Nepali OEM brand Ultima has introduced the Ultima Aura, a feature-loaded pair of TWS earbuds available in Nepal for NPR 3,499. Boasting Hi-Res LDAC playback, Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), companion app support, and an innovative rotating control dial on the case, this budget audio gear promises a lot on paper. After putting the earbuds through two weeks of daily testing—from daily commutes to phone calls—here is our full evaluation.
Design, Build, and Unique Case Controls
The Ultima Aura adopts a clean, straightforward design. It features a compact charging case with a neat finish, making it easy to slip into a pocket. What sets the case apart is its functional rotating dial. Far from being a mere aesthetic addition, the dial lets users adjust volume and manage playback directly from the case, which proves especially convenient when traveling on crowded buses without needing to pull out a smartphone.
The earbuds themselves feature a stem-style layout with silicone ear tips. Inside the box, you get the earbuds, charging case, extra ear tips in different sizes, a USB Type-C charging cable, and standard documentation. The stems also support intuitive gestures—swiping up or down controls the volume smoothly. While both the buds and case handle playback controls, the physical dial on the case offers a much more pleasant control option for those who dislike continually tapping their ears.
Fit, Comfort, and Wearability
In terms of ergonomics, the Ultima Aura leaves room for improvement. While the fit feels adequate during short listening sessions, wearing them continuously for several hours creates noticeable pressure around medium-sized ears. Users seeking earbuds for long movie marathons, extended travel, or full workdays might find the long-term wearing comfort lacking.
Audio Performance and Tuning
Despite the high expectations surrounding Hi-Res LDAC support, the sound profile is heavily dominated by bass. The default audio tuning feels bass-heavy and somewhat bloated, which overpowers the mid and high frequencies. This results in a dark and cloudy sound signature where vocals sound flattened and muffled. While the companion app provides six different EQ presets, switching between them reveals little noticeable difference during casual listening.
Final Verdict
At NPR 3,499, the Ultima Aura packs impressive features like LDAC, ANC, app integration, and a practical case dial. However, its bass-heavy default sound, average long-term comfort, and minimal EQ versatility keep it from being a straightforward recommendation for everyone in Nepal.
