Phonandroid Best wireless headphones True Wireless: What are they really worth and which to choose?

You have to face the facts, it is increasingly difficult to find a recent smartphone equipped with a traditional Jack Audio.Whether we regret it or not, you will have to get used to it ... and possibly find replacement solutions.The first of them is of course Bluetooth.In recent years, helmets using this wireless communication technology have been legion.Decree by purists who believe that audio quality is massacred, they nevertheless appeal to more and more users as their price decreases.

At the end of the year, it seemed interesting to us to be interested in the headphones entirely wireless (also known as True Wireless).Not happy to get rid of the cable connecting the helmet to the smartphone, they pay the luxury of eliminating the one that connected the earrings between them!From then on, the helmet-but can we still talk about a helmet?- is reduced to its simplest expression: two scrolls of a dozen grams each that is inserted into the hearing conduits.

Both discreet and space -saving, the fully wireless headphones were popularized by Apple.As usual, the manufacturer (which annoys or fascinates a lot of our readers) has taken up an already existing technology and reworked it to make it stick to its canons of simplicity and aesthetics.

And the least we can say is that the task was more complex than expected since the Airpods were marketed with almost a year late ... Apple engineers had to face problems they do notdid not wait: the instability of the connection between the earphones, a greater power consumption than expected and above all a sound which did not meet expectations.

These adventures have experienced a happy outcome since according to our information from different manufacturers, 80% of wireless headphones sold on the planet are AirPods, 10% come from JBL while the rest of the manufacturers are (for the moment)confined to the remaining 10%.

Will this overwhelming domination continue?Maybe in the short term, but surely not in the medium or long term.Because competition, sounded by the effect of surprise (and the technical difficulties it has also encountered), begins to react.OK, but how?To find out, nothing better than devoting a complete file to headphones entirely wirelessly.

We have designed this file in two parts.The first, which you may be about to read, brings together the tests of 16 products that we have been testing since the end of summer.To assess them, we have lived with each of them on a daily basis in order to assess their comfort, their autonomy, their design and of course the quality of the sound rendering.Our approach is ecumenical since you will find products whose price varies between € 19 and € 300.You have read correctly: it is possible to find wireless headphones for less than 20 € ... and they are rather surprising, as you will discover while reading our tests.

The second part will be online in a few days. La seconde partie est désormais en ligne.It provides concrete answers to the questions that can be asked about these products not really like the others.We approach subjects like Bluetooth 5's interest.0, the choice of tips or the real meaning of IP compliance indicated by the manufacturers.In the meantime, good reading and do not hesitate to tell us in comments what you think of the different products presented!

Bang & Olufsen E8 : Dansk design og kvalitet, évidemment

Born in 1900, the Danish Peter Bang is passionate about electronics.Instead of playing with children his age, he designs a radio station that works without battery or accumulator.He obtained - O Surprise - his engineering diploma in 1924 and met in the Svend Olufsen stride with which hears radio experiences in family property. Ils créeront quelques années plus tard la société Bang & Olufsen.All their products are designed in collaboration with large designers in order to have a discreet and refined aspect while offering high -end performance (and the price that goes with it).

Côté design, le B&O E8 ne déroge pas aux règles édictées par les fondateurs : tout est dans le minimalisme.No mechanical keys, but a tactile surface decorated with the brand logo.The rounded shape case is compact and covered with leather.A small irremovable strap exceeds the case, facilitating its grip.Everything breathes sobriety and seems to say the least.

Even if it is not completely essential, we still advise you to install the Beoplay app before using the E8.A well thought out assistant (but in English) will guide you in the few pairing steps then explain to the help of sketches the operation of the headphones.If necessary, he will take care of applying a possible update to the internal software.The functions proposed by the E8 are like its design, that is to say classic and effective.In addition to navigation in a playlist or the management of telephone calls, they make it possible to invoke the default assistant of the smartphone.Like any command or touch placed on the external surface of the headphones, those of the E8 require to exert a slight pressure perpendicular to the plane of the ear.Although minimized by tactile technology, it moves the earphones in the ear canal, which can generate a feeling of irritation in the event of frequent use.

B&O annonce une autonomie de quatre heures lorsqu’elles sont chargées à bloc.The case has a battery capable of providing two additional cycles, or twelve hours in total.Our tests confirm all of this provided that we do not abuse telephone communications, much more energy consuming than musical listening. Dommage que B&O n’ait pas opté pour Bluetooth 5.0, autonomy could have been even better.

The headphones are provided with four pairs of tips: three silicone one in memory foam.We can only applaud this initiative, the latter being particularly pleasant and providing better sound insulation.If necessary, we can activate the "Transparency Audio" mode in order to perceive surrounding noises and conversations.

On l’a évoqué précédemment, B&O mise beaucoup sur le design et la qualité technique de ses produits.If the first aspect does not call any big reproach and seems to us to be successful, what about the second?Our tests are formal: the sound produced by the E8 is excellent in musical listening, but rather average in telephone conversation. Manifestement, les ingénieurs de B&O ont bichonné les transducteurs et le traitement du signal : les aigus et médiums sont présents et clairs, les basses sont affirmées sans jamais être envahissantes.These good results are partly due to foam tips, much more effective imprisoning sounds in the auditory duct than their silicone pendants.And as they are also very comfortable, there is no reason to deprive them except for the sports practice where they risk nipping perspiration.In this case, IP X4 certification will protect internal electronics from any problem.Finally, note that we have not noticed a significant saturation at full volume.

Le B&O E8 est un produit remarquablement équilibré et confortable en utilisation quotidienne.We will enjoy using it in musical listening, a little less in a telephone helmet, the microphone translating the ambient noises a little too much.

