
The Indian audio market is a battlefield, particularly in the budget TWS segment. Over the past 30 days, we’ve seen a noticeable shift: several popular budget earbud brands have quietly increased their prices by 5-10%, citing rising component costs and logistics. This subtle but significant move has suddenly made established, value-oriented options even more compelling. Among these, the Noise Buds VS104, a consistent performer in the sub-Rs 1,500 category, finds itself in a new spotlight. With its competitors inching upwards, does the VS104 solidify its position as the undisputed value champion for May 2026? This review dives deep into whether these true wireless earbuds still deliver the best bang for your buck amidst a changing landscape, especially for Indian users seeking reliability without breaking the bank.
At a glance
| Feature | Noise Buds VS104 | boAt Airdopes 151 Max (Example Competitor) |
|---|---|---|
| Launch Price | Rs 1,499 (often lower in sales) | Rs 1,699 |
| Current Price (May 2026) | Rs 1,199 | Rs 1,599 |
| Driver Size | 13mm | 10mm |
| Battery Life (Buds) | Up to 6 hours | Up to 5.5 hours |
| Total Playback (with Case) | Up to 30 hours | Up to 28 hours |
| ANC (Active Noise Cancellation) | No | No |
| ENC (Environmental Noise Cancellation) | Yes (for calls) | Yes (for calls) |
| IP Rating | IPX5 | IPX4 |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.3 | 5.3 |
| Charging Port | USB-C | USB-C |
| Latency Mode | Yes (Gaming Mode) | Yes (BEAST Mode) |
Price and Availability

The Noise Buds VS104 consistently targets the ultra-affordable segment, a critical price bracket for the majority of Indian consumers. As of May 2026, these earbuds are typically available for around Rs 1,199 on major e-commerce platforms like Amazon.in and Flipkart. During festive sales or special promotions, prices have been observed to drop even further, sometimes dipping below Rs 1,000, as reported by MySmartPrice. This aggressive pricing strategy positions the VS104 as a formidable contender against similarly specced offerings from boAt and realme.
Its widespread availability across online retailers ensures easy access for buyers in metropolitan and tier-2 cities alike. Offline, while less common than higher-end models, the VS104 can occasionally be found at electronics chains such as Croma and Reliance Digital, especially during promotional events. This broad reach, coupled with its consistent pricing, reinforces its value proposition, making it an accessible choice for a wide demographic.
Audio Performance and Call Quality
For its price segment, the Noise Buds VS104 delivers a surprisingly robust audio experience. Equipped with 13mm audio drivers, these earbuds lean towards a bass-heavy sound profile, a characteristic often favored by Indian listeners for Bollywood tracks and high-energy music. Mid-range frequencies for vocals are generally clear, though some nuances in instrument separation might be less defined compared to premium models. Treble response is adequate, avoiding harshness even at higher volumes, which is crucial for prolonged listening during daily commutes or while working.
For streaming content on platforms like YouTube or Netflix, the audio synchronization is reliable, and the soundstage is broad enough for an immersive experience. Gamers playing titles like BGMI will appreciate the dedicated low-latency gaming mode, which, according to 91mobiles, significantly reduces audio lag, providing a more responsive gaming session. This feature is a strong selling point for the youth market.
Call quality is another area where the VS104 aims to impress. It features Environmental Noise Cancellation (ENC) for calls, which actively works to filter out ambient noise during conversations. In urban Indian environments, this means less traffic roar or market chatter bleeding into your calls. While not perfect in extremely noisy conditions, GSMArena’s user reviews indicate that it performs commendably for its class, making calls on Jio or Airtel networks clear enough for most daily interactions, even from a bustling street or a crowded train during peak hours.
Battery Life and Charging
Battery endurance is a critical factor for any true wireless earbud, especially for users who are frequently on the go or experience intermittent power supply. The Noise Buds VS104 boasts an impressive battery life for its category. The earbuds themselves offer up to 6 hours of playback on a single charge, a figure corroborated by several tech publications including Gadgets360. This is sufficient for most daily commutes, workout sessions, or a substantial portion of a workday. When combined with the charging case, the total playback time extends to up to 30 hours, which means less frequent charging of the entire unit.
