Also new in Stiftung Warentest's constantly updated headphone database: 16 current Bluetooth headphones - including in-ears, open-ears and headband models. One in-ear reduces ambient noise perfectly, another fails in this test point. The devices also perform very differently in terms of wearing comfort: many fit well or very well, others fall out of the ear easily...

With small but important improvements such as a better fit in the ears and a larger selection of rubber attachments, Google slips closer to the top. But it's not enough for a top ranking. For that, the search engine giant would have to work even harder on the sound and make the many functions available for all smartphones and not just its Pixel models, including simplified access to Gemini Live.

Of the five newly tested models, Samsung's Galaxy Buds 3 Pro and Google's Pixel Buds Pro 2 are in a tough race, with Samsung ultimately coming out on top. In terms of sound and voice quality, they are simply ahead. They are particularly recommended for owners of Samsung smartphones because they support some of the functions of these devices...