Bluetooth Headphones Test 2020: Stiftung Warentest Winner And Recommendations

2023 Author: Sheila Hailey | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-08-25 04:29

1. 1. Bluetooth headphones 2020: all test winners and bestsellers at a glance
   2. How it was tested and selected

   3. The best Bluetooth headphones in detail

      1. Stiftung Warentest winner in-ear headphones: JBL Reflect Flow
      2. Stiftung Warentest winner over-ear headphones: Sennheiser Momentum 3
      3. Inexpensive Bluetooth in-ears for little money: Anker Soundbuds Flow
      4. The best quality Bluetooth headphones: Beyerdynamic Amiron Wireless
      5. The best on-ear headphones: Bower & Wilkins PX5
      6. The best bluetooth headphones for sports: Beats Powerbeats Pro
      7. GIGA tip In-ear headphones with noise canceling: Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 2
      8. The best Bluetooth headphones for bass-heavy music: Nura Nuraphone
      9. The best Bluetooth headphones for iPhones and iPads: Apple AirPods Pro

   4. Buying Bluetooth headphones: what you need to know

      1. Why the seat is so important
      2. Are Bluetooth headphones harmful to health?
      3. Headphone sound quality
      4. Bluetooth multipoint
      5. Apps and data protection
      6. Noise canceling (ANC) for headphones: what does the technology do?

Bluetooth headphones 2020: all test winners and bestsellers at a glance

placement	product	Street price	offer
Stiftung-Warentest-Sieger 2020 (in-ear)	JBL Reflect Flow	approx. 125 euros	To Amazon
Stiftung-Warentest-Sieger 2020 (Over-Ear)	Sennheiser Momentum Wireless 3	about 350 euros	To Amazon
Cheap headphones (in-ear)	Anker Soundbuds Flow	approx. 23 euros	To Amazon
Best sound (over-ear)	Beyerdynamic Amiron Wireless	approx. 575 euros	To Beyerdynamic
On-ear headphones	Bowers & Wilkins PX5	approx. 230 euros	To Amazon
Sports headphones (in-ear)	Beats Powerbeats Pro	approx. 240 euros	To MediaMarkt
Noise Canceling (In-Ear)	Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 2	about 300 euros	To Saturn
Bass quality (over-ear)	Nura Nuraphone	400 euros	To Amazon
Best headphones for iPhones (in-ear)	Apple AirPods Pro	approx. 230 euros	To Amazon

The best Bluetooth headphones: This is how we tested and selected

GIGA audio expert Stefan tried out almost all of the Bluetooth headphones discussed here. You can also find detailed test reports on some of the products on GIGA, which are linked to the respective model. The test samples were made available to us by the manufacturers. Current and popular headphone models that have received special praise from the press and customers and are therefore recommended for a purchase are also presented here.

Are you looking for special headphone types? With us you will also find:

Noise-canceling headphone headsets

The best Bluetooth headphones in detail

Stiftung Warentest winner (in-ear): JBL Reflect Flow

JBL Reflect Flow on Amazon

In the list of the best in-ear headphones from the Stiftung Warentest, the true wireless model JBL Reflect Flow for 149 euros (RRP) is currently at the top. The test grade is 1.7 ("good"), so the JBL Reflect Flow can even prevail against significantly more expensive competitors from Apple, Beats and Sony.

The JBL Reflect Flow is also praised by the British magazine Whathifi (rating: 5 stars), emphasizing the good sound with the powerful bass and the high wearing comfort. Computerbild magazine (issue 02/2020, also available from Readly *) has determined a runtime of just over 7 hours on one charge. At Amazon, however, customers occasionally complain about an unconvincing build quality, which sometimes requires an exchange.

JBL Reflect Flow In-Ear

Now from € 109.15 at Amazon Similar offer at Saturn Price can now be higher. Price from 2020-27-07 00:38 a.m.