Price: € 299

You will like it if ...

You appreciate beautiful objects, sleek design, quality sound and if investing 300 euros in headphones don't bother you.

You won't like it if ...

The quality in telephone conversation is essential, if you do not like animal leather (the case is covered with it) or if you like oversized bass.

Note

Ergonomics: 4.5 design: 4.5 sounding sound: 4.5

Bose Soundfree Sport: It's not just the sound that is huge ...

Founded in 1964 by Amar Bose, Bose Corporation is undoubtedly one of the main players in the audio market.Perhaps not by its market shares (the manufacturer, not on the stock market, does not communicate any commercial or financial information), but surely by its capacity for innovation and the characteristic sound of its Hi-Fi products.

The Soundsport Free are the first entirely wireless models of Bose.Although the manufacturer has been making meritorious efforts for a few years in terms of design (it has often had the impression that they were thought of by a trainee designer from the Eastern Ancient countries), it is clear that the Sounds FREE do notare not the sexiest in this file.Nor the most discreet, since they cheerfully exceed the pavilion of the ear when they are worn.This is hardly surprising, bose having always favored the comfort of use and the quality of the sound produced at the expense of the aspect.

The Soundsport Free comply with IPX4 and will therefore not suffer from splash or sweat during sports practices.They are equipped with Sport Stayhear+ silicone ends.Equipped with a cannula that lodges in the convolution of the pavilion, they are designed to securely hold in place in all circumstances, which we have been able to check.We did not feel any discomfort or irritation during long periods of listening.Long period ?With wireless headphones?Yes: the rather imposing format of the earrings is partly due to a battery which in theory ensures up to 5 hours of continuous use at average volume.In practice, ours held a little more than 4:30 am without requiring the slightest recharge.This is carried out by the case provided, itself equipped with a battery ensuring two additional full charges.We therefore benefit from almost 14 hours of autonomy without having to approach a power outlet.Not bad at all.

The Bose Connect app is mainly there to apply firmware updates (operation that can take up to 70 minutes, thank you Bluetooth 4.2), Manage the list of devices recognized by headphones (one connection at a time, up to 8 stored devices) or find them if they were lost in a room.

And sound quality, in all of this?The sound produced is simply excellent, each audio frequency being correctly restored without encroaching on the others.The specialization is good and the Sport Stayhear + tips provide very correct passive insulation.Good point also for mechanical controls housed on the sides of headphones rather than on the outdoor surface.

Finally, note that we noticed a more or less important latency when visualizing videos.During our tests, we noticed a discrepancy of almost 0.5 seconds on YouTube while it is almost nonexistent with Netflix or MyCanal.

Price: 199 €

You will like it if ...

You favor sound quality, autonomy, comfort in use and if you practice sports in music.

You won't like it if ...

For you, the design goes above all or if you frequently watch videos on YouTube.

Note :

Ergonomics: 4confort: 5 design: 3 -sounding sound: 4.5

Nomad+ and Nomad divacore: good sound designed in Metz

Divacore, it is above all the story of three friends a little geek revelers on the edges.Friends since adolescence Linh Tran, David Grasso and Jérémy Obriot live in Metz.They spend most of their time listening to music - David was a member of a group of Metalet Jérémy will be Sound Designer - and to speak Hi Tech.To share their passion, they founded divacore in 2011 under the leadership of David with the objective of the production of consumer audio equipment at content..

Called "Cocktail", their first line of products is made up of three spherical speakers: Mojito, Snowball and Blue Lagoon (we are a partyman or we are not) offering multiple functions as well as autonomy ranging from 8 to 10 hoursdepending on the model.

Next come Ktulu then in 2015 KTULU 2, Bluetooth speaker whose autonomy of 40 hours will allow the brand to make itself known on the net.It will settle with the general public in 2017 with the release of the antipods, headphones entirely wireless whose surname is referring with a certain humor at Apple AirPods.

Announced last spring and available since the start of fall, the Nomad and Nomad+ come to join the antipods.Technically speaking, the two products are absolutely identical, only the case - and especially its battery - being different.According to Divacore, the headphones display an autonomy of 4 hours when they are loaded.It is worn at 3:00 p.m. with Nomad and 160:00 for Nomad + whose case contains a 5000 mAh battery!The latter can also serve as a rescue charger to load a failing smartphone.

According to our tests, the four hours of autonomy are reachable if we do not make a telephone call and if the sound remains at a reasonable volume.Otherwise, it will not exceed 3:30, which is not so bad.Let us note in passing that the cases are not always very simple to open (especially that of the Nomad+), a small addiction being necessary so as not to systematically fart the nails.

During the first use, it will be necessary to synchronize the two headphones together, then pair them with the smartphone.The ultra-simple operation takes barely a minute.On the other hand, we will devote a little more time to the choice of silicone tips (three sizes are provided), their adjustment to the auditory duct having a big influence on the quality of the sound (especially on the low frequencies).

Nomads are remarkable lightness, making their use pleasant.Each has a mechanical key giving access to a set of orders ranging from the telephone call to partial piloting of music reading.Partiel ?Yes: if you can start / stop reading or go to the next song, go back or control, the volume must be done from the smartphone.Same thing for the invocation of the default assistant.Good point on the other hand for the "external sports" mode which allows the perception of external noises during musical listening.

As said before, the quality of the sound produced depends a lot on the right choice of silicone tips.If you do not get good results with those provided, do not hesitate to test others (those of the pedestrian kit of your smartphone, for example).

