What Features to Look for When Buying Headphones

Both wired and wireless headphones can produce quality audio, but which one is right for you? If you’re looking for a cord-free product, wireless headphones can provide you with more range and zero tangles. Wireless headphones connect to your device using Bluetooth technology so you can use them anywhere (even on a plane), as long as you’re close enough to your device’s Bluetooth signal.

Having cordless headphones may be appealing, but there are plenty of reasons to own a pair of wired headphones as well. One benefit of wired headphones is that they run without the help of a battery, so you never have to worry about charging them or losing power in the middle of your favorite song. The same goes for connectivity issues. Because wired headphones use a much simpler design, they’re often less expensive, more durable, and have better sound quality. 

You may be wondering, “should I get headphones or earbuds?” Each style has many advantages, but ultimately, the headphones vs. earbuds debate depends on your personal preferences. If you plan to use your headphones often or for long durations, finding a pair that feels comfortable for your ears is paramount.

If you want an immersive sound, over-ear headphones surround your ears and help block out ambient noise. Compared to other types of headphones, over-ear models typically provide superior sound quality. But they’re also one of the bulkiest styles, so you’ll want to make sure that you’re happy with a product that takes up a little space.

When it comes to over-ear vs. on-ear headphones, over-ear models usually produce better audio. But if a more compact design is what you’re after, on-ear headphones are often smaller and still provide sufficient sound. But the smallest devices are earbuds that fit directly into your ear canal. Small enough to hold in the palm of your hand, earbuds are one of your most portable headphone options.

However, both on-ear headphones and earbuds can cause discomfort for some people. Whatever design you choose, make sure it’s a good fit for your ears. 

Do you want a crisp, clear sound without any distracting background noise? If so, you’ll want to explore both noise-isolating and noise-cancelling headphones.

The main difference between noise isolation vs. noise cancellation has to do with the technical design. Noise-cancelling headphones contain tiny microphones that assess the sounds around you and produce opposing sound waves that cancel out the noise. Many people use noise-cancelling headphones for sleeping or tasks requiring dedicated focus.

On the other hand, noise-isolating headphones don’t use any active electronic processes to block sound. Instead, they passively reduce noise with ergonomic designs that make it harder for your ear to hear beyond the headphones. For this reason, noise-isolating headphones are more likely to let sound in than noise-cancelling devices. But both types of headphones are an excellent choice if you want to reduce ambient noise like airplane engines, air conditioners or other distractions.

If you want to use your headphones for video calls, cooperative gaming, or any other activity that requires both listening and speaking, you’ll want to ensure you find a pair of headphones that have a built-in microphone. Headphones with built-in mic components come in a range of styles, so you can explore earbuds, over-ear, or on-ear options.

But if you want more control over your microphone placement, you may also want to check out headsets. Typically used for gaming or professional calls, headsets offer flexible microphone attachments so you can position your mic closer or further away from your mouth, depending on your situation. You can even find gaming headsets that are designed to elevate your gaming experience for PC or console games. 

Even if you don’t plan on swimming with your new headphones, it’s wise to invest in a pair that offers protection against water damage. But what’s the difference between waterproof and water-resistant headphones? To understand how durable your new headphones are against the elements, you’ll want to look for information about that item’s IP rating.

An IP (ingress protection) rating represents your device's protection against dust and liquids. The highest end of the IP rating scale is IP68. The first number signifies dust protection on a scale of zero to six, with six being complete protection from dust. The second number corresponds to your water protection on a scale of zero to eight, where eight means an item can be immersed in one meter of water for up to 30 minutes.

Waterproof headphones will have much higher IP ratings than water-resistant headphones, which may only be able to withstand light sprays or splashes of water. So, if you’d like to use your headphones in the pool or shower, you’ll want to invest in a pair of waterproof headphones with a high IP rating.

The right set of headphones can level up your music, gaming, podcasts, phone calls and more. And with a wide selection of styles and designs, you can find headphones with exciting features for all purposes.

You can prioritize your need for a wireless experience, drown out the world with noise cancellation, or connect to friends online or on your phone via headphones with built-in microphones. No matter what you choose, investing in a new pair of headphones can help you tune in and get the most out of your audio experience.