Boat Nirvana Crown TWS Review: Not All Kings Wear A Crown

Boat

has built its reputation in the Indian market by focusing on value for money earbuds by bringing features like stylish design to the budget segment. With the new Nirvana Crown, the brand is attempting to offer something unique in terms of design. Priced at Rs 2,799, this product features a physical rotating dial on the case. While the concept is interesting on paper, the actual usage experience tells a different story. Sonic A.R.C: Innovation vs Execution

The claimed standout feature of the Nirvana Crown is the Sonic A.R.C which is a physical dial integrated into the case for direct media control. The function is straightforward rotating the dial clockwise increases volume, counter-clockwise decreases it, while the central button manages playback via single, double, and triple taps. The intention is to offer a hands-free experience that reduces reliance on the smartphone screen for basic adjustments. But the execution reveals a few design flaws. The primary issue lies in the dial's resistance. The mechanism is surprisingly soft, lacking the friction required for a secure, intentional input. This looseness makes the case prone to accidental adjustments; simply walking with the device in a pocket is often enough to trigger the dial, causing volume levels to drift unintentionally regardless of how the case is stored.Additionally, the tactile feedback relies on what I feel like a coin-style vibration motor rather than a physical mechanical structure. When compared to the clicky, mechanical dial on the CMF Buds Pro 2, the Nirvana Crown’s solution feels less precise. The vibration often lags or fails to sync perfectly with the volume steps. This creates a disconnect in the user experience. Moreover, the haptic feedback feels largely unnecessary, because honestly auditory confirmation of volume changes is sufficient, making the inconsistent vibration motor feel like an over-engineered solution to a problem that didn't exist.Audio Performance: The Real Buzz

The Nirvana Crown is equipped with 10mm drivers that deliver a sound profile typical of the brand. During my testing I did try a lot of music genres, Indian classical, rock, hip-hop tracks and some of the songs that were trending recently on Instagram. But since it has a bass-heavy signature these work well for Punjabi pop and hip-hop tracks, basically songs where bass is on the heavier side, which is what the mass market generally prefers.For users who prefer a balanced soundstage, the low-end frequency can feel overpowering. Even when using the custom EQ in the app to reduce the bass, it retains a dominant presence. It is a tuning choice clearly aimed at listeners who prioritise impact over clarity which is not bad to be honest. There is also the 50dB Hybrid ANC that is effective for this price point, blocking out a good amount of ambient noise during commutes. The transparency mode also works quite well.Build Quality and Connectivity

If we talk about the physical construction of the Nirvana Crown, then because of the presence of a vibration motor, the case itself is heavy, tipping the scales at around 100 grams. Which is significantly heavier than the 60-gram average usually seen in this segment. This added weight gives the main body a dense, solid feel, but the lid feels hollow and flimsy in comparison.Fortunately, this bulk does not transfer to the earbuds themselves. The buds are lightweight and feel well-constructed. They offer an excellent fit right out of the box, with the default eartips providing a secure seal for long listening sessions. The internal magnets are also strong, ensuring the buds snap perfectly into place for charging without any wobble.

The experience with the Boat Hearable app remains a standout feature for me. The app offers a clean, intuitive interface that is arguably the best in its class. It provides extensive customisation options, including the ability to completely disable the Crown’s vibration, a setting many users will appreciate. Connectivity is equally good, because it supports the latest Bluetooth 6.0 standard.Verdict: Good Earbuds, Gimmicky CaseThe Boat Nirvana Crown is a first-generation attempt at a new form factor. The rotating dial differentiates it from the competition, but the soft mechanism and inconsistent haptics reduce its practical utility.If you can overlook the dial quirks (or disable them in the app), the earbuds themselves are a capable offering. They deliver strong battery life, decent ANC, and the bass-heavy sound signature that Boat users enjoy. It is a functional product, even if the headline feature isn't quite the game-changer it aims to be.