Wireless headphones have become increasingly accessible, with prices dropping to within reach for almost everyone. While budget options exist, those seeking superior sound quality and advanced features will need to pony up handsomely.
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For a starting point of around $110, you can enjoy a combination of decent sound quality, advanced features, and respectable battery life, offering about 80% of the functionality found in premium headphones. It's a worthwhile proposition for tech enthusiasts seeking a solid audio experience without breaking the bank.
We've tested quite a few, and here is what we've found:
OnePlus Buds Pro 2
The flagship headphones from One Plus, developed in collaboration with Danish audio company Dynaudio, offer exceptional value for money. With a sleek and comfortable in-ear design, reminiscent of Apple's AirPods, they provide convenient control through a pinch-sensitive lower stem.
These headphones feature effective noise cancellation and a transparency mode, though slightly less effective. They come with the HeyMelody control app and can be simultaneously connected to two devices, such as a smartphone and a laptop or tablet.
Sound-wise, they offer an array of capabilities, including support for spatial audio, delivering precise and detailed soundstage, as well as Dolby Atmos support and head position detection, exclusive to One Plus smartphones. The battery provides 6 hours of usage, complemented by a charging case that extends the total usage time to approximately 20 hours. Fast charging and wireless charging options are also available.
To fully enjoy the headset's capabilities and features, you'll need a OnePlus 11 smartphone, similar to the limitations with AirPods and third-party phones. The pinch-based control mechanism can be unintuitive, often causing accidental pauses while adjusting the earphone. Sound optimization without the accompanying app can be challenging.
In conclusion, priced at around $160, these headphones offer great value for fans of the brand but may be less appealing to others. With customization options, they serve as a compelling alternative to more popular competitors. Their IP55 water resistance makes them ideal for nature and sports enthusiasts.
Nothing ear(2)
The new transparent case is smaller and more pocket-friendly compared to its predecessor. The companion app works seamlessly with any smartphone, not just Nothing's own Phone (1). It allows users to create personalized sound profiles, which significantly enhances the audio quality, rivaling that of premium headphones in certain situations.
While Hi-Res Audio is supported, it relies on streaming services that can provide such content (excluding popular platforms like Spotify). The noise filtering mode works effectively, though not flawlessly. However, the transparency mode falls short in delivering ambient sounds without compromising the overall listening experience.
One of the main drawbacks of the ear (2) headphones is their limited battery life, lasting approximately 4 to 5 hours depending on usage. This can be insufficient, especially during long flights or extended use.
The case provides an additional 15 to 18 hours of charging capacity. While wireless charging is supported, fast charging is not available. Additionally, the sleek and cool design of the transparent plastic case may pose durability concerns, as it could potentially break easily if dropped at an angle and can be slippery to handle.
Priced at around $160, the ear (2) headphones fall into the higher end of the price spectrum. They offer good value for the price, with excellent sound quality and water and dust resistance in both the headphones and case, making them suitable for sports and travel.
However, the notably short usage time may not meet the needs of users seeking headphones for long trips. It's also important to note that optimal sound quality requires using the companion app, so those who prefer a more straightforward experience without tinkering with settings may be disappointed.
Sony WF-C700N
Sony's WF-C700N TWS headphones offer built-in noise filtering and transparency mode at a relatively affordable price, making them a great choice for those seeking sound quality on a budget of around $140. Although the design may appear minimalist, they are lightweight and comfortable in the ear.
Available in pastel colors, white, and black, they feature physical push buttons for control, ensuring precise and reliable input. While the mechanical buttons may wear out faster than touch buttons, they can be easily customized using the accompanying app. The app provides extensive control over various parameters, although it may have a learning curve and a less intuitive interface.
These headphones are ideal for sound and music enthusiasts, delivering excellent sound quality within their category. Sony's renowned noise canceling mode works effectively, showcasing the company's expertise in the field, although they may not match the audio performance of Sony's premium headphones.
Sony's WF-C700N headphones may disappoint in terms of material quality, as the thin plastic casing feels cheap and is susceptible to damage. The lack of an automatic pause feature when removing the headphones and the risk of accidental button presses while handling them are further drawbacks.
The headphones' automatic mode switching between transparency and noise filtering is accompanied by an annoying alert sound that can disrupt the listening experience. While the battery life is impressive, offering around 8 hours of usage, the case only provides one additional full charge and lacks wireless charging capabilities.
The water resistance is basic, suitable for sweat and splashes (IPX4). Despite these compromises, the WF-C700N's sound quality is excellent, making them a suitable choice for music enthusiasts seeking high-quality audio. They are user-friendly, although their material quality falls short compared to competitors. The WF-C700N is priced at around $140.
JBL On Tour 2
The standout feature of the JBL On Tour 2 headphones is undoubtedly the touch screen integrated into their charging case. While it may seem like a gimmick, it offers practical value. With the touch screen, you can control volume, skip tracks, and access various headphone settings without needing to rely on a separate app.
This includes options like the equalizer, surround sound mode, autoplay settings, and more. It simplifies and enhances the user experience, allowing for convenient adjustments right out of the box. Apart from this unique feature, the JBL On Tour 2 headphones deliver excellent performance for both music listening and calls.
JBL has a strong reputation for producing top-notch headphones, and the On Tour 2 model lives up to that standard. However, it's worth noting that the touch screen is likely the primary draw for potential buyers.
While the touch screen on the JBL On Tour 2 headphones' charging case offers convenient functionality, it can also be seen as excessive and makes the case larger compared to competitors. Although the accessible capabilities may be used more frequently than buried in an app, it's not a must-have feature for everyone.
Ultimately, if you find headphones with a screen in the charging case cool and useful, these headphones are a good choice. However, if you view it as an unnecessary gimmick, there are alternative options available. It's worth noting that the price for the JBL On Tour 2 headphones is relatively high at $220.
Jabra Elite 4
The Jabra Elite 4 headphones offer comfortable fit, user-friendly controls, impressive sound quality, and come at an affordable price of $110. They boast a solid design that is suitable for outdoor use. While the noise-canceling feature may not match pricier models, it still performs well and effectively reduces airplane engine noise. The ability to connect to two devices simultaneously is a convenient feature for those who frequently switch between their phone and computer throughout the day.
While the Jabra Elite 4 headphones have a few drawbacks like the absence of wireless charging and limited audiophile-grade sound, they still offer good value for money. Apple users may be disappointed by the lack of AAC encoding support, potentially impacting sound quality. However, at an importer's price of $110 or less, they are an excellent choice for Android users seeking reliable noise-canceling headphones without breaking the bank.
JBL Tune Flex
JBL is certainly exploring unique features with its headphone lineup, and the JBL Flex is no exception. Unlike traditional sealed silicone earbuds, the Flex comes with minimalist non-sealing silicone heads, allowing users to choose between a sealed or open fit. With the open heads, they resemble the AirPods' fit, providing comfort and stability.
This option to customize the fit is a welcome addition, especially considering the affordable price of $95. Despite the open fit affecting sound quality slightly, the Flex delivers good overall sound, featuring a balanced profile without an overwhelming emphasis on bass. Additionally, the headphones perform well during phone conversations.
While the noise cancellation performance of the JBL Flex headphones is not exceptional, it is important to note that the choice of heads has a significant impact on this feature. Additionally, it's worth mentioning that the declared water resistance rating is only IPX4, which protects against dripping but not water flow. Higher-priced headphones often offer IPX5, which can handle water streams but not complete immersion.
In conclusion, if you're seeking the flexibility of choosing between open-fit and noise-sealing headphones without breaking the bank, the JBL Flex is definitely worth considering.