Headphones
Headphones are near the top of everyone’s checklist before heading out. Whether you’re looking for the right pair to help you pump weights or a headset for work, the right headphones will make all the difference. Not sure where to start? Read our answers to some of the most asked audio questions.
What Are The Different Types of Headphones?
There are a variety of different headphones you can choose from before making a decision. We’ve gone ahead and broken them down, so you know their strengths and weaknesses and best-suited pair for your lifestyle.
Closed-Back Headphones
Closed-back headphones are best for those who want to block out background noise while listening. This style helps to isolate audio and remove background noise in any environment, so you can focus on the sounds more closely. This style also frequently has active noise canceling as an added benefit. It’s the perfect headphone for those who want to be fully immersed in the music.
On-Ear Headphones
On-ear headphones sit comfortably on top of the ear to provide the perfect mix of comfort and immersiveness. Similar to open-back headphones, on-ear headphones allow some background sounds to both enter and exit through the ear. However, on-ear headphones don’t add as much pressure and generally keep ears cooler. For this reason, they’re great in between for those looking for immersive audio playback with a less bulky feel.
Over-Ear Headphones
As the name implies, over-ear headphones sit on top of the head and fully cover your ear. This style allows for a more immersive environment between yourself and audio playback. This style is also perfect for those looking to limit noise leakage. Though they are a bit bulkier than other styles of headphones, they are ideal for those looking for features like noise-canceling, sound isolation, and high fidelity sound.
Earbuds
Earbuds can best be described as mini speakers that sit comfortably on the outer ear. Earbuds are ideal for those looking for headphones that are easily portable, lightweight and relatively inexpensive. They also offer a wider soundstage as they are not sitting directly on the eardrum. The other benefit is increased awareness over other styles of headphones. Overall, they’re a great pick if you’re looking to do some light video watching or enjoy more casual listening.
Bone Conduction Headphones
Bone conduction headphones are fantastic for performing certain sports such as running, cycling, and even swimming. They are also great for those of us that work from home. The headphones work by moving the vibration of the sound into the cheekbones rather than the eardrum. As a result, your ears are open and able to hear what’s going on around you. Allowing you to add a soundtrack to your daily activities without sacrificing awareness.
What Features Should I Consider Before Deciding?
There are a few features to keep in mind before deciding on the perfect pair. If you’re going to be commuting on a noisy train, you might want headphones with noise-canceling. Or perhaps a mic boom if you’re often on the phone
Bluetooth Headphones
If you find yourself annoyed with wires and want to move about, you might want to check out Bluetooth or wireless headphones. Bluetooth headphones seamlessly connect your audio device with your preferred music player — whether it be your tablet, laptop or cell. All without having tangled cords getting in the way. They’re ideal for those looking to work out or are often on the go.
Microphone and Audio Controls
Currently, most headphones come with a built-in microphone that allows for hands-free communication. Some, like the Opencomm from Aftershokz, have a dedicated mic boom. Some headphones also come with additional audio controls and options for different sound settings and EQ mixing.
Noise-Cancelling Headphones
Enjoy distraction-free listening with noise-canceling headphones. They’re ideal for busy subway rides, air travel, or just noisy city streets. The technology works by using an integrated mic combined with a circuit to make an “anti-noise” current, this prevents outside sound from being transmitted.