boAt Rockerz 512 ANC Review: Best Budget ANC Headphones in India?

If you’re looking for affordable wireless headphones that don’t feel compromised, the boAt Rockerz 512 ANC is likely to be on your shortlist. It targets budget buyers who want ANC, long battery life, and punchy sound without spending much. On paper, it offers features like Hybrid ANC, big drivers, extended playback, and low-latency gaming. But how well does it perform in real-world use?

The boAt Rockerz 512 ANC is designed for users who want active noise cancellation, long battery life, and strong bass at a budget price. At ₹2,799, it brings features usually seen in higher segments, including Hybrid ANC, up to 80 hours of playback, low-latency gaming, and ENx voice technology for clearer calls.

With more people using headphones for music, OTT content, casual gaming, and daily calls, expectations are higher even in the budget category. The Rockerz 512 ANC fits that use case well, but it isn’t perfect. This review breaks down what it does well, where it falls short, and whether it’s the right choice for you.

If you want to check other options or compare alternatives, there are detailed guides available that help you explore what else is out there, including models from brands like JBL, Sennheiser, and Sony.

Price and Availability

The boAt Rockerz 512 ANC is available for ₹2,799 on Amazon and other major retailers in India. At this price, you get Hybrid ANC, 80-hour battery, low-latency gaming mode, strong bass, and a decent mic experience.

Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.2/5)

boAt Rockerz 512 ANC

₹2,999

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Specifications

Who Should Buy and Who Should Not

Good Choice For:

• Budget buyers seeking ANC under ₹3,000
• Bass lovers and casual listeners
• Daily commuters or travelers needing long battery life
• Casual mobile gamers
• Users wanting decent call clarity indoors

Not Ideal For:

• Audiophiles seeking neutral sound
• Those needing strong outdoor ANC
• Users prioritizing premium comfort or build
• People wanting fully stable Bluetooth connections

Design and Comfort

The Rockerz 512 ANC comes in a clean Cosmic Black finish. It follows boAt’s usual design language sporty, lightweight, and made mainly from plastic. The earcups have soft padding, and the headphones fold inwards, making them easy to carry in a backpack.

Most users find the comfort good for short to medium listening sessions. Some feel pressure around the ears after long hours, which is common in budget over-ear headphones. The headband is adjustable and sturdy enough for daily use. Overall, the design is simple, practical, and well-suited for its price range.

Sound Quality

The 40mm drivers deliver the classic boAt tuning: big bass, warm mids, and smooth highs. Bass-heavy playlists, EDM, Bollywood remixes, or hip-hop feel energetic and fun.

• Bass is punchy
• Vocals are clear for everyday listening
• Treble stays comfortable without harshness

While not the most neutral-sounding headphones, the 512 ANC delivers enjoyable audio for casual streaming, movies, and music on the go, especially for its price range.

Active Noise Cancellation

For a headphone under ₹3,000, the 40dB Hybrid ANC on the Rockerz 512 ANC is impressive. It effectively reduces low-frequency ambient noise like fan hum, AC sounds, and light indoor chatter.

• ANC works well for office and indoor use
• It may not block louder outdoor noise

The headphones also include a basic ambient mode, which lets you stay aware of your surroundings while listening. Overall, the ANC performance is strong for the price, making it a reliable choice for budget-conscious users seeking noise reduction.

Battery Life

Battery life is one of the biggest strengths of the Rockerz 512 ANC.

• Up to 80 hours on standard mode
• Lower with ANC on, but still solid
• USB-C fast charging

Most users mention that the headphones last several days on a single charge. If you hate charging your headphones frequently, this is easily one of the best options in the budget segment.

Gaming Performance

With BEAST Mode, latency drops to 40ms, which makes gaming responsive enough for casual players. Footsteps, gunshots, and movement cues feel synced well when gaming on a phone.

These aren’t meant to replace dedicated gaming headphones, but for PUBG, Free Fire, and COD Mobile, the experience is smooth and enjoyable.

Call Quality and Mic Performance

The boAt Rockerz 512 ANC features ENx Technology for clearer voice during calls. Indoors, the mic delivers clear audio without distortion, while outdoor performance can vary depending on background noise.

For daily calls, online meetings, and classes, the mic performs well, offering reliable clarity for most users. While it’s not on par with premium models, it’s solid for a budget ANC headphone.

What Customers Are Saying

Most users like the sound quality, especially the bass. Battery life also gets a lot of praise. Many say the headphones feel worth the price. At the same time, some users mention issues like Bluetooth drops, average ANC in noisy places, and tight comfort around the ears.

Overall, reviews are more positive than negative, especially for buyers who wanted strong bass and long battery life at a low budget.

Verdict

The boAt Rockerz 512 ANC is a strong choice for affordable ANC headphones with punchy bass and long battery life. It performs well for casual listening, OTT content, travel, and daily calls. ANC and comfort aren’t perfect, but the overall feature set is impressive for under ₹3,000.

For those seeking more refined ANC, sound, or premium build, higher-end models may be worth considering. For budget users who want strong bass, solid battery, and usable ANC, the Rockerz 512 ANC offers excellent value.