Ultima Boom 181 ANC Earbuds Review: A Strong Contender Under NPR 2,000

The Ultima Boom 181 ANC enters the market with an attention-grabbing promise: it claims to be the best true wireless earbuds available under NPR 2,000 in Nepal, backed by a bold money-back guarantee if a better option exists. We put the earbuds through thorough testing to see if they justify the hype.

Design and Build

The Boom 181 ANC presents a modern, comfortable design with lightweight construction that caused no discomfort during extended use. The default silicone tips fit well, and users can choose between Space Black or Serene White finishes. An IPX5 rating offers protection against sweat and light water exposure. Ultima highlights durability claims of over 50,000 flip tests and more than 700 charge cycles, though real-world longevity remains to be seen.

Audio Performance

Out of the box, the earbuds produce a boomy sound with excessive bass that overwhelms mids and vocals. However, this changes dramatically through the Ultima Link app, which provides EQ customization. After adjusting settings, the audio quality becomes much more balanced and enjoyable. The default Signature and Balanced modes are a starting point, but manual tuning unlocks the earbuds' full potential.

Comparative Testing

We compared the Boom 181 ANC against two similarly priced models, the Redmi Buds 5A and Anker K20i, both priced at NPR 2,499. The Redmi Buds 5A offers a neutral sound profile with minimal bass, resulting in cleaner audio but lacking excitement for many listeners. Its active noise cancellation proves ineffective, whereas the Boom 181 ANC handles low-frequency hum effectively. The Anker K20i delivers superior clarity, treble response, and dynamic range, especially in complex tracks, but lacks ANC and transparency modes entirely.

Latency and Additional Features

Gaming tests in PUBG Mobile showed acceptable 45ms latency for casual play, with only a slight delay noticeable. Serious gamers would likely prefer wired headsets. Each earbud includes dual microphones, offering decent indoor call quality but average performance in noisy outdoor environments, typical for budget models.

Verdict

At its current launch price of NPR 2,499 (though the MRP is NPR 3,999), the Ultima Boom 181 ANC earns its claim as the best option under NPR 2,000, given the inclusion of ANC, app support, and tunable audio. While the Anker K20i provides cleaner sound for under NPR 2,500, its lack of noise cancellation and semi-in-ear design may not suit all users. Buyers should note that the NPR 2,000 price point represents a special launch offer.

Pros and Cons

• Pros: Good audio after EQ tuning, active noise cancellation, transparency mode, app support
• Cons: Default tuning is excessively boomy