Advantages:

• Good sound with strong bass
• High wearing comfort, also suitable for athletes (waterproof)

Disadvantage:

• Chunky transport case
• Operation not optimal: pressing the buttons can push the housing uncomfortably into the ear canal

Stiftung Warentest winner (over-ear): Sennheiser Momentum 3 Wireless

Sennheiser Momentum 3 Wireless at Amazon

According to Stiftung Warentest, Sennheiser Momentum Wireless is the best model among wireless over-ear headphones (edition 04/2020). Important when buying: There are several generations of the ever improved headphones, you should make sure to get the third generation ("M3", "Sennheiser New Momentum Wireless"). The overall rating at Stiftung Warentest is "good" (1.7). The sound was rated outstanding (sub-rating 1.4). However, the testers only awarded a "satisfactory" (2.7) for the item "interference" (e.g. noises when moving).

GIGA assessment: A deserved test win for Sennheiser - but you shouldn't despise the very good alternatives Sony WH-1000XM3, Bose Headphones 700 and Bang & Olufsen BeoPlay H9 (3rd gen.). In the upper class of over-ear headphones, the top is densely populated.

Sennheiser Momentum Wireless (3rd generation), over-ear headphones with ANC

Now from € 346.14 at Amazon Similar offer at Mediamarkt Price can now be higher. Price from 26.07.2020 23:58

Advantages:

• Very good sound quality ("warm" tuning)
• Top quality workmanship: matt steel frame, genuine leather upholstery
• Remembers up to 8 connected devices (cell phone, laptop etc.) and can stay connected to the last two at the same time (multipoint Bluetooth)

Disadvantage:

• Noise canceling not as good as the top models from Bose and Sony
• Using the mobile phone app takes some getting used to

The best Bluetooth headphones for little money: Anker Soundbuds Flow

Inexpensive Bluetooth headphones are available in an unmanageable number. The manufacturers are mostly Chinese brands such as TaoTronics, Mpow or Anker (sometimes referred to as "Anker Soundcore"). The Anker Soundbuds Flow model is a prime example of what you can get today for around 20 euros of usable performance. These headphones work wonderfully with any smartphone, offer an average sound and up to 7 hours of battery life. Of course you notice the savings: The processing and material quality is hardly designed for long-term use and the sound does not exactly meet audiophile requirements. But you quickly save a three-figure sum compared to some premium products, that's a weighty argument.

Anker SoundBuds Flow Bluetooth headphones

Now from € 22.99 at Amazon price comparison price can now be higher. Price from 26.07.2020 23:54

Advantages:

Plays music reliably with decent sound

Disadvantage:

Not a product for eternity (but can last a long time if used carefully)

The best quality Bluetooth headphones: Beyerdynamic Amiron Wireless

Beyerdynamic Amiron Wireless (manufacturer video)

Beyerdynamic Amiron Wireless at Amazon

Professional musicians have trusted a small company from Heilbronn called Beyerdynamic for decades. The top wireless model Amiron Wireless is in no way inferior to studio headphones when it comes to sound quality and comfort. A special feature is the sound personalization, in which the headphones adapt to the hearing of the wearer. The Amiron Wireless is controlled via a touch field on the right ear cup - it takes a little getting used to. All in all, one of the most expensive Bluetooth headphones on the market, but it pays off in full when it comes to enjoyable listening at home.

Beyerdynamic Amiron wireless over-ear headphones

Now from € 546.86 at Amazon price comparison price can now be higher. Price from 27.07.2020 00:29 a.m.

Advantages:

• Outstanding sound properties, shows all details of recordings. Supports aptX, aptX HD, aptX LL and AAC
• Good workmanship
• excellent comfort

disadvantage

• A little too heavy (400 g).
• High price, especially the technically identical "copper" version makes the wallet cry

Best on-ear headphones: Bowers & Wilkins PX5

Bowers & Wilkins PX5 at Amazon

On-ear headphones are also referred to as "on-ear": the housings do not enclose like an over-ear, but lie on the ear. Some find this uncomfortable, others appreciate the somewhat more compact design. The noble Bowers & Wilkins PX5 was developed by British engineers and was able to inspire in the GIGA test (rating: 84 percent). The warm tuned sound is wonderfully natural and shows its strengths especially in classical and jazz. The hardware buttons for operation are also a success - logically attached and easy to learn. Since it is a little tight, the PX5 is more recommended for small heads. All others should try it out in the store for a few minutes.

Bowers & Wilkins PX5 on-ear headphones with noise canceling

Now from € 258.49 at Amazon Similar offer at Cyberport price comparison price can now be higher. Price from 2020-27-07 01:01 a.m.

