Headphones or headphones, which is better to choose?

• Appeared at the end of 2016 with Apple's AirPods, True Wireless (or 100% wireless) headphones are transforming the audio market.

• In front of them, headband helmets resist.

• Lightness and freedom of movement for the former;

  comfort and better listening quality for the latter are the main criteria to take into account when equipping.

Dilemma.

Should you afford a headband headset or True Wireless headphones if you want to equip yourself with a nomadic audio solution?

The question is far from trivial at a time when the new AirPods are blooming and their countless variations on the ears.

So what are the right questions to ask yourself before you equip yourself? 

has called together some experts and gives you some leads so as not to go wrong.

The best-selling headphones

Appeared at the end of 2016 with the first Apple AirPods, True Wireless headphones (or 100% wireless) allow, thanks to Bluetooth, to dispense with any cable to listen to music, play or watch videos with your smartphone.

What's more, they are light, discreet and offer complete freedom of movement.

There are two types: the so

called "

 "

models 

which are placed at the entrance of the ears and the in-ear models which are inserted there with silicone tips.

“We are seeing a surge in sales of True Wireless headphones.

It is this type of product that represents the bulk of the audio market.

Since the start of the year, 3.5 million have been sold in France, compared to 2.3 million headsets, ”notes Jean-Denis Favier, audio and video product manager at Sony.

Headphones for total mobility

"For intensive use in a very large environment, at home, or in transport, True Wireless headphones are now fully legitimate", explains Olivier Abraham, product specialist at Yamaha.

If they are resistant to sweat (which is not the case with all models), their use for sport is also particularly appreciated.

Yesterday of a sometimes perfectible operation, their technology has progressed.

"And the quality of their loudspeakers has changed a lot, even with ultra-reduced volumes, they can go down into the bass", adds Olivier Abraham.

“At the beginning, there were problems with connection, autonomy, sound quality which was not always present compared to headband headphones.

From now on, there are ultra-competitive headphones, ”confirms Jean-Denis Favier at Sony.

Sony, whose WF-1000XM4 is establishing itself as the new benchmark in terms of quality among the dozens of 100% wireless headphones on the market.

And with the active noise reduction system that some models carry, headphones can compete with many headphones.

So, no more headband helmets?

Low-cost or hi-fi products

No, because wired headsets remain inexpensive calling products, at less than 50 euros.

Or, another extreme, they keep their hifiist vocation with users who do not want Bluetooth and compressed sound and who are ready to invest up to several hundred euros for headphones with irreproachable musicality.

“For them, no negotiation possible with wireless!

», Notes Jean-Denis Favier at Sony.

For everyday travel, Bluetooth headsets will be preferred by consumers.

There are two types: 

(their pads rest on the ears) or

(they include them).

The latter offer better passive physical isolation but are also more bulky.

Some models also offer an active noise reduction system, handy for long plane trips where simple headphones, less comfortable, will eventually become annoying.

The size of their speakers (40mm, compared to 3 to 6mm in diameter for True Wireless headphones) also allows them to enjoy much richer and more detailed sound.

And better immersion for

.

"We will have a more open feeling in terms of broadcasting with a sound that is more like audiophile sound," adds Olivier Abraham at Yamaha.

Complementary products

On arrival, it is therefore really the conditions of use, ergonomics and size that will direct the consumer to True Wireless headphones or headset headphones.

"These are two complementary markets and headphones will continue, especially for high-end models, with maximum insulation", specifies Jean-Yves Fabre Darcourt, CEO of TP Vision France, who has just launched his top-of-the-range headset. Fidelio L3 range.

For work and telecommuting, the two options can be considered: more comfort over a long time with a headband headset, but more freedom with True Wireless headphones which will not be ridiculous for a ride to the machine. Coffee !

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