Are BoAt Products Worth the Hype? An Honest Review

What makes boAt the GOAT? This powerful Indian brand burst onto the scene in 2014, with its fashionable electronics. Since then, boAt has become the top audio technology brand, competing with world-class brands like Sony and Apple.

It has been making waves in the world of audio and wearable technology. Known for its bold designs and a vast array of products ranging from earphones to smartwatches, boAt has captured the attention of tech enthusiasts and casual users alike. However, amidst the buzz surrounding boAt products, a fundamental question emerges: Are boAt products good?

In this blog post, weโ€™ll examine the quality and performance of the products, mostly earphones and headphones, compare the brand with other leading consumer electronics brands, and discuss other aspects worth knowing. So, letโ€™s get to business and find out whether boAt products are actually worth the hype.

boAtโ€™s History and Background

Back in 2016, when boAt hit the scene, it wasnโ€™t aiming to be a global sensation. It was just doing what it does bestโ€”offering affordable audio that doesnโ€™t compromise on quality. We are sharing a glimpse into their journey here.

Timeline of boAtโ€™s History

  • 2016: boAt was founded by Aman Gupta and Sameer Mehta in Mumbai, India.
  • 2018: Achieved its first major milestone by crossing โ‚น100 crore in annual revenue and secured โ‚น60 million in funding from Fireside Ventures to scale operations.
  • 2019: Positioned itself as a lifestyle brand by showcasing products at Lakmรฉ Fashion Week.
  • 2020: Became Indiaโ€™s largest wearables brand and entered the global top five wearables brands list.
  • 2024: Emerged as the second-largest audio brand globally, trailing only Apple.

So, hereโ€™s the deal: weโ€™ve taken a stroll through boAtโ€™s history and now it is time to spill the beans on whether they are good.

Are boAt products good? 

Okay, letโ€™s get straight to the point! When we talk about cool headphones and stuff, itโ€™s not just about putting them on and listening. Itโ€™s about the sound quality, the durability, and the affordability! boAt has marketed itself as a cool, affordable wearable brand, but has it really got it? Here is what we foundโ€”

Sound Quality of boAt Products

Letโ€™s get realโ€”sound quality is the crux of the matter. boAt pitches itself as the DJ of your life, so we put it to the test. The beats were crisp, the highs were there, and the bass โ€“ well, itโ€™s the best part of boAt. But how does it stack up against the big guns in the audio game?

Brand Sound Quality
boAt You can enjoy decent sound quality with bass-heavy tuning, but it lacks refinement when compared to premium brands.
Sony It has exceptional sound quality with detailed highs, rich mids, and deep bass; supports the LDAC codec.
JBL The balanced sound with punchy bass is a good competitor for boAt, but the sound quality is slightly less detailed than Sony or Sennheiser.
Sennheiser It has superior clarity with a natural sound profile with a strong focus on mids and highs.
Apple  Apple is well-known for its crystal-clear sound with an emphasis on spatial audio. But it has a slightly weaker bass compared to others on the list.

1. boAt vs. Sony 

Sony is the old guard, the maestro. boAt comes in as the fresh face challenging the status quo. In terms of sound quality, Sony does deliver that rich, nuanced experience. boAt, on the other hand, surprises with a punchy bass that could make your heart skip a beat. Itโ€™s a matter of preference โ€“ a classical symphony or a bass drop that is too hot to miss. While boAt has a heavy bass tuning, Sony has exceptional sound quality with detailed highs, rich mids, and deep bass; supports LDAC codec.

2. boAt vs. JBL 

JBLโ€™s been in the game for ages, and theyโ€™re known for their thumping bass. boAt, however, gives them a run for their money. Itโ€™s like choosing between a smooth jazz vibe (JBL) and an energetic EDM track (boAt). JBL may give strong competition to boAt in terms of sound balance as well.

3. boAt vs. Sennheiser 

Sennheiser is synonymous with audio purity. boAt, while not aiming for the audiophile crown, holds its ground. Sennheiser is like a refined cup of espresso, and boAt is that strong chai you crave on a rainy day โ€“ different, yet satisfying in its own way. Sennheiser has superior clarity with a strong focus on mids and highs.

4. boAt vs. Apple (AirPods) 

Appleโ€™s AirPods is the epitome of sleek design and seamless audio. boAt, though not as minimalist, surprises with its affordability. In terms of audio quality, AirPods offer clarity, while boAt leans towards the bass-heavy side.

Design and Build of boAt Products

You want your gear to look good, right? boAt gets this. They arenโ€™t flashy, but theyโ€™ve got this subtle coolness. Itโ€™s like your favorite pair of jeans โ€“ reliable, not screaming for attention. But the real deal is, how long do they last? Are they flimsy or built like a tank? Let us find out.

boAtโ€™s Features Details
Battery Life It varies by model: ranges from 8 hours (e.g., Rockerz 245v2) to 60 hours (e.g., Rockerz 255 Pro+). Some models offer ASAP Charge for quick power-ups.
Build Quality You can enjoy durable and stylish designs with IPX ratings for water and sweat resistance in many models.
Comfort & Fit boAt has lightweight and ergonomic designs, including over-ear, on-ear, and in-ear options. The foam padding ensures comfort during extended use.
boAt Warranty It offers a standard 1-year warranty covering manufacturing defects. But it does not cover physical damage or unauthorized repair.
Connectivity Options Bluetooth versions range from v4.1 to v5.2, ensuring stable connections. Dual pairing is also available in some models for added versatility.
Customer support boAt has responsive customer service with a customer care helpline number and email support.

