In 2019 alone, 14.5 million units were sold in Germany, according to the industry association gfu. This corresponds to a market growth of 15 percent compared to the previous year – and according to gfu, demand is currently increasing. The association suspects that the increased demand is directly related to the corona pandemic. Significantly more people are currently working from home and need headphones for video calls and conferences.
More money for better headphones
On average, German customers spent around 64 euros per headphone or headset in 2019 – 61 percent more than in 2018. According to gfu, the significantly higher average price is primarily related to new technology: Most buyers no longer want Bluetooth or complete cable freedom (True Wireless).
And active noise cancellation (ANC) is also increasingly in demand, according to the association. The technology not only helps users to listen to music or watch films undisturbed on the plane or train. It can also provide valuable services at home or in the office because it suppresses distracting noises and noise. A few years ago, the technology was only found in high-priced headphones, there are now also affordable models that are equipped with ANC.
Which headphones are right for you?
The variety of models is greater than ever and it has become difficult to keep an overview. Manufacturers throw with terms such as whether over-ear, on-ear, in-ear, TWS, with or without ANC
TECHBOOK colleague Andreas Filbig, together with rapper and audio enthusiast MC Sublime, compiled who headphones are best suited for whom. You can find the video here, for more information on the advantages and disadvantages of the individual types, see our article: Over-ear, on-ear, in-ear, sport – find the right headphones.
Here are the best headphones
TECHBOOK’s audio expert Martin Lewicki tested the best headphones in different categories. Those looking for Apple AirPods-style earbuds – wireless in-ear headphones – will find what they’re looking for in our article with the best AirPods alternatives. The list includes the new powerful Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 2, as well as the top dogs Samsung Galaxy Buds and Sony WF-1000XM3. But cheaper models from Motorola, Huawei and JBL are also included. The complete list with detailed test results can be found here: The 14 best alternatives to Apple’s AirPods and AirPods Pro.
As ANC is becoming more and more popular, TECHBOOK has also tested the best models in the Bluetooth headphones with active noise reduction category. This includes not only the two current models of the ANC veteran Bose, but also our personal favorite: the Sony WH-1000XM3. Of course you will also find models from sound experts such as Sennheiser, Bang & Olufsen and Bowers & Wilkins. Newcomers Microsoft and Nuraphone are also included. The complete list with extensive test results can be found here: The 12 best headphones with noise canceling in the test.
– .
