Over-ear headphones. Rating of the highest quality headphones by sound

Wireless headphones are getting cheaper every year. It is no longer a problem to find good devices with good sound for little money. And development lithium batteries led to the fact that the headphones became compact and lightweight. They can even be sold in a plug form factor. The main advantage of such headphones is the absence of wires. The main disadvantage is the dependence on the battery.

These headphones are suitable for athletes. They do not interfere with running or strength training. Headphones are also convenient to use in transport. You can simply leave your phone or player in your backpack, but this will not interfere with listening to music.

The best inexpensive in-ear wireless headphones (plugs): budget up to 3,000 rubles.

In-ear headphones have become very popular among athletes. A number of manufacturers have even focused on sports fans as their main target consumer group. Therefore, the emphasis in such headphones is placed on the following indicators:

• Battery life
• Maximum weight reduction
• Reliability of the temples for mounting on the head

The most trendy manufacturer of such equipment was the Korean company Samsung (which not so long ago successfully broke into the sporting goods market with smart bracelet Gear Fit). Also, Jabra, known as a pioneer in the production of Bluetooth equipment, holds the lead. Our rating includes the most successful models of the year in the price group up to 3,000 rubles.

3 Meizu EP51

The best choice for record light weight
Country: China
Average price: 2,990 rub.
Rating (2018): 4.2

Meizu is capable of producing flagship phones at budget prices. And now, they have proven that they can release wireless headphones that are several times lighter than wired ones. Meizu EP51 weighs 15.3 g. This is the lightest headset in our rating. They are more than 2 times lighter than the Samsung EO-BG920 Level U, and 6 g. Lighter than Jabra Halo Fusion. At the same time, the weight reduction did not significantly affect the battery life. Manufacturer guarantees 6 hours active use without the need for recharging.

Model features:

• Embedded system active noise cancellation while talking through a headset
• Supports aptX technology for playing lossless files high quality
• Voice dialing capability
• Time until fully charged– 2 hours
• The disadvantages include the inconvenient case and the lack of a headband.

2 Huawei AM61

Sound quality
Country: China
Average price: 2990 rub.
Rating (2018): 4.8

Conditionally wireless option, working via Bluetooth. The sound quality here is excellent for this price category, the sound insulation looks decent and the battery life is pleasing. offline mode. The headphones fit well in the ear - the model is considered sports and is suitable for running and working out in the gym. Reliability of fastening is ensured by special “horns”. Built-in magnets in the “plugs” also add convenience – they conveniently fold into a chain.

The kit includes 4 types of ear pads, a case, a USB charging cable and technical documentation. For the pleasant sound, we should thank the sensitivity of 96 dB, the 11 mm diameter of the membrane and the wide range of reproduced frequencies. What’s noteworthy is that the AM61 is equipped with water protection. The microphone works well - no noise or lag was noticed. The operating time is also amazing - the battery lasts for 9-10 hours, and it charges in 2 hours to 100% percent.

1 Samsung EO-BG920 Level U

Best indicator for battery life
Country: South Korea(made in China)
Average price: 3,390 rub.
Rating (2018): 4.9

Running to your favorite music is much more pleasant than to the noise of the city bustle. But it is important that the run does not turn into “no obstacle” in the form of a weak headphone battery. Therefore, in the EO-BG920 Level U sports headphones, the Korean manufacturer focused specifically on battery capacity. One charge is enough for 11 hours of listening to music, or using a headset to talk on the phone. The price is also strong point devices. These are the cheapest headphones in our rating.

Advantages and disadvantages of EO-BG920 Level U:

• The sound is frequency balanced. There is no distortion either at low frequencies or high frequencies.
• Wide range of colors.
• Ease of use. The design of the arms is designed in such a way that they do not fall off the head even during intense running. But there are problems with balancing. When wearing it, you feel a slight tilt towards the control panel.
• Weight is the main drawback. These are the heaviest headphones in the rating. Their weight is 33 grams.
• Users report poor synchronization with iPhone.

The best in-ear wireless headphones (plugs): price - quality

3 Philips SHB5850

Lightest headphones (12 g)
Country: Netherlands (manufactured in China)
Average price: RUB 3,665.
Rating (2018): 4.3

If you evaluate headphones based on their weight, the Philips SHB5850 is a clear winner. The weight of the device is only 12 g. With low weight, the manufacturer was able to calculate energy consumption in such a way that one charge is enough for 7 hours of continuous operation. Despite their compact size, the headphones also have serious sound potential due to the use of large, 8.6 mm drivers. In addition, the company redesigned the sound tube. They fit comfortably and don't fall out of your ears.

Peculiarities:

• Standard equipment includes 3 types of attachments different shapes ears
• Implemented wireless call and music control function
• Flat cable type – eliminates tangling of headphones.
• Playing uncompressed music

Philips SHB5850 - best choice for those who value the light weight of their headphones.

2 Beats Beats X Wireless

Fast charging. Functional remote control
Country: USA
Average price: 9350 rub.
Rating (2018): 4.8

Plugs that earn every ruble of their cost with excellent sound quality and instant connection with Apple devices. The headphones keep a strong connection even at a distance of 20 meters through several walls. Charging is very fast - even five minutes of charging is enough for two hours of use of the headphones. As a headset, BeatsX Wireless works great - your interlocutors can hear you well, extraneous sounds do not interfere in the conversation.