During our tests, we obtained good results with those found in the box.The audible spectrum is very properly reproduced, the bass is present, but not overwhelming.The mediums are clear and the high frequencies completely honorable.Only small reproach, stereophonic spatialization is however lacking.

Bluetooth 5 connection.0 with the smartphone is stable, but the one between the headphones can sometimes be interrupted if you are in a radio loaded environment.We have seen some cuts as a femtocell relay approaches or when several WiFi / Bluetooth devices are nearby.However, the sources must be powerful to generate real discomfort, surely explaining the absence of this phenomenon in Parisian public transport.A word to finish on the quality in telephone conversation which is generally very correct, even if your interlocutor perceives a low echo or part of the ambient noise.

With the Nomad range, Divacore offers efficient products given their brilliant price positioning by their ease of use and record autonomy for the Nomad+.

Price: € 99 (Nomad), € 119 (Nomad+)

You will like them if ...

For you the autonomy on the move and the lightness of the headphones are important criteria.

You won't like them if ... you don't want to take out your smartphone to adjust the listening volume or have fragile nails ...

Note :

Ergonomics: 3Confort: 4 design: 4 -sounding sound: 4

Funcl W1 & Funcl AI :Bon baisers de Hong-kong

When Funncl sent us an email to present W1 and AI wireless headphones to us, we first thought it was a joke.The very young start-up based in Hong Kong wanted us to believe that she was going to succeed in designing quality products sold at really floor prices: $ 29 (€ 26) for W1 and $ 59 (€ 52) forAi!It was not a joke as we have seen when we received functional prototypes then the final models.When this test was published, FUNCL should have started delivery of the first orders, in time for Christmas, as announced during the impressive Indiegogo fundraising campaign (financing request of $ 50,000, obtaining $ 766,200).

The W1 and AI have a plastic construction in common, the use of Bluetooth 5.0, the absence of mechanical control (everything is tactile) and availability in two colors (black or white).

The W1 is delivered in a small finished charging case, but which seems fragile.The integrated battery will recharge three times the headphones whose autonomy announced is 4:30 am (or 6:00 p.m. in all).In fact, our test copy provided us almost 4 hours of listening by load which seems to us more than correct.

The W1 benefits from IPX5 certification and therefore does not fear splashes or sweat during the practice of a sport.A pairing is carried out without big problem from the bluetooth settings of the smartphone, no application being provided.

FUNCL distributed the touch controls over the two earrings.The one on the left authorizes the management of calls and activation of the default assistant while on the right are the audio reading commands (reading / pause, previous / next track).Our most insightful readers will have noticed that we do not mention volume control: normal, it is not planned from the headphones and it will be necessary to go through the smartphone.Is it annoying?In absolute terms, a little.But given the price, we gladly forgive this little lack.

Once correctly adjusted using the silicone tips provided (three sizes to be tried carefully in order to find the right one), the W1 produces a very correct sound: the audio spectrum is well restored, the bass is present while the mediumsAnd the treble know how to be heard.The spatialization of the audio scene is correct, but the sound lacks a bit of scale and can sometimes seem a little muffled.Nothing dramatic, however, especially for use during the trips of daily life.The sound on a telephone call is correct in reception, but a little less in emission (especially in noisy environment), the microphones housed in the headphones are not the best of the moment.

To say that we were seduced by the W1 is an understatement.At this price level, they are simply unbeatable!Logically, Funcl should make a bad luck with the W1 if the manufacturer persists on an aggressive price.Our doubts on the subject are justified by a first change since originally the W1 had to be marketed $ 19 (€ 17).

No family air between W1 and AI, high -end model of FUNCL.While the first looks like classic wireless headphones, the design of AI looks like that of the AirPods.Without being the compliant copy, they resume its general appearance and the design I-forget-les-coton-tiges-dans-oreilles so ridiculous characteristic of Apple headphones.FUNCL, however, had the excellent idea of providing them with silicone tips to ensure good support in the auditory duct.Tactile controls are strictly identical to that of W1 and there will therefore also be necessary to make a cross on volume control.

AI has theoretical autonomy 6:00 and can be recharged three times (24 hours of total autonomy) thanks to the battery of its case (whose construction is much more qualitative than that of W1).In real life, autonomy is closer to 5:00 a.m. than 6:00 am, which is already appreciable.A soberly called FUNCL app allows you to update AI internal software, but also to choose which assistant will be active.

Apart from the design and a vaguely useful application (for the moment), the AI differs from the W1 by the implementation of the Aptx of Qualcomm, a rather unprecedented thing in a product of this range of price.And more precisely from the low latency Aptx (60 ms) which allows you to watch a film or to play on a smartphone without annoying gap between the image and the sound.

And as long as they were there, the little guys from Funcl implemented CVC 8.0, another Qualcomm technology canceling the ambient noise during a telephone call.Only the sound heard by the interlocutor is treated and not the sound passing through the helmet: no difference will therefore be perceived by the AI user during the call, and even less when listening.But she makes a difference during a telephone conversation in a somewhat noisy place.

AI produces a good, even very good quality sound if you use correctly adjusted tips and have a compatible Aptx smartphone.The sound is properly spatialized and we had not noted a high volume saturation problem.

If it remains in this price range during its marketing outside of Indiegogo, Funncl AI should carve out a nice success with demanding geeks.

Price: W1 (€ 26) / IA (€ 52)

You will like the W1 if ... you think (or don't want) to put too expensive in a product that you will lose anyway in a few months ... but in the meantime, you want to have a decent sound.

You will like AI if ... you have an Aptx compatible smartphone, watch videos on your smartphone or if for you the quality of the product is important.

You will not like the W1 if ... for you, the volume setting from the earrings is an essential function, if the slightly cheap side of the case bothers you.

