If you listen to music on the go, you’ll understand the importance of good headphones. With so many variations, price ranges, styles, and technologies available, there are several different types of headphones you need to know about.
I’ve put together this comprehensive guide to help you understand what headphones will work for your needs and lifestyle.
Comparison chart
Here are all the different types of headphones we’ll be discussing in the article:
| Types of headphones by fit | Over-ear | Extremely comfortable and suitable for all music lovers. |
| On-ear | A more compact version of over-ear, perfect for space-conscious listeners. | |
| Open-ear | Hear the world around you and your music at the same time, ideal for outdoor exercise. | |
| Earbuds | Discrete and portable. Wherever and however you listen to music, earbuds are suitable. | |
| In-ear monitors | Like studio monitors for your ears, perfect for stage-performing musicians and audiophiles. | |
| Types of headphones by technology | Active Noise Cancelling | Immerse yourself in music and remove yourself from the outside world. |
| Bone Conduction | Remove the discomfort of earbuds. | |
| Types of headphones by design | Closed-back | Ideal for quiet, public environments. |
| Open-back | Deliver a more accurate sound-stage and stereo image. | |
| Headsets | Suitable for gamers, letting you chat and listen simultaneously. | |
| Ambient-sound headphones | Specifically designed to let in environmental noise. | |
| Types of headphones by connectivity | Wired | Provide a stable connection and superior audio quality. |
| Wireless | Frequent travellers or active people will enjoy freedom of movement. | |
| True wireless earbuds | Completely eliminate wires for unrestricted movement. |
Types of headphones by fit
Over-ear headphones
Pros
- Sound quality: Over-ear headphones often provide superior sound quality, with larger drivers that provide a fuller and richer sound
- Comfort: Their design envelops the ears, reducing discomfort during prolonged usage
- Noise isolation: Over-ear headphones offer excellent noise isolation by physically covering the ears and blocking out external sounds
- Durability: Often very sturdy due to their larger size and construction materials
- Features: Many models include advanced features like noise cancellation, wireless connectivity, and more
Cons
- Portability: Their size and bulkiness make them less portable and convenient for on-the-go use
- Heat build-up: Over-ear headphones can cause the ears to become warm during extended listening periods
Over-ear headphones are an optimal choice for those who value sound quality and comfort over portability. They are particularly suited to music producers, DJs, and audiophiles who require precision in sound reproduction. However, their size and weight may not be ideal for individuals seeking a lightweight, travel-friendly audio solution.
These headphones work by enclosing the entire ear within cushioned ear cups, creating an immersive listening environment whilst providing maximum comfort for prolonged listening sessions. The large drivers housed within these ear cups are capable of delivering a wide range of frequencies, from deep bass to crisp high notes, offering a full-bodied sound experience.
In terms of affordability, over-ear headphones span a broad price range. Budget-friendly options are available, but for headphones with advanced features like active noise cancellation (we’ll come onto shortly), expect to pay a premium.
Over-ear headphones are a versatile audio solution suited to various applications, from professional studio use to personal enjoyment, provided that portability is not a primary concern. Their high-quality sound delivery, coupled with superior comfort and noise isolation, makes them a worthy investment for any serious listener.
We recommend the beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro Headphones and the Shure SRH440A Professional Headphones if you’re looking for a pair of over-ear headphones.
On-ear
Pros
- Portability: On-ear headphones are more compact and lightweight than over-ear, making them easy to carry around in your bag or wear during physical activities
- Style: These headphones often come in sleek and trendy designs, adding a touch of fashion to your music experience
- Breathability: With your ears partially exposed, on-ear headphones allow for better airflow, preventing the “sweaty ear” feeling during extended use
- Convenience: They’re easy to put on and take off, and you can quickly hear your surroundings without needing to remove them completely
Cons
- Sound isolation: On-ear headphones provide less isolation from external noise compared to over-ear counterparts
- Comfort: Prolonged use might cause some discomfort due to pressure on the ears
- Sound leakage: They might leak sound, which could be a concern in quiet environments
On-ear headphones are a fantastic choice if you’re always on the go. Their compact size and lightweight nature make them an excellent companion for daily commutes, workouts, or simply strolling around town. They’re perfect for city dwellers, students, and anyone who wants to listen to music without completely blocking out the world around them.
