Stiftung Warentest: Headphones with pulse measurement found in the test to be in need of improvement

heart rate monitor heart rate measuring headphones sport test sports headphones

In the current test Stiftung Warentest magazine (11/2016 issue) had two pages full of information on three heart rate-measuring headphones from different manufacturers. These were tested Sports headphones with heart rate monitor: SMS Audio Biosport, Jabra Sport Pulse Wireless, Bragi The Dash. The assessments of the testers show that improvements are possible and necessary in every price segment. I would like to show you details in this article.

headphones pulse measure test 2016 sports headphones with heart rate monitor sound
These three (more or less reliable) pulse measuring sports headphones were tested by Stiftung Warentest (from left): SMS Audio Biosport, Jabra Sport Pulse Wireless, Bragi The Dash; Image source: Amazon

SMS Audio Biosport is not recommended

Under the headline "No heart beats faster“Became this heart rate measuring sports headphones presented. Even before it comes to the headphones themselves, it is pointed out that their connectivity with the smartphone is under the current update of the App Runkeeper suffers. The heart rate of the testers, it goes on to say, was measured much higher than it actually was. This is due to the loose hold of the devices in the ears; In addition, the sound when playing music is "thin and hollow". The testers also missed the bass.

Even better: Jabra Sport Pulse Wireless

These headphones are only connected to each other with a cable; in contrast to the aforementioned model, the connection with the smartphone is established via Bluetooth. The testers praised the app “Jabra Sport Life”, which, in addition to pulse data, also shows the pedal rate, the distance covered, the energy consumption, the speed and the like. The pulse is measured or transmitted too high by the sports headphones. The values ​​of the pulse measurement did not agree with the comparison measurements. However, it is written: "It sounds decent and its battery lasts a relatively long time."

Bragi The Dash: headphones with heart rate measurement without any cable

This model combines complete wireless and internal storage. So if you want to listen to music without tapping into the iPhone memory, you can pack it into the 4 GB memory of the headphones. The app required for evaluating fitness data is called "Bragi", which according to test 11/2016 should work reliably from Bluetooth 4 onwards. Data such as the number of steps and heart rate can only be saved with the app, but the headphones can also announce them without a smartphone. The sound of the music played was in the test "mediocre". Operation is via the sensitive outer surfaces of the headphones - the test result: "The Dash is hardly suitable for fitness fans."

Heart rate measuring sports headphones: Conclusion on technology and test

At Stiftung Warentest, none of the three models was really convincing. Apart from the wrong heart rate values, it seems that Jabra Sport Pulse Wireless to be most recommendable. Hopefully the new model Jabra Elite Sport delivers better values. If you are looking for simple sports headphones without heart rate measurement, etc., then I recommend you this article. I have wireless headphones with a charging box and some interesting features for you also described here.

Jabra Sport Pulse Wireless Bluetooth in-ear headphones (stereo headset, Bluetooth 4.0, NFC, AVRCP, ...
  • Cordless sports in-ear headphones with Dolby sound optimization for comfortable training
  • IP55 certified, drop, strength, dirt, temperature and moisture tested
  • Up to 5 hours of talk time and 10 days of standby time, suitable for all Bluetooth-enabled devices - phones,...

What are your experiences with (heart rate measuring) sports headphones? Do you have any tricks so that they hold up better and thus the pulse is more reliable measure? Please leave a comment.

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The page contains affiliate links / images: Amazon.de

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