Bluetooth Headphone Review: Budget Models Rivaling Premium Brands

Frequency Response Difference Between Two Headphones

6 Samples Performed Excellently

For stereo headphones, the ideal state is for the sound of the left and right headphones to be consistent, creating a pleasant listening experience. This test referred to GB/T 14471-2013 Section 5.4.10, testing the frequency response difference between the two ear cups of the headphones (not exceeding 3dB). The results showed that the response difference of all 20 samples was less than 3dB, with 6 samples having a response difference of less than 1dB, which performed excellently.

Environmental Adaptability

2 Samples Failed Low-Temperature Duration Test

For various usage environments of Bluetooth headphones in real life, this comparative test conducted tests on the working and storage conditions of 20 Bluetooth headphones. The samples were tested under high-temperature working conditions (harsh level set at 40°C for 2 hours, with the headphones continuously playing during the test, and a harsh level set at 50°C for 2 hours, with the headphones not working during the test), constant humidity and heat working conditions (harsh level set at temperature: 40°C±2°C, relative humidity: 93%±3%; for 2 hours, with the headphones continuously playing during the test, and a harsh level set at temperature: 40°C±2°C, relative humidity: 93%±3%; for 2 hours, with the headphones not working during the test), and low-temperature storage conditions (harsh level set at -15°C for 2 hours, with the headphones not working during the test, and a harsh level set at -10°C for 2 hours, with the headphones continuously playing during the test). The test results in 6 different environments showed that 18 Bluetooth headphones were still able to play normally after all tests were completed; 2 Bluetooth headphones disconnected when tested at low temperatures (-10°C) close to the set duration.

According to reports, due to the inherent characteristics of lithium batteries, product performance will decline in low-temperature environments. In this low-temperature working test, the sample branded as APPLE AirPods 2 (sample packaging name: AirPods) had a built-in lithium battery with a nominal capacity of 25mAh, and the working duration in a low-temperature environment was 1.40 hours; the sample branded as SANSUI true wireless noise-canceling Bluetooth headphones had a built-in lithium battery with a capacity of 45mAh, and the working duration in a low-temperature environment was 1.51 hours.

Maximum Sound Pressure Level

All Within Reference Standard Requirements

Excessively high sound pressure levels can harm hearing, and the severity of hearing loss depends on the level of audible sound (sound pressure level). According to the IEC62368-1:2014 standard (warning required when sound pressure level exceeds 100dB), this test followed the EN 50332-1:2013 and EN 50332-2:2013 methods for testing 20 samples. The results showed that all samples had sound pressure levels not exceeding 100dB. The lowest maximum sound pressure level test values were (Headphone L: 72.0, Headphone R: 71.6) for the sample branded as Jabra “ELITE 85t”.

Comfort of Use

Subjective Evaluation Generally Good

This subjective evaluation of comfort includes wearing comfort, listening comfort, comfort while moving, and long-distance Bluetooth transmission performance.

Volunteers were recruited to evaluate this testing project, and the specific testing method simulated actual consumer use for scoring. The results showed that all 20 samples could be used normally in unobstructed spaces over 15 meters.

1. Whether online or offline, always choose to purchase from official or brand-authorized legitimate channels or stores.

2. Carefully review the product specifications and instructions, paying attention to the usage environment mentioned in the manual. Most Bluetooth headphones use lithium batteries, and the performance of lithium batteries significantly declines in low-temperature environments. If you need to use them outdoors in winter for a long time (below zero), try to choose headphones that match your actual usage environment to avoid poor lithium battery performance due to climatic factors affecting usage time. Consumers who need to use Bluetooth headphones for extended periods can choose products with larger battery capacities or those capable of fast charging.

3. Do not get lost in aesthetics at the expense of comfort. Only comfortable Bluetooth headphones will not burden the ears and will be easier to use.

4. Except for the EU, most countries in the world currently do not have mandatory requirements for the electromagnetic compatibility and anti-jamming performance of Bluetooth headphones. In practical use, if the electromagnetic compatibility and anti-jamming performance are poor, especially for electrostatic discharge immunity, it will greatly reduce the user experience or easily lead to failure. Therefore, it is recommended to purchase certified products from well-known brands.

5. Regular Bluetooth headphone manufacturers pay great attention to product craftsmanship and details, so when purchasing, pay attention to whether the product appearance is rough and whether the seams and transitions are handled meticulously.

6. If conditions permit, try on the Bluetooth headphones for listening. Choose products that are quiet, sound moderate, and comfortable to wear.