Moto Buds+ Review: Bose Sound in a Budget-Friendly Package

Is the Moto Buds+ worth your hard-earned money? Let's find out.

After spending weeks with Motorola's latest foray into the premium wireless earbud market with the Moto Buds+, I can say that it is a bold statement that punches above its ₹9,999 price tag. Motorola is trying to deliver a standout audio experience by partnering with audio legend Bose for sound tuning and noise cancellation technology. With features like Hi-Res audio playback, Dolby Atmos, and adaptive ANC, the spec sheet certainly looks impressive. So, is this pair of earphones worth your hard-earned money? Let's find out.

Build, Design and Fit

The Moto Buds+ earpieces sport what I'd call a "safe" design. Think Apple's AirPods Pro, but with Motorola's own spin. They don't stand out in a crowd, which might be a plus for some users who prefer a more understated look. The build quality feels solid, though not particularly premium. I tested the Forest Grey colour variant, and both the earbuds and their case have a grippy matte finish that feels really good in hand.

However, what they lack in visual flair, they make up for in comfort. At just 4 grams each, they're incredibly light. I've worn these for hours on end without any discomfort, thanks to their ergonomic shape and light construction.

The IP54 water-repellent rating is welcome. Over the course of my review period, I've worn these earphones during meetings, while commuting, and even in a drizzle once, with no adverse effects. It's reassuring to know they can handle sweat or rain without issue. 

The compact charging case is another highlight. It's noticeably smaller than the ones that come with many other TWS earphones on the market, slipping easily into pockets without creating an unsightly bulge.

Audio Quality

The Moto Buds+ have impressive audio credentials, thanks to Motorola’s collaboration with Bose for sound tuning. Each earpiece features dual dynamic drivers (an 11mm woofer and a 6mm tweeter). Out of the box, these earbuds deliver rich sound, but in my experience, the audio quality was a mixed bag.

When it comes to movies, Dolby Atmos support really comes into play. Watching "Dune" on my tablet, I was impressed by the sense of space and dimension in the audio. The sandworm scene felt like they were swirling around me, while dialogue remained crisp and clear.

For music, the experience was hit-or-miss. Vocals in movies and podcasts were indeed crisp and detailed with excellent separation. Individual instruments were able to shine, which I appreciated while listening to acoustic tracks. However, the bass response, while being punchy, could be overpowering at times, especially with bass-heavy tracks such as The Plan (Travis Scott) and Billie Jean (Michael Jackson) and EDM tracks including Strobe (Deadmau5) and Opus (Eric Prydz). For example, in The Plan, I cranked up the volume to 90-95%, and the highs started to crackle under the weight of the bass signature. There was also a noticeable loss of clarity, particularly in the vocals. This isn’t a deal-breaker, but it might be disappointing for anyone seeking a more balanced sound signature.

These earbuds shine for gaming. While playing Call of Duty: Mobile, I could clearly discern footsteps and directional cues, giving me a competitive edge. The Dolby Head Tracking feature added an extra layer of immersion, making the game more engaging.

Call quality is also a strong point for the Moto Buds+. The triple mic system with ENC (Environmental Noise Cancellation) did an excellent job of isolating my voice, even in noisy environments. I took several calls while walking down a bustling street and in the metro, and my callers could hear me clearly.

Other Features

Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) on the Moto Buds+ is effective, if not class-leading. I found it particularly useful during my daily commute, significantly reducing the rumble of the metro, but it struggled with higher-pitched sounds. Adaptive mode lets you adjust the level of noise cancellation based on any environment. Transparency mode works well for situational awareness, though it lacks the natural feel that I’ve experienced with some competitors like the OnePlus Buds 3.

The Moto Buds companion app offers an extensive set of customisation options, including a 10-band EQ for fine-tuning the sound, which helped mitigate some of these earphones’ bass-heavy tendencies. However, it’s only available on Android and not iOS, for now. During the review period, I received three software updates that addressed minor quirks and issues, so it seems that Motorola has its eyes firmly set on improving these earphones.

The Moto Buds+ offers touch controls, which I found to be responsive and intuitive after a mild learning curve. The ability to connect to two devices simultaneously is becoming more common, and it's implemented well here.

Dolby Head Tracking is intriguing, though its usefulness varies depending on content. For movies and games, it adds an extra layer of immersion. For music, I found it more of a novelty than a must-have feature.

Battery Life

In my experience, the battery life of the Moto Buds+ was adequate but not outstanding. I managed to get 6-6.5 hours of playback with ANC on, and while Moto advertises 8 hours of listening time, that’s only possible with ANC off. The case provides an additional 3-4 charges for the earpieces, bringing the total up to around 26 hours.

Wireless charging is a nice touch, and I appreciate the wired quick charging feature as well. A 10-minute charge gave me close to two hours of listening time, which is respectable.

Verdict

After spending weeks with the Moto Buds+, I found it to be a capable, if not revolutionary pair of earphones. It excels in comfort and call quality, and the app-based customisation options are impressive. While good for gaming and movies, the audio quality may not satisfy audiophiles looking for a more balanced sound profile.

The Moto Buds+ is a solid all-rounder that performs well in most scenarios. It isn’t perfect – battery life could be better, iOS support is missing, and ANC performance, while good, doesn't quite match the best in class – but it gets the job done with some nice extras thrown in. Priced at ₹9,999 in India, it offers a compelling package, especially for those who prioritise call quality and comfort. If you're a fan of bass-forward sound, this could be the daily companion you're looking for.