Headphones without cables are very trendy – especially small in-ear models. Manufacturers have made great strides in sound and comfort in recent years. In addition, the Bluetooth headphones are now also available with active noise reduction. The Stiftung Warentest tested the 20 best models in the current “test” issue 04/2020. The result: Headphones not only have to sound good, they also have to fit comfortably in the ear.
In-ear headphones have grown significantly in popularity since Apple’s AirPods. In the meantime, all popular headphone manufacturers offer these small earplugs, which are also called true wireless earbuds. We show you the test winners of the Stiftung Warentest and other recommended models from well-known brands.
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Wireless in-ear headphones in the test: This is how the Stiftung Warentest tests them
Since 2018, the Stiftung Warentest has tested more than 120 Bluetooth headphones. Most recently, the best 20 models were shown in the “test” edition from April 2020. All headphones passed the test with the “test” quality rating “Good (2.1)” or better. Models with active noise cancellation, also called Active Noise Canceling (ANC), are also completely new in the selection. They reduce ambient noise even more and eliminate noise, for example in the subway and the bus. The headphones were examined in the rating categories of sound, interference, comfort, Bluetooth and durability.
The result of the Stiftung Warentest: Sony, Apple and JBL are ahead
Test winner with the noise canceling headphones Sony WF-1000XM3 with the result “Good (1.8)”. He is also the only one with the rating “very good” on sound. The best noise cancellation (ANC) are achieved by the Apple AirPods Pro with the judgment “Good (2.0)”.
The best overall grade for headphones without ANC is the JBL Reflect Flow together with the Backbeat Pro from the manufacturer Plantronics. You will get the grade “Good (1.7)”. For the particularly high level of comfort, the Powerbeats Pro praised by Beats. He receives the test rating “Good (1.9)”.
The test winner with noise cancellation: Sony WF-1000XM3
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- Stiftung Warentest verdict “Good (1.8)”
- Very good sound
- Comfort
- Active noise cancellation
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Best sound in the test and best headphones with noise suppression: The Sony WF-1000XM3 received the test result “Good (1.8)” and the only one to receive the rating “Very Good” for the sound. It also scores with good wearing comfort and a battery life of over six hours. The earphones are charged in the supplied charging case.
With the noise-canceling technology, Sony not only shields background noise physically, but also actively with counter noise. This means that particularly monotonous background noise disappears. In addition, the headphones automatically adjust the strength of the noise canceling to the environment. If users are waiting for their train at the station, for example, the headphones recognize announcements and transmit them to the user via the microphone.
We mean: The test winner convinces with rich sound and good wearing comfort. With the noise suppression, it cuts out noise in everyday life and thanks to its low weight, it is also suitable for sports. Music lovers don’t go wrong with this model. iPhone users should also take a closer look at Apple’s AirPods Pro, which achieved even better noise reduction in the test.
For iPhone users: Apple AirPods Pro
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- Stiftung Warentest verdict “Good (2.0)”
- Very good noise cancellation
- Easy setup
- Good sound
- Long battery life
- Comfort
- Not all features for Android users
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The US technology giant Apple has been largely responsible for the rapid spread of true wireless headphones in recent years. When the first generation was introduced in 2016, the specialist press largely smiled at the small Apple headphones and dubbed them as slip-on toothbrushes. The AirPods are now one of the best-selling Bluetooth headphones. In autumn 2019, Apple introduced the AirPods Pro, a new model with active noise cancellation.
In the Stiftung Warentest test, the AirPods Pro received the rating “Good (2.0)” and convinced with the best noise suppression. The sound is powerful and neutral, the comfort is good. Like the Sony model, the earphones are charged in the supplied charging case and play for five hours without a break. Fast setup is a unique selling point for iPhone users. Once connected, simply pull the plug out of the charging cradle, put it in your ears and you can start enjoying the music without any further settings. Not all functions are available for AirPods for smartphone owners with Android.
