Guide
Headphone buying guide: How to find the audio companion for your ears
by Jan Johannsen
Tips from our editors: these true wireless headphones are a joy
10.12.2021
Translation: Jessica Johnson-Ferguson
What to gift? It’s the same question every year. We want to help as experts on the editorial team and are sharing some very personal tips.
True wireless headphones are small, handy, completely wireless earbuds that allow you to take your music with you pretty much anywhere you go. As an editor for all things audio, I know all too well how many disappointing headphones are out there. Thankfully, there are some gems, too. Here come my gift ideas for all budgets.
Inexpensive and do the trick
True wireless headphones needn’t cost an arm and a leg. Even the more affordable models are pretty good at what they do. One of the three models below is sure to make a great gift to put under the Christmas tree. The headphone models by Xiaomi and Huawei are tried and tested and won’t break the bank. There’s also JLab, a brand most famous for its audio products in its native country, the USA.
Good and affordable
The most amazing true wireless headphones
If you want to gift the creme de la creme, I recommend going for one of the models below. The Jabra model performed well in numerous tests. The Sony model is more than just a pretty design. It also impresses with its features. Personally, I really enjoyed the sound quality. Although the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds are pricey, their active noise cancelling is terrific. This makes them a perfect gift for commuters who wish to block out chatty pensioners or screaming kids.
If it’s outstanding sound quality you want to put under the tree, I recommend the Momentum True Wireless 2 by Sennheiser. This model outshines all other wireless headphones. They can handle almost all music genres, are nicely balanced and comfortable to wear.
Last but not least: ideas for Apple fans
If the person you want to get a gift for is already part of the Apple universe, the AirPods Pro are the way to go. They connect to any iPhone in record time, are comfortable, deliver solid sound and have a nice design.
My colleagues in the editorial team have also shared their tips for Christmas gift giving. Find an overview here:
Illustration cover: Clémence Censi; Photo: Thomas Kunz
Testing devices and gadgets is my thing. Some experiments lead to interesting insights, others to demolished phones. I’m hooked on series and can’t imagine life without Netflix. In summer, you’ll find me soaking up the sun by the lake or at a music festival.
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