How To Choose the Right Pair of Headphones
In the always-connected tech world people live in today, a good pair of headphones can really improve day-to-day life. Have you ever wanted to watch a video on a crowded train, but didn’t want to annoy your seatmate? Are you tired of having to listen to your brother’s video game blaring while you are trying to watch your favorite TV show on your Apple iPhone? A quality pair of headphones can solve these problems and more. This guide will walk you through the process of picking the right headphones for you.
What Will You Be Using Your Headphones for?
The factor that most affects the best headphones for the tech you are using is what you plan to use your headphones for. Will you primarily be using them to listen to your Apple iPod while working out? Do you need a set you can connect to your sound system for playing video games or watching movies? Are you looking for something portable you can hook up to your handheld video game?
Which Type of Headphone Tech Do You Need?
The three main types of headphones are over-ear, on-ear and in-ear. The best type for you depends on your personal preference and how you will use them.
Over-Ear Headphones
These models completely cover your ears and are held in place by gentle pressure from a headband. They come in closed varieties that prevent other people from hearing what you are listening to and open varieties that allow some sound to escape so that you can hear what is going on around you. Over-ear models usually have a more natural sound to them than other types, which makes them a good choice for listening to music. However, they are also the bulkiest model, which can make them a poor choice for listening on the go. Because of their noise-canceling ability, closed over-ear models are the best choice for blocking out noise around you and the worst for situations where you need to be able to hear what is going on.
On-Ear Headphones
This tech weighs less and is usually smaller than over-ear models. They stay in place by applying pressure directly to your ears, like a pair of earmuffs. They are also available in open and closed models, but even the closed models allow more sound in than over-ear headphones.
On-ear headphones are good choices for environments where you want to block out some sound but need to hear what is going on around you. Many on-ear models fold up, which makes them easier to take with you than over-ear sets. On the downside, the pressure on your ears can become painful with extended use and they may fall off when you move your head.
In-Ear Headphones
In-ear models are often referred to as “earbuds” and are sold packaged with many types of portable tech, such as the Apple iPhone. Earbuds are a popular choice for wearing while working out because they are small and light and usually made from water-resistant materials. Because they don’t go over your head, they don’t mess up your hair and noise-canceling varieties can block out some ambient sound. The downside to earbuds is that they tangle easily, the sound quality is usually not as good as other types and they may be uncomfortable or difficult to fit in some people’s ears.
Open vs. Closed Back
If you don’t want to hear the world around you and you don’t want the world around you to hear what you are listening to, a closed-back headphone is the best choice. Some people think open-back headphones have a more natural sound to them, but everyone around you will be able to hear what you are listening to, so they are not good choices for public places.
Wired vs. Wireless
The main benefit of wireless tech is convenience. You aren’t tethered to your device and you don’t have to worry about the cords getting tangled up with a pair of wireless headphones. However, people who want or need the highest sound quality will want to go with wired options.
Whether freedom of movement, sound cancellation or audio quality is the most important feature to you, there is a headphone tech option out there to suit your needs. The best headphones for your Apple and other devices mostly depend on your personal preferences.