The sound is excellent - clear, detailed. Some users in the reviews note that the bass and melody here are more interesting than those of famous competitors in the same price category. The headphones are quite suitable for sports, but when running, the cord jumps and causes some inconvenience. The control panel is functional: from it you can not only adjust the volume and switch tracks, but also call Siri, rewind songs, and turn off the volume when making a call. If desired, you can enable call announcements - the smartphone will pronounce the caller’s name.

1 Bang & Olufsen BeoPlay H5

Best Sound Quality
Country: Denmark
Average price: RUB 15,990.
Rating (2018): 4.8

Among devices that rely on compactness, it is difficult to find headphones with good sound. Even less often high quality sound can be obtained from demon wired headphones. But the Bang & Olufsen BeoPlay H5 is an exception to the rule. This is an incredibly compact headset with an excellent balance of bass and treble. The operating frequency range of these headphones is from 20 to 20,000 Hz. Weighing only 18 grams, they accommodate a speaker with a diameter of 6.4 mm.

Key Features:

• Kevlar braid. The likelihood of the headset wire breaking is much lower than that of headphones with rubber wire insulation
• Codec support for uncompressed audio playback (AAC/aptX-LL)
• Moisture protection allows you to use the headphones in water sports
• Own application for smartphones
• Quite a short time in music playback mode (only 5 hours, built-in battery – 100 mAh).

Best Wireless Bluetooth - In-Ear Headphones

“Ear buds” differ from “plugs” in their design and the principle of attachment in the auricle. It is impossible to say for sure which type is better. Everyone chooses based on their taste preferences, as well as the design of their ear. Some people feel uncomfortable wearing plugs. Others cannot use the earbuds because they fall out. With "plugs" complete sound insulation is often achieved. This is suitable for those who are engaged in gym, but is strictly contraindicated for outdoor joggers. If you have already decided that you are looking for in-ear headphones, then our rating will help you decide on a specific model

3 Plantronics BackBeat FIT

The best choice for active people
Country: USA (manufactured in China)
Average price: 7,890 rub.
Rating (2018): 4.3

“Headphones for sports” are perceived by many exclusively as devices for running. However, sports often involve activities that headphones are not designed for. Plantronics has created a device that will not interfere in either water or land. The electronics are hidden in a die-cast housing and are completely isolated from the external environment. High class protection is useful for aquatic species sports, there are no extra wires that would interfere with power sports, and the lack of sound insulation will be highly appreciated by cyclists. To emphasize the positioning, the company even developed a special sports case for the smartphone. It comes included.

Model features:

• Available in two colors (yellow and blue)
• There is a bright LED indicator that allows you to see the athlete in the dark
• Soft bow. You can crumple it, put it in your pocket, and it will not lose its shape.
• Charging via standard microUSB connector
• Battery life up to 8 hours
• The only negative is the cost. The price tag of $130 was considered by many to be unreasonably high.

2 Urbanears Stadium

Convenient form
Country: Sweden
Average price: 6020 rub.
Rating (2018): 4.5

Ideal for athletic people and more. These earbuds are cleverly designed to provide maximum comfort when using. The earbuds fit well on the ear, the wire does not get tangled thanks to its twisted shape, the headband is pleasant to the touch and does not dangle. High sensitivity of 115 dB provides high volume, bass and low/high frequencies in place - the sound is pleasant, detailed and not devoid of melody.

The control panel is located on the back of the head. It looks minimalistic, but this does not affect the functionality: with it you can not only adjust the volume and switch tracks, but also answer and end calls. The set includes three pairs of ear pads different sizes. Available LED indicator. The charge lasts for up to 7 hours of operation. In reviews, the owners of Urbanears Stadion note that the model is great for active pastimes: running, training.

1 Apple AirPods

The best compact solution
Country: USA
Average price: RUB 29,990.
Rating (2018): 4.6

Apple's new headphones are not the company's first product in the world of wireless technology. The first device iPhone bluetooth headset, saw the light of day with the advent of the iPhone 2G. And the delay of almost 10 years between two similar devices suggests that the company was waiting for the moment when they could present something truly useful to the consumer. Appearance Apple AirPods is associated with the refusal of the Cupertino company from the 3.5mm jack in the iPhone 7. But the focus on Apple products does not exclude the fact that the headphones can easily connect to smartphones on operating system Android. Main Apple difference AirPods are incredibly compact. This is the first, and so far the only headset in such a compact embodiment.

Advantages and disadvantages:

• A microphone is built into each earphone. Disappears while talking on the phone extraneous noise, sound clarity is excellent
• A case with a built-in battery allows you to charge your headphones on the go.
• Fast charging, battery life – 5 hours
• Completely cable-free and incredibly compact. The headset weighs only 4 grams
• Synchronization with iCloud. Just connect the headphones to your smartphone, and they can automatically connect to any of your Apple devices
• The main disadvantage of the headset is the price. Headphones cannot compete in technical equipment with Samsung Gear IconX, but are much more expensive.

