Haptics, sound, operation: These over-ear headphones offer the perfect overall package

Music, podcasts, radio plays – many people these days can't leave the house without headphones. But which ones are truly impressive for their price, and does good always mean expensive? We're reviewing five over-ear models, from affordable to expensive.

Stream your favorite songs on the go, quickly catch up on the day's news – thanks to a smartphone and the right headphones, this is possible anytime, anywhere. But which ones really deliver the best sound? The ntv/RTL test editors put five models, ranging in price from €80 to €379 (RRP), to the test.

This is how it was tested

All headphones undergo the same testing procedure. The first step is to assess the feel and build quality, followed by a Bluetooth compatibility check. What features do the models offer and how easy they are to use? The practical test then shows how the sound quality performs in various everyday situations and how reliably the noise cancellation works.

• JBL Tune 760 for 129.99 euros (RRP)
• EarFun Wave Pro for 79.99 euros (RRP)
• Anker Soundcore Q30 for 79.59 euros (RRP)
• Bose QuietComfort SC for 289.95 euros (RRP)
• Sony WH-1000XM4 for 379 euros (RRP)

The test winner

The Bose QuietComfort headphones make a high-quality impression, and the Bluetooth connection works seamlessly. They can even be connected to two devices simultaneously, with volume, play/pause, and switching between ANC and transparency mode all controlled via different buttons on the ears. Another plus: the music or podcast pauses briefly when switching.

The sound quality of the headphones and the noise cancellation are impressive. Loud noises in the immediate vicinity (vacuum cleaners, etc.) are perceived as very faint background noise at best. Even in transparency mode, music and podcasts play clearly. The headphones are comfortable and, at 240 grams, relatively light; they stay in place even while jogging. The only downside: When cycling or running, the wind noise in normal mode can sometimes be so loud that it's unpleasant.

Price-performance tip

If you want to spend significantly less money, the Soundcore Q39 headphones from Anker are a good choice. They fit comfortably and aren't uncomfortable even when worn for extended periods, although at 272 grams, they're slightly heavier than the Bose headphones. Here, too, two devices can be paired simultaneously, and the sound and ANC modes were impressive in our tests. Even in normal mode, loud ambient noise isn't unpleasant; it's only in transparency mode that it's clearly audible. One drawback: When switching between modes, the music or podcast doesn't stop and continues playing quietly in the background. Switching between modes takes four seconds—so it's best to pause first, then switch.

Even with the Anker headphones, wind noise is very loud and unpleasant in transparency mode, but it is not disturbing in the other two modes.

Sony WH-1000XM4

Guide 12.06.25

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The most expensive headphones in the test appear to be of high quality and feel good. A dual-jack plug is included. Operation takes some getting used to: The headphones have only two visible buttons: "On/Off" and "ANC." All other functions, such as next/previous track, volume up/down, pause/start, are controlled via touch gestures on the right earcup. When switching between normal, transparency, and ANC mode, the music or podcast continues to play quietly in the background.

At just 254 grams, the headphones are easy to wear and won't slip even while jogging. The sound is impressive, but even in transparency mode, you can hear wind noise while cycling. In noise-cancelling mode, even the sounds of a portafilter coffee machine are almost completely eliminated.

JBL Tune 760

The JBL headphones are the only ones in our test that don't come with a case. Operation is simple; all buttons are located on the right earcup and are easily identifiable thanks to the different tactile feedback. The headphones can be connected to two devices simultaneously, although slight delays may occur when switching between playback platforms.

The cheapest headphones in the test are also the lightest, weighing 220 grams. However, they fit very tightly and are somewhat uncomfortable. The earcups quickly become warm, and a slight discomfort develops after just a short time.

The ANC mode isn't entirely convincing; there's barely any difference between it and Transparency mode. However, even in Transparency mode, noise is well attenuated—perfectly sufficient for everyday use. This gives the headphones a decisive advantage: Even strong wind noise while cycling or jogging is barely audible in Transparency mode.

EarFun Wave Pro

First impressions upon unboxing: The EarFun Wave Pro smell strongly of plastic and don't seem to be of high quality – but connecting to the iPhone is quick and easy. The headphones sit a bit loosely and wobble a little when moving. Otherwise, they're comfortable and, at 266 grams, they're not exactly lightweight.

Wind noise can be quite loud in normal mode, and your ears quickly get warm while jogging. The EarFun Wave Pro are the only headphones in our test that emit an unpleasant smell after a strenuous workout.

In addition to the power button, the headphones have an ANC button and an elongated button on the right earcup for volume up and down. You have to hold the elongated button in the right place for a few seconds to start the next track—rather impractical, especially when jogging. Switching between ANC, transparency mode, and normal mode is done with an announcement—which is convenient, but the music stops completely but continues playing. Depending on the mode, you'll miss two to four seconds.

Compared to the test winner, there's a noticeable difference in transparency mode: The EarFun headphones sound less realistic, rather muffled. The noise-cancelling mode, on the other hand, is impressive, as is the sound.

The ntv/RTL test editorial team is independent, purchases all products at its own expense, conducts tests, and evaluates them based on objective criteria. If you purchase a product through a link, we receive a commission. The price does not change.