Searching for the right pair of headphones in a market that’s oversaturated with options can be overwhelming. If you’re struggling to decide, refer to the guide for insights into the various headphone types and their characteristics. This information should help you make a more informed choice regarding what type of headphones you should get.
Good to know: the headphone driver is the heart of your audio device. Learn how it affects audio quality.
1. Over-Ear Headphones
Over-ear headphones, characterized by their design that features ear cups that fully enclose the ears, are the most common type of headphones. The over-ear configuration creates a seal around the ears that contributes to better sound isolation and reduction of external noise.
These headphones can be a fantastic choice for indoor activities, such as gaming or gym workouts. Audiophiles seeking a high-quality audio experience and professionals who require accurate sound monitoring, such as music producers and audio engineers, will often opt for over-ear headphones too. With the capacity to accommodate larger drivers, over-ear headphones can deliver deeper bass and an overall fuller sound.
Over-ear headphones can be bulkier and less portable compared to alternatives, making them a less convenient option when traveling or for on-the-go use. Some users may also find the pressure exerted on the head and ears to be less comfortable during extended listening sessions.
2. On-Ear Headphones
On-ear headphones are a variation of the over-ear variety, in the sense that they feature smaller ear cups that sit directly on the ears without fully enclosing them. They tend to be more compact and lightweight, making them the superior choice for those seeking a more portable option.
This makes them ideal for those who frequently find themselves on the move: for example, commuters or individuals engaged in physical activities, like jogging or exercising outdoors. Moreover, users who prefer a breathable design that doesn’t fully cover the ears may find these models much more comfortable.
However, because of their design, which doesn’t fully enclose the ears, on-ear headphones are susceptible to audio leakage. This may pose a potential inconvenience for both you and those in your vicinity.
3. Clip-on Ear Headphones
This type of headphones is designed to be clipped onto the ears. For that purpose, they come with a clip or hook that goes over the ear, providing a secure and comfortable fit during various activities, such as sports or workouts.
Clip-on ear headphones are often very lightweight and offer a convenient and unobtrusive option for individuals who prefer not to use in-ear or bulky over-ear headphones. Generally, clip-on ear headphones are durable enough to withstand regular use during common physical activities. Yet, these models may not be as robust as some other headphone types, especially those designed for more rugged conditions.
Moreover, clip-on ear headphones offer limited noise isolation, making them less ideal for environments where external sounds may be distracting.
Tip: check out our list of the best wireless earphone alternatives to Apple AirPods.
4. Earphones
A popular choice with users everywhere, earphones have a compact and lightweight design that comfortably fits into the ear canal, which provides a degree of passive noise isolation. Ideal for those with an active lifestyle, earphones work particularly well for individuals who engage in physical activities regularly.
Note: people often use earphones and earbuds interchangeably, but the terms refer to slightly different types of audio devices. The former points to a type of earphone that rests just outside the ear canal without fully entering the ear canal.
Despite their small size, some high-end earphones can deliver impressive sound, as they use advanced technologies to reproduce clear and detailed audio across various frequencies. While some audiophiles may still prefer the sound quality offered by over-ear headphones, advancements in earphone technology have significantly improved their overall audio performance. For example, musicians and audio engineers often use so-called in-ear monitors, which typically feature multiple drivers for more accurate sound reproduction across different frequency ranges.
On the other hand, there are numerous earbuds available at highly affordable prices, ensuring there’s an option to fit every budget.
5. Wireless Headphones
You may want to consider getting a pair of wireless headphones or earbuds, due to the convenience and freedom they offer. The absence of a physical cable eliminates the hassle of untangling wires and provides unrestricted movements, making them ideal for all kinds of activities.
Note: wireless earbuds fall into two categories: with a connecting wire linking the two buds, and true wireless, where the buds are completely independent.
The convenience of easy connectivity, often through Bluetooth technology, allows users to seamlessly pair their headphones with various devices, including smartphones, tablets, and laptops. Many wireless headphone models also bring extra features to the table, such as voice assistants and touch controls.
