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In the world of music and sound, headphones are a personal accessory that can make a significant difference in how we experience our favorite tunes, podcasts, or movies. But what should you look for when you buy new headphones?
This comprehensive headphone buying guide is here to answer that question and more.
So, whether you're a seasoned audiophile or a casual listener, read on to discover how to choose the perfect pair of headphones that will elevate your listening experience.
This comprehensive headphone buying guide is here to answer that question and more.
So, whether you're a seasoned audiophile or a casual listener, read on to discover how to choose the perfect pair of headphones that will elevate your listening experience.
When it comes to buying new headphones, the options can be overwhelming. There are so many factors to consider, from the type of headphones to the sound quality and even the price. But don't worry, we're here to help. Here's what to look for in headphones:
There are three main types of headphones: in-ear, on-ear, and over-ear.
If you're finding it difficult to figure out how to choose headphones for you specifically, consider your lifestyle and where you'll be using them. For example, if you're a frequent traveler, you might prefer in-ear headphones for their portability.
The next thing to consider is whether you want wired or wireless headphones.
If you're often on the go or like to listen to music while exercising, wireless might be the way to go. However, if sound quality is your top priority, you might prefer wired headphones.
What are good headphones without good sound quality? Sound quality is subjective and depends on what you're looking for in your audio experience. Here are a few things to consider:
Bear in mind, the best way to judge sound quality is to listen to the headphones yourself. Reviews and specs can help guide you, but everyone's preferences are different.
It's vital to note that noise-canceling headphones are typically more expensive than noise-isolating ones, and they require a power source for the noise-canceling function, which means you'll need to charge them more frequently.
When you're in the middle of a great song or an interesting podcast, the last thing you want is for your headphones to die on you. That's why battery life is such an important factor, especially for wireless headphones.
Most wireless headphones can last between 10 to 20 hours on a single charge, but some high-end models can even go up to 30 hours or more like the Life Q30 NC headphone's 60 hours of playtime in standard mode or up to 40-hour playtime in noise-canceling mode. Need a quick boost? A 5-minute charge gives 4 hours of music, allowing you to enjoy music anywhere, even on the go.
So, if you're planning to use your headphones for long periods, fast charging can be especially beneficial. Some headphones come with a quick charge feature, which can give you several hours of use with just a few minutes of charging. This can be a lifesaver when you're in a hurry.
If you're someone who likes to listen to music while working out or you're just prone to getting caught in the rain, you might want to consider getting waterproof headphones.
Waterproof headphones are designed to withstand sweat and rain, making them a great choice for gym-goers and outdoor enthusiasts. They're usually rated using the IP (Ingress Protection) system. For example, headphones rated IPX7 can be submerged in water up to 1 meter for up to 30 minutes.
However, keep in mind that being waterproof doesn't mean you can go swimming with them. For that, you'll need headphones specifically designed for swimming.
No matter how great the sound quality is, if the headphones are not comfortable, you're not going to enjoy using them. Comfort can be subjective and depends on factors like the size of your ears, whether you wear glasses, and how long you typically use your headphones at a time.
Here are a few things to consider:
Now, let's talk about price. Headphones can range from very affordable to quite expensive. The price usually depends on factors like the brand, sound quality, features, and design.
But keep in mind, a higher price doesn't always mean better quality. There are plenty of affordable headphones out there that offer great sound and are comfortable to wear. So, set a budget and stick to it. Don't be tempted to overspend on features you don't need.
When it comes to buying headphones, it's all about finding the right balance between price and performance. Be sure to take your time, do your research, and you'll be able to find the perfect pair of headphones for your needs. After all, good headphones are not just about listening to music, they're about experiencing it.
What headphones should I buy? Finding the perfect pair of headphones can feel like a daunting task, especially with so many options available. But don't worry, we've got you covered.
Here are some unique and interesting tips to help you find the best headphones to buy.
Different headphones can produce different sound profiles. Some might emphasize bass, while others might focus on delivering clear, crisp highs. Knowing your sound preference can help guide your decision. For instance, if you're a bass lover, you might want to look for headphones known for their strong bass performance.
