This review presents the six most popular models of in-channel Bluetooth stereo headsets, from cheap to expensive, which will satisfy the vast majority of users with battery life (from 8 hours), functionality and sound quality. Since these are headsets, they are all equipped with microphones for feedback and sets of interchangeable attachments of different sizes for headphones.

All offers of products in this category can be found in the headphones catalog.

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4 colour solutions, waterproof housing, aptX support, price.
 
 
There is no Multipoint support.
 

1More iBFree is a fresh model of headphones released by the Chinese company Xiaomi in 2017, which will be an excellent purchase for reasonable money.

A nice feature of the model is that it is available in four colours: black, red, green and blue. The kit includes 3 pairs of replaceable nozzles and fixators of different sizes, taking into account the anatomical individuality of the auricles as much as possible, therefore, many users note that the model is suitable not only for everyday use, but also for light sports (charging, fitness, jogging). If you successfully select the nozzles, then the risk of headphones falling out is minimized. This indicator would be improved by a neck strap, but, unfortunately, this model does not have it.

Another advantage of 1More iBFree is the protection of the device from splashes and sweat, which allows you to enjoy music even in extreme conditions. However, you should not experiment and immerse the device in water, this will inevitably lead to its damage, since the speaker membranes are not protected.

Due to the fact that the device supports Bluetooth version 4.1 and the aptX codec, which allows you to transmit audio files without loss of quality, the user can count on a stable sound picture and volume (100 dB), however, to fully implement these functions, the smartphone must also support similar characteristics. In general, the sound from the speakers is not bad, quite balanced, with a view to a wide audience, that is, the deep bottoms and high tops are cut out as a class.

Also, most users note a good, albeit passive noise reduction at the incoming signal, but weak microphone capabilities, which picks up all extraneous sounds and hisses.

Xiaomi 1More iBFree is fully compatible with IOS and Android, which guarantees fast interaction with remote control of the device. But owners of mobile phones on the Windows platform will not be able to enjoy a successful purchase: 1More iBFree does not support this OS.

It will not be possible to connect to two devices at the same time. There is no Multipoint function in the headphones.

The device is capable of working on a single battery charge for 8 hours in continuous music listening mode or 240 hours in standby mode. The charging time is only 2 hours. In terms of battery life, the Chinese have done their best.

In general, Xiaomi 1More iBFree is a good option for an inexpensive headset for those who cannot imagine their life without music and an active lifestyle, but at the same time does not put forward high requirements for sound quality.

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4 colour solutions, clip holder.
 
 
Unsatisfactory sound quality, price.
 

E25BT is a model of wireless stereo headset from the American company JBL, engaged in the production of acoustic audio equipment for more than 70 years.

The design of the E25BT will undoubtedly appeal to users accustomed to traditional classics without pretentiousness of forms. The case of the headphones is made of glossy plastic, the legs are rubberized. The choice of colours is quite diverse: black, white, red and blue.

The device's battery is located in a special unit located on the cable. There are also control buttons located there. Visually, the block seems a bit cumbersome, but in fact, in motion (jogging, etc.) it does not burden at all. For 100% confidence that the headphones will remain stationary under any conditions, a special clip-holder can be attached to the unit, which will additionally fix the device on clothes.

The headset is equipped with Multipoint technologies, which allows you to connect to two devices simultaneously, and Bluetooth 4.1., which provides a stable wireless signal at a distance of up to 10 m.

The battery lasts an average of 8 hours of battery life, and it will take 2 hours to fully charge.

This is where the technological advantages of the model end. Given the modest diameter of the drivers (8 mm), users note an extremely inexpressive sound in clarity and frequencies with a predominance of high. There is no active noise reduction, fortunately, passive handles with its task by 4 to 5 points, but the built-in microphone for speech intelligibility leaves much to be desired.

JBL E25BT is a stylish accessory that will emphasize the individuality of its owner, but for its price level does not justify the requirements for a good sound.

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Design, Intelligent voice assistant, Two-way system, Waterproof housing, Battery life, Scalable Codec, Bluetooth 4.2, Built-in magnets.
 
 
Not detected.
 

Samsung U Flex is an excellently balanced Bluetooth stereo headset from the South Korean grandee, which is guaranteed not to disappoint.

The feature of the device is the function of calling the proprietary intelligent assistant S-Voice, which, using voice control, can perform a lot of different commands on the paired device: from making calls and sending SMS, ending with setting an alarm and determining location.

U Flex is made in the form of a U-shaped neck attachment, which can be bent and folded without fear of breaking. The main weight of the device, and it is quite impressive compared to its analogues – 51 grams, falls on the front side of the neck mount, which minimizes the risk of headphones falling as a result of a sharp lifting of the head. The waterproof housing allows you to use the device during sports and in bad weather.

The undoubted advantage of the model is the magnets built into the headphone case, which allows you to combine both channels and protect the headphones from tangling wires.

The device has a high data transfer rate, thanks to the Bluetooth 4.2 version. Fans of high-quality music will undoubtedly appreciate the presence of two speakers: 11-millimetre low-frequency and 8-millimetre high-frequency. Let's add here the Scalable Codec technology, aimed at eliminating interference with the audio signal, and we get purity and clarity of sound with good frequency readability.

Multipoint technology makes it possible to pair the headset with two devices at the same time, which is very convenient when using a laptop and a smartphone.

The headset has an impressive working time: in playback mode — 10, in talk mode — 9, in standby mode — 250 hours.

Samsung U Flex is a unique combination of style, beauty, reliability, practicality and excellent sound along with an adequate price for this whole set.

