The Ifa in Berlin begins with a small disappointment: Sony has presented no successor to its noise-canceling headphones WH-1000XM3. These were among the highlights of the show last year and have since come top in virtually all comparative tests of Bluetooth headphones with active noise cancellation. A good thing, after all, has the non-existence of an XM4: The model of 2018, which cost around 380 euros at launch, is now around 100 euros cheaper to get. Who puts emphasis on a strong noise canceling and a bass-heavy, powerful sound, is thus still well served.
But the competition is catching up, as we can tell from the headphones released in the past months and now at the Ifa 2019.
We tested Bose's top models in the category of over-ear wireless headphones, namely the Noise Canceling Headphones 700 and the still popular Quiet Comfort 35 II from 2017, as well as the brand new Sennheiser Momentum 3 ..., the Master & Dynamic MW65 and the Beyerdynamic Lagoon ... ANC.
Angry
Matthias Kremp / SPIEGEL ONLINE
Bose 700
Even the decision between the two Bose headphones is difficult. For the new 700er speaks primarily the much more punchy and in the heights more differentiated sound, on the other hand sounds the two-year-old QC 35 II pretty lukewarm. "Neutral," some might say, but if that results in deliberately neutralizing deliberately nastier notes in a song, that's not the point.
Price query time:
03.09.2019, 09:43 clock
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DISPLAY
Bose headphones 700, silver
Price:
EUR 399,00
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Product information is purely editorial and independent. The so-called affiliate links above, we usually receive a commission from the dealer when buying. More information here.
Operating the 700's via touch elements on the earcup is more modern than the physical buttons of the older model QC 35 II. This applies to the overall design, but that may not be a crucial criterion for everyone.
The apps of the two Bose headphones are of little help. The 700's even requires online registration, which would actually be unnecessary. Neither app has an equalizer to customize the sound.
Price query time:
17.07.2019, 12:48 clock
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DISPLAY
Bose QuietComfort 35 Wireless Headphones II (with Amazon Alexa), black
Price:
EUR 299.99
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Product information is purely editorial and independent. The so-called affiliate links above, we usually receive a commission from the dealer when buying. More information here.
For the QC 35 II speaks that he is in terms of battery life (up to 20 hours) and noise canceling - for example, on the train - virtually equivalent. He is also unparalleled comfort and can be stowed space saving by the retractable ear. So the big question is whether you're willing to pay about 140 euros more for the better sound quality of the 700s. Because the new model costs around 400 euros, the QC 35 II is sometimes to get in the online trade for 260.
advantages and disadvantages
Bose 700
Price: 400 euros
Balanced sound
Very good noise canceling
Modern operation even when telephoning
Comparatively expensive
advantages and disadvantages
Bose QC35 II
Price: 260 - 300 euros
Light and comfortable
Very good noise canceling
Cheap
Rather weak-breasted sound
A bit old-fashioned design
Sennheiser Momentum 3
Matthias Kremp / SPIEGEL ONLINE
Sennheiser Momentum 3
The recently introduced Momentum 3 on the Ifa is very noble, brushed aluminum and soft leather make it look as expensive as it is - namely also 400 euros. Original: Instead of adjusting the length of the headband to change, you push the suspended in slightly movable ball joints earpieces on the temples up and down. The result is that the Momentum 3 fits snugly against the head. Like a good leather jacket, the leather is likely to get a scuffed shiny patina over time.
The Sennheiser is currently equipped with a USB-C socket for charging the battery. You can also connect your smartphone or tablet digitally via the same socket. Of course, an analog headphone jack is installed. The fits well with the controls, because sensor surfaces of the Sennheiser has not. Instead, the volume or noise canceling mode is controlled by a series of switches. He does not have a power button either: as soon as you open it, it goes on; if you take it off, pause the music or the movie; If you fold it together, it goes out.
As far as the sound quality is concerned, at least in our test, we heard nothing better than the Momentum 3. Although it can get quite loud and put a lot of pressure on it, its sound never seems to be hard or limitless. Instead, basses are played very smoothly, while the trebles seem clear and transparent right up to the top.
