Apple's new 3rd generation AirPods offer good performance but their price, 199 euros, remains high.
At this price, competing brands offer 100% in-wire headphones that offer more features, such as an active noise reduction system.
20 Minutes tested five, signed Sennheiser, Sony, Samsung, Marshall and Jabra.
Sold for 199 euros, the new AirPods (3rd generation) from Apple are not alone in the world.
Many manufacturers offer 100% wireless headphones in the same price range that can compete with them.
Ergonomics, performance, listening quality, battery life…
20 Minutes
tested models from Sennheiser, Sony, Samsung, Marshall or Jabra, some of which (spoiler alert!) Sometimes do better at the same price.
Good sound at a low price: Sennheiser CX Plus True Wireless
Although a little thick (and therefore quite visible in the ears), these in-ear headphones with active noise reduction stand out for their excellent quality / price ratio.
Despite some small flaws (perfectible touch controls, the absence of induction charging), the CX Plus True Wireless supports the APTX and APTX Adaptive codecs.
These offer better bitrate than the AAC and SBC codecs of the new AirPods.
Hence more precise listening, especially in the treble.
What's more, the Sennheiser Smart Control app has a very precise equalizer that allows you to really customize the listening.
They are also 40 euros cheaper.
Autonomy: up to 8 hours.
Resistance: IPX4 standard (splashes, sweat).
159 euros.
The current bargain: WF-1000XM3 from Sony
While the new WF-1000XM4 headphones from Sony have just been released, the model that preceded them has seen its price drop considerably.
Yesterday at 249 euros, here it is at 169 euros!
But this is not the only argument of Sony's WF-1000XM3.
These in-ear headphones feature one of the best active noise canceling systems out there.
Supported by Sony's Headphones Connect application, you can personalize listening with a lot of finesse, two arguments that the new AirPods do not have.
Downside: these headphones are a bit massive and the quality of the voice capture in the hands-free kit leaves a little to be desired.
Battery life: up to 6.5 hours.
Resistance: none.
169 euros.
Samsung addicts' choice: Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro
Pretty eye-catching with their glossy finish, Samsung's Galaxy Buds Pro offer an active noise reduction system as well as a Transparency mode.
The latter makes it possible to hear the surrounding noises while listening to its music, which is safe for urban use.
Optimized for use with Samsung Galaxy smartphones, these headphones are only compatible with Bixby, Samsung's personal assistant.
Too bad for making voice calls if you have a classic Android smartphone or an iPhone.
Remains a very real audio quality, with a strong dynamic and a dominant full of bass.
Autonomy: up to 7 hours.
Resistance: IPX7 standard (immersion).
179 euros.
The rock and not fake alternative: ANC motif, by Marshall
For the price of a pair of 3rd gen AirPods, Marshall flaunts their Motif ANC headphones.
Equipped with a small rod with a textured coating that allows a good grip and avoid accidentally activating the touch controls, they seduce with their rock look, an aesthetic declined to envy on its products by the manufacturer. 'stage amplifiers.
Can be dosed in the Marshall Bluetooth application, their noise reduction is rather very effective in transport where we tested it.
An equalizer allows you to personalize the sound with different presets (rock, spoken, pop, hip-hop ...), but also to apply your own settings, thus providing a complete sound experience.
Autonomy: up to 6 hours.
Resistance: IPX5 standard (rain, sweat).
199 euros.
Quiet competition: Jabra Elite 7 Pro
High-end model in the family of Jabra branded headphones, the Elite 7 Pro intras headphones, sold at the same price as the new AirPods, are distinguished by a customizable active noise reduction system.
The Danish manufacturer's HearThrough process, equivalent to the Transparency mode on other headphones, thus makes it possible to remain aware of ambient noises while listening, which is very useful in the street.
Broadcasting a well-balanced, dynamic and strong bass sound (but can be personalized with an application), the Elite 7 Pro also take care of their hands-free kit function.
For this, they use in particular the principle of bone conduction, practical in noisy environments to favor the capture of the voice.
Autonomy: up to 8 hours.
Resistance: IP57 standard (dust, sweat, water, rain.)
199 euros.
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