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Design, EXTRA BASS technology, NFC.
 
 
Unbalanced sound with a predominance of bass, long charging.
 

Sony MDR-XB70BT is one of the best models in the niche of wireless stereo headsets, which focuses on the highest quality reproduction of low frequencies.

MDR-XB70BT are made in the form of a rubber neck attachment, resembling a fitness tracker in shape. Plastic blocks are placed on both ends of the rubber strip. All the control buttons of the headset are located on the left block. Included with the headphones are silicone earbuds of four sizes (XS, S, M, L), thanks to which each user can choose the "perfect pair" for their ears.

Connecting headphones to a smartphone is possible both via Bluetooth and via NFC (near field switching).

MDR-XB70BT will pleasantly surprise fans of high-quality bass sound, thanks to EXTRA BASS technology. Since the manufacturer has focused on low-frequency sounds, high-pitched sounds seem somewhat overwhelmed, and the overall detail is not clear enough. The very case when the best is the enemy of the good. But fans of powerful bass will like it.

Despite the presence of HD Voice technology, numerous user reviews say that in order for the interlocutor to be clearly heard during a conversation, it is advisable to bring the right block of headphones closer to the mouth, otherwise the microphone picks up ambient noise, which causes speech intelligibility to be lost.

The time of continuous operation of the headset with active use is 9 hours. In order to fully charge the battery, it will take 2.5 – 3 hours, and this, frankly, is too much for such battery life.

To sum up: Sony MDR-XB70BT is a high—quality choice for those who appreciate high ergonomics and branded sound from the Japanese brand and use the device more as headphones than headsets.

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Fast charging Fast Fuel, built-in magnets, high ergonomics, Lightning – USB type A cable, case included.
 
 
Does not work during charging.
 

Beats X Wireless — headphones based on the Apple W1 processor, made in an urban "apple" design, and characterized by the possibility of fast charging.

The headset is a thin Flex–Form cable that can be freely bent in any direction without fear of damage. The control panel is located on the left side, and the microphone is also located here. The package includes 4 pairs of replaceable nozzles of different sizes and 2 pairs of clamps. The manufacturer offers 4 colour options: white, black, grey and blue. In order to avoid entanglement of wires, built-in magnets are located in the bowls of the headphones.

Beats X Wireless is equipped with a Lightning connector that allows fast charging: 5 minutes in Fast Fuel mode is enough to play music for 2 hours. It will take 45 minutes to charge the battery 100%, after which you can enjoy your favorite tunes again for 8 hours.

The manufacturer has taken care of fast pairing of the headset with any of the iOS-based devices. However, as soon as you plug the cable in, the headphones will not be able to play music. Although, perhaps, this shortcoming is temporary and with the new firmware will be eliminated. The model is also compatible with Android, Blackberry and Windows OS, but in this case its functionality is limited to start, pause and volume control when listening to music.

The speakers provide a fairly balanced sound, although without claims to anything outstanding, good sound insulation and a fairly clear voice removal with a microphone, so there will be no problems with listening to tracks and talking in transport or the gym. And for convenient carrying of the headset there is a compact oval case. In fairness, it should be said that X Wireless is not very suitable for sports, since they do not have water protection, and due to Flex-Form they sit too loosely on the neck.

Otherwise, Beats X Wireless is a good choice for those who are looking for a decent alternative to Apple AirPods with the ability to fast charge to be always in touch and listen to your favorite music whenever you want.

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Active noise reduction system, combined connection type, battery life, aptX support, case included.
 
 
It takes a long time to charge, Bluetooth 3.0, does not work during charging, price.
 

Audio-Technica ATH-ANC40BT is a premium—level stereo headset with excellent sound from a well-known German manufacturer of professional audio equipment.

The headphones have the appearance of a narrow rim made of matte plastic with thickened edges. Produced exclusively in classic black. They are great for sports, as they are well balanced, and when running they do not roll from one side to the other.

They support a combined type of connection, which provides for the possibility of both wired (for a standard 3.5 mm cut) and wireless pairing with a sound reproducing device. The control is focused on the left block of our mounting.

The headphones are equipped with an active noise reduction system, which means that people's voices, traffic noise and other extraneous sounds will remain out of earshot. But only partially. Completely "shumodav" does not cut off sounds, which, on the one hand, is convenient, since it does not make a person completely "deaf", on the other hand, those who strongly counted on him will not like it.

The headphones are doing well with music playback. The sound picture is clear and legible. The middle is a bit sunken, but the low and high are expressed quite clearly. Using the aptX codec, the sound quality can be made even more attractive, but only if this codec is supported by the paired device. The headphones are also equipped with Multipoint technology, but by default it is disabled and turned on if necessary.

In terms of battery life, the device shows excellent results: 8 hours of operation with active noise reduction mode enabled and 12 hours without it. But the full charge time is 3 hours, which in our opinion is too much, besides, listening to music and charging at the same time will not work, the device turns off. Of the other disadvantages, we note the unstable operation of the Bluetooth 3.0 connection: at a distance of more than 5-6 metres from the paired device, breaks and strong interference are observed.

The headset is well equipped. The set includes: charging cable, compact plastic case, replaceable ear tips, 3.5 mm cable and adapter for charging in the airplane.

Audio-Technica ATH-ANC40BT is a good attempt to create a hybrid of a wireless telephone headset with high—quality headphones for listening to music. It cannot be called an perfect device, but the place of one of the best in its class is well deserved, despite the disadvantages and high cost.

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