Advantages:

Wonderful sound quality, especially with strings and vocals

disadvantage

• Built too narrow for big minds
• High price

The best bluetooth headphones for sports: Beats Powerbeats Pro

Beats Powerbeats Pro at MediaMarkt

The Beats Powerbeats Profor 249 euros (RRP) are what sporty Apple fans have always wanted from the original AirPods: absolutely wireless headphones ("True Wireless Earbuds"), but they are sweat and water resistant and, thanks to flexible ear hooks, fits securely - it doesn't matter what you do with it. The battery life is extremely good thanks to the efficient H1 chip with up to 9 hours per charge. An important detail for everyone who is critical of touch controls on headphones: the volume can be adjusted using hardware buttons on the housing. The case is quite large and, by the way, not waterproof. The Beats Powerbeats Pro are primarily intended for iPhone users, because they have the "Hey Siri" function - the digital assistant can be started by shouting during the workout, a push of a button is not necessary. We will see similar things from other manufacturers in the near future. Apart from that, the model is also an interesting choice for Android users, but only with the important basic functions. Opinions differ on the sound: some love spirited tuning, some find the sound too exhausting in the long run. More information in our detailed test report (rating: 86 percent).

Beats Powerbeats Pro

Now from € 197.88 at Amazon Similar offer at Mediamarkt Similar offer at Otto Price can now be higher. Price from 27.07.2020 02:03 a.m.

Advantages:

• Consistently designed for sports with a secure fit
• Excellent battery life

Disadvantage:

• Ear hooks ensure safety when moving, but could disturb glasses wearers
• Relatively large transport case

GIGA tip In-ear headphones with noise canceling: Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 2

Senneheiser Momentum True Wireless 2 at MediaMarkt

A sound miracle developed in Germany: The Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 2 earned a rating of 80 percent in our extensive GIGA test. This is mainly due to the very good quality that surpasses almost every competitor in the true wireless headphone league. The Sennheiser are suitable for every genre and also satisfy audiophile music lovers who pay attention to every detail of a song.

Before buying, you need to be aware that noise canceling is effective, but ultimately only average. At least low frequencies are filtered out well. The design is a bit bulky, the extensive operating options can be overwhelming at first. This is not a lifestyle product, but a high-quality audio gadget - the purchase should be carefully considered beforehand. The higher the user's demands, the more the Momentum True Wireless 2 is the best choice.

Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 2

Now from € 291.00 at Amazon Similar offer at Mediamarkt Similar offer at Saturn Price can now be higher. Price from 26.07.2020 23:41

Advantages:

• Outstanding sound properties
• Effective noise canceling
• High quality workmanship

Disadvantage:

Chunky design limits comfort

The best Bluetooth headphones for bass-heavy music: Nura Nuraphone

A bit heavy, a little uncomfortable, not collapsible to save space and then rubber parts inside that penetrate into the ear canal: The Nuraphone is a somewhat strange candidate that demands some concessions from the user. But: This high-tech device automatically determines the individual hearing skills of the wearer and adjusts the sound accordingly. The "immersion" can also be set using the slider in the associated smartphone app - essentially an almost physically perceptible bass. Those who own the Nuraphone (MSRP 399 euros) and hear techno at an appropriate level (= very loud) will be beamed directly into the club. A phenomenal goosebump experience that you won't get with most other headphones.

Nuraphone

Now from € 399.00 on Amazon price comparison price can now be higher. Price from 2020-26-07 11:33 p.m.

Advantages:

Personalized, precise sound with incredible pressure - ideal for all types of music with a kick drum. Users save the money for admission to techno clubs

Disadvantage:

About as comfortable as a helmet that is too tight, but made of rubber

Nuraphone at Thomann

The best Bluetooth headphones for iPhones and iPads: Apple AirPods Pro

Despite the large selection of in-ear headphones without any cables (True Wireless), Apple has managed to put together an outstanding package with the AirPods Pro that the competition cannot offer. The combination of lightness, comfort, sound quality and effective noise canceling is exemplary - there is almost nothing to complain about in the white ear plugs. More on this in our detailed test report on GIGA (rating: 90 percent). The Stiftung Warentest rated the Apple AirPods Pro at the end of March 2020 with a grade of 2.0 ("good"), which places them clearly ahead of the Huawei FreeBuds 3 (3.0), but just behind the Sony WF-1000XM3 (1, 8) land.