The noise suppression made at least on train rides a good impression and did what it should. On a flight we could not try it yet. At best, it is a negative note that it is not possible to adjust the different modes of noise suppression on the headphones themselves - this requires Sennheiser's Smart Control App.
advantages and disadvantages
Sennheiser Momentum 3
Price: 399 euros
Very balanced warm sound
Very comfortable to wear
Very good workmanship
ANC modes only available via app
Expensive
Master & Dynamics
Matthias Kremp / SPIEGEL ONLINE
Master & Dynamics MW65
At just under 500 euros, the MW65 from Master & Dynamics, which has been available for several months, is at the upper end of the price scale. Instead, you get leather and metal instead of plastic, up to 24 hours of battery life, physical buttons instead of touch surfaces, an appealing design and, above all, a punchy but balanced and detailed sound. That is the strength of the MW65, it is better the previous impression after all at Sennheiser. Disappointing, however, is the noise suppression. Anyone who uses NC headphones to just relax, without listening to music or a podcast, should look for a different model. The noise canceling of Sony and Bose is clearly superior.
Price query time:
03.09.2019, 09:45 clock
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DISPLAY
Master & Dynamic MW65 ANC Wireless Over-Ear Headphones (Bluetooth 4.2 with AptX Support, Active Noise Canceling, 24 Hour Battery Life, Fast Charge, Google Assistant), Brown / Silver
Price:
EUR 498,00
Buy at Amazon
Product information is purely editorial and independent. The so-called affiliate links above, we usually receive a commission from the dealer when buying. More information here.
In addition, the MW65 could be too uncomfortable for some wearers. If you have bigger ears or are wearing glasses, you should definitely try them first, because the ear cups are comparatively small.
advantages and disadvantages
Master and Dynamic MW65
Price: 490 euros
Powerful sound
High quality materials
Weak Noice Canceling
Expensive
Beyerdynamic Lagoon ANC
Matthias Kremp / SPIEGEL ONLINE
Beyerdynamic Lagoon ANC
The Lagoon ANC can not see its high price of 400 euros, it dominates plastic. After all: The headband and the ear cups are padded with extremely soft leather. Nevertheless, it does not nestle as close to the head as some other model.
The control is done with a mix of physical buttons on the right and sensor surfaces on the left auricle. So you can regulate the strength of the noise reduction via a three-level switch, the volume but by finger wiping. The concept is clear and easy to learn. A nice, but superfluous gimmick: The inside of the ear cups are fitted with LEDs that show different functions in different colors. Of course, you do not have much of that if you wear them on your head.
Price query time:
03.09.2019, 09:46 clock
No guarantee
DISPLAY
beyerdynamic Lagoon ANC Traveler Bluetooth® headset with ANC and sound personalization (black)
Price:
EUR 399,00
Buy at Amazon
Product information is purely editorial and independent. The so-called affiliate links above, we usually receive a commission from the dealer when buying. More information here.
The noise cancellation works effectively and can be controlled in two stages. At level 2, you're really on your own, barely getting any of the outside world. In noisy trains or planes that fits well. Level 1 is more suitable for the office, or if you want to hear, for example, the announcements in the train still.
The associated Beyerdynamic app offers as an interesting extra an integrated hearing test. Based on this, the software calculates a personalized hearing profile that adapts the sound shaping of the headphones to the user's hearing. The difference is not huge, but at least noticeable.
Anyway, the sound is very balanced and rather neutral. Everything is there, music is played in great detail, but the Lagoon ANC does not have something of its own sound. The sound is really great, with clear mids, silvery highs and powerful bass, it just does not have its own character.
advantages and disadvantages
Beyerdynamic Lagoon ANC
Price: 399 euros
Customizable sound
Good transparent sound
Intuitive control
Expensive
Conclusion
It is difficult to name a clear winner. Too much depends on the fit for each head, the personal preference for design, a particular sound or the most effective noise canceling possible. If you have the opportunity, you should set up and listen to different models on a trial basis. But if you have a budget of 250 to 500 euros available, should find a model that meets his needs.
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