The best over-ear wireless Bluetooth headphones

“Earbuds” are a transitional link between a compact headset and full-size headphones. From the first, they inherited light weight and ease of use in urban environments. What they have in common with the latter is the design of the speaker cup, more surround sound and type of attachment to the head. On-ear headphones will be appreciated by those who are not ready to buy over-ear headphones because of their bulkiness, but at the same time, does not want to switch to earbuds because of the poor sound. We have prepared a list of the brightest models of the season so that you can make the right choice.

3 Philips BASS+ SHB3075

Great bass
Country: Netherlands
Average price: 2990 rub.
Rating (2018): 4.6

Comfortable on-ear headphones with long battery life (up to 12 hours) and high sensitivity. The sound is loud, the microphone is good. The foldable design allows you to fold the headphones compactly. The bass is excellent - the model was created specifically for lovers of booming and rocking bass. The diameter of the membrane is 32 mm, making the lows expressive and detailed. The range of reproduced frequencies is wide: from 9 to 21000 Hz.

Wireless technology is carried out via Bluetooth, the connection is stable, the phone/tablet finds quickly. The design of the BASS+ SHB3075 is lightweight and comfortable - your ears do not hurt or get tired from listening to music for a long time. The control panel is functional - it allows you to adjust the volume, answer and close a call, mute the microphone, and put a call on hold. There is an LED indicator.

2 AfterShokz Trekz Air

Bone sound transmission
Country: China
Average price: 10990 rub.
Rating (2018): 4.7

Good quality on-ear headphones with wireless functionality. The model connects to the phone via Bluetooth - the connection is stable, not interrupted, and the range is good. In the ranking of the most ergonomic headsets, this is the best model due to bone sound transmission. The essence of the technology comes down to the transmission of sound through the skull bone in the form sound waves, the ears remain open, and the listener has the effect of music inside the head. The ears do not get tired, the eardrums do not strain, and the user can hear important external sounds. The model is suitable for people with hearing impairments.

It has water protection and a good microphone. Sensitivity 100dB – headphones are loud. The weight is small - only 30 grams. At the same time, the headphones work for 6 hours without recharging. The disadvantage is the specific sound, which is no worse than what can be produced by channel headphones. It's just different, and you need to get used to it.

1 Sony MDR-ZX330BT

Best value for money. Popular headphones
Country: Japan (made in China)
Average price: 6,290 rub.
Rating (2018): 4.7

Budget headphones from Sony are always doomed to success. This is once again confirmed by the MDR-ZX330BT model. The headphones are supplied in a simple cardboard package, the equipment is basic. But this allowed us to focus more on functionality. We have before us a headset, the cost of which at the start of sales was $99. For this money we get not only serious technical equipment, but also high-quality sound. TO distinctive features The models include the following:

• Quick connection to a smartphone via NFC
• Soft ear pads that do not put pressure on your head when worn for long periods of time, but provide passive noise insulation
• Navigation buttons are located on the body. A standard microUSB charging connector is also located here.
• 30mm dome drivers for better sound quality
• Incredible autonomy. One charge lasts for 30 hours of music listening
• The covers on the speaker cups are made of plastic with corrugation. Over time, marks remain on it in the form of scratches and abrasions.

The best full-size wireless Bluetooth headphones

When you watch TV, it doesn't matter how compact the headphones are in your ears. Therefore, full-size wireless headphones are a good choice for home use. They cannot compete in terms of compactness, but they confidently outperform small headphones in sound quality. Often, such a headset has large speakers installed<30 мм., и емкая батарея. Особенно, возможности беспроводных полноразмерных гарнитур оценят любители компьютерных игр – такие наушники часто ориентированы на подключение к PS4 или xBox One.

3 Beats Solo2 Wireless

The lightest over-ear headphones in the class
Country: USA (manufactured in China)
Average price: RUB 20,598.
Rating (2018): 4.5

Solo2 Wireless belong to the Active Collection series. From the name we understand the target audience that the manufacturer was targeting: young, active people who value street culture. Therefore, the weight of the headphones does not correlate with their dimensions. With a fairly large size, they weigh only 200 grams, do not restrict movement, and can be fully used both at home and outdoors.

Headset features:

• Hybrid structure. Can be connected either via Bluetooth or via a 3.5mm cable.
• Ear pads made of genuine leather. They sit softly and do not fall off while moving.
• They fold and are packed in a soft, foam-protected case.
• Custom software. Beats Updater allows you to update your headphone firmware.
• The downside is the short battery life. (About 12 hours, according to the manufacturer.

2 Sennheiser RS ​​160

Best choice for watching movies and TV
Country: Germany (manufactured in China)
Average price: 7,590 rub.
Rating (2018): 4.6

From a good film we expect complete immersion in the plot. This cannot be achieved with just a picture. You also need high-quality sound. Sennheiser equipment is a leader in sound quality. And the RS 160 model is ideal for home use. The focus on working at home becomes clear already when unpacking the headphones: a docking station is used for charging, and battery life is limited.

