Headphones: running without ties |The press

Many runners cannot do without music during the practice of their sport, but the headphones (and their sons) are sometimes bulky.Are Bluetooth connection wireless headphones the long-awaited solution?Analysis and tests.

Promising but still imperfect

It's not just bears that come out of their den in the spring.Many athletes finally leave these days their gymnasium and their treadmill to start on the sidewalks and in the parks.Now, since the advent of the Walkman, in the early 1980s, all the runners addicted to music seek a solution to an almost insoluble question: how to conjugate your stride to the satanous head of headphones?A solution still imperfect a few years ago is in the process of winning: the wireless breadwood earphones.

A range of brands and models, sold at prices varying from $ 20 to $ 250, has invaded the market in recent years.In front of such a range, the quest for the model that combines sound, comfort, connectivity and ergonomics can become an expensive challenge.Especially since, according to our tests, some models with a hellish look can disappoint once on the track or the trails.

The most widespread recriminations?Some models fail to stay comfortably screwed to the ears, others resonate like an old radio.Still others have too close orders to be easily operable while running after his breath.

But where the shot really pinches, it is when the signal cuts repeatedly, to the point that instead of decorating our outings, the music becomes a source of annoyance.The level of reliability has made a huge leap in recent years, but technology remains imperfect, according to Matthew Nicola, of the Audioville store.

M.Nicola stresses that the number of dissatisfied customers, around 3 out of 10, forced the shop to stop offering this type of devices.

JérémieVoice, specialist in acoustics and intra-ear system at the School of Higher Technology (ETS), is of the same opinion."It is difficult to put a good processor, a good battery and a good antenna," he confirms.There are nevertheless on the processor market capable of overcoming signal cuts."But the companies, eager to quickly take market share, rather use cheap components to be able to reduce their selling prices.»»

The problem is not only on the head of earphones.It is still necessary that phone manufacturers follow the Bluetooth protocols to the letter so that the magic operates. À ce chapitre, Apple était « notoirement peu respectueux»» de ces protocoles, affirme M.Voice.

"For a long time, Apple did not believe in Bluetooth technology and, for a long time, the company did not believe in Bluetooth technology for audio products.Bluetooth headset programmers had to change their micrologists to adapt their products to Apple.But the situation has changed now that the company bought Beats.Apple recent devices are more respectful of Bluetooth protocols.»»

The place where the reader is carried can also influence the performance of the Bluetooth headphones, because if the waves cross the tissues, they do not cross the body."If the receiver is in the right atrium and the reader is in your left pocket, the sound is likely to cut if you turn your head.»»

Sound quality

Most of our testers deplored the lack of low frequencies in comparison with wired headphones.The use of the equalizer of their digital player would have often been necessary to restore wealth to their favorite music, but it was disabled for this test bench.

Some manufacturers write in their instructions that their headphones require a running -in period from 8 to 20 hours to reach their full sound potential.

This manufacturers' recommendation makes Musical Critics Philippe Desjardins, electroacoustic specialist starts."It's only psychological marketing.This assumes that the properties of materials change after a few hours of listening, while this change takes place over a period of 10 to 15 years.It is very slow.»»

But Matthew Nicola, from the Audioville store, is not of the same opinion."As with speakers, headphones will benefit from a flow flow in the first 50 hours of use.I am not saying that it will make a difference for headphones paid $ 19.99, but certainly for a good quality pair.»»

"We can measure this change in the laboratory," confirms Mr..Voice, de l'ETS.But can we really hear this difference?I doubt.This argument is partly subjective, just like that we get used to his new shoes and his new glasses.»»

Watch out for infections

Driven in our pockets and left on kitchen counters, intra-ear headphones can become nests of bacteria that we slide in our ears.Borrowing the headphones of a training partner can lead to serious ear infections.It is recommended to remove and clean the tips regularly with alcohol, or a water solution and

shampoo.Of course, you have to be careful not to bring water into the headphones.Storing your headphones in the pockets provided is also a good habit to take.

For small budgets ($ 100 and less)

Mpow Seashell

• Price suggested by the manufacturer: $ 40 • Duration of the battery: 7 hours • Sound quality: 7.7/10 • Comfort: 6.33/10 • Ergonomics: 7/10 • Global note: 7.01 • Fort: value for money • Weak point: cheap appearance

These headphones are a good option for runners who do not want to spend a fortune for wireless headphones.Light, comfortable and capable of offering very acceptable sound quality, they cost high -end models for high -end models.Their flexible hooks are molded to most ears and hang on it relatively well.Its well -spaced commands allow easy handling during training.

