Sound quality is the number one criteria you should consider when considering a new pair of headphones. However, comfort and convenience are close behind. What you intend to use with your headphones should also influence your decision.
There are three "types" of headphones we'll be looking at today:
Each headset style has pros and cons, so we're going to help you decide which one is best for you.
In-ear headphones, more commonly known as headphones, are probably the most popular way to listen to personal audio on the go. They're cheap and cheerful, and your smartphone probably came with a pair. Also, generally speaking, they tend to be the least durable of the three.
There are two subtypes of hearing aids:deeper fitted in-ears that create a tight seal, and loose, hard plastic ones that sit just inside your ears. Sealed varieties generally have good passive noise isolation, meaning they block out ambient noise just like sticking your fingers in your ears.
Finding a good fit is important, especially when it comes to comfort. For this reason, most headsets now use a fitted design. You can still get the older style of baggy headphones, with Apple's AirPods being one of the newer takes on the old idea.
In-ear headphones are small, lightweight, easy to slip under a shirt, and easy to carry with the help of a case. Most of them are designed with a purpose in mind, and many include remote controls and microphones for use with a smartphone. You can get sports headphones that fit in your ears, waterproof headphones for swimmers, and even noise-canceling models if you look hard enough.
Headphones are a portable convenience and therefore it could be argued that sound quality lags behind. For example, Apple's new wireless Beats X. These don't sound phenomenal, but they've got one-tap iOS pairing, excellent battery life, and fast charging BeatsX review and giveaway:Apple's best headphones yet? BeatsX Review &Giveaway:The Best Apple Headphones Yet? Read more . the convenience Wireless audio, easy pairing, and fast charging times outweigh acceptable sound quality. This is particularly true when your audio source is a lossy MP3.
BeatsX Wireless In-Ear Headphones - White (MLYF2LL/A) BeatsX Wireless In-Ear Headphones - White (MLYF2LL/A) Buy Now on Amazon
That's not to say you can't also get high-end in-ear headphones built with accurate sound reproduction in mind. Try something like the pricey Shure SE425 studio monitors if that's what you're looking for.
On-ear headphones offer a balance between the size of larger home listening headphones and portable headphone options. If you just can't stand in-ear headphones, this is your next best bet. As the name suggests, these varieties are characterized by the way the headphones sit on your ears.
Larger drivers often result in better quality sound, but this comes at a cost of size. On-ear headphones just aren't as travel-friendly as the smaller variety. Some models are foldable, while others sit comfortably around your neck when not in use. Their larger size also puts them at risk of breaking in your bag, which is why many come with hard cases as well.
Sennheiser PX 100-II In-ear Miniheadphone (Black) Sennheiser PX 100-II In-ear Miniheadphone (Black) Buy now on Amazon
You can get fairly small in-ear headphones like the Sennheiser PX100 or much thicker models like the Beats Solo3. The characteristic "Over-ear" design means the cups sit flush with your ears, and noise isolation can be a mixed bag. In my experience, the tighter the earphones are, the better the sound isolation and the less comfortable they are.
If, like me, you wear glasses, it's definitely worth trying a pair of in-ear headphones before you buy. I find that long sessions with some designs can get sweaty, depending on how the cups are made.
Grado Prestige Series SR225e Headphones Grado Prestige Series SR225e Headphones Buy Now On Amazon $200.00
If you opt for larger headphones, you should be a bit more demanding in terms of sound quality. You're already sacrificing the comfort of the smaller in-ear models. For a truly “flat” answer, look at something like the Grado SR225e, but don't expect wireless audio or extra fancy features.
Over-the-ear headphones, as the name suggests, cover the entire ear. They sit against your head, making them the most comfortable option. There's no need to stretch or squash your ear canals, and while not all pairs guarantee comfort, they're generally the best choice for long listening sessions.