Pros and cons of the headset:

• The assembly is top notch. There are no backlashes or squeaks.
• Operates on AAA AA batteries. The batteries are located in the speaker cups.
• Operating time on one charge is up to 30 hours. Charging time – 16 hours.
• The degree of distortion is 0.5%. Operating frequency range from 18 to 21000 Hz.
• The high quality diffuser is built on neodymium magnets.

1 Sony WHH900N h.ear on 2 Wireless NC

Innovative technology for lossless sound transmission
Country: Japan
Average price: 19990 rub.
Rating (2018): 4.9

The Japanese manufacturer claims that these full-size wireless headphones reproduce sounds no worse than their wired counterparts. It's all about support for LDAC - a special codec developed by Sony for wireless transmission of high-quality sound via Bluetooth. There is active noise cancellation, which helps a lot on an airplane, but is ineffective on the subway. Wireless transmission is carried out via Bluetooth and NFC. Another bonus is the ability to listen to music via cable to save battery.

The sound is pleasant. High sensitivity (103 dB), widest frequency range (7–40000 Hz), large membrane diameter (40 mm). With all this, Sony installed a powerful battery that lasts for 28 hours - this is the leader in the top wireless headphones in terms of battery life. In addition, the headphones fold conveniently and fit into a compact and beautiful included case, and magnets are built into the case.

The headphone market is crowded today different models. To choose the right option for yourself, you often need to spend a lot of time. Before purchasing, you should decide what the headphones will be used for, because their scope is wide. Thus, headphones are used for games, for listening to audiobooks, music, radio, surfing the Internet, watching videos on a tablet and computer. In addition, they are used in phones as headsets. We talk on Skype with headphones on. No record company can do without them.

Headphones are usually divided into types. There are four of them: monitor, overhead, plug-in and in-ear. You can purchase headphones in Kyiv of all the types listed above in stores that sell phones, computers, laptops and other equipment. Full-size and on-ear headphones are considered in demand today. They have some differences. Over-ear headphones are those that are attached to the surface of the ear and pressed against it from the outside. The sound source in them is located outside the auricle. That is, by the standards of sound from the ear canal they are at a great distance. That is why the volume level in them should be high (photo 1).

The type of attachment for on-ear headphones can be in the form of an arched headboard or behind the ear. They are suitable for those who like to watch videos on a tablet and play games. Closed-type headphones are distinguished by good sound insulation. They cover the ears around the perimeter. And expensive models are even equipped with a special active noise reduction system. There are also open models. They have minimal sound insulation and fit to the ear from above. They are distinguished by their lightness and natural sound. You can still find semi-open on-ear headphones on sale (photo 2).


Fans of loud music are advised to pay attention to closed-type headphones, which are sensitive to over 100 decibels. When buying on-ear headphones, look at the length of the cable. A cord that is too long will get tangled, and a cord that is too short will limit your mobility. For example, for an MP3 player and a smartphone, a cable of one hundred and ten centimeters will be enough. Pay attention to the plug. The most reliable L-shaped plugs. For sports, on-ear headphones with a classic arc mount or an occipital arc mount are suitable. The soft headband will make the process of listening to music more comfortable. Remember that the headphones should not put too much pressure on your head. But they shouldn’t sit freely either. Be sure to try them on before purchasing (photo 3).


Over-ear headphones have large, soft ear cups that completely surround your ears. That is why sound loss is minimal, and sound insulation is better than in overhead ones. They can be used with different sound-producing devices: computer, TV, stereo system, laptop. Ideal for recording studios, listening to music on the subway, at home. Over-ear headphones are expensive and have a bulky design. Perhaps this is where their disadvantages end (photo 4).


Full-size headphones have many positive characteristics. Firstly, they are very comfortable to listen to music in, and the sound standards are very high. Secondly, these headphones always have a high-quality housing finish. There are models made of leather, wood and aluminum on sale. Thirdly, they fit well on the head. Just like when purchasing over-ear headphones, be sure to look at the length of the wire. It can vary from one meter to eight. The wire itself can be flat (does not get tangled during operation) or round (photo 5).

At first, Bluetooth headphones infuriated many music lovers due to poor ergonomics and the need to come to terms with a number of conditions. But gradually wireless models are catching up with wired ones.

Now is the time to test the best models in both categories. CHIP finds out which devices best suit certain music preferences, which are the most convenient, which have the best features, and which are the most portable.

Headphone design: on-ear or full-size?

On-ear, as the name of the type of design suggests, is placed on the ear. For example, like , our optimal choice. Full-size ones, like the test winner from the category, completely cover the ear. Both types are divided into closed and open according to their acoustic design.

Closed-back headphones are more common, they reproduce low frequencies more assertively, and the music they produce sounds warmer and less detailed than open-back headphones. Open ones allow sounds to pass through the holes in both directions, so that a person hears background noise and is not completely disconnected from the outside world. At the same time, those around him are also forced to listen to his music, and not everyone likes this.

Reproduction of low frequencies is highly dependent on the size of the driver. Many models are equipped with drivers with a diameter of about 40 mm and, reproducing sounds with a frequency of 20 Hz, can reach lower frequencies than a person can usually hear without straining.