Soundpeats Q9A • Price suggested by the manufacturer: $ 40 • Duration of the battery: from 4 to 5 hours • Sound quality: 6.33/10 • Comfort: 6.45/10 • Ergonomics: 7.9/10 •: 6.89 • Strong point: Solid outfit • Weak point: Caverneous sound

These headphones will never win a design competition, but they do what is expected of them: stay well hung and offer acceptable sound quality.Indoor training enthusiasts were able, without any concern, to chain their dynamic exercises.The runners, them, appreciated the large pimples placed on the right atrium, easy to handle, even with light gloves.These headphones are however difficult to combine with glasses.In addition, the hollow sound in which we lose the acute frequencies has displeased the finest ears.

Dinotwin Hydro T2 • Price suggested by the manufacturer: US $ 79 • Duration of the battery: 8 hours • Sound quality: 8.2/10 • Comfort: 4.2/10 • Ergonomics: 7.9/10 • Global note:6.76 • Strong point: very light • Weak point: too large tips

Few were the models that have been unanimous for their discomfort.However, these headphones are among the lightest on the market.In addition, the very flexible thread follows well the movements.But no tester managed to find an adequate adjustment to prevent them from falling.Even the smallest tips seem too large and the hooks provided are of a unique dimension for all.Their good side, according to a runner: once well pressed, these headphones isolate any outside noise.The reverse of the medal: we hear his breathing too much, replied another tester.

Outdoor Tech Orcas • Price suggested by the manufacturer: $ 99.95 • Duration of the battery: 6 hours • Sound quality: 7.8/10 • Comfort: 6/10 • Ergonomics: 6.25/10 • Global note: 6, 68 • Strong point: robust design • Weak point: uncomfortable tips

Rudimentary pace, these headphones surprise by unexpected sound qualities.No treacherous treacherous or omnipresent bass.Unfortunately, its very uncompromising foam tips spoil our pleasure.The earrings, longer than comparable models, also tend to fall.The molded wire plug prevents it from passing it around the ear for more stability.A good initiative that deserves to be underlined: for each purchase, the company gives $ 1 to the Whaleman Foundation, an organization that supports the research and conservation of whales.

METHODOLOGY

All headphones were tested by a group of 12 journalists during the months of February and March.Each journalist evaluated the devices for a week during his running outdoor training.Some also used them during training on stationary bike inside.

This test bench does not claim to be exhaustive.There are such a range of intra-ear lifting headphones on the market that it would have been difficult to assess them all.The models tested were selected according to recent test benches made by specialized publications.

The headphones were provided by the various manufacturers.

The battery duration information is provided by manufacturers.They were not validated by this test bench.

When quality and comfort meets

Plantronics Backbeat FE

Price suggested by the manufacturer: $ 149.99 battery duration: 8 hours sound: 8.5/10confort: 8.5/10ergonomics: 8.3/10NOTE Global: 8.43 strong: Large comfortpoint: no adjustment possible

These headphones are not designed to be sunk into the ears or to isolate from the outside world. Ils offrent cependant toutes les qualités de ce « défaut»» assumé : pas d'irritation dans les oreilles et aucune difficulté à les faire tenir bien en place.The commands placed directly on the earrings require a certain learning time, but their ergonomics are flawless.What's more, the sound quality is there.

JBL REFLECT Mini BT • Price suggested by the manufacturer: $ 149.99 • Duration of the battery: 8 hours • Sound quality: 8.4/10 • Comfort: 8.5/10 • Ergonomics: 7.8/10 •Global: 8.23 • Strong point: very light • Weak point: Timid lows

Runners appreciate these headphones with light design.The choice of tips of the buttons or with hooks allows you to find a very comfortable adjustment, offering very adequate soundproofing without having to drive them to the eardrum.Its light thread, with a reflective strip, is discreet in the neck thanks to its flexibility.The sound balance favors the acute a little too much and requires a correction by the equalizer.A harassment: commands without relief, placed on the left, can annoy right -handers.