You will not like AI if ... you hate everything that looks closely or far from the Airpods De-who-you-Savez, if for you the volume setting from the earrings is an absolute must.

Note W1:

Ergonomics: 4confort: 4 design: 4 -sounding sound: 4

Note IA

Ergonomics: 4.5 comfort: 3.5 design: 4 sound quality: 4

Jabra Elite 65t & Elite Active 65t : Les Experts, version danoise

Created in 1983 by Woody Norris, an American entrepreneur, Norcom Electronics Corporation changed their names and owner several times.She was renamed Jabra in 1993 under the leadership of Randy Granovetter and Brean Murray, the new owners of the box.She developed and patenta of noise and echo cancellation technologies, created Eargels (the brand's characteristic tips) as well as microphones for the professional market.The manufacturer also invented the concept of pedestrian kit for mobile which it inaugurated with a product intended for the iconic startac of Motorola.In September 2000, Jabra joined the giron of Gn Netcom, himself a subsidiary of the very venerable Danish GN Greart Nordic (do you follow?) Founded in 1869.

Jabra opened up ten years ago to the consumer market with unequal success.Positioned at the top of the range, the Elite Active 65T and its little brother the Elite 65T differentiate themselves from each other by a few details.Active 65T has an accelerometer and displays IP56 compliance.For its part, the Elite 65T is without accelerometer while being compliant with IP55.For the rest, they are technically identical.

Made of good quality polyurethane and benefiting from an impeccable finish, the 65t adapt perfectly to the ear.They are certainly not the most compact of the products tested in this file, but do not exceed too much from the pavilion.The headphones are equipped with a small outgrowth containing the telephone micros and those managing the cancellation of Echo.A metal pastille bearing the brand logo covers the outer face of each atrium.The one on the left has two clickable buttons while the other has only one.They authorize the control of musical reading, call of calls or the invocation of the vocal assistant.

As with all the entirely wireless models, the 65T are delivered in a charging case itself including a battery.Jabra announces an autonomy of 5 hours with a full load, the battery of the case authorizing it two complete cycles.In fact, the autonomy observed is indeed very close to that announced, the use of Bluetooth 5.0 being there probably for many.With headphones and a blockade to block case, you can without problem a total autonomy of 2:30 p.m. by combining telephone calls and musical listening.

The 65T are accompanied by the Sound+ app offering some interesting functions and we will install it in order to get the best.There is a basic equalizer, but effective.We cannot recommend an adjustment to you too much when using mediums and treble, the default settings sharing them to the detriment of the bass.Once this formality has been carried out, we can only appreciate the balanced and pleasant sound that it produces and which will satisfy, whatever the style of music listened to.The latency of the connection, weak, but noticeable, is not too embarrassing to watch videos,

We also like the Hearthrough function to hear the environment without removing the headphones.More anecdotal, but sometimes useful, soundscape masks ambient noise to help you focus.We can, for example, activate white or pink noise generators, relax with nature sounds or create an atmosphere called "comfortable" and conducive to concentration.Finally, proximity sensors automatically cut reading when one of the atria is removed.

Telephony being Jabra's favorite field, we will not be surprised at the care given to the quality of the sound in conversation.The cancellation of echo and parasitic noise is simply excellent, the interlocutor perceiving the ambient noises very reduced.Good point for Sidetone which allows you to hear your voice during a conversation and for the specific telephone equalizer.

We will have understood, the 65T in standard or active version are highly recommendable products.Their versatility will fill the user as much during their professional activity or their leisure.The price requested seems correct given the quality of the product sound and the possibilities offered.

Price: Elite 65T (180 €) /Elite Active 65T (200 €)

You will like them if ...

You use the earrings intensively to make calls, if you want to listen to music in good conditions or if you sometimes need to hide ambient noises.Without forgetting of course excellent autonomy and splash resistance.

You won't like them if ...

If you are looking for complete sports headphones (no heart rate) or if you do not want to invest almost € 200 in wireless headphones.

Elite 65T note:

Ergonomics: 4.5 design: 4.5 sounding sound: 4.5

Active Elite 65t note:

Ergonomics: 4.5 Confort: 4.5 Design: 4.5 sounding sound: 4.5

Jaybird Run: Everything for sport (and good sound)

Australian entrepreneur Judd Armstrong, whose passion was the practice of sport in all its forms, desperately sought a good quality audio helmet capable of following it in its exploits.The product of his dreams had to be moisture resistant above all, but also comfortable to wear while not risking detaching.

His quest in these remote times-we are in the early 2000s-remaining unsuccessful, he himself created the headphones he dreamed.As long as he was there, he sold some product prototypes on the net, just to have the advice of other athletes, but also to amortize design costs.In a few weeks he received a more than enthusiastic return and decided in the process of creating in 2006 Jaybird in order to market the JB100, the first product intended for a stirring and sweating audience a year later.

Obviously, Judd had found the right niche since its products, mainly marketed in the USA, were acclaimed by athletes.According to the NPD Marketing Institute, Jaybird joined Beats, Bose, Sennheiser and Sony in the very closed club of the five largest high -end headphones in 2014..Jaybird was bought two years later by Logitech in order to strengthen his audio activity.

The runs are the first intras entirely wireless of Jaybird.If they do not in particular in terms of design, they benefit from a neat construction.A very special care was carried to the silicone tips as well as to the fixing fins.The first as well as the seconds are available in four versions (including two oval for the tips) in order to best adjust to the auditory duct.More than ever, the choice of the right combination is essential in order to obtain a reliable and comfortable positioning in the ear.