Glossary: ​​Headphones

> Design type: overhead (on-ear)
The headphones are placed on the ear, which ensures the compactness of the entire design

> Design type: full-size (over-ear)
The headphones completely fit the ear, so they are larger in size than over-ear ones. The sound stage of full-size ones is also more voluminous compared to overhead ones.

> Type acoustic design: closed
The sound stage of the headphones is isolated, the headphones block out external noise, resulting in warm and rich sounds.

> Type of acoustic design: open
The headphones transmit sounds, both external and internal, and the sound insulation is relatively weak. Open headphones Produces clear, realistic sound

> Input sensitivity
The sound pressure level of a signal with a power of 1 milliwatt, measured in decibels. The higher the value, the higher the volume

> Impedance
Frequency dependent impedance alternating current determines sound quality and level maximum volume

> Emitter
Loudspeaker built into the earcup, consisting of a magnet, moving coil, membrane and housing

Power: the role of impedance

Headphone volume is determined primarily by sensitivity, which measures the sound pressure level the headphones can produce per milliwatt of power, expressed in decibels per milliwatt (dB SPL/mW, where SPL is sound pressure level).

Second important parameter- headphone AC resistance or impedance, determined by variable coil: The lower the impedance, the more power from the input voltage. For portable players, low-impedance models are recommended - with an impedance below 100 Ohms.

The other side of the coin: the lower the impedance, the more distortion the amplifier produces. Top-end headphones often have an impedance of around 600 ohms and require powerful amplifier- a smartphone is too small for this.

Wires or Bluetooth?

Without a doubt, wires in headphones are annoying. Wireless technology seems to promise to improve the situation. It is important to know that Bluetooth audio Streams are not transmitted losslessly: they are compressed using SBC or aptX codecs, so in terms of sound quality, due to reduced dynamics and detail, such headphones do not reach the level of wired ones. For fans of pop and rock music, as a rule, this is not a problem, but listening to dynamic classics or jazz may interfere.

Wired headphones transmit sound analoguely from the amplifier output, so distortion digital signal and compression artifacts are negligible. In addition, they do not require batteries or rechargeable batteries.

Sound quality: Bluetooth tries to stay away from wires

The most important criterion for headphones is the playback quality. Depending on the style of music, each listener has his own individual preferences. Classical and jazz lovers should look for a model that allows you to distinguish all the sound and spatial nuances. For such genres, open wired headphones are best suited. If you like pulsating beats, pop, rock or hip-hop, choose closed systems with rich, warm sound.

Of the Bluetooth headphones, we were most impressed by the JBL Everest 300, which deliver differentiated, multi-faceted sound with bright and powerful highs and lows. JBL masterfully reproduces even classic works, such as Vivaldi's "The Four Seasons" as interpreted by Max Richter, with remarkable power for Bluetooth headphones. , and the test winner also made a good auditory impression.

Of the wired ones, the model transmits audio signals best of all. Beautifully balanced sound: these headphones reproduce individual instruments as accurately as possible and place them correctly in the surround sound picture. The same can be said about the more expensive Sony MDR-100AAP and our optimal choice.

Comfort: no pressure

The headphones should fit well. Ideally, you won’t feel it at all. Therefore, they must have soft ear pads on inside cups and headband padding. Very comfortable to wear, for example, lightweight ones. But not all headphones are suitable for every head shape. So, JBL Everest 300 can press unpleasantly if a person has a large head. For those who don't wear glasses, over-ear headphones are often recommended because they don't compress the ears. Those who wear glasses usually prefer over-the-eye glasses - they compress the temples of the glasses less. But to be sure, it’s better to try different options yourself.

Buttons on the cord or on the body allow you to control music or telephony functions. The highly sensitive touchpad on the earcup goes even further: as soon as you touch it lightly (for example, when changing position), some function is accidentally launched, and you have to listen for a long time to the noise from the touches, which reverberates in the earcups, and is very annoying.

Headphones without a headband: miniature “plugs” with maximum sound

If you listen to music on the way to work, you may find headband headphones too bulky. Then the solution would be headphones without a headband: in-ear headphones - small capsules that go into the ear canal and completely plug the ear. This provides good sound insulation. There are also in-ear headphones (aka “earbuds”), which are placed in the auricle. For sports, in-canal ones are preferable because they are held more securely. True, they can create a feeling of pressure.

Earbuds like Apple EarPods Not suitable for everyone: they can easily fall out if they are not inserted tightly into the auricle. Ideal option will become “plugs”, which are selected by hearing aid specialists according to the individual shape of the ear.

Bluetooth devices are unsurpassed in portability - they do not have a cord that gets tangled and gets in the way. The best representatives: and recently presented. Wireless earplugs, as a rule, also use Bluetooth, and this is their main problem: a person’s head greatly muffles the signal, which affects the sound.

Near Field Magnetic Induction (NFMI) technology, which is equipped, for example, in the Bragi The Headphone model, works better. However, during the first testing we often observed a disconnection. But what we liked: the sound control allows you to control the muting of environmental noise - this feature is integrated into the Smart Fitness system on the more expensive Bragi The Dash model. Tiny in-ear capsules are separately interfaced with the player. They are almost invisible in appearance, but nevertheless are equipped with a built-in microphone for phone calls. But such tiny equipment costs a lot - as much as 300 euros (about 20,000 rubles).

