Price tip: Sennheiser HD 250BT
This is how COMPUTER BILD tests Bluetooth headphones
COMPUTER BILD does not rely solely on the experienced ears of several testers: In addition to hearing tests, the editorial team carries out numerous measurements in the laboratory in order to objectively and reproducibly test headphones. In the center is an artificial head from Brüel & Kjær, whose rubber ears are equipped with sensitive microphones on the inside. With the help of a measuring device from Audio Precision, it is possible to find out to what extent headphones reproduce all pitches at the correct volume, i.e. have a balanced frequency response of 20 to 20,000 Hertz. The artificial head and measuring device record any interference frequencies from the headphones, so-called distortions. Taken together, they are referred to as the distortion factor. Also important: How loud do headphones play on average smartphones? Values over 100 decibels (dB) are considered to be hazardous to health and lead to devaluation.
In the soundproof test chamber, the so-called loudness is measured – i.e. how high the noise level around the headphones is: A highly sensitive microphone is 1 meter away and “listens”. The determined value is given in sons; Volume levels above 1 sone disturb, for example, fellow passengers on the train. All of this data flows into the test table and results in the test grade with the hearing test.
Yamaha YH-L700A: 3D sound and head tracking
How does noise canceling (ANC) work?
How can headphones with Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) reduce the noise from the environment? It’s actually quite simple: The headphones have microphones that pick up the noise around the wearer. The electronics record the sound waves, analyze them and reproduce opposing sound waves through the auricles. The signals generated in this way then meet and cancel each other out. The result: users hear the noise of the environment significantly more quietly. Second advantage: a lower playback volume is sufficient, as the songs do not have to drown out less outside noise – this is easier on the eavesdroppers. The effectiveness of noise canceling varies depending on the provider and headphones. In general, it reduces even and rather low-frequency noises such as (driving) noise on the train better than speech. In order to isolate oneself less in traffic, for example, more and more models allow a targeted weakening of the noise suppression. The function can usually be switched off anyway; alternatively, some manufacturers rely on a transparency mode that allows any noise to pass through for some time.
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Bluetooth headphones in the test: conclusion
Bluetooth headphones are a dime a dozen. That is why it is all the more important to find the right model. The offer is very diverse, as the test by COMPUTER BILD shows: You can find inexpensive on-ear technology for just under 40 euros in the form of the Sennheiser HD 250BT or the slightly more expensive, technically strong JBL Tour One. It can also be more unusual, as the Apple AirPods Max with pure noise suppression and the Yamaha YH-L700A with 3D sound and head tracking impressively confirm.
Bluetooth headphones leaderboard
How do you connect bluetooth headphones?
Have you found the right Bluetooth headphones? Perfect! But how do you connect? When a newly purchased Bluetooth device is switched on for the first time, it usually goes to the so-called Pairing mode. Then switch to the on the smartphone ideas and look for that there Bluetooth menu on. It generally already offers the headphones for selection. Tap it once to open the connection to manufacture. The next time the headphones usually connect to the cell phone automatically. If you want to connect the headphones to another device later, it is usually sufficient to hold down the power button for several seconds to switch back to pairing mode. You can also quickly connect your laptop or TV to your Bluetooth technology. Connections within an operating system, such as Apple AirPods on iOS devices, are particularly convenient.
Which is better: wired or bluetooth headphones?
Basically, headphones can be divided into models with and without cables. Both have their advantages and disadvantages: Headphones without wires work in most cases with Bluetooth radio. So there is no disturbing cable between headphones and smartphone that cannot break over time. However, the music fan always has to charge the headphone battery and this also wears out over time. Then there is the difference in sound, because only about Headphones with cord there is high resolution sound. In addition, the battery does not usually play a role here, because electricity is provided directly via the connected cable.
How far do bluetooth headphones go?
Depending on the Bluetooth class, there can be up to 100 meters between the transmitter and receiver. With Bluetooth headphones, however, this value is much lower. As a rule, manufacturers bid around for their technology 10 meter Bluetooth range. However, this value is influenced by various factors. Is there between the transmitter (e.g. smartphone or laptop) and receiver (in this case Bluetooth headphones) a free area, then more than 10 meters are also possible. There are in between, however massive walls, then the connection usually breaks faster.
Bluetooth headphones: on- or over-ear?
Whether on- or over-ear headphones is a matter of taste: at On-ear variants the pads rest on the ears. This can be uncomfortable in the long run, but on the other hand these models are comparatively compact and easy to transport. Over-ear variants usually completely enclose the ear with thick cushions. This is usually more comfortable to wear and seals off well against ambient noise. In addition to this passive shielding, more and more headphones are actively reducing ambient noise with electronic ANC. However, these models are often more expensive and not everyone likes the feeling of being isolated from the outside world.
What do bluetooth headphones cost?
There are bluetooth headphones in all conceivable price categories. There are already models well under 20 euros – but these mostly sound like metal screws in the washing machine are being spun through. However, there are also models such as the Sennheiser HD 250BT over-ear headphones, which offer great sound for around 50 euros. There is practically no upper limit: the high-end Stax SR-009S headphones, for example, cost around 5,200 euros.
Can you make calls with wireless headphones?
With most Bluetooth headphones, telephony is now possible together with a smartphone. Therefor are in the headphones Microphonesthat record spoken words and then forward them via cell phone or laptop. Many manufacturers bid for Phone calls even additional functions during operation to accept or end calls conveniently.