If you’re someone who values style and wants to make a statement while enjoying your favourite beats, on-ear headphones come in various trendy designs to match your personal flair.
On-ear headphones are great for various scenarios, from casual listening to study sessions in a bustling café. They’re versatile companions for activities where full noise isolation isn’t crucial but having quality sound and style matters. Plus, they come in a variety of models with different features depending on your requirements.
On-ear headphones sit directly on your ears, using a cushioned pad to provide comfort and minimise sound leakage. While they might not offer the same immersive sound experience as over-ear headphones, they strike a fantastic balance between style, comfort, and on-the-go audio enjoyment.
We recommend the Sennheiser HD 25 headphones and the AIAIAI TMA-2 DJ Preset.
Open-ear
Pros
- Awareness and safety: Allow ambient sounds to pass through, keeping you connected to your surroundings and remaining alert to potential hazards such as traffic
- Comfort: With no ear cups or buds, they offer a lightweight and airy feel that’s perfect for extended use
- Sound quality: Offering a unique audio experience, they create a sense of spaciousness while maintaining audio clarity
Cons:
- Sound leakage: Due to their design, sound can be heard by others around you
- Bass quality: Open-ear headphones may not provide the same deep bass as closed-back or in-ear designs
- Limited isolation: They offer minimal noise isolation, which might not be ideal in noisy environments
A unique listening experience for the modern era, open-ear headphones allow you to enjoy your music while staying tuned in to the world around you. As the name suggests, these headphones keep your ears open to the environment, combining music with awareness.
Open-ear headphones are a wonderful choice for anyone who values safety and awareness alongside their music. They’re suited to outdoor enthusiasts, runners, cyclists, and anyone who wants to enjoy their music without completely blocking out the world around them.
From jogging in the park to cycling on busy roads, or simply walking in a bustling city, open-ear headphones let you enjoy your music while staying connected to your environment.
In terms of affordability, there’s a range of options available, making open-ear headphones accessible to all kinds of budgets. You can find cheaper models that offer decent sound quality and premium models that offer advanced features like wireless connectivity.
Resting outside your ears, they deliver sound through bone conduction or small speakers placed just in front of the ears. Bone conduction technology transmits audio through vibrations directly to the inner ear while allowing external sounds to enter, offering a practical solution for those with eardrum damage.
Earbuds
Pros
- Portability: Earbuds are small and convenient enough to carry around in your bag or pocket, making them ideal for travel or commuting
- Discreet: Earbuds are inconspicuous, making them perfect for situations where bulky headphones are too much
- Comfort and fit: With various sizes of ear tips available, you can find the perfect fit that provides comfort for extended periods
- Choice: Earbuds headphones are available in a huge variety of price points, accommodating different budgets
- Versatility: They’re ideal for a range of activities, from leisurely listening to workouts
Cons
- Sound Leakage: Earbuds can leak sound at high volumes, possibly disturbing those around you
- Audio quality: Earbuds might not match the audio quality of larger headphones
- Durability: Due to their size and delicate nature, earbuds can be prone to damage if not handled with care
Earbuds are the go-to choice for individuals seeking an immersive audio experience wrapped up in a compact package. Their convenience makes them perfect for everyday life, gym enthusiasts or anyone who wants to enjoy music without the hassle of larger headphones. If you’re always on the move and value portability, these tiny companions are your perfect fit.
These nifty devices are perfect when portability and convenience are paramount. From catching up on a podcast during a lunch break, tuning into an audiobook or blasting motivational tunes during a workout, earbud headphones are your reliable audio companion.
From cost-effective options that offer basic features and decent sound quality to high-end models boasting superior audio, noise cancellation, and wireless technology, there’s an earbud for every pocket.
Earbud headphones rest just outside the ear canal, delivering sound directly into the ear. With a variety of styles, colours, and features available, you’re sure to find earbud headphones that match your preferences.