Jaybird X2 • Price suggested by the manufacturer: $ 199.95 • Duration of the battery: 8 hours • Sound quality: 8.4/10 • Comfort: 8.1/10 • Ergonomics: 8.1/10 • Global note:8.2 • Strong point: Large selection of tips • Low point: high price

Few companies have given so much effort to small details that make the difference: the rigid box, the personalized voice, the relief orders, a large selection of foam and rubber tips, as well as optional hooks ofThree different dimensions...The sound qualities have been just as neat with a successful balance between the treble and the bass.A minor hassle: the thread a little too rigid.

Jabra Pulse • Price suggested by the manufacturer: $ 249 • Duration of the battery: 5 hours • Sound quality: 8.3/10 • Comfort: 8.1/10 • Ergonomics: 8.1/10 • Global note: 8, 8, 8, 816 • Strong point: Cardiac rhythm taking by the earpiece • Low point: high price

Robust design, these headphones seem to a foolproof sealing.All the testers appreciated their comfort and sound qualities.As a bonus, an ear voice provides information (distance, speed, heart rate) throughout the race.In addition, Jabra provides the Sport Life application, much appreciated (which is only compatible with recent Apple and Android operating systems), which offers various training programs.

YURBUDS • Price suggested by the manufacturer: $ 139.99 • Duration of the battery: 6 hours • Sound quality: 8.25/10 • Comfort: 6.9/10 • Ergonomics: 6.33/10 • Global note: 7, 16 • Strong point: maintenance in the ears • Weak point: imprecise controls

These headphones are equipped with a unique characteristic: rubber tips that stick to the ears.Not uncomfortable, but not comfortable either, they respect their guarantee of never falling once they are well screwed (we must literally turn the earpiece in our ear).The close commands of the main button gave difficulty to frozen fingers this winter.The rather short thread allows no adjustment.Finally, the manual of instructions in small characters almost illegible in irritated others.

Adistar • Price suggested by the manufacturer: $ 139.95 • Duration of the battery: 5 hours • Sound quality: 3.6/10 • Comfort: 6.5/10 • Ergonomics: 7.9/10 • Global note: 6, 43 • Strong point: great comfort • Weak point: unequal sound quality

The first contact with this model is filled with promises.It is light, easy to adapt to the ear.In addition, it sounds well.But the testers were disillusioned when the simple fact of swallowing (swallowing your saliva) to deset music.These headphones also use acoustic vents on each side to accentuate the bass (bass-reflex system).However, if our hat or our banner blocks these air intakes, the sound also drives out.Finally, their ill -balanced weight encourages them to get out of the ears too often to the taste of a majority of testers.

Jabra Pace • Price suggested by the manufacturer: $ 130 • Duration of the battery: 5 hours • Sound quality: 8.25/10 • Comfort: 8/10 • Ergonomics: 8.1/10 • Global note: 8.11 •Strong point: outfit in the ears • Weak point: unreliable GPS

Regardless of the intensity of the training, these arch headphones simply do not move.On the other hand, they can irritate the back of the ear, or inconvenience the runners who wear glasses.As with the Pulse model, Jabra provides the Sport Life application (which is only compatible with recent Apple and Android operating systems), which offers various training programs.Testers, however, noted grossial calculation errors in GPS.

Isports Superslim • Price suggested by the manufacturer: $ 159.99 • Duration of the battery: 5 hours • Sound quality: 6.33/10 • Comfort: 7/10 • Ergonomics: 6.75/10 • Global note: 6,88 • Strong point: resolutely sporting look • Weak point: unequal sound quality

These headphones have everything you need to please extreme sportsman.A robust design, a hell look, ease of cleaning and solid support in the ear.The wide range of tips and hooks allows personalized adjustment.Its biggest flaws?Besides its glaring sound, this device loses its means when it is covered by a tuque or a banner.The sound then drives out to the point of becoming almost inaudible.In addition, the rather rigid and heavy thread does not have the quality of being forgotten.

Sony Active Sports • Price suggested by the manufacturer: $ 119.99 • Duration of the battery: 8.5 hours • Sound quality: 8.2/10 • Comfort: 6.5/10 • Ergonomics: 6.1/10 •Overall note: 6.93 • Strong point: soundproofing of external noise • Weak point: weight

With surprising comfort, these headphones offer a warm sound quality.But for the runner, these qualities lose value when he must constantly replace them during his race.As the manufacturer suggests, you have to pass the wire over the ear when you run.SONY Disadvantage: Sony opted for a single multifunction button.Jump a musical piece?Two little shots.Reduce volume?Two small shots, followed by a large.Not always easy when you breathe like a beef.