KEF Mu3 in the test: in-ears with great sound and ANC
British audio experts KEF are relatively new to the in-ear headphone market. But the experience in the audio field pays off, the KEF Mu3 stormed straight to the top of the leaderboard right from the start – where they still stand today and share the place with the Sony WF-1000XM4. The COMPUTER BILD test reveals in the “KEF Mu3” test why the in-ears deserve their place in the sun and where they inspire.
The best in-ear headphones
Sony
Details about the test
Per
good sound
Great noise cancellation
against
Only three sizes of eartips
KEF
Details about the test
Per
Very clear and precise sound
High resolution
against
Complicated relationship
Chunky transport box
Samsung
Details about the test
Per
First class sound
Active noise cancellation
against
Somewhat fiddly operation
Restrictions for iOS users
Samsung
Details about the test
Per
Outstanding sound quality
Useful automatic functions
JBL audio
Details about the test
Per
Clear and precise sound
Battery life of almost 8 hours
against
Touch operation reacts very sensitively
jabra
Details about the test
Per
good sound
Long battery life (7.5 hours)
against
Only three pairs of essays
Angry
Details about the test
Per
good sound
Very effective noise canceling
against
Press continuously
Few replacement ear pads
beyerdynamic
Details about the test
Per
Top processed
Great, detailed sound
against
Slightly short battery life (6 hours 19 minutes)
LG Electronics
Details about the test
Per
Balanced sound
Good battery life (6 hours 50 minutes)
Complete list: The best in-ear headphones
KEF Mu3 in the test: noise? What noise?
KEF is trying active noise cancellation (ANC) on the Mu3. The headphones’ microphones pick up the noise in the environment and actively emit counter-propagating sound waves to attenuate this noise. Ideally, this ensures quiet without disturbing influences such as voices on the bus or the constant, rigid rattling on the train. And this is exactly where KEF scores with decent noise cancellation. The opposite case is also taken care of: In situations that require increased attention, the ambient function leaves the microphones permanently open. For example, you hear vehicles on the road. All settings are made using push buttons on the in-ears, which offer different functions separately from each other. A good idea, but the control for music, telephony and voice commands quickly degenerates. Different pressure settings, i.e. single and double pressure as well as long typing, make the chaos perfect.
The Mu3 from KEF convinces with the sound, but the control is quite complex.
Strong battery life
When it comes to features, the Mu3 from KEF is impressive: the in-ears weigh a total of just 24 grams and are very comfortable to wear. You plug the headphones into the ear canal using the standard plastic plugs, attachments in four sizes are included. Then simply twist the body and control unit into your ear. Athletes and outdoor fans can rejoice: Thanks to protection class IPX5, the KEF Mu3 are protected from sweat and splash water even during long periods of use. And a long playing time is definitely possible, because in the test, the true wireless headphones managed well over nine hours with active noise cancellation. After a breather of ten minutes in the transport box, the journey continued for another 150 minutes – KEF promises electricity for an additional 15 hours. Unfortunately, the chic charging case is quite bulky and almost too thick for a shirt or trouser pocket. The British do not come close to the brick dimensions of the Beats Powerbeats Pro, but the Mu3 box is about twice as large as that of the Apple AirPods (2nd generation) or Huawei FreeBuds 4i.
Comparison of the transport boxes: The charging case of the KEF Mu3 is not as crushing as that of the Powerbeats Pro, but it is significantly larger than that of the Apple AirPods 2.
In terms of sound, a board in the test
When it comes to the sound, the traditional company KEF (founded in 1961) uses all of its experience. The sound is very clear and precise, the resolution is high. Especially the high room image together with a pleasant warmth convinced in the test. The wireless connection is stable via Bluetooth. The renowned designer Ross Lovegrove, who has worked for Apple and Sony among others, was responsible for the look of the small in-ears.
Price and availability of the KEF Mu3
The KEF Mu3 true wireless in-ear headphones are available in the manufacturer’s official online shop and from selected retailers in black and silver. The price is 229 euros (as of March 2022).
Very clear and precise sound
High resolution
Complicated relationship
Chunky transport box
KEF Mu3 Review: Conclusion
The Mu3 from KEF made it straight onto the Olympus of the leaderboards right from the start. In addition to the rich sound and the decent noise cancellation, this is mainly due to the long battery life: With a full charge and activated ANC, the Mu3 pack over nine hours of continuous use. However, you have to study the enclosed booklet extensively to use it. In addition, the charging case is comparatively large. Despite these small problems, KEF is right at the top with its first true wireless in-ears. Test grade: 1.5