The charging case features a modern USB-C port, allowing for convenient charging with common smartphone chargers. A full charge of the case and earbuds typically takes around 1.5 to 2 hours. This quick turnaround is beneficial for users in areas prone to voltage fluctuations or those who need to top up their devices quickly between tasks. The ability to last through extended power cuts, common in some tier-2 cities, without needing a wall socket is a practical advantage, ensuring uninterrupted audio enjoyment throughout the day.
Design, Comfort, and Durability
The Noise Buds VS104 adopts a compact, in-ear design, which is generally well-received for its secure fit and portability. The earbuds are lightweight, with each bud weighing approximately 4 grams, contributing to comfortable extended wear. Multiple ear tip sizes are usually included, allowing users to find an optimal fit that seals the ear canal effectively for better passive noise isolation and audio delivery. This snug fit is particularly important in India’s summer heat and monsoon humidity, preventing the earbuds from dislodging during light physical activity or while sweating.
The build quality is typical for its price point, featuring a plastic construction for both the earbuds and the charging case. While not premium, the materials feel sturdy enough for daily use. The VS104 comes with an IPX5 water resistance rating, which is a significant advantage. This rating protects against splashes of water and sweat, making them suitable for gym sessions, light jogs, or accidental exposure to rain during the monsoon season. This level of durability adds considerable value, especially given the varying climatic conditions across India.
Available in a range of colors, the aesthetics are generally understated and practical. The stem design aids in better microphone positioning closer to the mouth, enhancing call clarity, and provides a convenient surface for touch controls.
Connectivity and Features
Connectivity on the Noise Buds VS104 is handled by Bluetooth 5.3, offering a stable and efficient wireless connection. This newer Bluetooth standard ensures faster pairing, improved range, and better power efficiency compared to older versions. Users can expect quick and seamless pairing with Android and iOS devices, and the connection remains robust even in moderately crowded environments, a common challenge in Indian urban settings. The instant pairing feature means the earbuds connect to the last paired device as soon as the case lid is opened, saving valuable time.
A notable feature is the inclusion of a dedicated low-latency mode, often marketed as ‘Gaming Mode’. As mentioned by reviewers on MySmartPrice, this mode is particularly effective for mobile gaming and watching videos, significantly reducing the delay between on-screen action and audio output. This is a crucial aspect for serious BGMI players. Touch controls on the earbuds allow for playback management, call handling, and activating the voice assistant (Google Assistant or Siri) without needing to reach for the phone. While the controls are generally responsive, precision can sometimes be a learning curve. There is no dedicated companion app for advanced customization, which is standard for this budget segment, but the core features are well-implemented out of the box.
Verdict
In May 2026, with the budget TWS market experiencing minor price escalations across several brands, the Noise Buds VS104 solidifies its position as an exceptional value-for-money proposition. Its combination of a bass-forward 13mm audio driver, reliable 30-hour total battery life, effective ENC for calls, and IPX5 water resistance makes it a highly practical choice for the average Indian consumer. The low-latency gaming mode is a significant bonus for mobile gamers, and its widespread availability at competitive prices (around Rs 1,199) is a key differentiator.
While it lacks premium features like Active Noise Cancellation or a companion app, these omissions are entirely understandable given its price point. For anyone seeking a dependable pair of true wireless earbuds that excel in daily usage, offer good call clarity, and can withstand Indian weather conditions without breaking the bank, the Noise Buds VS104 remains a strong recommendation. It’s an ideal choice for students, daily commuters, and casual listeners who prioritize core performance and durability over high-end frills.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Do the Noise Buds VS104 support Active Noise Cancellation (ANC)?
No, the Noise Buds VS104 do not feature Active Noise Cancellation (ANC). They do, however, offer Environmental Noise Cancellation (ENC) for calls, which helps reduce background noise during phone conversations, but not for music listening.
2. Are the Noise Buds VS104 suitable for gaming, especially titles like BGMI?
Yes, the Noise Buds VS104 include a dedicated low-latency ‘Gaming Mode’ designed to minimize audio lag. This feature makes them quite suitable for mobile gaming, including popular titles like BGMI, providing a more synchronized audio-visual experience.
3. Can I use the Noise Buds VS104 during workouts or in light rain?
Absolutely. The Noise Buds VS104 come with an IPX5 water resistance rating, which means they are protected against splashes of water and sweat. This makes them suitable for gym sessions, light outdoor activities, and can withstand exposure to light rain or humidity.
For more on this topic, see our AI and tech innovation.






