Last Updated on: 27th September 2024, 03:37 pm
Headphones are simple-looking devices, but there are so many models, types, and characteristics that choosing them is not easy. Below is the largest and most detailed guide to choosing headphones that will help in this difficult task.
Cable or wireless connection
The main advantage of any headphones – of course, in addition to high-quality sound reproduction – is their ease of use. This largely depends on the type of connection between the headphones and the player or smartphone. Therefore, the first thing you need to do when purchasing is to decide whether models with a cable are suitable for you or not.
Wired headphones are the most common type; the vast majority of models belong to them. Everything is simple here: if you are satisfied with this option, then you just need to decide on the length of the cord – and you can safely buy the model you like. Home headphones usually have a cable length of 2 m or more, which provides some freedom, while accessories intended for outdoor use have a shorter cable – for example, 1.2 m.
Wireless headphones most often connect to a sound source via Bluetooth. At the same time, the sound loses a little in quality since the audio data is compressed for transmission. However, modern wireless nokia earphone uses special technologies to avoid sound degradation.
Choosing the type of headphones
The design of the headphones themselves is just as important as the way they connect to the audio device.
In-ear headphones are divided into, in fact, earbuds and in-ear headphones. The earbuds weigh almost nothing and fit comfortably into the ear. The sound quality in such models is very mediocre, but it is more than enough for listening to audiobooks and podcasts.
In-ear headphones are very similar to earbuds but are inserted into the ear canal, thereby providing a secure fit and excellent noise isolation. They are often used when playing sports. Unlike earbuds, they do not fall out of the ear and offer high-quality sound regardless of position.
On-ear headphones will be convenient to use both at home and outside. Large ear pads made of soft material fit snugly to the ears, cutting off extraneous noise, and the size of the case allows you to install high-quality speakers into the headphones.
Over-ear headphones are the largest models. Their ear pads do not put pressure on the auricle but wrap around it from all sides, forming a kind of sound chamber. As a result, you can enjoy excellent sound and complete comfort.
Acoustic headphone type
Modern headphones can be open, closed, or semi-open.
Open models offer the most natural sound possible. Unfortunately, they do not cut out external noise or the music itself, but this option will be very good for the home.
Closed headphones cut out sounds from the outside well, and some models sound a little different from open ones, although usually, this type tends to enhance low frequencies.
Semi-open models are a compromise in which audio manufacturers have tried to combine the best properties of the two previous types and minimize the disadvantages.
Battery life
The undoubted advantage of wireless headphones is the absence of wires and the ability to recharge the headphones from the case, which also contains a battery.
Wired headphones work directly through a connection to a smartphone or player and do not require a battery.
There are also battery-powered types that allow you to connect a wire in case the charge runs out. Such headphones are often recharged while they are connected to the gadget via a connector.
Basically, the operating time of wireless headphones will last for 4-10 hours, but there are models that can work even longer than a day.
Sound insulation properties
Most headphones have passive noise cancellation, simply cutting out external sounds due to their design. However, there are also options with active noise reduction: the built-in microphone picks up noise, and a special audio processor inverts it, as a result of which the noise becomes simply inaudible. Such models will especially appeal to those who often travel on the subway or fly on airplanes.
Control
Most headphones have a playback control feature. Wireless models are equipped with mechanical or touch buttons. This decision does not affect the sound quality in any way. The difference lies only in preferences- for some, mechanical buttons are too hard and uncomfortable, while for others, on the contrary, such controls seem simple and understandable.
Wired headphones are most often equipped with a special panel directly on the wire- there can be either one key to turn the microphone on and off, or several to control playback.
Full-size models, whether wired or not, are usually offered with controls on one of the speakers. There may also be versions with touch buttons and panels with mechanical keys.
It is worth noting that not all headphones have a useful volume control function. When choosing the right model, pay attention to this factor.
Additional features
For those for whom headphones are more than just ear pads and a microphone, we suggest evaluating models with unusual additional features.
For example, sports headphones have excellent fixation, which does not allow them to fall off the head even with very active movements.
Waterproof headphones are a special case of sports headphones. They will be useful for both athletes and people involved in extreme sports, who love hiking and often forget about an umbrella. Such models can easily withstand exposure to sweat or rain without compromising performance.
Headphones with a built-in player will help you eliminate not only wires but also the sound playback device itself. Everything you need to listen to music is already in the headphones themselves.
Bone conduction headphones are a relatively new type of headphone that does not cover the ears. The device is pressed against the temporal bones and provides audibility to music and the surrounding world simultaneously. Such models are most often equipped with moisture and dust protection. The sound quality is average—the emphasis is on comfort and secure fit.
Headphones with NFC support. Although this technology is mainly associated with contactless payments, its capabilities are much wider. It allows you to exchange data between several devices, and with its help, you can ensure a fast connection and confidentiality of transferred information (from contacts to media files).
