January 3rd, 2022 (Carsten Rampacher)
Finding the right headphones is not so easy in view of the abundant supply on the market. We would therefore like to introduce you to the most common types of headphones and their intended use: The types of headphones are TWS in-ears and over-ear Bluetooth headphones. We definitely recommend a model with active noise cancellation (ANC), which is why we only present headphones that have this feature
Classic among the TWS listeners with ANC: Apple AirPods Pro
Over-ear Bluetooth headphones with ANC (Teufel Real Blue NC 2021).
True Wireless Sound (TWS) in-ear headphones
Perfect for on the go, often very good for evenings, as the headphones are so small and hardly look out of the ear that they can be optimally used, for example, for an audio book before going to sleep. The TWS earphones can of course also be used perfectly on the go, the case in which the two earbuds are charged and stored can be stowed in practically any pocket to save space. We also recommend a TWS handset with active noise cancellation and IPX certification (at least IPX3). The active noise suppression ensures that you can listen to your favorite music or the Netflix film undisturbed, without any ambient noise, even on the train or on the plane. Another practical feature is a transparency mode that ensures that important announcements are not missed while waiting for the train or plane – you don’t have to take out the earbuds. Battery runtimes of 5 to 9 hours are possible with one charge. Together with the case, which usually contains at least 2 additional charges, a total running time of> 20 hours is usually possible. Many TWS listeners have a quick charge function (e.g. charge for 10 minutes for 1 hour of listening to music). Many TWS with ANC are controlled via app, some apps only have a very clear range of functions, others a rather too lavish range of functions. Switching and setting options for the ANC, the option to update the firmware and the use of different DSP modes make sense in an app. There are eartips in at least 3 sizes, sometimes even in 4 or 5 sizes. Some providers offer the option of checking whether the selected earmolds are also correctly seated (Apple, JBL). The use of common language assistants is usually possible. Now to the individual models. If you are looking for a good TWS listener with ANC, you will find it for little money.
EarFun Free Pro
The solidly made, acoustically flawless ones are currently available for just under 60 EUR EarFun Free Pro in a very compact case.
LG ToneFree DFP8
Those are also particularly recommended LG ToneFree DFP8 – on the one hand because of the very good active noise canceling, on the other hand because of the effective UV-based cleaning of the earbuds in the case, and on the other hand because of the balanced, clean sound and the impeccable DSP modes. You shouldn’t forget the first-class price / performance ratio: only around 120 EUR are due.
Devil Real Blue TWS
The new ones are excellent from an acoustic perspective Devil Real Blue TWS. They achieve high levels with confidence, develop a very good spatiality and have active noise suppression with transparency mode. The Real Blue TWS cannot currently be controlled via the app. The price: just under 150 EUR.
JBL Live Pro + TWS
For about the same amount there is the JBL Live Pro + TWSwhich, above all, ensure the highest level of satisfaction due to the very high level of comfort and the extremely lavish features.
Technics EAH-AZ60
We really liked them in the test Technics EAH-AZ60. Very noble looking, with first-class active noise suppression, excellent sound and high wearing comfort, no wish remains unfulfilled. The price: from 220 EUR.
AirPods Pro
The classic from Apple, the AirPods Pro, have also become significantly cheaper and can be obtained for around EUR 200. The high-quality Apple design, the very easy handling, the high reliability and the homogeneous sound are on the plus side. The runtimes with one battery charge are no longer particularly long. The competition is much better here.
Bluetooth over-ear headphones with ANC
Modern over-ear headphones (circumaural headphones) with active noise suppression and Bluetooth are really comfortable to wear. For home or travel, you are always well equipped here. Of course, you can’t lie sideways on the pillow as well as with compact TWS with bulky headphones on your head, but nothing presses in the walkway. And: You are more noticeable on the street if you wear an over-ear, but you are even better shielded from the outside world if you want to have some peace and quiet. Another advantage of the over-ear headphones with BT and ANC is the extremely long battery life of 30 to 55 hours (value of the Teufel Real Blue NC 2021 generation). Of course, the battery will last longer on every model if you deactivate ANC. These headphones are usually controlled by an app, and touch controls are not uncommon on the outside of the auricle. It takes a short period of getting used to this before you can cope with this type of operation. As with the TWS headphones, common language assistants are supported and integrated into the operating concept. Regarding the app, it can be said that, among other things, the various ANC functions, any DSP modes and the option of firmware updates are integrated into the app. Some manufacturers offer the measurement of the ear (Sony, for 360 Reality Audio) or even the adaptation of the headphones to the hearing ability of the wearer (Beyerdynamic MIY app). Usually a transport case and a cable for emergencies are included in the scope of delivery of the over-ear headphones, so that, provided you have a mobile device with a mini jack connection or a corresponding 3.5mm to Lightning adapter, you can also be wired without BT and also can hear without ANC when the battery is empty. To get the battery back on its feet again, many over-ear BT / ANC earphones have a helpful quick charge function (15 minutes charge, 2 hours of listening, for example).
JBL Tour One
A real Christmas bargain is that JBL Tour One, which is available with full equipment, great ANC and very solid workmanship from 180 EUR. Excellent over-ear headphones with TWS come in the form of the Lagoon ANC in the variants Explorer/Traveler (The difference is the color) also from Beyerdynamic.
Lagoon ANC Explorer
Lagoon ANC Traveler
Although the ANC function is not extremely flexible, it is still very good, and the measurement of the hearing with the MIY app works flawlessly. In addition, there is a very balanced, dynamic sound and excellent workmanship. The price is fair: just under 230 EUR.
Teufel Real Blue NC 2021
The brand new one is absolutely top for the same price Teufel Real Blue NC of the year 2021. Very well made, and the sound is balanced at such a high level that you can forget the price range. The further developed active noise suppression works excellently.
Fidelio L3
One of our all-time favorites is this Philips Fidelio L3which not only sets standards with its outstanding material and manufacturing quality, but also with its extremely efficient active noise suppression. With the Philips everything fits, which is why it is a top choice at the absolutely justified market price of around 230 EUR, like its competitors. The conclusion: The best noise suppression and the best material quality of the three “230 EUR offers” is offered by Philips. The great MIY app and the elegant look, especially in the brown version, are the great advantages of the Beyerdynamic. The extremely powerful sound and extremely high wearing comfort speak for the devil.
If you want to have the ultimate trim miracle, you can find it with Sony WH-1000XM4 just right, which is currently being sold for around EUR 280. Features include compatibility with 360 Reality Audio, the elaborate HD processor for active noise suppression and the excellent quick charge function: after 5 minutes you can immediately listen again for 5 hours.
Yamaha YH-L700A
If you are looking for something particularly exclusive, we advise you to Yamaha YH-L700A, which, thanks to built-in DSP technology, ensures very special film enjoyment everywhere – even when you’re on the move, when viewing Amazon Prime Video or Netflix content on your smartphone. The progressive optics and the cleanly working ANC are further plus points of the over-ear headphones for around 530 EUR.
Conclusion
It is not for nothing that True Wireless Sound (TWS) earphones with ANC and over-ear headphones with Bluetooth and ANC are particularly popular. While TWS in-ears are particularly compact and flexible, over-ear headphones with Bluetooth and ANC impress with their high level of comfort, long battery life and a homogeneous, spatially dense sound.
Special: Carsten Rampacher
Date: January 03, 2022
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Tags: headphone • Over-ear headphones • Special • TWS