In order to help you, Jaybird had the excellent idea of creating a multimedia assistant available from the Compagnon App.Soberly baptized Jaybird, it was obviously the subject of all attentions.The assistant mentioned above is a real success: both simple and didactic, it allows you to check the right adjustment of the headphones by taking them in the ears in the ears.Simple, but you had to think about it.

The App remains useful once the assistant is executed by giving access to the manual, but especially to a very well thought out equalizer allowing the safeguard of his presets and their sharing with other users.In the same vein, we can access the Playlists Partés, use those created by Jaybird and regularly updated or finally share his own.Only condition, create a Jaybird account with which we will associate (or not) its identifiers with a streaming platform.

Each earpiece is equipped with a mechanical key.The one on the right manages the reading / break of the music, the passage to the following song as well as the take, the refusal or the end of a telephone call while the one on the left Active Google Assistant.This underemployment of the commands leaves us a little perplexed: nothing prevented a return function on the previous bet or even control of the volume.We would also have liked to find a "sports" mode, suggesting part of the exterior sound, much appreciated by city runners.

Jaybird announces four hours with a full load, the battery of the case authorizing two additional expenses.According to our tests, these figures prove to be exact provided they do not push the sound for the duration of the listening.Audio reading quality is correct if you don't adjust the equalizer, very good once the setting made from the application: we will not hesitate to spend a little time on the audio setting.The sound on a telephone call is however less exciting, the mechanism for reducing external noise in conversation not being really effective in a moderately noisy environment (Parisian street, for example), your interlocutor clearly perceives them (and sometimes even more than yourvoice).

Finally, do not hesitate to apply a possible update of the firmware, even if the operation requires going through a computer.This corrects, among other things, some problems of connection stability and above all decreases latency, making it possible to view videos without having to undergo a very annoying sound shift.

Despite some faults and oments (especially in terms of orders), it is clear that the runs should satisfy athletes for whom they were thought.In addition to the sound quality (after adjustment by the equalizer!), We particularly appreciate the companion application offering many useful functions.Marketed since 2017, the runs have seen their sale price go from € 199 to € 119, which makes them even more attractive given the service offered.Are you an unconditional jogging?So run to buy the runs!

Price: 119 €

You will like them if ...

You spend a lot of time playing sports in music, if the sound quality counts, if you like to finely adjust the audio rendering of your headphones.

You won't like them if ...

You don't want to take out your smartphone to adjust the listening volume.

Note :

Ergonomics: 4.Confort: 4.5 Design: 4 -sounding sound: 4.5

JBL Free: a sound really well born

When he founded Jbl in 1946, James Bullough Lansing was anything but a beginner since he had just left Altec Lansing, professional audio specialist he had co-founded and where he held the post of vice-president.JBL produced speakers at this time for cinemas as well as Hi-Fi in the mainstream.In 1969, JBL was bought by the company Jervis.She will change her name to become Harman International, then Harman Kardon and have finally been property since 2016 of Samsung Electronics.This will not prevent JBL from keeping his surname, well known to audio audio audio.Today JBL is made up of two independent branches: JBL Consumer (general public) and JBL Professional (Pro Activities).

The JBL Free are not an attempt in wireless headphones, the manufacturer having adopted Bluetooth for many years.They are delivered in a plastic case ensuring their charge.On the design side, free do in sobriety by adopting very classic ergonomics.The headphones are thus equipped with a mechanical touch housed on the outer face and a single microphone finding a place on the right atrium.Three silicone tip sizes are supplied as well as two sizes with a sort of frost sleeve supposed to cover the face of the headphones in contact with the ear.These sleeves, called Comfort Stay Secure Fit must ensure impeccable maintenance of headphones regardless of the activity practiced.We quickly abandoned any hint of using them, because in our case we had to go back to the shoehole in the auditory duct, making the wearing of uncomfortable then painful free and then painful.

JBL announces a four -hour autonomy when free is loaded with a block, a value that we achieve in real use.The case battery provides up to five full charges, therefore offering a total of 24 hours of autonomy.In fact, it took us a week to completely unload the headphones and the case by telephone regularly and listening to about 2:30 of music per day.

The two keys located on the earrings authorize the take/rejection of calls, navigation in audio reading as well as the invocation of the default assistant.Missing on the call control of the volume as well as an "external sports" mode.This would authorize the perception of the environment so as not to endanger itself, the passive sound isolation provided by the tips being in our case formidably effective.

To praise free, JBL announces that the sound "JBL signature" is present, which would be a guarantee of quality.Our tests actually demonstrate that the sound produced in audio listening is very good, but not perfect.If the bass and the mediums are properly reproduced, it is not always the same with the treble which under certain conditions pampered a little.Nothing dramatic, however, the whole passing rather well, but an attentive ear will spot this phenomenon on the singers with an acute voice as well as on certain instruments of an orchestra.The sound in telephone mode is correct, nothing more, the interlocutor perceiving the ambient noises during a conversation.

JBL free free headphones that we enjoyed using the protective sleeves once you get rid of the protective sleeves.

Price: € 99 (Nomad), € 119 (Nomad+)

You will like it if ...

The quality of the sound produced is an important criterion, if the autonomy counts

You won't like them if ...

You don't want to take out your smartphone to adjust the listening volume, si vous voulez absolument utiliser les manchons de silicone (ouille !) ou si vous appréciez les chanteurs à la voix aiguë.

