Digit, an Indian tech publication, has released its list of the best true wireless earbuds with active noise cancellation (ANC) available for under ₹2,500. The curated selection aims to help Indian buyers find effective noise reduction on a budget.
Indian tech publication Digit recently highlighted its top picks for true wireless stereo (TWS) earbuds featuring active noise cancellation (ANC) that are available for under ₹2,500. This curated list is particularly useful for Indian consumers looking to cut down on ambient noise without spending a fortune.
Many budget earbuds offer environmental noise cancellation (ENC) for calls or just passive isolation, but true ANC is what you need to significantly reduce noise around you. Digit's selection focuses squarely on products delivering this feature, ranking them by their claimed noise reduction strength.
Moto Buds Leads with 50dB ANC Claim
At the top of Digit's list for noise reduction is the Moto Buds. These earbuds reportedly offer up to 50dB of active noise cancellation, a figure that stands out in this segment. On paper, that's a very strong claim for the price point. Beyond ANC, the Moto Buds also include Transparency and Adaptive modes, which are handy features for situational awareness.
For audio playback, the Moto Buds pack a 12.4mm single dynamic driver. Call quality is handled by a trio of microphones in each earbud, enhanced by ENC and CrystalTalk AI. Battery life is quite robust, with the earbuds lasting up to 9 hours on their own with ANC off, and a total of 43 hours when combined with the charging case. Users can manage settings and check battery status through the Moto Buds app. Connectivity comes via Bluetooth 5.3, and the earbuds carry an IP54 ingress rating, making them resistant to dust and splashes.
Realme Buds Air 5 Pro and CMF Buds 2a Follow
Coming in second on Digit's ranking is the Realme Buds Air 5 Pro, which offers strong ANC up to 46dB. These earbuds also support spatial audio, a premium feature not always seen in this budget segment. They feature a 12.4mm driver. G. S. Vasan, the author of the Digit article, notes a personal preference for Realme's audio tuning in its earbuds.
The Realme Buds Air 5 Pro also include AI ENC for calls, an IP55 rating for dust and water resistance, and up to 9 hours of battery life from the earbuds (ANC off), extending to 40 hours total with the case. They support Bluetooth 5.4, and the Realme Link app is described as granular and customisable. Their IP55 rating gives them a slight edge in durability over the Moto Buds.
The CMF Buds 2a secure the third spot with up to 42dB of ANC. These earbuds feature sound tuning by Dirac and come with a 12.4mm bio-fibre dynamic driver. For calls, they use a quad multi-mic array with voice enhancements and wind-noise suppression, which should make for clearer conversations. Battery life is stated as up to 8 hours from the buds and up to 35.5 hours total with the case. Other features include an IP54 rating, Transparency mode, Bluetooth 5.4, and controls via the Nothing X app.
Noise Alt and Boat Airdopes Alpha Offer Value
Noise Alt is highlighted as a reliable option by Digit, providing up to 35dB of noise reduction. It emphasizes clear call features with ENC and an impressive total battery life of up to 50 hours, making it suitable for extended use. These earbuds use a 13mm driver and are rated to withstand sweat. Connectivity is handled by Bluetooth 5.3.
Finally, the Boat Airdopes Alpha is another battery-focused choice, offering functional 32dB ANC. This model boasts an exceptional total playback time of up to 120 hours with the charging case, and up to 24 hours just from the earbuds themselves. Features include dual 10mm dynamic drivers, quad mics with ENx technology for calls, an Ambient mode, Bluetooth 5.3, and an IPX4 rating. The companion app is Boat Hearables.
GadgetsGPT's Take
Digit's list clearly shows that Indian buyers have some strong contenders for ANC TWS earbuds under ₹2,500. The Moto Buds, with their class-leading 50dB ANC claim on paper, appear to be a serious option if maximum noise cancellation is your priority. However, the Realme Buds Air 5 Pro and CMF Buds 2a also bring compelling features like spatial audio or Dirac tuning along with strong ANC.
If battery life is paramount, the Noise Alt and especially the Boat Airdopes Alpha offer staggering runtimes. Ultimately, the best choice among these will depend on whether you prioritise the strongest ANC, specific audio features, or simply the longest possible listening time within this competitive budget segment.