In-ear monitors
Pros
- Superior sound quality: IEMs are renowned for their exceptional sound fidelity, providing crystal-clear audio that lets you hear every nuance
- Noise isolation: Their snug fit blocks out external noise, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in your music
- Customisation: Many IEMs offer custom-molded earpieces for an impeccable fit, enhancing comfort and audio performance
- Stage-ready: Widely used by musicians during live performances for accurate sound monitoring
Cons
- Fit: Achieving a proper fit can be crucial for optimal sound quality, and some users may find them uncomfortable during long listening sessions
- Affordability: High-quality in-ear monitors can often be the most expensive headphone type
- Maintenance: They require regular cleaning and careful handling to maintain optimal performance
In-ear monitors (IEMs) are a game-changer in the realm of personal audio. These powerful miniaturised sound systems deliver an immersive listening experience that is hard to beat.
They’re the connoisseur’s choice when it comes to personal audio. They’re ideally suited to audiophiles seeking the ultimate listening experience, musicians on stage requiring precise audio feedback during performances, and discerning listeners who demand superior sound quality in every note.
While high-quality IEMs come with a premium price tag, their exceptional sound quality justifies the investment for those who demand nothing but the best. Typically crafted with the finest components and utilising the most current technologies, IEMs’ performance is akin to high-quality studio monitors at comparable price points.
In-ear monitor headphones are inserted directly into the ear canal, ensuring a tight seal for optimal sound isolation. They deliver sound with precision, offering remarkable clarity across the frequency spectrum.
Coming in a variety of configurations, you can find in-ear monitors with multiple drivers of mixed designs to create the most balanced and natural sound possible for the ultimate listening experience.
We recommend the Shure SE535 Sound Isolating Earphones and Westone Audio Ambient AM ProX 10 IEM Earphones.
Types of headphones by technology
Active noise cancelling
Pros
- Superior noise cancellation: Actively cancel out external noises, providing a tranquil listening environment
- Enhanced focus: Perfect for studying, working, or simply finding moments of tranquillity amidst bustling surroundings
- Travel companion: Excel during flights, train rides, and commutes, drowning out engine noise
- Versatility: ANC can be turned on or off, allowing you to adapt to different environments
Cons
- Battery life: Active noise-cancelling requires power, potentially leading to shorter battery life
- Cost: These headphones tend to be more expensive than their non-noise-cancelling counterparts
- Sound quality variations: The noise-cancelling process can sometimes alter the audio quality, depending on the model
ANC headphones offer a haven of tranquillity in a noisy world. If you seek focus while working or studying, desire a peaceful journey during travel, or simply want to enhance your audio experience, this feature is for you.
Active noise-cancelling headphones cater to anyone who craves a sanctuary of sound. They’re perfect for frequent travellers, workers in bustling environments, students seeking a quiet study atmosphere and anyone who values a peaceful escape while enjoying their favourite songs.
An ever-increasingly popular feature, Active Noise Cancellation used to be reserved for only the most expensive headphones on the market. Now, you’ll find this feature on a range of different kinds of headphones from over-ear, on-ear, and in-ear monitors and even wired and wireless earbuds at all price ranges, putting it within reach of anyone, regardless of your headphone style preference.
To understand how they work: these headphones use built-in microphones to capture ambient noise. The headphones then generate a counter-signal that cancels out this noise, thereby creating a peaceful audio environment.
If you’re looking for specific noise-cancelling headphones, we suggest the SubZero NH500BT and Shure AONIC 50 Gen 2 Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones.
Bone conduction
Pros
- Situational awareness and safety: By not blocking the ear canal, they enable you to stay aware of your surroundings, crucial for outdoor activities
- Hearing impairment: These headphones are perfect for individuals with hearing loss as they bypass the eardrums
- Comfort: Since they don’t sit inside your ears, discomfort from prolonged use is minimised
- Outdoor Activities: Perfect for runners, cyclists, and those who enjoy outdoor activities, as they allow you to hear traffic and conversations
Cons
- Sound quality: Due to the unique technology, bone conduction headphones might not offer the same audio quality as traditional headphones
- Bass: Bass response is usually weaker compared to regular headphones
- Battery life: Like other wireless devices, they require frequent charging
Instead of relying on traditional speakers, these innovative headphones use vibrations to transmit audio through your cheekbones, leaving your ears open to the world around you. If you value the balance between immersive audio and staying aware of your surroundings, bone conduction headphones are your perfect match.
