Noble Audio Osprey review: Cut-price high-end ear buds that deliver great sound

Audio maker Noble has decided to release a set of ear buds for £200 that is far cheaper than its usual top-of-the-range sets but still delivers a great quality to the listener

Noble make some of the best – and most expensive – ear buds on the market.

And they’ve now released these little beauties to tackle one of the biggest hindrances to music lovers wanting their wares, the price.

The Ospreys sit at just under £200, which is still a hefty sum of cash for ear buds but far cheaper than their top-of-the-range sets like the £419 FoKus Rex5.

So what do you get for this ‘bargain’ price and are they worth it?

Well, yes is the simple answer.

These gems deliver fantastic sound and have a great aesthetic for folk keen on the Noble look without the wild pricing.

True to Noble Audio’s design heritage, Osprey features a striking faceplate finish that immediately sets it apart.

The blue marbled design feels different, striking but not over-the-top for those seeking a cool looking set of ear buds on-the-go.

The compact rectangular aluminium charging case has been thoughtfully engineered for portability and durability, offering a premium in-hand metallic feel while remaining practical.

Its ergonomic housing ensures a secure and comfortable fit, and there are multiple ear tip options included in the package to support optimal seal with your unique lugs and long-term comfort when popping these babies in.

They’re chunky but not weighty and offer 10mm dynamic drivers beneath the hood to push out controlled deep bass, clear mids and trilling highs that blend brilliantly together into a natural all-round soundscape.

The sound is excellent, top draw, and not that dissimilar to their much more expensive cousins to the naked ear.

The result is a balanced and all-encompassing audio range that’s great for extended listening, whether commuting, working or relaxing at home.

And with the noise cancellation involved it’ll block out the outside world effectively enough to leave it to just you and the music.

The batteries built-in will also give you a decent amount of juice. Although I do feel a compromise may have been made here to reduce the price, compared to other Noble sets.

There’s about seven hours of charge with the active noise cancellation turned off, five with it on.

If the batteries run dry, you can quick-charge for 10 minutes to give you another two hours of playback. Not back for the commuter to get them home just before they leave the office, for example.

Connection to your device is easy and instant via bluetooth.

And for those taking phone calls, there are dual microphones built-in with their own noise reduction software to ensure clear, understandable conversation even when the world around you is noisy.

Overall, these are a good strong set of ear buds for the price.

I’d love to see if the company could get a real budget-friendly set for under £100 next without too much compromise.

They’ve done well here.

VERDICT 4/5