When it comes to headphones, it's too easy to just get the ones that are the most popular and leave it at that. It's part of the reason that Beats by Dre are so well-known, even though they're definitely not the right set of headphones for everyone.
But which headphones are right for you? We've waded through the junk and built this in-depth guide to help you select the headphones that are the perfect fit for you. Let's go through the different types of headphones and then, take a look at some of the honorary examples in each category.
In-ear headphones
Affordable in-ear headphones usually aren't strong performers, though they're the most popular type of headphones. If you've ever purchased an MP3 player, or more recently, a smartphone, it's likely that a set of basic in-ear headphones was included with the purchase.
Depending on the model, in-ear headphones rest in or just outside the ear canal. As such, their small form-factor makes them the most discreet and portable headphones around.
Most models won't be packed with high-fidelity sound drivers, unless you're prepared to shell out the big bucks. What you can expect in a sub-$50, or a sub-£50 pair of earbuds is pretty standard across the board: decent sound with the spectrum leaning more towards mid and high delivery than the low-end.
If you have 100 bucks or more in your budget, the selection of great in-ear headphones available to you vastly increases. For example, you can nab yourself the Beyerdynamic iDK 160 iE (pictured above). These in-ear headphones offer comfort and excellent noise isolation with several swappable ear tips (both silicone and foamed.) These come highly recommended for those seeking a sleek, quality build, full sound and inline controls.
- Are these for you? Great! Let us show you more of the best in-ear headphones
Over-ear headphones
Technically known as circum-aural headphones, this ear-muff style of headphone is for enthusiasts of comfort and full sound. Not all over-ear models are created equal, of course, so be prepared to pay the big bucks for a quality set of these headphones. Don't be fooled by flashy options that can't pack a punch.
Expect a huge boost in sound performance and comfort across the gamut of over-ear headphones. You don't have to spend a ton, but if you want to, these headphones get expensive fast. Inclusions you'll find commonly in pricier over-ear cans are ANC (active noise cancellation), incredible sound quality and quality build materials.
The Sony MDR-ZX770BT (pictured above) offers tons of features, as well as a fabulous wireless listening experience. It says a lot that these $150 headphones feel just about as good on the head as some more premium over-ear options that are two to three times more expensive.
- Interested in more cans that go over the ear? See more of the best over-ear headphones here
Wireless headphones
Most people get along with cords just fine, but the futurist in us all just wants cables to die, die, and die some more while they're at it. And if you look, wireless headphones are popping up all over the place.
Wireless headphones come in a variety of form-factors, from earbuds, on-ear and over-ear options for you to choose from. You're not necessarily limited depending on your style preference.
One important thing to consider is that wireless headphones will always be more expensive than their direct wired counterparts. Two sets of headphones with the exact same specs, one wireless and one wired, will show a price difference of about 50-100 dollars or pounds.
While Bluetooth standards have become exponentially more reliable, wireless technology is always susceptible to disturbances in the force. In short, any little thing, from the understandable (conflicting Wi-Fi signals, microwaves, cordless telephones), to the absurd (sticking a hand in the space between the device and the headphones) can sometimes interrupt a wireless listening experience.
Our roundup of best wireless headphones is full of amazing contenders, but the Sennheiser Momentum Wireless (pictured above) take the cake. Why? Well, they basically do everything right. If you're looking for downright-cozy headphones with active noise cancellation and awe-inspiring sound quality, consider these. However, prepare for a bit of sticker shock. These are 500 smackers, but oh-so worth it.
- Think these are for you? Here's our full list of the best wireless headphones
Noise-cancelling headphones
This category, much like wireless headphones, isn't limited to a form factor. You can find this clever mix of technologies integrated into the ear pieces of in-ear and over-ear headphones alike.
Many companies falsely claim to offer true noise cancellation with just the padding included around the ear cups. Don't believe it. This is PNC (passive noise cancellation), and it doesn't amount to much. You can even replicate this effect by cupping your hands around your ears, so why shell out the big bucks for it?
On the other hand, ANC (active noise cancellation) is the real deal. This technique involves a microphone which detects the noise outside. Once it has an idea of the decibel level, the headphone speakers transmit a noise to cancel it out. Once ANC activates, it's like being in your own personal concentration bubble.
The Bose QuietComfort 25 (pictured above) offer the best noise-cancelling effect of any headphone we've tried. With one AAA-battery, the ANC can run for days to allow you the quiet concentration you deserve. Did we mention that these are comfortable and deliver robust sound performance, too?
- Think these are for you? Check out some more of the best noise cancelling headphones
We're constantly reviewing new headphones, but let us know if there is a set that you'd like us to take a look at in the comments.
From techradar
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