Equipment: not always good

For wired headphones, a detachable cable is desirable, as on the Noontech Hammo S: if damage is detected, it can be easily replaced. You can also connect longer cords or twisted cable. Most devices fold, making them easy to transport. But not all headphones come with a cover or case to protect them from dust and dirt.

To avoid having to remove your headphones every time the phone rings, most models have built-in microphones with control buttons. Of the Bluetooth headphones, only the model is deprived of these pleasures. provide a noise reduction function, which, however, only imposes constant background noise, which can interfere with listening to calm tracks, and cause headaches for sensitive people.

Portability: up to 26 hours of music playback

The tested wireless headphones can withstand an average of 24 hours of operation without recharging. In reality, they need to be plugged in every day. It manages the received energy best of all, working up to 26 hours without recharging. The battery charging time is also impressive – 90 minutes. The test winner, for example, needs an hour more time to fully charge the battery.

Leaders of our test

AKG Y50: perfect sound and ergonomics

With or without wire, Austrian manufacturer AKG knows what great headphones should be. makes a lasting impression, receiving the maximum number of points in almost all criteria. The device inspires respect with its very neat execution, first-class ergonomics and good packaging in the form of a soft case and adapter. As for the most important criterion - sound - the headphones reproduce excellent detailed, balanced sound, for which they receive a well-deserved hundred points. Moreover, the AKG Y50 is not the most expensive headphones in the test.

Pros: Best sound, excellent value for money, high ergonomics, excellent equipment

Cons: Despite the excellent scores, the treble could have been a little livelier

Marshall Major II: for harsh rockers and more

have impressive sound and the best ergonomics of all headphones tested. Thanks to the bright, but not annoying high frequencies, the sound is light. The headphones, which visually match perfectly with guitar amplifiers from the same manufacturer, are especially good at reproducing rock and pop music. Only too resonant low frequencies and, in comparison with the rest of the test participants, not very high volume prevented them from receiving more points. However, the headphones could also score points in terms of packaging: for example, there is no carrying case.

Pros: Impressive sound, very comfortable, stylish design, very good buy

Cons: Quite strong low frequencies, limited packaging, no carrying case

AKG Y50BT: Very balanced sound

During testing, the full-size headphones impressed with their balanced sound. Compared to its wired counterpart, it lacks a bit of openness and transparency - this is a minus of wireless technology. But when playing songs with pronounced mid frequencies, the headphones are distinguished by excellent voice reproduction. They sit firmly on the head without squeezing it, but 300 grams of weight are felt. The device is characterized by good configuration and battery endurance - the operating time without recharging is more than 26 hours. However, the battery takes a relatively long time to charge – as much as 2.5 hours.

Pros: Balanced sound, very good voice reproduction, good battery life

Cons: Quite bulky and heavy, poor quality sound reproduction compared to Y50

Marshall Major II BT: Punchy Sound Without Cables

Unlike their wired counterpart, they are more in the tradition of world-famous guitar amplifiers: the headphones produce rich sound, ideal for heavy riffs. The sound of the wireless version is characterized by a relative predominance of bass. Thanks to the fact that the headphones fit perfectly, you can enjoy music for hours – the battery life allows it. The British made a slight mistake with the packaging - for example, the delivery set does not include a carrying case. The box contained only the headphones and cable. But given the affordability, you can live with this.

Pros: High volume, fine treble, good battery life, very comfortable, good buy

Cons: You can hear the predominance of low frequencies in the sound; there are some shortcomings in the configuration

New Year's holidays are over. And this is an excellent reason to continue the glorious tradition of the AuDDiolab column - publishing the Top 10 selections of various Hi-Fi (and not so) components. Today the turn has finally come to what many readers keep asking questions about. Up to full-size headphones.

In our age of scientific and technological progress advancing by leaps and bounds, it is difficult to find things that have not undergone serious changes in recent years. However, in the audio kingdom, not everything is so simple. Of course, there are technical innovations. But not all of them are for the good! Many innovations are aimed at reducing the cost of the design and emitters. As a rule, this approach often inevitably leads to a partial loss of sound quality. Therefore, we, as real music lovers and audiophiles, will be moderately conservative. The race for new products is not our way. If conventionally old models sound objectively better than their “heirs,” then there is simply no place for the latter in our selection.

To begin with, dear reader, let's agree on the structure of our Top. Places 10 to 5 are reserved for solutions suitable for portable use. Their impedance, for obvious reasons, will be limited to 40 Ω. And the type of sound design will be predominantly closed. The remaining places from 4th to 1st will be allocated to headphones, whose specialty is stationary listening in a quiet environment. There will be no restrictions either on resistance or on the preferred type of design. Our selection will deliberately not include devices with a price tag below that coveted $60. If on-ear headphones start their journey from this point, then full-size headphones are destined for it. For the simple reason that it is simply impossible to find among them those that meet Hi-Fi standards. This is where the conventions end. Let's go!

