Choosing headphones is not easy. On the one hand, we must choose the appropriate model, i.e. the manufacturer and the functions it offers. But before we get to that, we should decide on a specific type of headphones. In the case of phones, there is no such problem – the devices are similar to each other, while headphones offer really different designs.
- On-ear
- In-ear
- Intrathecal
Moreover, individual variants can be further divided into wired and wireless. That’s where we’ll start today.
There is a belief that the best sound quality requires a cable. And there is something to it, it is not without reason that the best headphones used in music studios are equipped with a good quality cable. However, it is worth asking yourself a question – Unless we are demanding music lovers with an extremely expensive amplifier and a vinyl collection, we can give up the cable.
Even more so when we are looking for headphones for a smartphone. Today’s phones are less and less likely to offer a 3.5mm connector, so it is impossible to connect traditional cable headphones to them. By default, they are supposed to support wireless ones, which, let’s face it, are much more convenient. Even gaming enthusiasts are increasingly choosing wireless headsets. Although when playing on PC, connecting the cable is not a big problem.
The classic design of headphones is on-ear, i.e. they have characteristic shells that completely cover the ears. These headphones are large and can offer the most powerful drivers and the best sound quality. As is usually the case, a large structure allows for better quality technology to be packed in. On the other hand, these models are not as handy or mobile as in the case of small headphones that we put in our pocket.
- Great sound quality
- A good model will be light and very comfortable
- Additional features such as 7.1 sound (on selected models)
- They are perfect for music, movies and games
- A cover will be useful for transport, and the headphones can be stored, for example, in a backpack
- Sound may leak out
- It’s quite a large gadget placed on the head – not everyone likes it
Ultimately, the choice of such headphones is a subjective matter. In my opinion, they are great for listening to music and playing at home. I’m not a fan of taking them on a bike ride, a walk or a trip.
In-ear headphones are definitely one of the most popular types of headphones on the market. They are small and ended with a special rubber band or foam that we place in the ear canals. Sound enters them directly, which has advantages and disadvantages. The advantage is definitely the direct transmission of sound and isolating us from the surroundings. On the other hand, we may feel the ear “clogging” and even expose it to excessive use.
- Weight – they are light
- Good sound quality
- They fit great and do not fall out of the ears
- They can lead to hearing problems in the future
- Not everyone likes the effect of a clogged ear
In-ear headphones are available from many manufacturers. Here are some sample variants:
Today, in-ear headphones are not as popular as they used to be, but there are still some important models worth recommending. This design is similar to in-ear headphones, but differs in quite an important element. In-ear headphones cover the opening of the ear but do not require the headphone element to be placed in the canal, making them less invasive. They are still able to offer good sound quality and soundproofing if they have, for example, ANC.
- Healthier than in-ear headphones
- They are light and handy
- A wide selection of models, also cheap ones
- They are not as well fixed in the ear as intrathecal ones
- They usually lose in the field of sound quality, including: bass
- They are worse at isolating the environment
The most famous model of in-ear headphones is AirPods from Apple. This is a classic that all iPhone owners know.
If you want to buy good headphones for your phone, it is best to choose wireless in-ear or in-ear headphones. Owners of Apple phones can confidently choose the AirPods model, which will work perfectly with the ecosystem. But not only that, because Sony, JBL or Technics equipment may also be a good option.
It would be a good idea to check which model fits our ears best.