Noble Audio has introduced the $539 Astrid true wireless earbuds, positioning them between the FoKus Rex5 and more expensive FoKus Prestige Encore. The Astrid combines three different driver technologies—dynamic, planar magnetic, and balanced armature—with Audiodo Personal Sound calibration and adjustable EQ, giving listeners greater control over how their music is reproduced.
Noble has never been particularly shy about experimenting with hybrid driver configurations, but the Astrid’s combination of acoustic engineering and personalized tuning makes it an interesting addition to an increasingly crowded premium wireless category. A distinctive black-and-silver finish completes the package, although at $539, these earbuds will need to deliver considerably more than attractive industrial design and an impressive specification sheet.
Core Features
Drivers: Each Astrid earbud uses a three-driver hybrid configuration consisting of an 8.3mm dynamic driver, 6mm planar magnetic driver, and balanced armature driver. The dynamic driver is intended to provide bass extension and impact, while the planar magnetic and balanced armature drivers contribute detail, clarity, and control through the midrange and upper frequencies. The combination is designed to deliver a spacious, balanced presentation across the specified 20Hz to 20kHz frequency range.
Personalized Sound: The Astrid incorporates Audiodo Personal Sound, a hearing calibration system Noble first introduced in its wireless lineup with the FoKus Rex5. Rather than applying the same EQ adjustments to everyone, Audiodo uses a short hearing assessment through a companion app to measure sensitivity across different frequencies in each ear. The resulting personalized sound profile is stored directly in the earbuds and applied during playback, even when switching between connected devices without reopening the app.
For additional control, the Audiodo Equalizer allows listeners to adjust bass, midrange, and treble according to their preferences. It’s a more practical approach than assuming everyone hears the same frequencies equally well, although personalized calibration and subjective tonal preference are two different things.
Exterior and Finish: Astrid is a name of Scandinavian origin often interpreted as “divinely beautiful,” which sets a rather high bar for a pair of wireless earbuds. Noble Audio has given the Astrid a distinctive appearance, combining glossy black ABS housings with glass fiber faceplates decorated in fine, silver-toned lines that resemble frost patterns. The matching charging case carries the same design, with Noble’s emblem on each earbud and the company’s full logo prominently displayed on the lid. It’s an elegant alternative to the increasingly anonymous appearance of premium wireless earbuds, although beauty alone won’t justify a $539 asking price.
Wearing Comfort and Protection: Noble includes multiple sizes of silicone ear tips to help listeners achieve a secure fit and proper acoustic seal, both of which are important for consistent bass performance and comfort. Integrated touch controls handle everyday playback functions, while an IPX4 water resistance rating provides protection against splashes and light rain. That’s adequate for commuting and moderate exercise, but the Astrid isn’t designed for swimming or prolonged exposure to water.
Battery Life and Charging: The Astrid offers up to 11 hours of playback with ANC disabled, or 8 hours with ANC enabled, and up to 40 hours including the charging case. USB Type-C and wireless charging are supported, with actual battery life depending on volume, codec, and settings.
Bluetooth Connectivity and Codecs: The Astrid supports LDAC, aptX Adaptive, aptX Lossless, and SBC for wireless playback with compatible devices. Bluetooth Multipoint support is reported but requires confirmation, as does the Bluetooth version, which differs between Noble’s manual and launch materials.
Active Noise Cancellation: The Astrid includes ANC to reduce background noise, along with transparency mode for hearing surrounding sounds. Integrated microphones support voice calls, with noise and wind reduction intended to improve clarity in challenging environments.