1. Battery Life 

Okay, soโ€ฆWe tried out the boAt Rockerz 450, and it stands true to whatever boAt pledges on its website. It provides a solid playback time with a single chargeโ€”it can go on for 15 hours! However, there are other boAt earphones that have longer play time, such as boAt Airdopes Max. It has a massive playback of up to 100 hours.

2. Build Quality 

boAt products, with their sturdy build, seem ready to tackle the chaos of daily life. Whether itโ€™s the earbuds surviving a sudden rain shower or the headphones enduring the rigors of sweaty workouts, theyโ€™ve got a resilience that matches the rhythm of life on the go.

3. Comfort and Fit 

You donโ€™t want earphones that feel like youโ€™re sticking pebbles in your ears, right? boAt seems to get that comfort matters. But letโ€™s not rely on what the ads say โ€“ whatโ€™s the real talk from people whoโ€™ve worn them through a cross-country train journey or a sweat-soaked gym session? Many reviewers have said that boAtโ€™s products are extremely comfortable โ€“ with the earcups being soft and the productโ€™s build being lightweight for easy portability.

4. Connectivity Options 

Bluetooth is the unsung hero of the wireless era. boAt boasts about seamless connectivity. We paired them with different devices and gave them a run around the room. Did they keep the connection alive, or did they ghost us mid-song? Well, they did keep the connection aliveโ€ฆThe range is good, and the time it takes to connect to devices is rather quick. There are a few occasional instances where youโ€™ll have to go to the Bluetooth settings on your phone to connect to it. But that isnโ€™t a dealbreaker, quite honestly!

5. boAt Warranty and Customer Support 

We went into the nitty-gritty details, and now is the time to learn about boAtโ€™s warranty and customer support. So, when you face some trouble with the boAt products, you know where to go.

Warranty Policies 

boAt understands that life happens, and sometimes, so do technical glitches. Thatโ€™s where their warranty policies step in. Typically, boAt offers a 1-year warranty on most boAt products including headphones/earphones and speakers. But please look at the fine print (whatโ€™s covered, whatโ€™s not, and how easy it is to claim your warranty), and head to customer support for more help!

Customer Support 

Now, letโ€™s talk about the heroesโ€“the customer support squad. boAtโ€™s got a reputation for being responsive. Here are ways that you can reach them:

How to Reach boAt Customer Support?

  • Customer Care Number: boAtโ€™s customer support can typically be reached through their helpline number 022-6918-1920. 
  • Email Support: For the folks who prefer typing over talking, boAt usually offers email support. Drop them an email at info@imaginemarketingindia.com detailing your concern, and you can expect a fast hit back.
  • Social Media Channels: In the age of hashtags and DMs, social media is often the express lane to customer support. boAt, being a brand with a strong online presence, is just a tweet away from resolving your issue.

FAQs

  1. Which brand is better, boAt or Noise?

If you are looking for affordability and looks, boAt is the one to go for. But if you want to prioritize sound quality, then you should opt for Noise. Note that boAt does not have bad sound quality, but Noise has a better one.

  1. Is boAt a Chinese brand?

No, boAt is an Indian brand that designs its products in India but manufactures them in China and India.

  1. Is boAt a recommended company for smartwatches? 

boAt has established itself as a reputable brand in audio products, but for smartwatches, itโ€™s advisable to also explore other specialized brands with a stronger focus on wearable technology.

  1. Are boAt headphones a good choice for audio quality? 

boAt headphones are well regarded for delivering impressive audio quality, making them a popular choice among consumers seeking a balance of performance and affordability.

  1. Why are boAt products relatively inexpensive? 

boAtโ€™s products often maintain affordability through strategic manufacturing and supply chain decisions; as mentioned before, they are mostly manufactured in China for low costs. This allows them to provide budget-friendly options without compromising on essential features and quality.

Wrapping Upโ€ฆ

All things considered, boAt products are a crowd-pleaser because of their cool designs and affordable prices. So, you can look cool and hear well, without breaking the bank. Thatโ€™s why it is a great fit for many Indians looking for budget-friendly audio and wearable devices. Youโ€™ll definitely enjoy blasting the bass-heavy speakers. However, if durability and long-term reliability are your top prioritiesโ€”and youโ€™re willing to invest a bit moreโ€”premium brands like Sony, JBL, Sennheiser, or Apple might be the better choice for you. These brands offer superior build quality and customer support, which can be worth the extra cost if you value longevity and performance. So, weigh your needs and budget, and choose the option that best aligns with your preferences! And in case you have decided to become a boAthead, we have some sweet boAt coupons you can use to get great deals on your wishlist!

Ramya
Ramya B


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