How to choose headphones

Among the variety of modern headphone models, it is not at all easy to decide which one is best for you. That is why we will talk about what points are important to consider when choosing headphones, so as not to make a mistake in the decision.

What are headphones?

So, there are several types of headphones: in-ear, in-ear, overhead, full-size and monitor.

In-ear headphones are the simplest and most common models. They are equipped with foam ear cushions for comfort and improved sound isolation. These headphones still transmit sound and do not differ in ideal sound quality due to their structure.

In-ear headphones or earbuds are inserted deeper into the ear. Their specific shape allows you to better conduct sound and block extraneous noise.

On-ear headphones, in accordance with their name, are superimposed on the auricle. They require a higher volume level because the distance to the ear canal is further away. These headphones are worn either with a headband or headband, or behind-the-ear mounts.

Over-ear headphones are one of the most expensive but also the highest quality options. They are large and often heavy, but the speaker fits comfortably on the ear, completely covering it. Sometimes they have a folding design.

Monitor headphones are essentially professional headphones. They are suitable for those who are engaged in sound engineering, as they have a wide range of reproducible frequencies. Whether a music lover buys them or not is a subjective question, but such headphones always have a very high price.

What headphones are you looking for?

When it comes to choosing headphones, first decide on the type. These can be earbuds or headphones with a rim, wired or Bluetooth. It is worth considering that wireless models are often more expensive, therefore, without a clear need, it is better to choose classic wired models. In order not to be mistaken, it is important to understand what you plan to use the device for. If you want to take your headphones for a run or walk around the house with them without being tied to one place, then wireless earbuds or earbuds are suitable for you. The most important thing is to pay attention to the fastening. Headphones should sit firmly in the ears and not fall out. It is best to try on the mount before purchasing, so you know exactly what you are dealing with.

If you are interested in smartphone headsets with the ability to listen to music, then it is best to use earbuds and the presence of a wire in them at your discretion and of course, depends on the smartphone model. Keep in mind that modern iPhones do not have a headphone jack, so they are only compatible with Bluetooth headsets.

If you’re looking for a gaming headset, then your best bet is to go for headphones with a headband and good blocking out outside noise. For each task, a certain type of device is most convenient. Just check everything you would like to do with your headphones and choose based on your needs.

Price = quality

When it comes to headphones, the price is largely an indicator of the quality of the device. It is best to choose models not cheaper than 1000 rubles. At the same time, it is not necessary to select the most expensive headphones. On average, be prepared for the fact that high-quality headphones will cost 2,500 – 8,000 rubles. Inserts are a little cheaper. You should not ignore the build quality of the headphones: the better they are made, the longer they will last. Cheap models can last about a year without mechanical damage. More expensive models can last several years if you take good care of them. In addition, the price includes the quality of the wire, fittings and sound. Therefore, do not chase the most budget options, as they may disappoint you. It is best to decide on a budget in advance.

Headphone Specifications

Be sure to highlight those features and characteristics that interest you in the device. Among the characteristics, noise isolation, the frequency range that the headphones are capable of reproducing, and the presence of a microphone are usually distinguished. But everything is not so simple. The list of characteristics may contain such terminology as dynamic, electret and other names. Most often, you will come across dynamic and reinforcing headphones. This determines what sound source the headphones have. Dynamic headphones are based on electrodynamic conversion. In other words, there is a membrane inside, which is affected by an alternating current.

Reinforcing headphones have an in-ear design. They work on a principle different from dynamic ones, which allows them to be small in size.

Headphones can also be closed and open. The open ones are equipped with a perforated grill on the surface, while the closed ones have a one-piece body. This characteristic is responsible for accessing or blocking external noise.

The parameter that is mistakenly given special attention is the sound frequencies of the headphones. The most common range is 20 – 20,000 Hz. This is the standard range that is ideally available to the ear. It should be borne in mind that it decreases with age, so you should not chase after an extended range, most often we simply won’t hear it.

But what you should pay attention to is the characteristic called impedance. In fact, this is the impedance at the input of the headphones, and depending on which device you plan to use them with, you should also choose the impedance. For portable devices, this will be a lower figure, a higher one for stationary equipment. In other words, 16-32 ohms for players and smartphones, up to 100 ohms for computers.

Microphone

If you choose a headset with a microphone, be sure to check the sound quality. It is best to choose headsets whose microphone blocks extraneous sounds, catching only your voice. In order to verify the quality, try connecting the headset to your smartphone and call someone or record your own voice.

Other headphone features

Comfort is a must when choosing headphones. Incorrectly fitting headphones, especially with a headband, can only hurt you when used. Headphones should not press anywhere, injure the ear or rub. They should not be too heavy and cause discomfort. Choose headphones so that you feel comfortable all the time you spend in them.

If you’ve settled on wireless headphones, be sure to balance the amount of time you plan to use the headphones with their battery life. Do you have enough battery capacity to easily use the device throughout the day?

If we talk about design, then not everyone cares about this moment. But if you belong to just that percentage of picky users, choose headphones in a color and style that suits you. Please note that you will have to wear them with various things. If you wear a hat in winter, then note whether the headband will fit on or under it. These are minor points, which are nevertheless fundamentally important.

Among the headphones that are suitable for sports, Apple AirPods stand out in particular. These small and lightweight headphones are loaded with features that make them some of the most comfortable on the market. They are wireless, fit comfortably and firmly in the ear, and respond to various actions. In fact, with AirPods, you don’t need to be distracted from business, even if a call comes in. You can use the Siri features if you use an iPhone or iPad. These headphones recognize when you put them on and when you take them off, automatically balancing the audio stream. Without recharging, they work up to 5 hours in continuous listening mode, and they are charged in a convenient case, which also serves as a carrying case.

Sennheiser HD 205 II are monitor headphones from a well-known manufacturer of audio equipment. The corded model features a comfortable headband and padded cups for comfort. The closed design and wide range allow you to hear a clear and high-quality sound. Stylish and comfortable design creates only a pleasant impression. These are headphones for music lovers, they are not equipped with a microphone and are not suitable for communication. However, if you appreciate the finer nuances of music, these headphones are perfect for you.

Headset A4Tech Bloody G501 is an indispensable device for a gamer. The excellent build quality of the device at a low price and excellent features makes these headphones an ideal choice. The microphone recognizes speech with high quality, and the headphones transmit sound with accuracy and detail. The wire with a fabric braid has a length of 2.2 meters. There is a volume control on the case. A4Tech headphones have a closed design, therefore they are not equipped with an active noise canceling system. They weigh only 258 g, which does not create noticeable discomfort when worn. Of course, it is worth mentioning the stylish design of the headphones, which are ideally combined with the style of most gaming laptops or desktop computers.

So, choosing headphones is not so easy, but knowing the basic specifications and accurately determining your own requirements, everyone can easily choose the option that is right for their needs. Whether it’s headphones for every day or a sports device, or maybe just a headset.