Note :

Ergonomics: 4Confort: 3.5 Design: 4 -sounding sound: 4

Master & Dynamic MW07 :le séducteur vintage venu de New York

There are parents who would do anything for their children.Take Jonathan Levine, for example (not to be confused with the eponymous Hollywood director). Cet entrepreneur yankee créa Master & Dynamic en 2014 suite à une discussion avec sa progéniture, totalement accro au bon son.The junior levine - one of which was DJ - regretted not to find a helmet with a vintage and good quality look.For design, Jonathan took as a source of inspiration the helmets of the Aviators of the Second World War.Fortunately, he opted for much more modern technologies for the technical part.

Avec le MW07, M&D se frotte pour la première fois aux écouteurs intégralement sans fil.And the least we can say is that they stand out in an area where sobriety and plastic are legion.

The headphones are covered with acetate polymer (very popular material of the glasses) while the case is made of chrome steel.It has a battery that allows three full charges, in theory of 14 hours, a charge providing up to 3:30 am of autonomy at medium volume.In real life, the one where we receive telephone calls and we sometimes want to push the sound thoroughly, we assess the autonomy of the MW07 at 2:45 am, or even 3:00.Note that the load is carried out via a USB-C connector.

The earrings are equipped with mechanical keys: one on the one on the right and two for the left respectively commanding the reading / activation of the default assistant and volume control.Located on the side of each earpiece, the placement of the controls avoids having to exert pressure perpendicular to the ear to use them, thus avoiding any discomfort in the event of frequent manipulation.Well seen.We also appreciate the presence of proximity detectors who cut the reading if a earpiece is removed.

M&D a fait le choix de ne pas proposer d’application compagnon, à ses yeux inutile puisque les MW07 ne nécessitent pas de réglage audio ni de mise à jour.And to be honest, we can only approach since the sound produced is simply excellent.Difficult to default the mediums and treble, present despite wrapping bass as it should be.The quality of the sound on appeal is very correct, a micro omnidirectional housed on the right earboard doing a correct job.

We have not noticed saturation at full volume or untimely disconnection of the earrings.However, it will be necessary to take particular care to the choice of tips (five pairs are offered) in order to obtain a good quality sound.We will do the same with fitwings, small silicone lugs by ensuring excellent support and offered in two sizes.Let us specify in passing that the MW07 having compliant IPX4, it will resist perspiration.

Difficult not to fall for this atypical and very successful product, especially in terms of audio restitution.Only its price can make music lovers hesitate.

Price: € 299

You will like it if ...

You like beautiful objects, noble materials and quality sound.

You won't like it if ...

You do not wish to put 300 € in headphones or if you judge that a companion app is essential.

Note :

Ergonomics: 4.5 Comfort: 5 Design: 5 sound quality: 4.5

Mobvoi Ticpods Free: like who you know, but better (and cheaper)

You don't know Mobvoi?We also until the reception a few weeks ago of a press release announcing the availability in France of TICPODS Free.This Chinese start-up was founded in 2013 by five researchers previously employed by Google.Ticwatch was their first product.This connected watch experienced a nice success and drew the attention of Google which took a participation in the start-up.Two years later, Mobvoi launches Tichome, a Chinese language chatbot designed to facilitate human-machine interactions then in the stride Tichome Mini, a connected speaker based on Google Assistant.Finally, the free Ticpods appear in 2018 and are the brand's first entirely wireless headphones.

Mobvoi had the excellent idea of declining the free color ticks in a little less Passe-Partout than the traditional black, gray or white.If this last shade remains present, it is accompanied by blue and red versions of the most beautiful effect.The headphones are delivered with a charging case with neat production and pleasant design.Obviously, its designers have largely inspired the design of Apple AirPods while trying to improve the comfort of use.They have for this equipped with silicone tips to ensure better positioning in the ear canal.If the idea is good, we will regret that Mobvoie has provided in everything only two pairs of tips.If you find your happiness there, very good.Otherwise, we will have to turn to alternative models that we find for a few euros on the net, which we had to do.

The free ticpods are devoid of an control key, replaced here by a touch surface housed on the stem of each earpiece.The traditional appeal, invocation functions of the default assistant and reading control are present, with the notable exception to the previous track of a playlist.It is all the more unfortunate that the majority of orders are available on both earrings at the same time, which is not really essential.On the other hand, we appreciate being able to control the volume by sliding the finger on the rod of one of the earrings.

Note that the various order gestures are all carried out on this famous stem, thus avoiding exerting pressure perpendicular to the plane of the ear, often generating discomfort then proven discomfort.Another positive point, the IPX5 certification of the earrings: they therefore fear splashes, rain or perspiration.

The announced autonomy is 4:00.According to our tests, it varies between 3:30 and 3:45 depending on the use made (mix of telephone calls and musical listening) while the case provides an additional 2:00 p.m..Surprisingly, the charging cable provided has three connectors: USB 3.0, USB-C and micro USB (used by the loading case).Why ?Mystery, the manual remaining completely silent on this specificity.Note in passing the existence of a companion application whose sole purpose is to update the firmware of headphones.

The sound produced by the free Ticpods is very correct, but lacks a bit of magnitude.This does not prevent him from providing suitable bass and not generating saturation when listening at full volume.The parasitic noise reduction mechanism does a suitable job in telephone conversation, including in a moderately noisy environment.

First foray into mobile in the field of audio headphones, Ticpods Free is generally successful.Of course, we would have appreciated the presence of some additional touch controls as well as a larger choice of tips of tips.To these details, these wireless headphones are attractive and produce a very honorable sound.

Price: 130 €

You will like it if ...

You are a fan of the “all in length” design initiated by who you know, if you enjoy being able to control the volume simply.

You won't like it if ...

If the two unfortunate pairs of tips are not at your size, if you do not appreciate strange load cables, if you think it is criminal not to be able to fully order the audio aspect from the earrings.

