There are three main types of headphones: over-ear headphones that surround the ears, on-ear headphones that rest on top of the ear, and in-ear headphones (also called earbuds) that fit securely inside the ear. Some headphones also offer digital assistant support.
Before buying a headphone, consider your needs. Decide how you’ll use them and prioritize features that match.
Sound quality
Many buyers will consider sound quality a big factor when choosing headphones. You want a good balance between bass, mids, and highs. It is important to look at the frequency response graph to see if there are large peaks or valleys. Ideally, the frequencies should be slightly elevated in the upper range and gently slope down at 20kHz to avoid aliasing.
Also, check out the headphone’s driver size, which will impact its overall sound signature. Closed-back headphones will have greater isolation but may have a slight bass boost in the lower frequencies, and open-back headphones will have a more natural sound but won’t isolate as well.
If you can, listen to the headphones in person at a shop or other store that allows demos. This will help you find a set of headphones that are comfortable to wear and that sound great.
If you cannot test the headphones before buying, read their reviews online. While these reviews won’t reflect precisely how the headphones will sound to you, reading a few will give you a good idea of what to expect.
Comfort
Whether you’re shopping for headphones for work, play, or both, comfort is important. Most headphone users wear their headphones for extended periods, so you’ll want to ensure they’re comfortable. You’ll also want to be able to move your head around without catching the headphones on something or feeling pressure on certain areas of your ears.
The best way to evaluate headphone comfort is to try them in person. Fortunately, most headphone models have adjustable bands and cups, making it easy to find the right fit. You can even slip them on and then tuck or tug the band to see how they’re adjusted and if they fit your head properly.
Circumaural headphones are full-sized and usually made of cushioned padding that encircles your outer ear to create a seal. They’re often very comfortable, but they may not be ideal for portable use due to their size and weight. Supra-aural headphones are similar, except they rest on the top of your ear instead of around it. They’re typically much lighter and more comfortable than circumaural headphones, but they don’t isolate sound as well.
Once you’ve found comfortable headphones, you can keep them in good shape for a long time by using them regularly and caring for them correctly. Be careful not to force the plug into a headphone jack or tug at the cable when disconnecting, as doing so could damage the internal wires and lead to audio issues.
Durability
Whether they’re used in classes, studios or while on the go, headphones are exposed to a lot of wear and tear. That’s why it’s important to select a headphone that prioritizes durability. Durability refers to a headphone’s design and materials, flexibility and adjustability, weight, connectors and cables, and protection against damage. It also includes a headphone’s ability to withstand repeated use, tough conditions and vigorous activities.
Look for headphones that feature strong and reliable joints to ensure sturdiness. Ideally, they should be made using solid joinery methods such as screws or welds instead of adhesive bonding. A good headphone should also have a seamless construction to reduce the risk of loose and vulnerable parts.
You can also find out more about a headphone’s durability by looking at the manufacturer’s track record and reputation. Choose a brand with a long history in the audio industry as they tend to have more experience in producing headphones that are durable and built to last. Additionally, check for headphones that have received MIL-STD-810G certification as they are likely to be more resilient against harsh environments and activities. It is also a good idea to choose headphones that come with a lengthy warranty as it shows how confident the manufacturers are about the quality and durability of their products. It is important to note that there is no fixed time period when a headphone can wear out as everyone’s experience will be slightly different.
Cables
The cables that come with headphones can greatly impact the sound quality. This is because the wires carry the audio signal from your music source to your headphones. This is why you’ll want to look for a cable that is made with high-quality materials. For example, the external wire casing should feel durable and not cheap to the touch. It should also be resistant to corrosion and tarnishing. You’ll also want to make sure the connectors on your headphones are well-made and will hold up over time.
While the plugs on the headphone end vary quite a bit, the connectors that go into your headphone amplifier are more standard. The most common is a Tip/Ring/Sleeve (TRS) connection, which has 2 signal wires and one ground wire. The tip connects to the left and right signal wires, while the ring and sleeve are used as a shared ground to minimize noise interference.
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