at a significantly lower price point than premium competitors.
- Effective ANC: The active noise cancellation effectively reduces low-frequency ambient noise.
- Impressive Battery Life: The 75-hour battery life is exceptional.
- Comfortable Design: The lightweight design and plush earcups make them comfortable for long listening sessions.
- Spatial Audio: The spatial audio adds immersion to movies and games.
- Clear Call Quality: The 5-microphone system improves call clarity by suppressing background noise.
- Low Latency: The ultra-low latency makes them suitable for gaming.
- Bluetooth 5.4: Provides a stable and reliable wireless connection.
- EQ Presets: The UGREEN app offers EQ customisation options.
- Wired option: The 3.5 mm jack for wired listening is a great bonus for those looking to save on battery life.
Cons:
- Plastic Build Quality: The plastic construction feels less premium than higher-end headphones.
- Limited High-Frequency ANC: The ANC struggles with higher-frequency sounds.
- Spatial Audio Variability: The spatial audio effect is not consistently beneficial across all types of content.
- Not the most refined sound experience The clarity and richness from the top of the line headphones doesn't quite exist in this model.
Comparison to Other Headphones:
Compared to the Sony WH-1000XM5 and Bose QuietComfort 45, the UGREEN Max5C falls short in terms of overall sound quality, ANC performance and build quality. However, it costs significantly less than these premium options.
Compared to other budget-friendly headphones, the UGREEN Max5C stands out with its spatial audio technology, impressive battery life and effective ANC. It offers a better overall value than many similarly priced options.
Who Should Buy the UGREEN Max5c?
The UGREEN Max5C is an excellent choice for:
- Budget-conscious consumers: Those seeking a feature-rich headphone experience without breaking the bank.
- Commuters and travelers: Those who need effective noise cancellation to block out ambient noise during travel.
- Students and office workers: Those who need comfortable headphones for long study or work sessions.
- Gamers: Those who want low-latency audio for an immersive gaming experience.
- Anyone who appreciates long battery life: Those who need headphones that can last for days on a single charge.
- Those who want to experience the world of spatial audio: without paying a premium for Apple or Sony brand headphones.
Final Thought:
The UGREEN Max5C ANC Spatial Audio Bluetooth Wireless Headphones offer a compelling combination of features, performance and affordability. While they may not match the premium experience of the more expensive headphones, they provide excellent value for their price. The spatial audio, effective ANC, impressive battery life and comfortable design make them a solid choice for budget-conscious consumers who demand a feature-rich listening experience. If you're looking for a great pair of wireless headphones that won't break the bank, the UGREEN Max5C is definitely worth considering.