They provide a unique auditory experience while keeping you in tune with the world around you to keep you safe from potential hazards, making them perfectly suited to outdoor enthusiasts, runners, or cyclists.
An emerging technology, they can often be quite pricey. That said, they fill a very niche gap in the market where specific needs may be required and if that’s the case for you, they will be worth every penny.
Not as fully developed as designs such as traditional closed-back over-ear designs, the sound quality of bone conduction drivers isn’t quite as established, meaning if you’re looking for only the best-sounding headphones available, a more conventional in-ear monitor or earbud will be more suitable.
Types of headphones by design
Closed-back headphones
Pros
- Noise isolation: The closed-back design effectively blocks out ambient noise, allowing you to enjoy your music without distractions
- Private listening: These headphones prevent your music from leaking out and disturbing others around you – an ideal choice for recording studios or public spaces
- Enhanced bass: The sealed design provides a powerful and punchy bass response
- Recording and mixing: Musicians and audio professionals rely on closed-back headphones for precise monitoring during recording and mixing sessions
Cons
- Isolation: While excellent for keeping noise out, closed-back headphones can also make you less aware of your surroundings, which might not be ideal in certain situations
- Heat accumulation: Prolonged use can lead to warmth and discomfort due to reduced airflow around the ears
- Limited soundstage: The closed-back design generally offers a less expansive soundstage compared to open-back headphones
An essential piece of equipment for any serious music lover, audiophile, or professional sound engineer. As the name suggests, closed-back headphones feature a solid outer shell on the back of the earcups that completely seals the speaker drivers. This design ensures that the audio is directed straight into your ears without any sound leakage.
Closed-back headphones cater to music enthusiasts, gamers, and audio professionals who want to dive deep into their auditory experience without being disrupted by the outside world. They’re excellent for applications where sound leakage could be an issue, such as in recording studios or in public spaces.
They’re one of the most common headphones on the market, meaning there a plenty of closed-back headphone options available, from budget-friendly with few features to high-end luxury brands that utilise modern wireless and noise-cancelling technologies. We recommend the Rode NTH-100 Professional Studio Headphones and beyerdynamic DT 770.
Open-back headphones
Pros
- Natural sound: Delivers sound that feels like it’s coming from all around you, creating a more immersive and realistic audio experience
- Wide soundstage: They create a unique sense of immersion, making you feel like you’re in the midst of a live performance
- Comfort: The open design allows your ears to breathe, making them comfortable for long listening sessions
Cons
- Sound leakage: The open design allows sound to leak out, which can disturb others in close proximity
- Poor isolation: These headphones do not block out ambient noise, which can be distracting in noisy environments
Offering a listening experience that is closer to a live musical performance, open-back headphones feature a back that is not sealed but open. This design allows air to pass through the earcups to the speaker element, thereby preventing pressure build-up and providing natural-sounding audio.
The choice of discerning listeners who need a captivating and realistic audio experience, open-back headphones excel in applications where authentic soundstages are necessary. This includes those involved in music production, mixing and mastering in studios, or critical listening for album reviews.
Often the most expensive over-ear or on-ear headphone option, premium open-back models can be an investment. That said, the unparalleled sound quality and authenticity they offer make them a treasure for music enthusiasts.
The working principle of open-back headphones is straightforward yet ingenious. The open design allows sound waves to escape from the back of the headphones, creating a natural and spacious soundstage that closely mimics a live performance.
Overall, open-back headphones offer an authentic and expansive sound experience, making them an excellent choice for discerning listeners and professional audio engineers. Their unique design, coupled with their wide availability on the market ensures there’s an option for every preference.
If you interested in open-back headphones, we recommend the Sony MDR-MV1 Open Back Monitor Headphones and OLLO Audio S4X Reference Headphones.
Headsets
Pros
- Immersive sound: These headphones often feature surround sound capabilities, immersing you in the game and helping you detect in-game cues more effectively
- Communication: Built-in microphones allow clear and real-time communication with fellow gamers
- Comfort: Designed for extended wear, gaming headsets feature cushioned ear cups and headbands
- Noise isolation: Many models offer noise isolation to keep external distractions at bay
- Convenience: Having audio and communication features in one device reduces clutter and enhances gameplay efficiency
Cons
- Sound quality: While suitable for gaming, some models might not match the audio quality of dedicated headphones for music
- Bulkiness: The integrated microphone can make gaming headsets bulkier compared to regular headphones
- Dependency on software: Some features like virtual surround sound require specific software, which can limit their compatibility
When it comes to gaming, a good pair of headphones can make all the difference. Headset headphones are specifically designed to enhance the gaming experience, providing clear, immersive sound and often including a built-in microphone for seamless communication during multiplayer games.