While offering distinct advantages, wireless headphones may face challenges, such as limited battery life, necessitating frequent recharging. Besides, Bluetooth models use specific audio codecs to compress audio signals during transmission, potentially leading to compromised sound quality. If audio fidelity is a priority for you, feel free to explore alternative headphone categories.
6. Noise-Cancelling Headphones
Noise-cancelling headphones use advanced technology to analyze external sounds and generate sound waves that effectively neutralize incoming noise. This makes these listening devices particularly useful in noisy environments, such as busy offices or public places.
Some of the headphone categories mentioned above, such as over-ear headphones or earbuds, might have noise-cancelling capabilities, but not all models do, so it’s important to check a product’s specification carefully to make sure noise-cancelling is part of the package.
Although many noise-cancelling headphones typically have a higher price tag, you can explore our shopping guide for some of the top affordable noise-cancelling models available for purchase.
FYI: want to know how bone conduction technology works? Check out our detailed explanation here.
7. Bone Conduction Headphones
Bone conduction headphones distinguish themselves from other headsets through their unique design and features. These types of devices operate by bypassing the traditional method of transmitting sound through the ear canal. Instead, they make use of bone conduction technology to deliver audio vibrations directly to the listener’s skull.
The headphones rest on the cheekbones or just in front of the ears, and they generate vibrations that travel through the bones of the face to the inner ear. This unique setup allows users to hear sound without obstructing the ear canals, making bone conduction headsets suited for those with hearing impairments. These models are also recommended for those who need to maintain environmental awareness when using them.
Despite their appeal, bone conduction headphones can cause physical side effects, and contrary to the widespread notion that they can’t cause hearing problems, the potential risk still exists. If you’d like to learn more about the safety of bone conduction audio devices, this guide explains everything you need to know.
8. Closed-Back Headphones
Closed-back headphones boast ear cups with a sealed or closed design that prevents sound from escaping the headphones and isolates the listener from external noise to some extent. This design makes the headphones suitable to be worn in noisy environments or during private listening sessions.
While these headsets are often capable of enhancing bass frequencies, users could experience a more limited soundstage. Yet, that may not be immediately noticeable, especially to casual listeners. Actually, in recording environments, musicians frequently opt for these models due to their lack of noise leakage.
Extended use of closed-back headphones is discouraged, however, as the absence of ventilation can lead to discomfort from excessive sweating.
9. Open-Back Headphones
Open-back headphones represent the other side of the coin, as they are headsets featuring perforated outer ear cups or grille, allowing air and sound to pass through. Naturally, due to the added ventilation, open-back models are better suited for long listening sessions and are overall more comfortable to wear.
The open design that allows air and sound to flow freely also contributes to a more spacious and realistic soundstage, where audio elements are perceived with greater depth. This makes them a good option for audiophiles and professionals who would like to experience a more natural sound that feels like it’s coming from all around you.
That said, owning to their design, open-back headsets can suffer from sound leakage, and they also do not provide effective isolation from ambient noise, which can prove distracting in noisy environments.
Tip: waterproof gadgets are all the rage right now. Add to your devices by getting a waterproof portable speaker!
10. Waterproof Headphones
Available both in the form of headphones and earbuds, waterproof models are a good choice if you’re looking for an audio device that’s durable and versatile. As the name suggests, waterproof headphones are designed to withstand exposure to water, making them ideal for use in situations where some degree of moisture can be present, such as outdoor activities, water sports, and rainy conditions.
These headphones are often easy to clean and maintain, providing a hassle-free solution for those with an active lifestyle who require a more robust audio device.
A wider array of models is available on the market, yet it’s important to note that some are merely water-resistant and not fully waterproof. Such headsets are better suited for workouts, as they may not withstand complete submersion in water.
If you’ve already purchased a new pair of headphones, you may want to check out our guide on how to make your headphones louder on any device. If you’ve had your headset for a while and are starting to notice that only one side of your headphones works, learn what you can do if they’re connected to your Windows PC.
Image source: Freepik
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