If you want a dedicated gaming headset with surround sound and official PlayStation licensing, choose Bigben Nacon V3; if you need a lightweight, noise-canceling tool for professional desk phone calls, choose Spracht Zum RJ9. These two devices occupy completely different worlds: one is built to immerse you in the chaos of a virtual battlefield, while the other is engineered to keep your voice clear in a noisy office. Picking the wrong one for an airplane trip or a long workday is a mistake I see often, but understanding their specific design goals makes the decision straightforward.
• Bigben Nacon V3: Offers immersive 40mm drivers and Tempest 3D Audio for gaming, but its wired nature and heavy over-ear design make it less ideal for all-day wear outside of a console setup. Best for gamers who prioritize audio fidelity and official console compatibility.
• Spracht Zum RJ9: Features passive noise cancellation and a lightweight 2.1-ounce build for all-day comfort on landlines, but lacks the bass response and surround capabilities needed for entertainment media. Best for professionals who need crystal-clear voice transmission during long shifts.
The Bigben Nacon V3 is not just another pair of headphones; it is a specialized piece of hardware designed specifically for the PlayStation ecosystem. If you are sitting on a couch with a PS5 or PS4 controller in hand, this headset is built to unlock the full potential of that console's audio engine. The inclusion of 40mm mid-range drivers allows for a rich soundscape that can distinguish subtle footsteps or directional cues in fast-paced shooters. This isn't about thin, processed audio; it is about spatial awareness and depth that comes directly from the console's Tempest 3D Audio technology.
Its physical construction tells a story of durability and immersion. With faux leather ear cups and a rounded enclosure, the design focuses on sealing out the outside world to keep you inside the game. The headband is height-adjustable, which is crucial for fitting different head sizes comfortably during marathon sessions. However, the weight of 250 grams is something to consider. While this mass helps anchor the headset firmly so it doesn't slip when you turn your head quickly, it adds a significant load compared to lighter alternatives. If you plan to use this best sports earbuds for airplane scenarios or for casual listening while traveling, the bulk might become tiresome after an hour.
We compare products from their published specs and features; the verdicts below are our independent editorial opinions.
Updated: 2026-10-25 · 7 min read · Independent comparison
This headset connects via a standard 3.5mm jack, which offers flexibility for PC or mobile use, though it requires careful attention to the 4-pin plug for full functionality on Sony systems. The inline controls are intuitive, giving you direct access to volume adjustment and microphone muting without digging into menus. Yet, the lack of active noise cancellation means you will still hear ambient room noise unless you crank the volume high. It is a fantastic choice for a stationary gaming setup where power outlets are nearby, but it is not designed for the mobility or battery-free silence required for travel.
In stark contrast, the Spracht Zum RJ9 is a utility device forged for the demands of the modern workplace. Its primary job is to ensure that your voice cuts through background chatter, making it the best waterproof earphones for airplane environments only if you interpret "airplane" as a noisy cabin office rather than a leisure flight. The device weighs a mere 2.1 ounces, a figure that explains why it feels almost weightless even when worn for eight hours straight. This ultra-light construction is paired with soft leather and foam cushions that rest on your ears without causing pressure points, a critical feature for call center agents or remote workers who never take the headset off.
The magic here lies in its audio engineering for speech, not music. It utilizes broadband audio frequency to reproduce voices naturally, avoiding the tinny, robotic sound that cheap headsets produce. More importantly, the passive noise cancellation works to block out up to 90% of background noise before it reaches the microphone. Whether you are in a busy open-plan office or a bustling coffee shop, callers hear you, not the clatter of keyboards or the hum of air conditioning. This is achieved through a dynamic driver with a sensitivity of 100 dB and a frequency range tuned specifically for human speech clarity.
Connectivity is plug-and-play simplicity. You do not need drivers, software, or complex pairing processes. The included smart cord plugs directly into the RJ9 headset port found on major office phones like Cisco, Polycom, Yealink, and Grandstream. The inline mute controller allows you to manage calls instantly without breaking your workflow. While it has a limited warranty and is rated for thousands of insertion cycles, its purpose is purely functional. It is not meant for best open ear headphones for airplane entertainment because it does not offer the immersive, wide-frequency experience of a gaming headset. It is a tool for communication, nothing more and nothing less.
• Best for Gaming Immersion → Bigben Nacon V3: The 40mm drivers and support for 3D audio create a cinematic experience that the Spracht cannot match.
• Best for Voice Clarity → Spracht Zum RJ9: The broadband audio and 90% noise reduction on the mic ensure your words are heard perfectly in any environment.
• Best for Long-Duration Wear → Spracht Zum RJ9: At 2.1 ounces, it disappears on your head, whereas the 250g Bigben becomes noticeable after an hour.
• Best for Console Compatibility → Bigben Nacon V3: Officially licensed for PS4/PS5 with the correct 4-pin connection, unlike the universal office focus of the Spracht.
• Best for Noise Isolation → Spracht Zum RJ9: Passive noise cancellation filters out environmental distractions for the caller, while the Bigben relies on closed-back design alone.
• Best for Office Use → Spracht Zum RJ9: Designed specifically for desk phones with surge protection and instant mute, features irrelevant to a gaming setup.
• Best for Multi-Platform Flexibility → Bigben Nacon V3: The 3.5mm jack allows connection to PCs and consoles, offering broader versatility than the phone-specific Spracht.
• Best for Durability in High-Traffic Environments → Spracht Zum RJ9: Rated for thousands of insertions and built to withstand daily professional abuse.
I would buy the Spracht Zum RJ9 if my goal was to stay connected and productive while traveling, including on a plane, because its lightness and voice-focused design are unmatched. For a traveler, the best waterproof earphones for airplane scenarios often require something that blocks noise and keeps the user focused on conversation rather than entertainment. The Spracht's ability to filter out 90% of background noise ensures you can have a professional call without shouting over the engine roar. Conversely, the Bigben Nacon V3 is a fantastic piece of equipment, but it is too heavy and too specialized for anything other than sitting in front of a TV. If you need a headset that travels well and prioritizes your voice, the Spracht is the only logical choice for the road.
The Spracht Zum RJ9 is better suited for travel due to its lightweight 2.1-ounce build and effective noise cancellation for calls. The Bigben Nacon V3 is heavier and designed for stationary gaming, making it cumbersome for long flights.
No. The Spracht Zum RJ9 works right out of the box by plugging into an RJ9 port on office phones. The Bigben Nacon V3 connects via a 3.5mm jack to controllers or PCs without requiring additional drivers for basic function.
The Spracht Zum RJ9 excels here with broadband audio and a microphone that cancels up to 90% of background noise, ensuring clear voice transmission. The Bigben V3 has a positional mic for gaming, but it is optimized for in-game chat rather than professional voice clarity.
According to the specifications, the Spracht Zum RJ9 is made for desk phones with an RJ9 port and is not designed for computers, tablets, or cell phones. The Bigben Nacon V3 supports PC and mobile via its 3.5mm connector, though console features may vary.
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