For an avid gamer who spends hours immersed in the virtual world, a gaming headset can significantly enhance your experience. They’re perfect for multiplayer games where communication with team members is essential, and their surround sound capabilities give you an edge by letting you hear in-game sounds with pinpoint accuracy.
Gaming headset headphones are tailor-made for avid gamers who demand a full sensory experience. Whether you’re a competitive esports player, a casual gamer, or a streamer engaging with your audience, these headphones offer a tactical advantage and enhance the overall gaming atmosphere.
Most commonly designed as closed-back over-ear headphones, headsets allow you to hear the auditory minutia, from distant explosions to the softest whispers. The built-in microphone often includes noise-cancelling technology to ensure clear communication, free from background noise.
Ambient-sound
Pros
- Safety: These headphones allow you to hear important environmental sounds like traffic or announcements, making them safe for use outdoors
- Customizable: Most models allow you to adjust the level of ambient sound you want to let in, giving you control over your listening experience.
- Conversation: Ambient sound headphones enable you to engage in conversations without removing your headphones.
Cons:
- Noise interruption: In noisy environments, the effectiveness of ambient sound might be reduced
- Reduced sound quality: The blending of external sounds with your audio can sometimes lead to a perceived reduction in sound quality
- Pricey: High-quality ambient sound headphones can be more expensive than standard models
Ambient sound headphones allow you to hear external noises while listening to your favourite tracks, podcasts, or audiobooks, ensuring you remain aware of your surroundings.
Enjoying outdoor activities like jogging, cycling, or commuting while listening to audio is much safer and more practical. Hearing your surroundings without needing to lift a finger to adjust a setting or take them off means you can go on with your activity without worry.
In terms of cost, they tend to be pricier than regular headphones due to the unique design, meaning care should be taken before making a purchase to ensure this is the right design for you.
The working principle of ambient sound headphones involves the use of built-in microphones that pick up exterior sounds and mix them with your audio. This allows you to stay connected with your surroundings while also enjoying your music or podcasts.
Types of headphones by connectivity
Wired headphones
Pros
- Superior audio quality: Wired headphones are usually free from issues like latency or interference, delivering high-quality, consistent sound
- No battery worries: Wired headphones don’t require charging, ensuring uninterrupted listening sessions
- Compatibility: They work with a wide range of devices, from smartphones to professional audio equipment
Cons:
- Limited mobility: The physical cord can restrict movement and may get tangled or caught on objects
- Tangled cables: Dealing with tangled or cumbersome cables can be a drawback in terms of convenience
- Device compatibility: Both a pro and a con, as many modern devices remove headphone jacks, using wired headphones can require an extra adapter
- Wear and tear: The cord is prone to damage over time, which can affect sound quality
The timeless companions of audio enthusiasts, wired headphones offer a direct and reliable connection to your music source. Though its main strength is connectivity, this is slowly being discontinued in mobile phone manufacturing, meaning if you listen to music via your phone when out and about, it’s worth taking another look at your phone to see if wired headphones have anywhere to plug in!
These headphones bring forth a sense of authenticity, delivering sound without the interference of wireless signals. Wired headphones are the choice for music producers, DJs, performing musicians, audiophiles, music purists, and those who prioritise sound quality above all.
They offer a direct link to your music source, preserving audio fidelity with zero latency, all while offering a sense of connection that goes beyond wireless convenience.
They come in a vast range of prices, with affordable options for casual listeners and high-end models for professionals. Be sure to check out what accessories are included as often brands will include cases free of charge, which is always a nice bonus, although some may require you to buy your own cable.
After a specific pair? We suggest the Audio Technica ATH-M50x Headphones and SubZero SZ-MH200 Monitoring Headphones.
