Apple AirPods, or Sony WH-1000XM5? Headphones or headsets? This is the kind of debate that can inflame small conversations between friends. Some praise the convenience and discretion of the former, while others favor the richer listening, without discomfort in the ears, of the latter. Arguments which, on both sides, are defended. Alongside its recent selection of True Wireless headphones, 20 minutes turn up the sound and tested for you four pairs of Bluetooth headsets which are a change from the usual big brands, Sony or Bose. Models for all budgets… and all ears!
The economical basic but with good sound: HA-S36W, from JVC
With his HA-S36W, JVC offers an entry-level supra-aural Bluetooth headset (it sits on the ears but does not cover them). Available in black, blue or white, it does not lack in advantages.
Lightweight (158g), multipoint, it can be connected to two devices separately (such as a smartphone and a computer) without having to re-pair. Its physical controls are complete and allow you to answer/hang up a call, mute your microphone, and even summon your favorite voice assistant.
On test, this headset offers very decent listening for its price, with a fairly dull sound, fairly present bass, even if the treble seems a little constrained. 59 euros.
Our opinion : Without an application to personalize its use, this headset has advantages to seduce, such as its autonomy of up to 35 hours, or its multipoint connection. It lacks a wired connection, which can be reassuring, and better wearing comfort, this headset grips the head quite firmly and its headband is not padded.
The all-rounder with an excellent performance/price ratio: Accentum Wireless, from Sennheiser
Inspired by the brand’s famous Momentum, the all-new Accentum Wireless from Senneheiser allows, for a more limited budget (180 euros, instead of 299 euros) to access a high-end headset.
Weighing 222 g, circum-aural (it covers the ears), its manufacturing and comfort are particularly careful. Controlled using physical buttons, this headset doubles as an excellent application with five-band equalizer, but also pre-sets (neutral, hip-hop, rock, pop, dance, classical music, jazz, cinema , podcast). This app is also used to activate its noise reduction or Transparency mode.
Compatible with SBC, AAC, AptX and AptX HD codecs, the Accentum Wireless offers rich and generous sound, perfectly balanced for all musical registers. 179 euros.
Our opinion : A very great success on the part of Sennheiser, this “closed” headset of rare versatility, which also has the merit of being complete, with, also, good voice capture for communications. Another advantage, and not the least: its autonomy which borders on 50 hours of listening!
The athlete with unlimited autonomy: RPT-02 SOL, from Adidas
Adidas amazes with its RPT-02 SOL. Argument of this supra-aural headset: announced unlimited autonomy, thanks to self-charging by light.
Thus, his headband is covered with Powerfoyle, a technology developed by the Swedish company Exeger, which transforms light into electrical energy. Up to 80 hours of listening could thus be accumulated, a figure which remains very theoretical. Still, the Adidas Headphone application allows you to know at any time how much power the headset is storing.
Dedicated to sport, this model made from 51% recycled plastics also plays the sustainability card: while it is protected against splashes (IPX4 standard), the “mesh” fabrics which cover its earpieces and headband can be washed.
Its listening is dynamic, with a rather warm restitution, a five-band equalizer allowing everyone, via the application, to customize it. 230 euros.
Our opinion : Developed for Adidas by Zound Industries (which also designs Marshall Audio and Urban Ears products), these headphones keep their promises of autonomy… but only if they are exposed to natural light. You can also charge it via USB-C. The absence of active noise reduction which, in a sports hall, would have allowed you to concentrate more on your efforts, is regrettable. The pressure exerted by the helmet on the head finally turns out to be a little strong.
The uncompromising audio player: AonicC50 GEN2, from Shure
Unveiled at the IFA Berlin 2023 electronics show, the headset AonicC50 GEN2 from the Shure brand is a high-end circum-aural model.
Robust, quite heavy (339 g), folding, but not folding, available only in black, this headset has mechanical controls, but also a dedicated application (ShurePlus Aonic).
Multipoint, retaining a 3.5 mm mini-jack socket, compatible with numerous codecs (SBS, AAC, AptX, AptX HD and LDAC), it offers a three-band equalizer to refine its settings as much as possible. Special feature: this equalizer is parametric. Thus, for bass, midrange and treble, several sub-settings are offered in addition to their level: frequency, gain and bandwidth. Purists will be won over!
Its noise reduction system is rather effective, with a Transparency mode to be adjusted on eleven levels. 399 euros.
Our opinion : Despite its price, this headset really won us over with its comfort and listening quality, reinforced by the presence of 50 mm transducers (compared to 40 mm more generally). It also has a passive wired mode that allows it to work even when turned off. Without reaching the performance of the Sony WH-1000XM5, it is a very good subject.