The cost, other than real money, is the size. Over-the-ear headphones are generally very large, with powerful drivers that provide better sound quality in smaller models. They are best for listening at home, while working at your desk or producing videos. And if possible, when connected to a good headphone amp What is a headphone amp and do I need one? What is a headphone amp and do I need one? If you're serious about music, you may be disappointed by the audio quality your mobile device manages, especially when paired with high-end headphones. The solution? A headphone amp. Read More
Headphone amps are another thing to consider, as they are often required to power high-end headphones. The need for one depends on the impedance rating of your chosen headphones, measured in ohms. To quote from our article on headphone amps What is a headphone amp and do I need one? What is a headphone amp and do I need one? If you're serious about music, you may be disappointed by the audio quality your mobile device manages, especially when paired with high-end headphones. The solution? A headphone amp. Read More
Simply put, remember why you're buying your headphones. If you're going to be using a smartphone as your primary listening platform, you'll also need to invest in a headphone amp for maximum performance. If you don't, your music will sound eerily quiet and you're better off spending the money on superior in-ear or over-the-ear headphones.
The size of over-the-ear headphones makes them undesirable for use on the go, they're rarely foldable, and most don't come with a case either. The sky is the limit when it comes to what you want to spend here, but you don't have to break the bank. The Status Audio CB1 Studio Monitors I Reviewed Last Year Status Audio HD Two and CB-1 Headphones Review Status Audio HD Two and CB-1 Headphones Review Status Audio hopes to buck the trend of expensive celebrity-endorsed headphones by selling direct to the consumers. Today we will be testing two of the company's newest products, the HD Two and the CB-1. Read More provided excellent performance at a low cost, with build quality (not sound quality) being the biggest issue.
Status Audio CB-1 Closed Back Headphones Studio Monitor Status Audio CB-1 Closed Back Headphones Studio Monitor Buy Now On Amazon $79.00
Sound quality, comfort, convenience, and purpose are important when choosing a new headset. However, there are a few other things to consider, such as whether or not to go wireless. Wireless audio has improved tremendously in the last decade, but wired audio still offers the best signal with the lowest latency.
If you're an iPhone user looking for headphones, you might want to invest in a pair that supports the new W1 chip. The Beats X and AirPods mentioned above offer great in-ear options, but there are others worthy of your consideration AirPods, Beats, and W1:How to choose the best wireless iPhone headphones AirPods, Beats, and W1:How to choose the best wireless iPhone Headphones Apple's new AirPods have been selling surprisingly well, but are they the best wireless iPhone headphones for your money? It depends. Read More If comfort is the most important thing to you, you really should be looking at some decent Bluetooth headphones. The 7 best Bluetooth headphones you can buy. The 7 best Bluetooth headphones you can buy. Finding the right pair of Bluetooth headphones isn't easy, which is why I've compiled a list of the best Bluetooth headphones money can buy. Read more.
You may also want headphones for other reasons. Los audífonos para juegos pueden brindar un sonido envolvente en un diseño que se construye para brindar comodidad Los mejores audífonos inalámbricos para juegos en 2017 Los mejores audífonos inalámbricos para juegos en 2017 Los audífonos correctos pueden elevar su experiencia de juego sin cables molestos y molestos. Pero, ¿qué auriculares inalámbricos de juego deberías comprar? Depende de tu presupuesto, de los juegos que juegues y de… Leer más, con un micrófono para chatear con tus amigos en línea.
Sea cual sea el estilo en el que esté interesado, le recomendamos que visite un distribuidor de ladrillos y mortero para probar los auriculares antes de comprarlos. Si esto falla, asegúrate de leer un montón de reseñas en línea confiables. El flagelo de la web:Comentarios falsos y cómo detectarlos El flagelo de la web:Comentarios falsos y cómo detectarlos "Comentarios de usuarios" son en realidad un fenómeno bastante reciente. Antes de la prevalencia de Internet, las reseñas de los usuarios se denominaban testimonios, y solo se veían en anuncios de televisión y páginas de productos. Hoy en día, cualquier persona puede escribir cualquier cosa ... Lea más antes de partir con su dinero duramente ganado.
¿Gastaste mucho dinero en tus auriculares? ¿Nuestro consejo le ayudó a tomar una decisión? ¿Qué estilo de auriculares consideras que es el mejor? Háganos saber qué estilo, marca y modelo compró en los comentarios a continuación.!
