If you’re ready to buy your next pair of headphones, you probably have questions. Like: where to start? Advances in headphone technology have brought game-changing features like active noise cancellation and lossless audio streaming over Bluetooth. But they’ve also brought a dizzying market of products vying for your listening attention.
Rest assured. Whether you prefer in-ear or over-ear, wired or wireless, there’s a headphone out there for you. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the essential features to consider before buying, from sound quality to battery life to all the bells and whistles your ears can’t live without.
Start with the type of headphones
The first step in choosing new headphones is to narrow down your choices to a specific type. Headphones are generally divided into three categories, based on how they are worn:
● Over-ear headphones are distinguished by their large cups, which form a snug seal over the entire ear. These cups typically have some kind of foam or cushioning for comfort and are connected by an adjustable headband.
● On-ear headphones fit on top of the ear, though they don’t entirely envelop it. They tend to be more compact than over-ear headphones, though with a less immersive fit and feel.
● In-ear headphones sit inside the ear canal, with a fitted tip that molds to the contours of the inner ear. This is the smallest and most portable style, though a good pair won’t compromise on audio quality and features like Active Noise Cancellation.
How will you use them?
In fact, headphones are usually not one-size-fits-all. You might choose different types of headphones for different occasions.
Perhaps a pair of sweat-resistant in-ear headphones is best for a winter morning run, while a pair of noise-canceling over-ear headphones is what you need when traveling. Don’t make the mistake of thinking that one pair of headphones can meet all your needs. If you’re on a budget, though, you may want to prioritize a pair of headphones that can do just about anything.
Think about where and how you’ll use your headphones most often, and plan accordingly. This will determine the features you prioritize. For example, wired headphones may offer better sound quality when connected directly to a record player, but wireless headphones will give you more flexibility when it comes to avoiding commuters on the subway.
Do you prefer wired or wireless?
Bluetooth and wireless listening have become such a big trend in headphones that most of the headphones you consider are probably wireless. But are there any cases where you’d consider using a wired connection?
Yes. Wired headphones still have their merits, and they have their loyal following. True audiophiles who listen to music on headphones at home most of the time may prefer wired headphones because of the physical connection to the audio device, which helps ensure more consistent sound quality. Wired headphones are still a practical solution for airplane travel, as they can connect directly to the headphone jack of most in-flight entertainment systems.
Evaluating Sound Quality
You may think that the best feature of headphones is portability. But the right headphones can also deliver the richest, most private sound experience. Sound quality is important to you, but you don’t know how to define it? First, consider a few key factors:
● Frequency response refers to how well a headphone reproduces sound across the entire audible frequency range. Some headphones are tuned to boost bass; others have so much treble that you can barely hear anything in the bass. For most people, the best choice is a balanced, neutral frequency that doesn’t ignore or overemphasize either end of the spectrum.
● Impedance is a technical term that refers to how much the headphone “hinders” the flow of electricity to the headphone amplifier. Higher-end headphones tend to introduce more impedance and may require an additional headphone amplifier. You should check the impedance of new headphones before buying them, but generally speaking, anything under 25-30 ohms is fine in most situations.
● Leakage refers to the amount of audio output signal that “leaks” into the air before entering the inner ear. Generally speaking, the better the fit of a headphone around or inside the ear, the less leakage there is. A better fit also results in a lower decibel output from the headphone, potentially reducing the risk of hearing loss.
Comparing Noise Cancellation
Another potentially underrated aspect of headphone sound quality is noise cancellation. Noise cancellation blocks out ambient noise — office chatter, traffic, the hum of an airplane cabin — that can interfere with the mix in your headphones.
There are two different types of noise cancellation, but they’re not mutually exclusive:
● Passive noise cancellation comes down to sound-isolating materials and wearing comfort. Some materials are better than others at physically blocking (or at least suppressing) ambient noise. A well-designed pair of headphones should use these materials.
● Active noise cancellation (ANC) is a more technical solution that involves tiny built-in microphones and speakers. These microphones pick up ambient noise, and the speakers use this input to create counter-sound waves that cancel out the noise. It’s an active feature that most headphone models have to be switched “on,” hence the name.
Some headphones also have transparency or ambient noise modes, which are the opposite of noise cancellation. They’re designed to help you pick up and respond to ambient sounds in your environment, which can be useful if you’re biking or walking on a busy street.
Evaluate battery life
If you’re choosing wireless headphones, battery life is probably a top consideration. No one wants to be stuck on a long commute when their headphones run out of juice.
Over-ear headphones last longer than in-ear headphones because they can house larger batteries. On the other hand, in-ear headphones often come with a small electronics housing that helps them retain their charge longer.
Find a comfortable fit
Like the clothes you wear, the comfort and fit of headphones is often subjective.
Some people prefer over-ear headphones, which don’t press on their ears and have a good fit with the ear pads. Others prefer in-ear headphones because they are lightweight. Comfort really is in the eye (or ear) of the beholder, so try a few different pairs before settling on one style.
Evaluate call clarity
Call clarity is another feature to look out for if you frequently use headphones for work meetings or personal calls.
Over-ear and in-ear headphones are better choices in this regard because their larger form factor can accommodate multiple microphones—one to pick up and correct for ambient sound and another to adjust for the wearer’s voice frequency. These headphones also place the voice microphone closer to the wearer’s mouth for a clearer signal.
Conclusion
Choosing headphones doesn’t need to be confusing. Whether you choose over-ear or in-ear headphones, wired or wireless, considering key factors such as usage scenarios, sound quality, noise cancellation, battery life, comfort, and call clarity can help you find the best headphones for you. This way, you can enjoy the best listening experience in your daily life. Happy shopping and find that perfect pair of headphones!