Comparison
| Astrid | Rex5 | Prestige Encore | |
| Product Type | Wireless Earbuds | Wireless Earbuds | Wireless Earbuds |
| Price | $539 | $449 | $699 |
| Earbud Construction | ABS housings with glass fiber faceplates and spray coating | Aluminum and acrylic | CNC-machined from solid wood – no two Encores look alike |
| Drivers (per earbud) | 1 x 8.3mm Dynamic 1 x 6mm Planar 1 x Balanced Armature |
1 x 10mm Dynamic 1 x 6mm Planar 3 x Balanced Armature |
1 x 8mm Dynamic 1 x 6mm Planar 2 x Balanced Armature |
| Dynamic Driver Diaphragm | PU with aluminium-magnesium alloy dome | Not Indicated | Not Indicated |
| Frequency response | 20Hz – 20kHz | 20 Hz – 40 kHz | 20Hz -20kHz |
| Impedance | 29 Ohms | 17.5 Ohms | 18 Ohms |
| Sensitivity | 106 dB | 117.5 dB | 105 dB |
| Sound Personalization | Audiodo per-ear calibration with on-device storage via the Noble App | Audiodo per-ear calibration with on-device storage via the Noble App | Audiodo per-ear calibration with on-device storage via the Noble App |
| Sound Adjustment | Audiodo Equalizer via the Noble App | Companion App provides a 10-band manual equalizer | Companion App provides a 10-band manual equalizer |
| Bluetooth | Version 6.0 | Version 5.4 with True Wireless Mirroring | Version 5.4 with True Wireless Mirroring |
| Chipset | Qualcomm QCC3091 | Qualcomm QCC3091 | Qualcomm QCC3091 |
| Supported Codecs | SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX Adaptive and LDAC | SBC, AAC, aptX Adaptive, LDAC | aptX Lossless, aptX Adaptive, LDAC, AAC, SBC |
| Bluetooth Multipoint | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Noise control | Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) and Transparency mode | Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), Transparency, and Basic modes | Hybrid Active Noise Cancelling + HearThrough mode |
| Voice calls | Dual-mic cVc noise suppression | Dual-mic cVc noise suppression | Dual-mic cVc noise suppression |
| Earbud Battery Capacity | 65mAh per earbud | 45 mAh per earbud | 65mAh per earbud |
| Charging Case Battery Capacity | 500mAh | 500mAh | 500mAh |
| Playback | 11 hours (ANC off) N/A (ANC on) Up to 40 hours with case |
7 hours (ANC off) 5 hours (ANC on) Up to 40h total with case |
10 hours (ANC off) 7 hours (ANC on) Up to 35h total with case |
| Charging Method | USB-C, Wireless charging | USB-C, Wireless charging | USB-C + Qi wireless charging |
| Water Resistance | IPX4 | Not Indicated | Not Indicated |
| Controls | Touch controls and voice assistant support | Touch controls and voice assistant support | Touch controls |
| Companion App | Custom EQ, touch mapping, OTA updates, multilingual interface | Custom EQ, touch mapping, OTA updates, multilingual interface | Custom EQ, touch mapping, OTA updates, multilingual interface |
| Silicone Ear Tips | XS, S, M and L sizes | XS, S, M and L sizes | XS, S, M and L sizes |
The Bottom Line
At $539, the Noble Astrid occupies an interesting position between the Rex5 and Prestige Encore, combining elements of both without simply duplicating either. Its biggest selling point is the unusual combination of dynamic, planar magnetic, and balanced armature drivers with Audiodo Personal Sound calibration and adjustable EQ. The three-driver design isn’t entirely new territory for Noble, but the Astrid offers a distinctive alternative for listeners who prioritize personalized sound, premium construction, and acoustic engineering over conventional wireless features.
The problem is competition. The Sony WF-1000XM6 ($329) offers sophisticated ANC and extensive everyday functionality for considerably less, while the Bowers & Wilkins Pi8 ($499) targets listeners who prioritize sound quality and premium design. Noble is betting that its hybrid driver architecture and Audiodo calibration justify the additional expense. Whether the Astrid actually sounds better remains to be heard, and at $539, potential buyers have every right to expect more than another attractive pair of wireless earbuds with an ambitious specification sheet.
Price & Availability
- Noble Astrid – $539 / £499 or €579 at nobleaudio.com and selected retailers worldwide
- Noble Fokus Rex5 – $449 at Amazon
- Noble Fokus Prestige Encore – $699 at Amazon
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