We mean: The best noise reduction, rich sound and a particularly easy setup with the iPhone: The AirPods Pro are a clear recommendation, especially for Apple users.
Our saving tip: Those who can do without noise canceling use the normal ones AirPods without Pro, who are just behind in the 2019 test with the final grade “Good (2.1)” and are the bestsellers on Amazon.
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The test winner without noise reduction: JBL Reflect Flow
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- Stiftung Warentest verdict “Good (1.7)”
- good sound
- Long battery life
- No noise cancellation
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With the test result “Good (1.7)”, the JBL Reflect Flow is the overall winner at Stiftung Warentest. It scores with a pleasant sound, good wearing comfort and a particularly long battery life of almost ten hours. Another advantage is the low sound radiation, so that the neighbors on the bus and train are not disturbed by their own music.
The earphones are also suitable for sports: with their IPX7 certification, they offer protection from water and can withstand a brief immersion. Since the headphones have no cable, there is also no volume control. However, you can use a button to take calls and skip to the next track.
We mean: The JBL Reflect Flow achieved the best overall rating of all 20 models tested. It scores points with the good sound, the very good shielding and the long battery life. Although it does not integrate active noise cancellation, it also achieves a longer battery life than the competition. He is a good all-rounder at a fair price.
For athletes: Powerbeats Pro
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- Stiftung Warentest verdict “Good (1.9)”
- High wearing comfort
- Ideal for a firm fit
- Long battery life
- No noise cancellation
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The Powerbeats Pro are the wireless in-ear headphones for athletes. In principle, Apple’s subsidiary Beats leads the Sport AirPods with the Powerbeats Pro. Inside the headphones, the same chips work as in the AirPods. Apple users in particular enjoy a similar level of comfort.
In the test, the model achieved the grade “Good (1.9)” and was particularly convincing when it came to comfort. The biggest advantages are the ear hook and the rubberized tips of the Powerbeats Pro. Users can hit as many wheels or jump around as they want – the in-ear headphones don’t move an inch. For short missions, such as in the morning in the subway or on a phone call in the office, the AirPods are much faster in the ear and more practical. For workouts or a longer trip, the Powerbeats Pro are the much better choice.
We mean: This model is particularly suitable for athletes thanks to the sturdy ear hooks and lasts even during intensive training. The Stiftung Warentest praises above all the long battery life of over ten hours and the high level of comfort.
Our conclusion on the test
The Stiftung Warentest does not find any real weaknesses. All headphones are close together and score with good sound. Our recommendation is the test winner from Sony or the two AirPods.
When deciding, it also depends on the correct fit in the ear and your own taste. If the headphones do not fit properly into the ear, the sound quality suffers. The AirPods from Apple for example, do not cover the ear canal. This increases comfort, but also allows for more outside noise. Real in-ears like the Sony model, on the other hand, have to be pressed into the ear – not everyone likes that. Positive: Different rubber attachments are included with all models to find the right size for your own ear.
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How do wireless in-ear headphones work?
As the name suggests, true wireless headphones completely do without cables and rely on the Bluetooth wireless standard. In contrast to conventional Bluetooth headphones, the two earphones also wirelessly communicate with each other. In cheaper models, the smartphone usually transmits the soundtrack to one earphone and then sends it to the other. Sometimes, therefore, users perceive a slightly asynchronous reproduction. On the other hand, if both earplugs connect to the playback device, such problems occur much less frequently.
Why should you use wireless in-ear headphones?
Wireless in-ear headphones are particularly characterized by their comfort when listening to music. Whether in the office or on the way to work – they are ideal for use times of just a few hours. Thanks to the quick start-up without the hassle of untangling cables, you won’t want to do without the headphones anymore.
Wireless in-ear headphones come in very different price ranges. While Apple AirPods are the most comfortable, they are clearly subject to the Powerbeats Pro and the Sony counterpart in terms of sound. Cheap variants for less than 100 euros completely meet the basic requirements. Once used, users will appreciate the convenience of listening to music without annoying cables.
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