The device you're planning to use your headphones with can also influence your choice. For example, not all devices support the latest Bluetooth version, which can affect the sound quality of wireless headphones. So, make sure to check the compatibility of your device before making a purchase.
For wired headphones, the cable can make a difference. A tangled cable can be frustrating and can even affect sound quality. Look for headphones with a flat or fabric-coated cable as they're less likely to tangle. Also, consider the length of the cable. A longer cable can give you more freedom of movement, but it can also be more prone to tangling.
If possible, try the headphones on before buying. Wear them for at least 20 minutes to check your comfort level. Remember, even the best-sounding headphones can be a pain if they're not comfortable to wear. But you will inevitably have questions in your mind: where can I buy headphones near me that I can try out?
As soundcore, we understand the importance of trying out our headphones before making a purchase, and we strive to provide the best possible experience for our customers. To find soundcore headphones that you can try out near you, we recommend visiting authorized retailers and stores that carry our products. You can check our official website to find nearby retailers that offer soundcore headphones for in-person testing.
Headphones are an investment, and like any investment, you'll want to protect it. Check the warranty before buying. A good warranty can give you peace of mind knowing that you're covered if anything goes wrong.
Reviews can provide valuable insights into the performance and reliability of the headphones. Look for reviews from users who have similar needs and preferences as you. But take note, everyone's experience is subjective, so take each review with a grain of salt.
Finally, don't be afraid to experiment. You might have a set idea of what you want, but you might also be surprised by what you find. So, keep an open mind, and don't be afraid to try something new.
Choosing the right headphones is a personal journey. It's about finding that perfect blend of comfort, sound quality, and functionality that matches your lifestyle and listening habits. Whether you're a music enthusiast looking for the highest fidelity sound, a frequent traveler needing noise cancellation, or a fitness buff requiring waterproof and secure fit, there's a pair of headphones out there for you.
The best headphones to buy are not necessarily the most expensive ones, but the ones that offer the best value for your needs and preferences. So, take your time, do your research, and don't be afraid to try out different options.
Telling the difference between good and bad quality headphones involves a combination of factors:
What constitutes "good" quality can be subjective and depends on your personal preferences.
The best headphones for music depend on your personal preferences and the type of music you listen to. For example, if you listen to a lot of bass-heavy music, you might want headphones with strong bass performance. If you listen to a lot of live recordings or classical music, you might want headphones with a wide soundstage and clear, detailed sound.
Ideally, the best way to find the right headphones for music is to try them out with your favorite songs and see how they sound.
Headphones are more than just a way to listen to music, they’ve matured into a wearable device, a way to augment your smartphone experience. It can be hard to decode all of the specifications and even harder to understand the importance of some software features over others, especially if you’re new to buying headphones. We’re here to reduce the analysis paralysis with our ultimate headphone buying guide. Dedicate less time to research, and more time to enjoying your music!
Editor’s note: this article was updated on March 1, 2023, to add a studio headphone section, and a note on trying before buying.
Headphones come in many different shapes and sizes, with different connection types and features. The most basic physical breakdown of headphones includes over-ear and on-ear headphones, in-ears and IEMs, and true wireless earbuds. We’ll cover the pros and cons of each type, and their ideal use cases to help you narrow your search.
Remember, treat this article as a guide, not a book of law.
Wired headphones, like the Sennheiser HD 599 provide superior sound quality to their Bluetooth counterparts
Over-ear headphones are probably what most of us picture in our mind’s eye when someone says the word “headphones.” They are the largest of the headphone types.
Generally speaking, over-ear headphones have an easier time reproducing accurate audio across the frequency spectrum, from sub-bass to treble notes. They employ large, typically dynamic, drivers, which can move a lot of air.
The Sony WH-1000XM5 (left) is much friendlier to those who switch between operating systems than the AirPods Max (right).
Over-ear headphones can more effectively recreate a realistic sense of space than in-ears; this is often referred to as “soundstage.” The way the ear pads encompass the ear means that the sound waves hit your pinna much as they do when you’re listening to sounds “in real life”.
Another advantage of the larger footprint is greater comfort and better battery life than smaller options. The ear cups distribute weight more comfortably around the ear, and across the headband.
