They are the best-selling connected objects in the world, far ahead of watches, bracelets and other voice-controlled speakers.
Like last year, wireless and in-ear headphones, which specialists also call True Wireless, will be the stars of multimedia Christmas gifts.
Here is a selection of the best high-end products of the moment, all aligning very good performances but each cultivating a particularity that makes the difference according to the desires, needs and means of those wishing to put them under the tree.
JVC's HA-A10Ts: well nested in the ears
These headphones are available in 4 colors.
LP / Damien Licata
Not all ears have the same shape and standard headphones sometimes do not fit well in the ear canal despite the adapter tips.
With the HA-A10T at 70 euros, the Japanese JVC solved part of the problem with two shape memory tips.
The foam of these “beans” adapts to the interior of the pavilion, in the space called the conch, for optimal support but also good passive insulation.
They also have a decent battery life and a rather respectable level of audio quality for this price range.
Perfect for those who want to turn to a brand recognized for its expertise in audio without spending hundreds of dollars.
Jabra Elite 75t: balanced and upgradeable
The Elite Active 75t, the variation for athletes.
LP / DL
Released in the fall of 2019, the Jabra Elite 75t (130 euros) charmed our eardrums with their balanced sound in all styles and foolproof reliability.
The only downside at the time: the lack of active noise reduction that fitted most competitors at this price.
By releasing the next model, the convincing Elite 85t, the Danish manufacturer has not forgotten its first fans.
No need to pay more, a simple software update brings the option of noise reduction to the Elite 75t but also to their sporty version, the Elite Active 75t.
A welcome gesture against obsolescence.
Jaybird Vista: for discerning athletes
Vista won't make you an athlete, but they will motivate you.
LP / DL
Designed for athletes who follow a series of races, the Vista de Jaybird (179 euros) seduces above all by their maintenance during repeated efforts and acceleration.
You can go for your jog without fear of losing one on the way.
The ear controls are sensitive enough to no longer need to take out your smartphone while running.
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Discreet and with a rich sound signature, these in-ear headphones are obviously resistant to sweat or rain (IPX7 certified).
No active noise reduction, not essential when running in the forest or in the urban jungle, but effective passive insulation.
Little more, the charging case has a practical cord to attach the case to a belt and not lose it.
The Enco X from Oppo: small but hi-fi
The design of these headphones evokes that of the Apple brand.
DR
When a Chinese manufacturer of smartphones allies with a Danish expert in professional hi-fi… it gives birth to the Enco X from Oppo (179 euros).
Ultralight, these headphones benefit from Dynaudio's technology which has miniaturized its innovations which equip large recording studios or high-end sedans.
The bass does not crush the mids and the voices are well transcribed on walks or French song.
The acoustic impression charms the ears with a rich sound that covers both rock'n'roll and hip-hop.
Noise reduction would benefit from being more efficient, but at least it does not isolate too much from the outside world.
Huawei's FreeBuds pro: a fake AirPods look
Your FreeBuds will work even better with a Huawei phone.
LP / DL
Difficult to hide from it.
These FreeBuds Pro, manufactured by the Chinese Huawei, directly mimic the "cotton swabs" design of Apple's AirPods.
However, they are not just a pale copy, and their price, 150 euros, or 130 euros less than their Californian competitors, is not synonymous with degraded quality.
The sound is fair, the active noise reduction is effective and, if used with a Huawei brand smartphone, the application that controls them is very complete to configure them as accurately as possible according to your sound preferences.
Soundcore's Anker Liberty Air 2: ultra-customizable
For less than 100 euros, these True Wireless do the job very well.
LP / DL
They also have an air of AirPods but the Anker Soundcore Liberty Air 2 (90 euros), which does not offer an active noise reduction system, rely on extreme personalization of the musical experience.
The application that accompanies them offers a rich palette of settings and a unique system, called HearID, which allows you to adjust the sound and frequencies that you perceive according to your age.
Also available, a battery of sound presets, in the form of equalizers, designed by internationally renowned music producers.
Another significant advantage, these Soundcores are among the cheapest of this selection.
The Technics AZ70: like a sound bubble
These headphones provide a premium sound experience.
Technics.com
Those who seek to isolate themselves as much as possible from outside noise and want to enjoy their music to the full can count on the Technics AZ70 (280 euros).
The noise canceling software on these super high end headphones is the best we've been able to test.
So efficient, when we set it to full capacity, that it allowed us to hear almost nothing or almost nothing of the rolling noises of an RER and a metro train!
A real treat for public transport users who want to curl up in a sound bubble, but obviously not recommended for cyclists or scooters.
The technology used is also found in other headphones, the S500 from Panasonic, a sister brand of Technics.
The latter are cheaper (180 euros) but of lower quality, their manufacture using more plastics.