Note :

Ergonomics: 4Confort: 3.5 Design: 4.5 -sounding sound: 4

Nokia True Wireless Earbuds: minimalism, my love…

Should we still present Nokia, the ex-World Mobile Telephone Manager who did not believe in the advent of all-tactile smartphones?After having become the property of Microsoft in 2014 with the result we know, Nokia - or rather HMD Global, the Finnish structure created to use the assets of Microsoft's telephone division - has been reborn since 2016.

In addition to the smartphones that we regularly test here, Nokia sporadically markets wireless headphones.True Wireless Earbuds (TWE) is thus the latest addition to the family and the first to be entirely wireless.

Obviously, Nokia bet everything on sobriety to design the twe.The tiny atria (5 grams each), made of black plastic and metal are delivered in a cylindrical case made of aluminum tinted with the most beautiful effect.It has a USB-C port, three state lights as well as a battery which ensures the load of headphones on the move.When it is fully loaded, the TWE provides according to Nokia a autonomy of 3:30.The case being able to recharge them three times, so it is 2:00 p.m. on the go.In fact, we have noticed real autonomy in accordance with the manufacturer's figures, which is not bad at all given the compactness of the product.

Each headset is equipped with a touch on the side of the device.They give access to a very complete function palette even if certain commands are not very differentiated (double pressure on the right to increase the volume or to reject calls, for example).It will therefore take a little practice to get used to it, but also agree to tamper in your ear, the small size of the earrings that do not facilitate the operation.And to be honest, we have purely and simply abandoned the idea of using them after a few hours, the passage through the smartphone being ultimately more practical.Nokia highlights the simplicity of pairing and use of TWE in order to justify the lack of dedicated application.Why not, after all, it is rarely essential.

The headphones hold well in the ears thanks to pleasant silicone tips (three sizes are provided).The sound produced is surprisingly good with regard to the place given to the speakers.It still lacks a bit of magnitude, especially at the low level.Telephone calls benefit from correct sound as long as the environment is not too noisy.

Aesthetically very successful, with great compactness and producing its correct, TWEs are good quality headphones.Only downside, they are rather difficult to find in the trade, Nokia not really showing any enthusiasm to distribute them in France.Shame !

You will like it if ...

You like refined minimalism and compact headphones.

You won't like it if ...

You are looking for a product quickly available, if you think the companion app is a must.

Note :

Ergonomics: 4.5 comfort: 4 design: 5 sound quality: 3.5

Rowkin Ascent Charge +: The beautiful Californian stranger

In terms of entirely wireless headphones, there are the manufacturers that everyone knows and there are others.By browsing this file, you will realize that we attach as much importance to the latter as to the first.Six weeks before the writing of this dossier, we discovered completely by chance the existence of the Yankee Rowkin at the bend of a Google search.On his website, he claims to offer the most compact headphones on the market while producing a very good quality sound.What to excite our curiosity, which the manufacturer has satisfied by entrusting us with the exemplary of the ASCENT Load+ (AC+), its high -end of the moment.

One thing is certain, AC+ is not accompanied by the most compact existing case: it should be noted that it offers Qi compatibility and has a 2000 mAh battery that can load the headphones, but also to help out a smartphone inthe need.Induction obliges, the case is essentially made of plastic, a sliding metal lid.Note that only the case is Qi compatible: no need to put the atria on the charger provided (or on any other, by the way).By the way, let us specify that the AScent Charge + is also marketed under the name of accent load.It is then devoid of induction charger, but the case retains its compatibility.

Entirely made of perfectly machined metal, the ac+ ear heads are indeed very compact.However, they are beaten by the True Wireless Earbuds of Nokia, slightly less bulky.AC+ pairing is done very simply from the smartphone Bluetooth settings or with the companion application.This one, unfortunately not translated in French, gives access to some useful functions such as pre-assessor presets (impossible to create your own, it will be necessary to be satisfied with those proposed) or the location of AC+.

No mechanical touch on headphones, but a touch surface.We can very simply navigate the active reading list or answer the phone (management of double calls taken into account).However, it will be necessary to make a cross on the volume setting or on a possible "street" mode allowing to hear what is happening around you.It is all the more regrettable that the passive insulation provided by silicone tips is effective (3 sizes provided).

AC+ is announced with an autonomy of 3:30 am at medium volume.In fact, a full charge allowed us to listen to music by sometimes pushing the sound or conversing on the phone for 3:00.The case offers up to 15 complete recharges, just over 50 hours on the go.What to hold a little while without having to recharge the case.

And the quality of the sound, in all this?It is surprisingly good for a product of this compactness.Rowkin specifies that its headphones have an empty space to ensure better production of bass, undoubtedly explaining their assertive, but not invasive presence.The treble have an assertive presence while the mediums are clear.Depending on the type of music listened to, we will not hesitate to change your preset from the companion application in order to obtain the best sound rendering possible.

There is no doubt that the Ascent Charge + is one of the good surprises in this file, especially at this price level.Unfortunately, the product is not yet available in France and it will be necessary to add $ 35 shipping costs to get them.Amazon having distributed the previous models in France, it is logical to think that it will be the same with the Ascent Charge.

Price: $ 110 (with Qi charger, $ 100 without) + $ 35 port

You will like it if ...

You are an unconditional induction recharge, if you think that there is nothing better than touch controls and if you need good autonomy on the go.

You won't like it if ...

You can't wait to have them, if you think a case must above all be compact, if you don't speak English.