As with the pros, the cons of over-ear headphones have much to do with their size. Headphones take up much more room in your bag than a pair of wired or wireless earbuds. Another rare inconvenience is that a premium pair of wired headphones might require an external amplifier.
If you’re going to be mixing music, or creating podcasts and other audio content, you should consider studio headphones. This type of over-ear headphone isn’t very flashy and you might initially balk at the price for what you’re getting, but these headphones are purpose-built for professional applications. These products aren’t generally something we recommend for casual listening. Typically, they’re intended for use in a studio, so are built around sound reproduction and durability almost exclusively.
If you’re looking for a pair of studio headphones, the AKG K371 is a great choice.
In general, studio headphones will have a sound that’s more neutral. That way, you’re not going to accidentally add too much bass or treble to your recordings when you mix. Some people prefer this kind of sound, and it’s similar to what you’d find in higher-end or “audiophile” headphones. Most studio headphones are pretty basic, with a cable to connect to your source instead of Bluetooth.
Harley Maranan / SoundGuys
On-ear style headphones like the JBL Tune 660NC can cause some pain, depending on your ear shape.
Unlike over-ears, on-ear headphones sit directly on top of your ears.
The on-ear design is great for listeners who want many of the benefits of over-ear headphones, without all the added heft. These aren’t quite pocketable as in-ears, but they often include rotating or collapsible hinges for storage. Again, manufacturers can include large batteries into these headphones.
The Beats Solo Pro compacts well, but isn’t very comfortable.
Isolation, the ability for a headset to block out background noise, is difficult with on-ear headphones. An innocent wiggle of the ear could set the whole fit off-kilter, and let in all of the environmental noise around you. This is bad, because good isolation yields optimal audio quality.
Sometimes on-ear headphones can provide very effective isolation, but at the expense of comfort. This is true for the Beats Solo Pro noise canceling on-ear headphones, which feel like a wearing a vice grip. Another disadvantage: even though they’re easier to carry than over-ear headphones, they’re still cumbersome relative to earbuds.
The Apple AirPods Pro earbuds have indentations to indicate where the touch controls are located.
Every MP3 player and early smartphone used to come with a pair of wired earbuds, just to get you started, and they are now more popular than ever.
Whether you purchase wired or wireless earbuds, they offer the big advantage of being extremely easy to transport. You can shove them into a pocket, or roll them into a purse and go about your day. Passive isolation is generally very good with earbuds, unlike on-ears, because they seal to the ear (or most do, anyway). The silicone or memory foam ear tips create a physical seal that blocks out background noise, and when you fit them properly, they can be almost as effective as some noise canceling options. Take the Shure SE215, a pair of $100 in-ear monitors (IEMs) that completely isolates the listener from their surroundings.
A good pair of earbuds is easy to find on almost any budget.
True wireless earbuds are the most portable option around, and are to credit, or blame, for how we understand earbuds today: as an extension of our smartphones. Apple, in particular, popularized the technology with its AirPods, and other companies have since made great AirPods competitors that provide ample software features. Wireless earbuds offer plenty of user control, as you can often reconfigure the touch or button controls, toggle features like ambient passthrough, and more.
Whether you pay $50 or top dollar for wireless earbuds, all models will include a case that doubles as a charger for the buds. Since they are wire-free, they’re perfect for athletes or exercise enthusiasts. There are plenty of workout earbuds that feature some sort of IP rating, which is a must-have feature for any athlete. Another great benefit of buying earbuds: they’re mostly very affordable.
In-ear monitors are generally used to monitor music for performers, or to provide a high-end solution for in-ear enthusiasts. In-ear monitors are always wired to avoid the latency issues introduced by Bluetooth, though may be used in conjunction with a beltpack for wireless transmission for actual performers and musicians.
Whether it’s your fault or your pet’s doing, cables break, and few earbuds include replaceable ones.
Wires get tangled or broken, which isn’t something many of us care to deal with anymore. Few budget earbuds include replaceable cables with MMCX connectors, which shortens the lifespan of your favorite earbuds if you’re not careful with them.
When searching for wireless earbuds, you’ll quickly learn that wireless earbud batteries don’t last. These tiny earbuds house proportionately tiny battery cells. Combined with the constant charge-deplete cycle and you have a recipe for a product with a finite lifespan of less than 3 years in some cases.
