Making a choice over which are the best headphones for your needs can prove tricky as there’s no shortage of headphones out on the market. So, how do you know which pair will serve you best?
At the end of the day, what a good pair of headphones means for you is really going to depend on your specific needs and situation. Are you confused about which headphones to buy either because you don’t know much about audio or how headphones function? Not to worry, get to know everything from this simple audiophile guide to helping you find the perfect pair.
In-ear, on-ear, or over-ear?
If you’re looking to buy a new pair of headphones, the easiest way to get started is to consider the form factor you like best: in-ear headphones, on-ear headphones, or over-ear headphones?
In-ear headphones, also known as earbuds or earphones, are those you’re most likely to see people wearing while out and about because their compact build makes them ideal for use while travelling or commuting, and also because they’re often cheaper than others.
On-ear headphones feature cushions that sit on, rather than over your ears, and feature a headband connecting each earcup. They’re usually more compact than over-ear headphones, which makes them ideal if you want to use them while travelling or if you don’t like the feel of earbuds in your ears. They are good for people who find that over-ear headphones make their ears uncomfortably warm.
Over-ear headphones are probably the best choice if you’re looking for the ultimate in audio immersion as they feature large drivers that deliver a powerful sound, alongside an earcup design that can block out the sound of the world around you. Since they put more distance between loud sounds and your eardrums, plus they block out a lot of ambient noise, you won’t need to have the volume turned up quite so high. If safeguarding your hearing is a priority then this should be for you.
Should you go wireless?
If you don’t have the patience to deal with a tangle of cables then a pair of wireless headphones or earbuds might be a good option. For most people, Bluetooth headphones and earbuds of today are far more reliable in terms of audio fidelity. Also, the convenience of no wire between your device and your headphones is very appealing.
For those who want to tune into their favourite tracks while travelling or working out, wireless is a better option. With constant leaps in headphone technology and the evolution of audio codecs, wireless audio has come advertently close to that of wired. One more disadvantage of wireless headphones, they’ll need charging from time to time. Remind you, that these batteries don’t last forever.
Comfort and cost:
Another factor to consider is comfort because these are going to be sitting on your head and over your ears for hours at a time. If possible, read up on what others have experienced since some headphones may feel and fit differently after being broken in for a while.
Cost is always going to be another major consideration when looking for a pair of headphones, and may often come down to whatever is currently in your budget. The recommendation would be to think again about how you’ll be using them and for what. If you exercise every day or need to produce music from a thin-walled apartment, it may be worth it to do some serious research and invest in a higher-quality product that’s been proven to last.
Buy your new headphones from an authorized dealer and get the manufacturer’s warranty, service, and support.
Hopefully, this article has given you some useful factors to consider when it comes to selecting the right headphones.
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