Wireless headphones
Pros
- Unrestricted mobility: The lack of a cord allows you to move freely, making them ideal for exercising, commuting, or simply relaxing at home
- Convenience: No more untangling cables or worrying about cable length – just grab and go
- Modern compatibility: They pair seamlessly with Bluetooth-enabled devices, which are becoming increasingly common in today’s tech-savvy world
- Modern fashion: Align yourself with the sleek and minimalist design trends of today’s tech world
Cons
- Battery life: They require regular charging, which can be inconvenient if you forget or if you’re away from a power source for an extended period
- Audio quality: While wireless technology has improved, wired connections often still offer superior audio fidelity. Be on the lookout for high-quality wireless codecs
- Cost: Quality wireless headphones often come with a higher price tag compared to wired counterparts
By eliminating the constraints of a physical cord, wireless headphones provide users with the freedom to listen to their favourite tunes, podcasts, or audiobooks without restriction.
Wherever or however you choose to listen to music, wireless headphones will be able to match your lifestyle. Commuters, students, office workers, and active fitness enthusiasts can all benefit from having unobtrusive connectivity to your music device.
Not tied down by cables, wireless headphones will often come with a made-to-measure case that can be used to recharge the integrated batteries and also makes for a handy and compact storage solution, letting you just pick and go where you left off last.
There’s a huge market for wireless headphones, meaning the price range varies massively. More basic functionality with less optimised audio transmission is extremely affordable, whereas jumping to boutique headphones with custom drivers, better audio transmission, and more rugged construction materials can be very pricey.
Our wireless headphones recommendations include the V-Moda Crossfade 3 Wireless Over-Ear Headphones and Audio-Technica M50xBT2 Bluetooth Headphones.
True wireless earbuds
Pros
- Absolute freedom: Completely devoid of wires, these headphones offer unparalleled mobility and comfort with a single headphone for each ear
- Convenient charging: True wireless headphones often come with charging cases that offer extra battery life on the go
- Advanced features: Many models come packed with features like touch controls, active noise cancellation, and voice assistant compatibility
Cons
- Battery life: While improving, battery life can still be a limiting factor. Regular charging is necessary
- Price: Quality true wireless headphones can be more expensive than regular wireless or wired headphones
In a world where mobility and modern aesthetics reign, true wireless headphones stand as the gold standard, offering a wireless experience that’s free from any constraints.
Whether you’re jogging through your morning routine or immersing yourself in a favourite playlist, these headphones redefine how you experience sound, keeping you unburdened by wires and in tune with your dynamic lifestyle.
True wireless headphones use Bluetooth technology to connect wirelessly to your devices. Each earbud functions independently, delivering stereo audio without the need for any wires. The earbuds communicate with each other and your device to provide a seamless audio experience. Charging cases not only protect the earbuds but also offer additional battery life, ensuring your music never stops.
Which driver type is good for me?
Dynamic drivers
Dynamic drivers are the most common and economical option. Compact, lightweight, and power-efficient, they produce rich and punchy bass through the vibrating diaphragm. However, they lack high-end reproduction. Low-quality dynamic drivers are susceptible to distortion at higher volumes however due to physical movement limitations within the driver, affecting audio quality.
Planar magnetic drivers
Employing a flat conductor suspended with magnets for diaphragm movement, planar magnetic drivers offer more accurate full-spectrum sound reproduction with minimal distortion at high volumes, though they may lack the punchy bass of a dynamic driver. The large magnets mean that the headphones are heavier, bulkier, and more expensive and they often require an amplifier for optimised performance.
Electrostatic drivers
Electrostatic headphone drivers deliver impressive audio performance but are costly, fragile, and require specialised amps due to their high impedance. A thin film between metal plates moves via electrical charge, eliminating the inherent distortion found in moving coil headphones. The expense combined with excellent sound quality and amplifier requirements typically reserves these headphones for audiophiles.
Balanced armature drivers
Found in in-ear monitors, balanced armature drivers are compact and energy-efficient, and they deliver excellent audio quality. Excelling in midrange and high-end but sometimes lacking in sub-bass, multiple armatures can be used to delegate frequencies for a more balanced sound. Often used alongside dynamic drivers for hybrid setups, their narrow frequency range necessitates multiple drivers and higher costs.