Another somewhat common issue that plagues true wireless earbuds is connection stability. While this improved with Bluetooth 5.0, some earbuds still struggle to maintain a connection outside, and others hiccup when you get between the earbuds and your source device.
Gaming headsets range from the ostentatious to the subdued
Gamers have their own product category to consider, and it’s much more difficult to separate the good from the gimmick. Whether your console of choice is a PlayStation 5, an Xbox Series X, or a Nintendo Switch, a gaming headset can improve your experience, and that of your teammates.
Gaming headsets offer value to casual and professional gamers alike. They are plenty of useful hardware and software features beneath those glowing LEDs. Surround sound is a popular feature among gaming headsets: sometimes it’s baked into the headset, and other times you have to download proprietary software. A good headset gives you the edge over other gamers, because it makes it easier for you to locate auditory cues. This could be the difference between virtual life and death in games like Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War.
Gaming headsets make it easier for you to locate where in-game sound is coming from.
Most all gaming headsets are over-ear headphones with an external boom mic, and is usually much cheaper than if you bought a pair of headphones and an external USB microphone.
The Bose QuietComfort 35 II Gaming Headset is basically just the Bose QC 35 II headphones with a detachable boom mic.
Not all gaming headsets are made well, and tons of junk gaming headsets aren’t worthy of anyone’s desktop. If you purchase without doing enough research, you could end up wasting hundreds of dollars. You might want to consider that the appearance of many gaming oriented products makes them unsuitable for wearing out and about or while commuting, for example.
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The Sony WH-1000XM5 (left) and WH-1000XM4 (right) both support multipoint connectivity.
Like other connection types, there’s no “better” or “worse” when it comes to wired or wireless headphones, just trade offs. However, wireless connectivity adds another layer of pros and cons to your buying decisions, and it may not be much of an option if your phone lacks a headphone jack altogether. You might decide that dongle life isn’t worth the hassle, and you prefer to reserve wired listening for the home.
There’s a lot of technical jargon surrounding headphones, but it’s worth your while to understand the basic concepts if you want to invest in a nice set of headphones.
Sure, it can be a pain to go out into the world, but considering how important fit and sound quality are to your experience: we always recommend trying headphones before you buy them. It’s a good idea to check that the products you buy will actually fit you, and avoid eating a costly restocking fee.
If you live in an area with a HiFi shop or other electronics store that allows you to listen to headphones in-store, you should be able to figure out what will fit you well. Unfortunately for a number of reasons, you’re usually not going to be able to demo in-ears. Block out an hour or two to check out headphones on a day off, and primarily focus on how comfortable the headphones are, and if they sound good to you. You’ll never quite get over a set of headphones that are too heavy, or put too much pressure on your head.
When buying online, you won’t be able to try on headphones before you buy, so read as many headphone reviews as you can about the products you’re interested in. While reviews won’t reflect your experiences exactly, reading multiple sites can help you get a better picture of how well a product does what it’s supposed to.
Understand that Bluetooth codecs determine how Bluetooth media is transmitted from your smartphone to your headphones. The best Bluetooth codec for your setup is the one that provides optimal audio quality and connection stability with your operating system.
iPhone owners are best off with wireless headphones that support AAC, which is the only high-quality Bluetooth codec that iOS supports. It optimizes audio quality and reduces lag-time on Apple devices. Android encodes AAC with varying degrees of efficiency, depending on your hardware, so you may be better off with aptX or even a pair of LDAC headphones. Some Android smartphone manufacturers have their own proprietary codecs. Samsung’s Galaxy Buds series of earphones support the Samsung Scalable Codec, which scales bitrate according to signal strength.
Neither frequency response is perfect, but the Sennheiser gets a little closer than Sony in the low end to our headphone preference curve.
Frequency response measurements like the ones shown above provide an illustration of how well a product reproduces the audible range of frequencies into a typical ear..
Professionals need accurate audio from their headphones to mix tracks, but many consumers prefer some variation.
Most consumer headphones amplify bass and treble notes, which adds some oomph to your songs, making everything sound a bit louder and more impressive. This is sometimes referred to as a “V-shaped” sound profile.
