They have become essential: wireless headphones will once again be the stars of Christmas to delight young and old. Now we find everything and at all prices. Whatever your budget or the needs of the lucky recipient, there is a proposal on our list.
And if you need other ideas:
– Sony WF-1000XM5 v Apple AirPods Pro 2: which ones to choose?
– Our best headphones for less than 150 euros
– Headphones, helmets: end of year trends
The BFMTV editorial team made this selection completely independently. BFMTV may receive compensation when one of our readers makes a purchase through the links embedded in this article.
Sony WF-1000XM5
Sony offers top-notch headphones both in terms of sound and features (noise reduction, sound profile, gestures, etc.). Available in black or silver, the WF-1000XM5 benefits from a revised design. They are now smaller and will fit more ears, especially smaller ones. They include a larger driver that enables 16-bit CD-quality audio quality.
The sound is spatialized thanks to the 360 Reality Audio technology present, allowing you to hear all the elements of a sound scene. Active noise reduction (ANC) is one of the most efficient. The Headphones Connect app allows you to adjust settings (equalizer, preset audio profiles, ANC, ambient sound, etc.).
In terms of autonomy, we reach 8 hours per earbud with ANC and 24 hours including the case that can be recharged wirelessly.
Apple AirPods Pro 2 (USB-C)
If you have the 2022 AirPods Pro 2, the main change will not be major: the case charges via USB-C and, still compatible with wireless charging, is now IP54 certified to resist splashes and perspiration.
The AirPods Pro 2 (2023) benefit from the same audio quality as their predecessors, with fixed spatial stereo sound or with head movement tracking, a fairly neutral and balanced audio proposal and active noise reduction, as well as a very effective transparency mode.
Apple is also improving multipoint connection and switching from one device to another. You can listen to your music on your PC and then take a call on your smartphone without any hassle. Note that if you use these with an iPhone, you’ll also benefit from conversation detection to exit ANC mode when spoken to and then return to it.
Jabra Elite 8 Active
For lovers of sports outings, here you have a good ally. The Jabra Elite 8 Active adapt particularly well to the ears thanks to the internal ShakeGrip support technology.
They offer 4 active noise reduction modes, including an adaptive hybrid mode to adjust according to situations for added safety. Six microphones enhance your voice or limit wind noise, especially ideal for calls. Jabra headphones are also resistant to dust, sweat, and splashes. The brand has also reinforced its resistance to bumps and falls.
Available in blue, black, gray and caramel, the Elite 8 Active also benefit from spatialized Dolby sound optimized for such small headphones. They advertise 8 hours of listening and 24 hours with recharging the case.
Google Pixel Buds A Series
If Google has the excellent Pixel Buds and Buds Pro, the American manufacturer also has a more affordable version in its bag, for less than 100 euros.
Available in blue, green, white and charcoal, the Pixel Buds A offer a fairly balanced and pleasant sound with all styles of music and are very comfortable to wear. The most demanding music lovers may find a lack of detail in the sound field.
The Buds A have the “adaptive sound” function to lower the volume if someone talks to you or if a sudden noise is heard (exclusive for Android smartphones). On the other hand, here we do not find ANC or volume control on the headphones that still benefit from the play/pause function and the voice assistant. In terms of autonomy, the Buds A-Series provide 5 hours per earbud and 20 hours with the help of the charging case. But this one does not benefit from wireless charging and must use the USB-C cable.
Nothing ear (2)
The young British brand, in love with sound, already has two smartphones and a wide range of wireless headphones in its bag. Next to the ear (Stick) with a lipstick-shaped case, Nothing has a high-end model that is just as elegant, with active noise reduction and the possibility of connecting to several devices at the same time to easily switch from one to another.
The Nothing ear (2) offer very high quality, very detailed sound (Hi-Res Audio compatibility, LHDC 5.0 codec), splash resistance (IP54) and above all technology that allows you to be heard perfectly on calls, even in a noisy environment. or by the wind. The app provides other more precise settings to personalize your listening and adjust the equalizer or noise reduction. The earbuds promise up to 36 hours of battery life with the wireless compatible charging case. For less than 150 euros, it is excellent value for money.
Poly Voyager Free 60+ UC
Here is a product that can seduce with its versatility. Specialist in office equipment, Poly (formerly Plantronics) has a range of wireless headsets manufactured before any work (taking calls, video conferencing, etc.). Simply connect the box via Bluetooth to your smartphone, PC or tablet and that’s it. In it we find connection management (also possible wired via USB C jack cable), volume, possibility of muting the headset microphone, battery level, etc.
The sound is extremely clear, particularly the voice, which stands out during calls if the environment is a little noisy. The Voyager Free 60+ are also excellent headphones for your music, with undeniable sound quality. They benefit from adaptive hybrid ANC that eliminates noise pollution as needed. A dual transparency mode is offered.
The Voyager Free 60+ supports multiple devices simultaneously, has fast charging (1 hour recovered in 15′ of charge) and more than 20 hours with the wireless charging case. We also like the fact that you can plug the cable from the box into the jacks on airplane displays to use your wireless headphones instead of the headphones offered.
Denon PerL Pro
PerL Pro offers a listening personalization system, inherited from medical technology. To do this, each earbud will adjust the music or sound delivery to the actual shape of your ear, based on the response to the acoustic waves emitted during the calibration test. PerL Pro will thus define the sensitivity of the user’s ears to optimize sound quality according to the hearing profile.
Denon adds CD-quality wireless streaming quality, smooth transmission, a surround sound effect, and active gross cancellation with two different modes, as well as a transparent mode.
Shaped like large buttons, the Denon PerL Pro can be used without worry and benefit from touch controls. They are also supplied with different silicone or shape memory tips, and wings for running lovers who want to ensure support.
JBL stereo sensor
After bone conduction technology, here is air conduction technology. A new way to enjoy your music or podcasts without blocking your ear canal. Available in black and white, Soundgear Sense is placed in the ear to enjoy a good experience without isolating yourself from the outside. And those around you will not hear anything. These headphones are shaped like mini speakers in your ears. We found good bass, not too present, a clear sound.
There is no need to increase the volume to listen and the Soundgear Sense stays well in place thanks also to an included plastic cable to reinforce the hold. They also have IP54 certification against perspiration and splashes. There are quite responsive touch controls. In terms of battery life, expect 6 hours per earbud and up to 24 hours with the case recharging. And to go faster, everything recharges quickly to recover 4 hours of listening in 15 minutes.
Source: BFM TV