Bone conduction drivers
Perfect for outdoor activities, they transmit sound directly to your inner ear via cheekbone vibrations, offering a practical solution for those with eardrum damage. Be mindful however that prolonged use can lead to discomfort. As they don’t block the ear canals, they exhibit poor isolation and let in environmental noise, resulting in poor sound quality.
Things to consider when buying a pair of headphones
Wired or wireless?
When buying headphones, one crucial decision to make is whether to go for wired or wireless. Wired headphones typically provide a stable connection and superior audio quality. However, they might limit mobility due to the physical connection to the device.
Wireless headphones, on the other hand, offer freedom of movement. It’s important to note that Bluetooth codecs significantly impact the audio quality of wireless headphones. For instance, look out for codec specifications such as aptX and LDAC as they can deliver near CD-quality sound over Bluetooth.
Try before you buy
Headphones can be quite subjective in terms of comfort and sound. As everyone’s preference is very different, we recommend that you try before you buy, if possible. This will allow you to assess the comfort level, build quality, and sound profile first-hand before making any financial commitment.
Frequency response
The frequency response of a pair of headphones refers to the range of audio frequencies the headphones can reproduce. This is usually represented as a range, like 20Hz – 20kHz, which is the typical range of human hearing.
A wider frequency response does not necessarily mean better sound quality but can indicate the headphones’ ability to produce deep bass or high treble sounds which can result in a more accurate representation of the original sound of the recording.
Closed or open-back?
Closed-back headphones have a sealed design that isolates you from ambient noise and prevents sound leakage. They are ideal for use in noisy environments or where sound leakage may disturb others such as public transport or in a quiet office environment.
Open-back headphones, conversely, have a vented ear cup design that allows sound to leak out. This results in a more natural or “open” sound profile, but with more sound leakage and less noise isolation, making them ideal for home environments or when out and about to not disturb public areas.
It’s worth noting for those looking for a headphone that resembles a home Hi-Fi or studio monitor setup, open-back headphones will provide a more authentic experience. This makes them ideal for audiophiles or music producers looking for the most natural headphone listening experience with a more accurate stereo image.
Noise isolating or active noise cancelling?
Noise-isolating headphones create a physical barrier between your ears and external sounds. This passive design is achieved through the design of the ear cups and materials used, meaning no switching or additional power is required to activate.
Active noise-cancelling (ANC) headphones, on the other hand, use microphones and special processing to create an “anti-noise” signal to adapt and cancel out background noise. ANC headphones are generally more effective at reducing low-frequency sounds like the hum of a plane or train.
Battery life
For wireless headphones, battery life is a vital factor to consider. Longer battery life means less frequent charging and an uninterrupted listening experience. Some models can be charged via an included charging case, letting you charge on the go and others offer quick charging features, providing several hours of playback with just a few minutes of charging.
For any frequent travellers or commuters, battery life should be a major consideration before a purchase is made.
Water resistance
If you’re the active type who loves getting out walking and working outdoors or if you exercise frequently, water resistance is an essential feature to look for to provide protection from the elements. Usually only reserved for in-ear buds instead of over-ear or on-ear headphones, this is often indicated by an IP (Ingress Protection) rating to display to what extent they are water resistant.
FAQs
What are the three types of headphones?
The three main types of headphones include:
- Over-ear headphones: Fully cover your ears, sitting on the side of your head.
- On-ear headphones: Sit flush with the top and bottom of your ears.
- Closed-back headphones: Includes no vents, keeping the music from leaking out.
What is the most common type of headphones?
The most common type of headphone is the over-ear headphone. Designed with earpads that fit around your entire ear and sit on the side of your head with a headband connecting the two, over-ear headphones are often the most comfortable, making them the most popular headphone choice.
What is the difference between headphones and earphones?
The difference between headphones and earphones is that headphones are larger and worn over the head whereas earphones are smaller and inserted into the ear. Headphones traditionally offer better comfort and sound quality but earphones provide greater portability.
Final thoughts
Headphones have been around forever, and there are lots of different types of headphones you need to know before deciding what pair is right for you. It’s my hope that this guide has helped you decide what headphones fit your budget and lifestyle. After all, your headphones will get some serious mileage under their belt so picking the right pair is essential.
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