Unfiltered Expertise: Your Ultimate Guide to Bluetooth Headphones and Earphones
Christmas Trends and Technology Triumphs
As consumer electronics sales falter, one category continues to thrive – Bluetooth headphones and earphones. In 2022, an estimated 13.3 million units were sold in Germany, with 16% more wireless headsets sold between January and October, according to the German Association for the Promotion of Consumer Electronics (gfu) and Statista.
Breaking Down the Market
With an endless array of headphone options on the market and significant price differences, Stiftung Warentest offers a practical decision-making tool to navigate your purchase. Whether you’re looking for a fantastic gift or an enchanting listening experience, ntv.de presents the top-notch Bluetooth headsets and price-performance winners available today.
In-Ear Marvels
In-ear headphones, or earbuds, offer incredible sound in a portable, unobtrusive package, making them incredibly popular. Stiftung Warentest has tested 116 Bluetooth earphones – here are the top performers.
- Technics EAH-AZ80
- Overall score: 1.7
- Sound: 1.5
- Active noise cancellation (ANC): 1.1
- Comfort and handling: 1.9
- Endurance: Satisfactory
- Price: Expensive
- Apple Airpods Pro 2
- Overall score: 1.8
- Sound: 1.5
- ANC: 1.3
- Comfort and handling: 2.5
- Price: Neck and neck with the Technics champions
[Relevant insights from the enrichment section: Stiff competition between Technics EAH-AZ80 and Apple Airpods Pro 2 holds their prices high. Both models excel in sound and ANC, with comfortable use and satisfactory endurance.]
Hot-Limited Gems
- Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II
- Overall score: 1.8
- Sound: 1.6
- Comfort and handling: 2.5
- Endurance: 1.9
- ANC: Very good
- Price: Around 230 euros
Price Drop Magical Magic
- Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 3
- Overall score: 1.8
- Sound: 1.8
- Battery: 2.4
- ANC: 1.5
- Comfort and handling: 2.0
- Price: Significantly lower than market launch, around 190 euros
Introducing the New Kids: Beats Studio Buds+
- Overall score: 1.8
- Sound: 1.7
- ANC: 1.6
- Running performance: 2.3
- Comfort and handling: 2.1
- Price: Around 150 euros
- Xiaomi Redmi Buds Pro 3
- Overall score: 1.8
- Sound: 2.4
- ANC: 2.3
- Durability: 2.5
- Comfort and handling: Satisfactory
- Price: Affordable, around 45 euros
Over-Ear Opulence: Sensational Sound and Noise Suppression
Over-ear headphones, or circumaural models, sport circumferential speaker cups for a fuller sound and richer bass, although they are less portable than earbuds. Stiftung Warentest has two test winners here, each a marvel of audio and noise suppression.
- Bowers & Wilkins PX8
- Overall score: 1.7
- Sound: 1.7
- Noise suppression: 1.8
- Comfort: 2.2
- Performance: Very good
- Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless
- Overall score: 1.7
- Sound: 2.0
- Noise suppression: 1.6
- Comfort: 2.2
- Battery: Very good
Airpods Max: Third-Place Finisher with Powerful Sound
- Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2
- Overall score: 1.8
- Sound: 1.8
- Noise suppression: 2.6
- Comfort and handling: 2.2
- Endurance: Very good
- JBL Tune 770NC
- Overall score: 1.8
- Sound: 1.8
- Comfort and handling: 2.5
- Noise suppression: 1.6
- Performance: Very good
- Apple's Airpods Max
- Overall score: 1.9
- Sound: 1.5
- Noise suppression: 1.9
- Comfort and handling: 2.7
- Battery performance: 2.8
Unveiling On-Ear Wonders: Excellent Sound, Ergonomics, and Value
On-ear headphones, known for their portability and comfort, face some limitations: the overlying cups can make them uncomfortable for some users. Nonetheless, there is a fair selection of headphones available. Stiftung Warentest has listed six good on-ear headphones, including the price-performance winner.
- JBL Live 460NC
- Overall score: 2.0
- Sound: 2.2
- Noise suppression: 2.3
- Comfort: 2.2
- Endurance: Very good
- Price: 70 euros
[Relevant insights from the enrichment section: The JBL Live 460NC stands out as the price-performance winner, offering exceptional sound and active noise suppression for an unbeatable price of 70 euros.]
Roll Up, Roll Up for the Best Bluetooth Headphones and Earphones
As you prepare for the festive season or consider a gift for a loved one, Stiftung Warentest’s test and price-performance winners ensure that you make an informed choice. From budget-friendly alternatives to top-of-the-line models, there is something for every taste and wallet.