As usual, the price is set a bit high by Apple, but the integration in iOS with the simple coupling and the quick change of source is nowhere else so well solved. A must for iPhone users.

Apple AirPods Pro

Now from € 214.00 at Amazon Similar offer at Cyberport Similar offer at Media Markt Price can now be higher. Price from 2020-27-07 00:50 a.m.

Advantages:

• You are magical. Perfect for iOS and macOS, thanks to easy pairing
• Very comfortable to wear
• Good screening of ambient noise via ANC

Disadvantage:

The sound is good, but not great. Audiophiles miss a shovel more pressure and clarity

AirPods Pro on Amazon

Start photo gallery (13 photos)

Buying Bluetooth headphones: what you need to know

Why the seat is so important

Headphones are something that you wear directly on your body ("Wearable"). This means that a good fit is crucial. In order to avoid expensive wrong purchases and annoying returns, you should try out the desired model yourself beforehand - be it borrowed from a friend or in a retail store (where you can fairly buy the right item).

In the case of in-ear models, it depends on the silicone fittings whether the seat in the ear canal is correct. Only good insulation ensures a rich sound: if the cabinets are too loose in the ears, the bass is lost. If they are too tight, they can cause an uncomfortable feeling of pressure and even pain within minutes. Fitting pieces made of flexible memory foam are recommended. When handling in-ears, you should also pay attention to hygiene (clean hands) - after all, you stick an object near the eardrum.

Are Bluetooth headphones harmful to health?

On the subject of health, there are also occasional concerns about the radiation exposure that comes from Bluetooth devices. The electromagnetic fields are clearly measurable, but not so easy to interpret even for scientists. "According to current knowledge (…) the high-frequency radiation generated by Bluetooth networks is too weak to (…) be able to trigger acute health effects," according to the fact sheet of the Swiss Federal Office of Public Health (PDF). The German Federal Office for Radiation Protection (BfS) generally recommends minimizing radiation exposure in order to keep possible, but "as yet unknown health risks" low (information sheet as PDF). Further information can be found in the GIGA article: "Is Bluetooth harmful or harmless? Easily explained."

Headphone sound quality

A lot is written and discussed about sound, also here at GIGA. Nevertheless, you have to be aware that it is an individual sensory perception. Some listeners like a neutral sound (straight frequency response), others find it sterile and boring. A classic fan has different requirements for headphones than someone who likes tech houses. The trend is: high-quality headphones are particularly good at overcoming all the different challenges and being a kind of all-round tool. Bad-sounding headphones, on the other hand, can hardly be saved even with software equalizers via app.

Also interesting:

headphones: why they sound different to you than to me

Bluetooth multipoint: important if you use multiple players

Wireless headphones with multipoint support stay connected to multiple paired devices at the same time. So you can easily switch between different players (e.g. smartphone, tablet) while playing music without having to pair again each time.

Headphones: apps and data protection

In principle, anyone who buys modern Bluetooth headphones not only pays for the headphones themselves (hardware), but also for firmware and the app that is part of their operation (software). Some headphones can not be used in full without a smartphone app - this becomes the focus when you have to create a login to use the app, which in turn is used to collect data and transmit it to the manufacturer. Anyone who attaches great importance to data protection should take this aspect into account and find out beforehand how the manufacturer intended the use.

Noise canceling (ANC) for headphones: what does the technology do?

Test: Noise Canceling is so quiet

The topic of noise cancelinghas been pushing consumers ever more strongly for several years. The active reduction of outside noise by counter-noise can actually provide a pleasant calm by masking out especially low-frequency and monotonous sources of interference (engine hum, air conditioning noise). However, you should be aware that some of the manufacturers' advertising promises are exaggerated. Even the best ANC headphones cannot achieve absolute silence like in an anechoic room, which is not (yet) technically feasible. But it becomes audibly more pleasant to enjoy music on air or train trips. Occasionally, users also ask themselves whether noise canceling is harmful to health: the answer is no, as an ENT specialist from the University of Dresden confirmed to us on request.