Note :

Ergonomics: 4.5 Comfort: 4 design: 4.5 Sound quality: 4

Sennheiser Momentum TW: Deutsche Qualität

Founded in Germany by Fritz Sennheiser just a few weeks after the end of the Second World War, Labor W.(for Laboratorium Wennebostel, named after the village where the company was created) was made up of eight engineers.The first product marketed by the young company was a voltmeter, followed in 1946 of microphones.It was not until 1958 that it took the name of its creator and experienced good growth in the field of professional audio then general public.

Knowing the reputation of excellence of Sennheiser in audio reproduction, we were looking forward.The two headphones are made of very good quality plastic and have no mechanical touch.Switching on and pairing are done automatically as soon as they get them out of their charging case.Without being enormous, they are respectable and lodge in the ears without however, however overtaking the pavilion.The silicone tip ensures good passive insulation, which will allow you to appreciate your music in the best conditions.

Sennheiser announces an autonomy of 4 hours in normal use, which we were able to check during our tests.This is tripled thanks to the battery integrated into the transport case: it is therefore possible to hold 12 hours without approaching an electric charger.The metallic surface of each atrium is a tactile zone thanks to which the headphones are piloted.A pressure on the one on the left starts or stops reading, two to go to the next track and three to return to the previous one.Finally, an activated right pressure the default voice assistant.

The volume is also tactually adjustable: it is increased by pressing prolonged on the left atrium and lower it with the right.Finally, the appeal is made by pressure on the right atrium when the phone rings.Does that seem a bit complicated to you?It is a bit at first, but we get used to it.We will avoid the abuse of touch controls, because each pressure is exerted perpendicular to the ear.This slightly pushes the tip into the ear canal, which in the long run can create a light, but unpleasant irritation.

The MTW is accompanied by the Smart Control application giving the state of the battery and offering some interesting possibilities.We appreciate the presence of a rudimentary equalizer, but effective as well as the activation or deactivation of smart pause (standby or not of earphones when removed from the ear).We can also act on automatic calling (automatically takes an incoming call when the right earphone is removed from the load case) or the activation of the vocal assistant.We can also choose between acoustic signals or vocal prompts (in English, German or Chinese, no French translation on the horizon).Finally, transparent hearing possible listening to ambient sounds during audio reading.

Using the Momentum TW on a daily basis is a real pleasure.We appreciate the feeling of relief provided by the very good spatialization of the audio scene.Good point also for the balance of the mediums, the clarity of the treble as well as the depth of the bass which never become invasive (unless they push them thoroughly on the equalizer).In short, a success that we will pay at a high price, the MTW not being exactly cheap.But we have nothing without anything!

Price: € 299

You will like it if ...

You are a convinced audiophile and that it is not because you use a smartphone that your playlists must look like porridge.

You won't like it if ...

You are allergic to tactile controls, if you do not want to invest 300 euros in headphones or if you find unacceptable that the vocal ads are not available in French at the exit.

Note :

Ergonomics: 5 Comfort: 5 Design: 5 sound quality: 4.5

Sony WF-SP900: swimmers will love it

Specialist in consumer electronics, Sony is of course present in the audio.If he has been a major player with the invention of the audio CD, his aura has been somewhat tarnished over the years.The cause ?The spectacular failure of the MP3 turn that Japanese did not believe, convinced that the future of digital music would be in the now deceased mino-DISC.

The good Fairy Sony has looked into the cradle of the WF-SP900 to give it unique characteristics.It thus has an active noise cancellation and can operate as an independent reader thanks to its 4 GB of integrated storage (a utility allows music to be transferred from a Mac or PC)).Finally, it is completely submersible (IP58 certification) and can therefore follow its owner in its nautical antics.Sony provides special tips with a finely perforated film to protect the speakers.

WF-SP900 earpieces are long and pleasantly fit into the auditory duct.They are accompanied by silicone cannulas ensuring excellent support during sports practice.But since we are never too careful, Sony had the excellent idea of providing a strap allowing them to connect them.In the event of an accidental ejection of one of the headphones, he will not leave Valdinguer.We cannot too much advise the employment of this mechanism during the practice of very restless sports.

Each headset is equipped with a mechanical touch and a touchscreen area, or rather sensitive to small shocks.Both are used to adjust the volume and tapping them, which provides an unpleasant feeling when listening.A proximity detector cuts reading as soon as a headset is removed.

The mechanical keys pilot the appealing, navigation in the reading lists, but also the activation of the "ambient noise" mode which mixes exterior noises with music so as not to cut themselves completely from the outside world.Very appreciable and above all very effective, even if we inevitably sacrifice a small part of the sound quality.

The WF-SP900 case multiplies by four the "official" autonomy of headphones (3:00, closer to 2:45 am in real life) thanks to its integrated battery.Let us note in passing the presence in the case of an NFC chip which makes it completely transparent the pairing with an Android smartphone.

During our tests, we appreciated audio quality both in musical listening and on a telephone call.It is perfectly suited for sporting use or during daily life (displacement by public transport for example), but its slight lack of magnitude is likely to leave music lovers on their hunger.It’s not so serious, the WF-SP900 is not really made for them.A bit more annoying, the connection between the headphones is sometimes cutting, especially in an environment rich in WiFi and Bluetooth devices.Nothing dramatic, the microcoupures being rather rare and brief.To these details, he fulfills his mission perfectly and deserves all the attention of wealthy athletes.

Price: 280 €

You will like it if ...

You want to listen to music with or without a smartphone during sports practice, swimming or in public transport.

You won't like it if ...

You are a picky music lover or if you are looking for compact headphones.

Note

Ergonomics: 4.5 Comfort: 4 design: 3.5 Sound quality: 4

Also discover: 6 alternatives to Apple AirPod headphones