10th place

I detail all the advantages of electrostatic technology over conventional dynamic drivers. In terms of accuracy of reproduction, detail and beauty of sound, nothing can compare with “electrostats”. However, as with the price tags for such solutions. This bundle costs a mind-blowing $1.5K! And we must take into account that in front of us is only high-quality modern Chinese brand. And not the legendary STAX. This is the sound level that only a few reach. Does this make practical sense? Here everyone decides for himself. But once you hear electrostatic headphones, you don’t want to switch back to “dynamics”. So, dear reader, be careful! :)

That's all for today. This week the Top discrete (embedded) sound cards will also be published. See you soon!

If you find an error, please highlight a piece of text and click Ctrl+Enter.

For a person who cannot imagine his life without music and listens to it every day, the main place is occupied by rich, high-quality sound, and only after that the convenience and duration of operation of a portable device that emits sounds. However, stores offer such a wide range of headphones different types and manufacturers, that without sufficient information about their correct choice, one can easily get confused. We will present a rating of the best and most suitable headphones for sound quality. But first, let’s provide information about which headphones are best to choose.

At first glance, it seems that choosing good headphones can be done without any problems. All you have to do is come to the store, listen to the song you like in the model you like, and if you like the sound, you can buy it. Those who think so are wrong. The process of choosing this portable device has its own nuances. When we choose a product for ourselves, we first of all pay attention to its design and description of the characteristics on the box. However, one would not have to be disappointed in the purchase acquired in this way. It is important to decide in what situations you need headphones to listen to music (at home, on the street, etc.).

When choosing headphones, stick to good and high-quality sound follows the following criteria:

To get acquainted with the rating, the best headphones will be presented according to the version of the Marka.guru portal, in the compilation of which reviews from experts and consumers were taken into account. It includes 15 models portable devices with different designs and good sound, allowing you to listen to any music.

Plug-in

1.XBA-A3

The list opens with the best in-ear headphones for music from Sony.

Manufacturers have achieved excellent sound thanks to the drivers in the plugs (1 dynamic and 2 reinforcement).

The kit includes 2 cables (with and without a microphone), several attachments, and a case.

Advantages:

• wonderful sound;
• high quality;
• comfortable fit.

Flaws:

• sound insulation is not the best;
• the cost is high - 15,990 rubles.

XBA-A3 prices:

2. Westone UM PRO10

Vacuum device with earplugs attached behind the ear for the tightest fit to the ear.

The armature driver provides excellent clarity and high detail.

The headphones have a dual-driver reinforcement design. Durability is achieved through hand assembly from high-strength materials. The kit includes many attachments, a detachable cable, a deep cleaning tool and a case.

Advantages:

• clear, refined sound;
• voices are well separated;
• do not fall out of the ears;
• wonderful design.

Flaws:

• little bass;
• the cost is a bit high - 10,500 rubles, but the quality justifies it.

Prices for Westone UM PRO10:

3. Philips Fidelio S2

They are part of the high-quality conceptual line of audio products manufactured by Philips Fidelio and are one of best headphones vacuum type. Emitters high power capable of conveying the exact sound of music.

The robust design of the device will ensure its durability.

And it comes with attachments of different sizes, a compact and very convenient case in which the plugs are stored.

Advantages:

• beautiful design;
• fit well in the ears;
• the wire does not get tangled;
• soft sound.

Flaws:

• a very delicate wire that quickly hardens in the cold;
• lack of low frequencies;
• the cost is high (8440 rubles).

Prices for Philips Fidelio S2:

4. Panasonic RP-HJE125

Owners of these earbuds will be pleased with their modest price, moderate high frequency, balanced midrange and good bass. The device has ear pads included.

If you don’t like the sound, then its quality can be improved by selecting other rubber bands or silicone.

Headphones are produced in different colors.

Advantages:

• good quality sound;
• L-shaped plug;
• different colors of devices;
• acceptable cost - 449 rubles.

Flaws:

• the cord is short;
• plastic becomes dull in the cold.

Prices for Panasonic RP-HJE125:

Earbuds

1. Sennheiser MX 170

Budget headphones, but decent quality. They have an advantage in high frequencies, but they also have bass, although it is better not to listen to the device at maximum volume, otherwise the bass will be blocked. But the design details have a weak link - there is practically no sound insulation, although ear pads are included in the kit. And a thin vulnerable cord.

Advantages:

• sound of acceptable quality;
• low cost (410 rubles).

Flaws:

• power restrictions;
• in the cold the cord becomes dull;
• There is no protection where the cord exits the housing.

Prices for Sennheiser MX 170:

Belong to the class of inexpensive and simple devices inserts. They are quite consistent with their price category, their sound is ordinary, low frequencies are enhanced, and the design is minimalist, not flashy. The curved body ensures comfortable holding in the ears, and the small width allows you to listen to music even when lying on your side.

The set includes ear pads, which improve the sound quality of low frequencies in the speakers.

Advantages:

• simplicity;
• comfortable shape;
• good high frequency, clean and fairly powerful bass;
• very low cost - 399 rubles.

