Your Guide to Buying Headphones

The stores are filled with different types and brands of headphones making the buying decision harder to make!

There are also special types for music that comes in different sizes and shapes. There are smaller sizes designed to be worn outside so you can listen to music while walking or just passing time.

It is important to buy earphones that are within your budget especially since there are numerous options and standards like noise reduction, wireless, and smartphone and mobile compatibility.

Take your time when making this decision, and we have brought you this article to assist you further!

What are the standards of a good earphone?

Sound Quality

A good earphone can cover all the sound frequencies from low, to medium, and all the way to high, just like speakers.

Most headphones fail to cover low frequencies as opposed to other types that cover all frequencies. The types that cover all frequencies usually cover the whole ear and can play deep audio. They can also either have an open end or a closed one.

Earphones with an open back give a more natural audio than a closed one, but it leaks more noise. Closed back earphones have a muffled audio and it is suitable for noise reduction.

Wearing earphones and trying them is the best way to test their quality. However, there are some stores that do not allow testing small earphones – the ones inserted in the ear – for hygienic purposes.

Comfort

We advise you to choose comfortable earphones regardless of how and when you are going to use them. If you use them on daily basis or every once in a while having comfortable earphones is a very important factor.

Some earphones are more comfortable from others. If you want to put the earphones on for long hours we advise you to get the type that covers your whole ear as they are more comfortable.

Types of Earphones

There are four main types of earphones that are listed below:

• Supra-Aural Headphones: These are the big earphones that cover the whole ear and the most comfortable if you want to use them for long hours. They also have a good sound quality.
• Circum-Aural Headphones: These are smaller and lighter than supra-aural headphones. It has a handle that is placed behind the ear, thus it touches it without covering it completely. Usually they are covered in a leather layer for more comfort. Some can also be bent making them more suitable to wear outside.

Models with an open layer are less efficient when it comes to sound quality as they do not play low audio.

• Earbuds: These are the most popular type and usually come with the portable music players. They have a light weight, can be easily used outside, and it is cheaper than the previous two models.

These are placed in the earlobe directly outside the ear canal. Therefore, they minimize the noise, but they have less audio quality.

• Canal Phones: These are the smallest and the cheapest type and usually come with smartphones and MP3 players. They are placed inside the ear but do not cover them completely making them prone to noise. Most people find them uncomfortable as they cannot be fitted completely and they are considered the worst when it comes to sound quality.

In addition to the four main types above, there are some that are designed for specific use, like sports, that can be placed around the ear, over the head, or hung on clothes.

Extra Features You Need to Consider!

Earphone Price

There is a huge variation between their prices, so make sure you determine your budget before making a purchase!

Wireless Earphones

Wireless earphones allow you to listen to music without inserting them into a jack. These are perfect to use at the gym as the cords sometimes limit your movement.

Wireless Earphones are available in three different technologies: infra-red, radio waves, and Bluetooth:

• Infrared:

Similar to TV remote controls, this type of earphones uses infrared waves to transmit audio from the main unit.

It has a range of seven meter without barriers (like walls). Therefore you cannot wear them and go freely around the house but they are useful to wear when watching TV or listening to music from a source inside the room.

• Bluetooth:

Like wireless phones, earphones working on Bluetooth depend on a short range digital audio wave.

It has a range close to infrared earphones but it is not limited by barriers allowing you to move around rooms.

• Radio Waves:

This is the best type if you want to move all around the house or garden.

It uses FM radio waves and you can choose between two or more frequencies to minimize overlapping with other devices.

Noise Reduction Earphones!

Increasing the volume to block outside noise – like cars or people talking – is an option. However, it can have a negative effect on your hearing and can be annoying to people around you.

The best solution is to buy noise reduction earphones to listen at lower volumes.

Noise reduction earphones fit perfectly on your ear or inside it to block exterior noise and they have better sound quality.

They are most useful to use while traveling.

Noise reduction earphones have small speakers and other electronic devices – battery powered – with the purpose of transmitting anti-noise signals to resist outside noise.

The latest model of noise reduction earphones are hush earpieces which we have written an article on previously.

Power Source:

Some earphones are powered by AAA batteries, while others have rechargeable batteries. Wireless earphones are the types that need a recharge and thus are more expensive than normal earphones.

Using the Earphone with a Mobile:

Search for an earphone that has a built-in microphone so you can make phone calls without having to remove the earphone from your ears. You can easily switch between listening to music and making phone calls.

Summary

Buying earphones may seem like a simple task but it is not one especially for people who love music. That is why we brought you this article to introduce you to the different types of earphones and the specifications and features you need to check before making a purchase.

There are numerous options of earphones on our website. We also have many other products like electronic devices and kitchen appliances, smartphones, tablets, and computers. You can simply type the name of the product you want to buy and we will provide you with the stores that sells them according to your location and with the cheapest prices! You can also make comparisons that will allow you to make a smart and wise decision!

You can also visit our buying guides section where we introduce you to electronic devices and guide you through the buying process. We have previously written an article about Translation earphones that you can check out by pressing here.

Be smart before making a purchase!