Boat Nirvana Ivy Pro Review: Pretty On The Outside, Punchy On The Inside
In a world infested with AI, it might feel like we're losing out on human voices. AI isn't all bad, but what it lacks is a rooted, real-world connection. So, as we review the latest in tech, from phones to AI-enabled mice, we decided to create an AI bot and see how it perceives a gadget solely based on the spec sheet.
Meet GennieGPT, ABP Live's in-house AI reviewer. Programmed to adore specs, worship benchmarks, and get excited by shiny lights. Unfortunately, GennieGPT doesn’t game, capture photos, or use any kind of tech in the real world. That’s where I come in with my hands-on experience with the gadgets.
Let’s begin this tech tug-of-war.
Boat Nirvana Ivy Pro Review: Boat's latest TWS attempt, the Nirvana Ivy Pro, wants to be more than just a looker. With Dolby Atmos, Dolby Head Tracking, dual drivers, and a battery that stretches for days, it’s trying to punch above its weight at Rs 4,999. But under all that shimmer and promise, does it actually deliver a balanced audio experience, or is it just a bass-heavy flex wrapped in a pretty shell? We put it through real-world paces to see whether the Ivy Pro deserves a spot in your pocket or a quiet return.
Boat Nirvana Ivy Pro Review: Quick Pointers
What Works:
- Beautiful design, especially the white-gold version
- Excellent battery life
- Dolby Head Tracking feels immersive
- Dolby Atmos support (with caveats)
What Doesn't:
- Sound lacks clarity; bass overpowers details
- Dolby Atmos doesn’t work on Spotify/YouTube Music
- Strong rivals offer better sound for a similar price
- ANC struggles outdoors
Pretty Face, Dolby Tease
✨ GennieGPT: Presenting… the Boat Nirvana Ivy Pro! Dual drivers (11mm + 6mm) for layered sound! Dolby Atmos! Dolby Head Tracking! Adaptive EQ by Mimi! A gorgeous glossy case! 50 hours of playtime! This is TWS done right — performance meets aesthetics!
Shayak: Easy there, Gennie! Anyone would think you're not a reviewer but a glorified PR bot. But yes, I agree it looks fantastic. That white-gold case? Probably the best design Boat’s ever shipped. But all that glitz doesn’t mask the thumping bass overdose.
✨ GennieGPT: But bass is immersive! It's like a nightclub in your ears!
Shayak: It’s like being trapped in a nightclub bathroom. See, I get it. Boat wants to cater to its target audience. The sound needs to be fun, energetic, but clarity takes a serious hit.
Vocals feel distant, cymbals get muffled. For example, when Tyler Joseph breaks into his spitfire rap section in Twenty One Pilots' Levitate, all I want is a quiet signature with nothing but Josh Dun's drums filling in the groove. But what I got with Ivy Pro is a beat that's so muffled in almost spreads like molten ice cream all over the sound waves.
The Ivy Pro works great with party songs and all-out bassfests. But look for a little finesse and you’re gonna feel short-changed, especially when the OnePlus Buds 3 (Rs 4,599) and JBL Tune Beam 2 (Rs 5,999) walk in like snobby seniors and steal the high school talent show.
✨ GennieGPT: But Dolby Head Tracking! You turn your head, and the sound moves! MAGIC!
Shayak: Sure, it’s cool, until you realise most people use Spotify (the non-paid plan at that) or YouTube Music, where Dolby Atmos content isn't available. It’s a premium feature on a budget device, stuck in an app ecosystem that can’t support it. Unless you're on Apple Music or listening to your own Dolby Atmos library, it’s mostly wasted.
However, I do appreciate the addition of Dolby Atmos at an affordable price tag. If you build it, they'll come, right? So, I can always appreciate brands going that extra distance to deliver something premium to the masses.
Lasting Battery, Promising Features
✨ GennieGPT: Okay… but 50 hours of battery life! That’s like… two seasons of a K-drama binge without charging!
Shayak: Can't argue there, Gennie. Battery's a strong point. Compact case, decent charging speed, no complaints there.
Also, props to Boat for keeping things comfortable. The fit is snug, IPX5 means you won’t panic during a drizzle, and call quality is surprisingly clean, even if you're chatting in the middle of a congested Delhi turnaround.
✨ GennieGPT: What about the ANC up to 52dB? Shut the world out!
Shayak: Unless you're outside. In noisy traffic, like taking a ride in a bone-rattling autorickshaw, the ANC can’t cope.
Indoors or in the office? Sure, it’s fine. But don’t expect AirPods Pro-level hush. Which is fine, given that the Ivy Pro is a quarter of the Cupertino tech's price.
Also, I should mention here that the Ivy Pro's BEAST mode for gamers delivers a 50ms correction in latency, which is indeed a pretty premium spec at the price point.
Lastly, kudos to Boat for including Adaptive EQ via Mimi. That’s rare in this segment. It tailors the sound based on your hearing, and the tweak does help, but it can’t completely fix the muddy bass tuning.
Boat Nirvana Ivy Pro Review: Final Verdict
✨ GennieGPT: So it’s stylish, long-lasting, and has Dolby magic! What’s not to love?
Shayak: The sound, Gennie. If you want a great-looking pair of earbuds that’ll turn heads and survive your office calls or Call of Duty-blasting sessions with ease, the Ivy Pro does the job.
But if sound quality is your priority, you’re better off looking at the OnePlus Buds 3 or JBL Tune Beam 2, both of which offer more balanced audio, one cheaper, one slightly pricier, as mentioned earlier.
The Ivy Pro is definitely a head-turner. And one must appreciate the de-premium-ification of top-tier software features like Dolby Atmos and Dolby Head Tracking. With an elaborate box that it comes in, it can make for a great gift as well. There are promises of a better future with Boat headphones. All we have to do is wait until it arrives.
Should You Buy It?
- Yes, if you love aesthetic hardware, want Dolby head-tracking on a budget, and value battery life above all else.
- Maybe, if you’re curious about spatial audio and want a pocket-friendly entry into the world of audiophilia.
- No, if clean, balanced sound matters more than flash, or if you’re eyeing better all-rounders.
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