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, weโll 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, letโs get to business and find out whether boAt products are actually worth the hype.
boAtโs History and Background
Back in 2016, when boAt hit the scene, it wasnโt aiming to be a global sensation. It was just doing what it does bestโoffering affordable audio that doesnโt compromise on quality. We are sharing a glimpse into their journey here.
Timeline of boAtโs History
- 2016: boAt was founded by Aman Gupta and Sameer Mehta in Mumbai, India.
- 2018: Achieved its first major milestone by crossing โน100 crore in annual revenue and secured โน60 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 Indiaโs 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, hereโs the deal: weโve taken a stroll through boAtโs history and now it is time to spill the beans on whether they are good.
Are boAt products good?
Okay, letโs get straight to the point! When we talk about cool headphones and stuff, itโs not just about putting them on and listening. Itโs 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
Letโs get realโsound 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, itโs 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. Itโs 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
JBLโs been in the game for ages, and theyโre known for their thumping bass. boAt, however, gives them a run for their money. Itโs 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)
Appleโs 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 arenโt flashy, but theyโve got this subtle coolness. Itโs 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.
boAtโs 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, soโฆWe 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 chargeโit 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 itโs the earbuds surviving a sudden rain shower or the headphones enduring the rigors of sweaty workouts, theyโve got a resilience that matches the rhythm of life on the go.
3. Comfort and Fit
You donโt want earphones that feel like youโre sticking pebbles in your ears, right? boAt seems to get that comfort matters. But letโs not rely on what the ads say โ whatโs the real talk from people whoโve worn them through a cross-country train journey or a sweat-soaked gym session? Many reviewers have said that boAtโs products are extremely comfortable โ with the earcups being soft and the productโs 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 aliveโฆThe range is good, and the time it takes to connect to devices is rather quick. There are a few occasional instances where youโll have to go to the Bluetooth settings on your phone to connect to it. But that isnโt 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 boAtโs 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. Thatโs 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 (whatโs covered, whatโs not, and how easy it is to claim your warranty), and head to customer support for more help!
Customer Support
Now, letโs talk about the heroesโthe customer support squad. boAtโs got a reputation for being responsive. Here are ways that you can reach them:
How to Reach boAt Customer Support?
- Customer Care Number: boAtโs 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
- 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.
- Is boAt a Chinese brand?
No, boAt is an Indian brand that designs its products in India but manufactures them in China and India.
- Is boAt a recommended company for smartwatches?
boAt has established itself as a reputable brand in audio products, but for smartwatches, itโs advisable to also explore other specialized brands with a stronger focus on wearable technology.
- 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.
- Why are boAt products relatively inexpensive?
boAtโs 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 Upโฆ
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. Thatโs why it is a great fit for many Indians looking for budget-friendly audio and wearable devices. Youโll definitely enjoy blasting the bass-heavy speakers. However, if durability and long-term reliability are your top prioritiesโand youโre willing to invest a bit moreโpremium 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!