Flaws:

• The cable is short.

Prices for:

3. Apple EarPods

Standard in-ear headphones equipped with a microphone. Connected using a wire.

This device came with different iPhone models included and is now fully compatible with them.

It has a stylish design, but consumers have conflicting opinions about the sound quality.

Advantages:

• high quality assembly;
• beautiful shape;
• ease of operation;
• reasonable price, varies in the range of 954-2390 rubles.

Flaws:

• easily soiled white color.

Apple EarPods prices:

Invoices

1. Sol Republic

A device in which the headband, cups and wires are completely independent of each other. If one of the components breaks down, it can be easily purchased and replaced. On the wire there is a microphone and a small remote control for adjusting the volume. With this headset you can listen musical compositions on any mobile device and even manage the menu.

The bass is dominant, but overall the sound is rich and bright.

Advantages:

• wonderful sound;
• The wire is easy to untangle;
• sit comfortably on the ears;
• pleasant to the touch material of the cups and headband.

Flaws:

• the edges of the remote control cling to clothing;
• the buttons are a bit stiff;
• the cost is rather high, varies in the range of 5702-10990 rubles.

Prices for Sol Republic:

2. Sennheiser PX 100-II

These headphones are ideal for everyday use. They have a folding design, steel hinges and a bow, which ensure long-term operation of the device.

The headphones are compact, lightweight, and if you fold them, you can put them in your eyeglass case.

One-sided cable fastening, its length is 120 cm. They have a stylish and at the same time not flashy appearance.

Advantages:

• balanced sound;
• compactness;
• fits comfortably on the head;
• excellent ratio of cost (2740 rubles) and quality.

Flaws:

• not very good sound insulation;
• The cord is flimsy.

Prices for Sennheiser PX 100-II:

3. Koss Porta Pro

The cult best on-ear headphones, which first appeared in 1984, and have been improved by manufacturers all this time.

They have an ergonomic design and original design. They fold and take on a round shape.

They will delight music lovers with excellent sound.

Advantages:

• high quality sound;
• weigh little;
• possibility of adjusting the speaker suspension angle;
• reasonable price, varies in the range of 2719-3765 rubles.

Flaws:

• poor sound insulation;
• The metal bars of the headband catch on your hair and pull it.

Prices for Koss Porta Pro:

4. SVEN AP-B350MV

Wireless headphones that provide excellent quality of reproduced tunes. Any music lover will appreciate them, as he will be able to enjoy both his favorite music and complete freedom of movement.

Built-in Bluetooth supports communication at a distance of 10 m with a tablet or smartphone, and the battery will last 10 hours without recharging.

The device can also operate from the audio cable included in the kit.

Advantages:

• easy to use;
• clear sound;
• low cost (1183 rubles).

Flaws:

• not identified.

Prices for SVEN AP-B350MV:

Full size

1. V-Moda Crossfade M-100

A device with great sound and a large number bass It is distinguished by an abundance of leather and a minimum of plastic in its design.

The headphones can be folded, resulting in a semicircular shape and compactness.

The cable is single-sided, so it connects to any cup. The leather ear pads are pleasant to the touch, sealed, and have good noise insulation. There is only one button on the remote control that allows you to answer a call or record a speech.

Advantages:

• "bass" sound;
• compactness;
• original design.

Flaws:

• fragility;
• high cost - 17886 rubles.

Prices for V-Moda Crossfade M-100:

2. Plantronics BackBeat Pro

Wireless full-size headphones designed for listening to music indoors. The device is universal in terms of operation and copes equally well with playing music and games. Produces excellent sound, dominated by rich deep bass, driving highs and smooth mids.

They can work day and night without a wire, and a wired connection is also possible.

Advantages:

• the sound is velvety and pleasant;
• unlimited functionality;
• fit comfortably on the ears.

Flaws:

• quite massive;
• expensive (13,990 rubles).

Prices for Plantronics BackBeat Pro:

3. Sennheiser HD 215 II

A device with excellent sound and a number of other useful functions.

One of the best of its kind, ideal for listening at home.

It has a minimalist design; the elegance of the headphones was not in the first place when created. These headphones will last for a long time, sit comfortably on the head. Good for DJs.

Advantages:

• excellent detailed sound;
• the wire is removed;
• good sound insulation;
• acceptable cost - 4490 rubles.

Flaws:

• dimensions.

Prices for Sennheiser HD 215 II:

4. Sony MDR-XB950AP

They sound great and look original. The body is mostly plastic, with metal inserts.

Equipped with a movable mechanism, which, if necessary, will allow you to expand the headband.

The cups completely cover the ears, but the ears do not fall inside them. The cups themselves move smoothly, adapting to the head. The button will answer the call. But you can’t adjust the music volume with a button.

Advantages:

• high-quality construction;
• sit comfortably on the head;
• the wire is strong;
• acceptable cost - 4328 rubles.

Flaws:

• The wire becomes dull in the cold.

Prices for Sony MDR-XB950AP:

We have reviewed the Top 15 best in-ear, in-ear, on-ear and over-ear headphones. This information will help people who decide to buy this device for themselves to choose it correctly.