Headphones are speakers that allow us to enjoy music, movies, podcasts, and more privately. You can use them with your computer, phone, and other electronic devices. The right pair of headphones can upgrade your listening experience. The issue, though, is that many different types of headphones are available in the market. This can make it difficult to choose the right one. Here are some things to keep in mind when going earphone shopping.
Understand the form factor of the headphones you want
Before you get down to the nitty gritty aspects of buying an earphone, you must first decide what kind you are looking for. There are three main types of headphones based on their form. There are in-ear headphones that are the most portable option on the market. As the name suggests, these headphones rest within your ear canal, which can be uncomfortable for some individuals. The second type is on-ear headphones. These headphones look similar to over-ear headphones but are smaller and foldable.
This is an excellent choice for those who dislike in-ear headphones but are looking for something more portable. On-ear headphones are also soft and comfortable and have better sound quality than in-ear headphones. The last, over-ear headphones provide the most comfort and top-notch sound quality. These earphones do not touch the ears and instead have padding that clamps around the ears.
Choose between wired or wireless
Once you’ve decided on the form of your earphones, you need to decide if you want a wireless or wired piece. Wireless headphones are a lot more convenient to use. There is no tangled wire to sort or no worrying about the wire getting stuck somewhere. On the other hand, wired headphones offer better sound quality, and you do not have to worry about battery life. Not to mention, wired headsets are usually a lot cheaper compared to their wireless counterparts.
Know the kind of driver you are looking for
The driver is an important element of a headphone. It is what vibrates the air, which in turn creates the sound. Remember, your headphones are just small speakers, and the driver is what will decide the quality of sound that you hear. Many different kinds of drivers are available in the market, with different brands having their own trademark drivers. Some of the main types of drivers include dynamic drivers, balanced armature drivers, planar drivers, and electrostatic drivers. Each of these produces different sound qualities, and you should choose the one that suits your listening needs the most.
Keep sensitivity in mind
The sensitivity of a headphone refers to how loud the headphones can get in relation to their power. The sensitivity of earphones is usually measured in decibels. When looking for a new pair of headphones, you can try getting one with a sensitivity between 90dB and 120dB for 1mW of power. This is an acceptable range. You also do not want to use your earphones at very high volumes as they can permanently damage your hearing.
Maintain a budget
Lastly, do not forget to maintain a budget when shopping for a new headset. There are many different products in the market, each with unique features. The price of these products can vary vastly based on the brand and the type of headphones you choose.
Apple’s Airpods revolutionized the earbuds and headphones industry. The tech giant has now released a massive upgrade on its original trademark earphones, the Apple AirPods Pro 2. The new AirPods come with the best noise cancellation and Dolby Atmos spatial audio, which boosts your listening experience. Another thing that has been upgraded is the battery life which now lasts 6 hours on a single charge. The earphones also come with wireless charging and tons of small design changes that give them a more sleek and elegant look. Apple has priced its new AirPods at roughly $249, and has been available for sale since September 23, 2022.