Comparing the Audio-Technica ATH-GL3 (Closed Back) and Audio-Technica ATH-GDL3 (Open Back).
With closed-back headphones the casing completely encloses the rear of the drive units. This design is more versatile, because you can take closed-back headphones anywhere, without your music leaking into public spaces. The drawback to closed headphones is that they generally don’t do such a good job of recreating a realistic sense of auditory space, compared to their open-back counterparts. Open-back headphones often have open grilles that expose the rear of the drivers. This allows the flow of air in and out and allows for a more “spacious” sound, but can only be used for close listening in a quiet environment.
There are plenty more factors to consider: should you buy headphones online or at a brick-and-mortar store? Should your headphones come with a mobile app? Is the microphone quality good enough? Let’s run through these questions right now.
Jasper Lastoria / SoundGuys
The dials on the bottom of the app allow you to select which frequencies you want to adjust.
Almost every wireless audio product comes with a headphone app, and this may seem like a roundabout way to collect data from you, but some apps offer useful features too. The most important feature a headphone app can offer you is access to firmware updates for your headphones. Some companies have a bad habit of gatekeeping access to updates, for example, you can only update a set of AirPods if you own an Apple device; Android users can still use the headset, but it’s more like a hindered pair of earbuds than a seamless experience.
A good headphone app can extend the lifetime of your wireless headphones and earbuds.
Software features and mobile companion apps are great for more than just basic firmware updates. The useful apps let you access features like EQ and other enhancements, onboard control customization, find my earbuds, and more. The Sony Headphones Connect app even lets you decide whether you want the app to prioritize connection stability or audio quality.
Lily Katz / SoundGuys
The Sony app forces you to accept the end user license agreement to access the Headphones Connect app.
If a headset comes with a companion app, it’s quite possible that the app collects data from you and even sends it to third parties. Bose has been embroiled in lawsuits, for example. All companies flirt with data collection to some degree, whether they bury clauses throughout novel-length terms of service agreements, or force you to accept agreements before fully knowing the app’s features. In all fairness, not every company is out to get you, or sell your data for profit. Some use apps for internal marketing purposes, and to better their online services.
Noise isolation means that the product physically obstructs outside sound, thus blocking outside noise from entering your ear.
Apple’s first headset sounds great, mostly because it’s so good at eliminating noise.
Active noise cancellation (ANC) works differently: products with ANC have tiny microphones that pick up outside sounds, and sometimes include inward-facing microphones to provide greater accuracy in noise detection. The headset’s processor then produces a signal that is the opposite of the sound wave detected which is sent to the driver, creating destructive interference to cancel out the noise. If noise cancellation sounds intriguing, there are some great options available. Don’t expect every little sound to magically disappear, but you’d be surprised how much sound a good pair of headphones can remove.
You can charge the Samsung Galaxy Buds Plus case via Wireless PowerShare or with a Qi-certified power mat.
Depending on the type of wireless headphones, battery life may or may not be a huge concern. On- and over-ear headphones have much longer battery life than wireless and true wireless earbuds. Most wireless headphones provide at least 20 hours of playtime on a single charge, while true wireless earbuds offer 4-8 hours of listening on a single charge.
Most wireless headphones and earbuds support fast charging. Usually, you’ll see a specification that cites something like 10 minutes of charging provides an hour of playtime.
Lily Katz / SoundGuys
The Aeropex from AfterShokz is a bone conduction headset that’s great for athletes of all stripes, thanks to its dust and water-resistant build.
If you exercise frequently, you should buy a pair of dedicated workout headphones or workout earbuds. It may seem like a waste of money to buy a headset reserved for the gym, but no one wants a sweat-damaged headset. You should look out for a product that merits an Ingress Protection (IP) rating. A common IP rating is IPX4, where the “X” marks a placeholder for dust resistance. Rock climbers and training gymnasts should get a headset with a dust-resistance rating because the chalk particles can damage internal components if a headset isn’t handled properly.
Microphone quality was once an afterthought when you purchased a headset, but today it’s a highly sought-after feature since many of us are relegated to remote work. The headset with the best microphone quality is usually one with an external boom mic, like a gaming headset, but there are plenty of great headphones for conference calls beyond the gaming arena.
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