2024-10-18 12:37:00
When it comes to in-ear headphones, one design has clearly established itself: earplugs that have a soft plastic attachment, called an ear tip or earplug, that closes the ear canal like a plug. Since the ear canal varies from person to person, in-ear ear cushions are generally available in different sizes. With the ear canal sealed, you can fully concentrate on the music. Until now, this type of fastening was also the prerequisite for electronic background noise suppression with anti-noise to further isolate the surrounding environment. Microphones record noises all around, the electronics quickly calculate a signal that is 180 degrees out of phase, which cancels out the disturbing sound.
However, many people have the disadvantage of closing the ear canal as completely as possible with a soft plastic accessory: they wear earphones all day, the ear canal is now sealed and this interrupts the natural self-cleaning of the interior. ear. The result can be inflammation, fungal infections and allergies. The Professional Association of Ear, Nose and Throat Doctors confirms that such diseases caused by earphones are becoming a growing problem.
Best sound on Pro models
If you don’t want to seal the ear canal, use earphones without a plastic attachment. However, the active noise cancellation hasn’t worked so far. We have now tested two devices that do without the accessory and still offer noise cancellation: Apple’s Airpods 4 are available in the basic version without noise cancellation for 150 euros and the one we tested with noise cancellation for 200 euros. Samsung also launches the Galaxy Buds 3 for 180 euros without rubber.
Both devices have one thing in common: they are the little brothers of their respective flagship devices. From Apple these are the Airpods Pro, from Samsung the Buds 3 Pro. If you are looking for the best possible sound and don’t care about ear cushions, you should choose the more expensive Pro models. What they have in common is attention to their respective ecosystem. Airpods 4 are the easiest to pair with an iPhone and support interaction with the Siri assistant. Just shake or nod your head to decline or accept a call. The Buds 3 allow differentiated sound adjustments only in combination with an Android smartphone and AI functions such as interpreter only with a Samsung device.
The differences in dimensions are then noticeable: the charging stand of the Airpods 4 is significantly smaller and thinner than that of the Buds 3, and weighs only 35 versus 47 grams. The Buds 3’s battery lasts a little longer, about six instead of four and a half hours. The respective charging box can be charged inductively via cable or via the Qi standard.
No option for jogging
Both headphones fit into our ears rather loosely and lightly; you immediately notice the lack of silicone sealing attachments. The Buds 3 had the most stable seat, but we wouldn’t use them for jogging either. In the first listening test the candidates surprised with a very good sound in terms of rock and pop. In reality there is nothing left to be desired. In a direct comparison, the Airpods 4 conjure up a significantly larger stage and the display is more differentiated. With the Buds 3 you sometimes feel like a listener on the edge of the action.
In the next attempt noise cancellation was added. With the Buds 3 it can be on or off. The Airpods 4 not only offer this option, but also conversation recognition. If you’re talking to someone, noise cancellation turns off and turns back on automatically when the conversation ends. Both earbuds are not as powerful in terms of noise cancellation as mentioned in the Pro models, no doubt. When it comes to loud, sudden noises or noise in an open-plan office, they are only a second choice. However, the Airpods 4 filter out uniform noise surprisingly well, such as that of a plane or a moving car. The Buds 3 were far behind in this test. Overall, however, both earplugs are recommended. They offer great sound, leave enough air in your ears and you almost forget you’re wearing them.
#Apple #Airpods #Samsung #Galaxy #Buds