Roskachestvo together with international consumer testing institutes have updated the rating of headphones, which now includes 161 models. Airpods 3rd generation Airpods and wireless headphones from JBL, Honor, Sony and other brands have been studied – 14 new models in all.
Headphones with high sound quality
The 3rd generation Airpods have interchangeable earpieces, as well as IPX4 water and dust protection. Another “feature” that was missing from the 2019 Airpods model, but was in the Pro version, is spatial audio. With its help the headphones can simulate the surround sound as in the cinema. True, this feature can only be used by users of the Apple ecosystem. Also, the 3rd generation Airpods now support MagSafe wireless charging.
However, the Airpods 3 still does not have active noise cancellation available only on Airpods Pro , although most inexpensive headphones compatible with Android devices such an option has long been successfully introduced although its quality is still far from perfect .
At the same time, Roskachestvo experts, comparing the Airpods 3 and Pro models, note that the 3rd generation headphones have very smooth bass and midrange frequencies – no dips, bass without excess, and when listening to audiobooks – clear speech. The sound quality score of Airpods 3 is the highest of all the headphones tested – 4.8 points. Sony WH-1000XM, Bose SoundSport iOS and AirPods Pro can boast of similar sound quality.
Nevertheless, the test results suggest that owners of Airpods Pro are unlikely to upgrade to the Airpods 3rd generation: they have approximately the same sound quality, but the Pro version has an excellent “noise reduction”. However, owners of the 1st generation Airpods and those who are just choosing headphones for Apple gadgets may well opt for the Airpods 3.
Marina Borovkova, head of international research department of Roskachestvo:
“Most users have a preference for in-ear models of headphones. High-quality plug-in models can compete with headphones in other form factors, and even lead the rankings: the 3rd generation Airpods were the best headphones of 2021, and Airpods Pro hold the top spot in the overall ranking.”.
Expensive noise reduction
More and more wireless headphones are equipped with active noise cancellation. But the quality performance of the “noisemaker” will largely be proportional to the price of the device. From the inexpensive headphones worth up to 10 thousand Dollars, high results do not wait.
For example, Beoplay EQ for 37 000 Dollars has one of the highest marks for noise suppression true, this function is effective for frequencies up to 600 Hz, in the middle and high frequencies – overlapping noise reduces effectiveness . But to offer something exclusive, which cheaper competitors do not have, this model of headphones can not. Noise cancellation would be a good advantage, if it were not for the weak connectivity the headphones periodically disconnected from both the smartphone and the application in the smartphone and not the best fit in the ears.
Those who use Android gadgets can take a closer look at Honor Earbuds 2 Lite or JBL Tune. These headphones will be your best value for your money. They are also suitable for those who want headphones with active noise cancelling.
A total rating of 161 pairs of wireless and wired headphones is available at >
Which specific headphones did the experts mention as having the clearest sound quality?
Which specific headphones have the experts deemed to possess the clearest sound quality?
There isn’t a specific headphone that experts universally deem to possess the clearest sound quality. However, some highly regarded models known for their impeccable audio reproduction include the Sennheiser HD800, Audeze LCD-4, and Focal Utopia. It ultimately depends on personal preference and the specific audio characteristics one appreciates in headphones.