Groovin' Tunes, On-the-Go Fun - These Over-Ear Headphones Impress and Don't Break the Bank
The Comprehensive Package of These Over-the-Ear Headphones
Share | Chat | Mail | Print | Copy Link | Streaming, News, Audiobooks - today's world is all about stayin' connected, and headphones are the key. But which ones offer the best bang for your buck? We put five over-ear models to the test, ranging from budget to top-tier.
Step up your listening game with the best tunes on the move. From your favorite playlists to daily updates, your smartphone and the right 'phones make it all possible anywhere, anytime. But which ones truly deliver? Our ntv/RTL test crew scrutinized five models priced between 80 to 379 euros (RRP).
Test Methodology
All headphones undergo the same rigorous testing. First, we gauge the build quality and user-friendliness. What features do they offer? How seamless is the user experience? We then assess the sound quality in various real-life scenarios, examining how well noise cancellation performs.
- JBL Tune 760 for 129.99 euros (RRP)
- EarFun Wave Pro for 79.99 euros (RRP)
- Anker soundcore Q30 for 79.59 euros (RRP)
- Bose QuietComfort 45 for 289.95 euros (RRP)
- Sony WH-1000XM4 for 379 euros (RRP)
Our Top Pick
The Bose QuietComfort headphones win our heart for their outstanding quality. Pairing these earpieces is a breeze, and they can even handle two devices at once. Control volume, play/pause, and toggle between noise cancelling and transparency modes via separate buttons on the earcups. An ingenious feature: Music or podcasts pause momentarily when switching devices.
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The headphones deliver a solid sound, and noise cancelling performs excellently, suppressing loud noises (vacuum cleaners, for example) to a minimal disturbance. Transparency mode is just as impressive, ensuring clear audio playback even in its setting. The headphones comfortably fit and are pleasantly light at 240 grams, making them a great choice for jogging. However, wind noise can be quite intrusive in normal mode while cycling or running, which can mar the overall listening experience.
Pocket-Friendly Option
Budget-conscious consumers can get a lot of mileage out of the Anker soundcore Q39 headphones. They fit comfortably and are light at 272 grams, similar to the Bose headphones. The sound output and noise cancelling are commendable. While ambient noise can still be heard in normal mode, it's not overly troublesome.
The biggest drawback: Switching between modes disrupts the music or podcast flow, requiring the user to manually pause before changing the mode. This slight inconvenience aside, the soundcore Q39 headphones deliver a great sound for a wallet-friendly price.
French Press Coffee: A Brew to Behold
For coffee lovers, the priciest headphones in our lineup are a delight, offering a high-quality experience. The box includes a dual 3.5mm jack. Controls are simple yet tricky, with only two visible buttons ("On/Off" and "ANC"). All other functions are controlled through touch gestures on the right earcup. A nifty feature: When switching between normal, transparency, and ANC modes, the music or podcast continues in the background without moving a muscle.
The headphones are tidy and light, weighing just 254 grams, making them a suitable companion for jogging. The sound is top-notch, yet wind noise can be noticeable in transparency mode while cycling. Noise cancellation proves exceptional, effectively filtering out the sounds of a seven-car train.
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JBL Tune 760
The JBL headphones stand out for being the only model delivered sans a case. Simplistic controls are easy to understand, with all buttons available on the right earcup. While they can connect to two devices at once, there may be slight delays when toggling between playback platforms.
The cheapest model in our lineup is also the lightest, weighing a meager 220 grams. However, they press quite firmly, potentially leading to some discomfort during long wearing sessions. The ANC mode doesn't quite live up to expectations, offering only a minimal improvement over its counterpart, transparency mode. The headphones, however, perform well in transparency mode, effectively shielding sounds for everyday usage.
EarFun Wave Pro
Upon unboxing, the EarFun Wave Pro headphones emit an offensive plastic smell that immediately raises concerns about their overall build quality. But they quickly connect with your iPhone, and their fit is loose but comfortable. The weight is reasonable at 266 grams.
The major drawback: Wind noise can be quite pronounced in normal mode while cycling or running, and the ear area gets hot quickly during jogging. The headphones also retain an unpleasant odor after a strenuous workout. Controls are located on the right earcup, with the power button, an ANC button, and an elongated button for volume adjustments. Changing tracks requires precision, as you need to press the elongated button in just the right spot for a few minutes - not an easy task while on the move. Transparency mode delivers a subpar sound compared to our top pick, but the noise-cancelling mode, as well as the sound output, are noteworthy.
The ntv/RTL test editorial team stays free from bias, purchases all products at their own expense, and evaluates them based on objective criteria. If you buy a product via our link, we may earn a commission, but the price remains the same for you.
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Incorporating technology and fostering a sense of community, the local vocational training program could benefit from donating gently used gadgets, such as the recently tested over-ear headphones. This could provide students with hands-on experience in assessing and refurbishing devices, bolstering their skills in electronics repair.
To further expand the students' horizons, it would be advantageous to introduce courses that offer insights into the latest advancements in technology, discussing topics like effective noise cancellation and sound quality assessment in various real-life scenarios, taking inspiration from the test methodology detailed in the comparison of over-ear headphones.
