Headphones have grown to be more than mere accessories. Whether you’re listening to music on the go, watching videos on your phone, tablet, or laptop, or juicing up your workouts with high-energy tunes, choosing the right headphone will determine your overall experience.
There is no shortage of headphones out there. However, choosing the right design, style, and feature will depend on your preferences. Here at Soundphilia, we understand it can be hard to pick the right headphones. In this headphone buying guide, we write about everything there is to know about headphones so you can make an informed decision on your next headphone purchase. You can also check out our best audiophile headphones.
Headphone Designs: Open Vs. Closed
Headphones fall into open-back and closed-back types. This refers to the design of the earcups. Apart from these two designs, a lesser-known design is known as semi-open-back.
Open-Back Headphones
Open-back headphones are the type of headphones where the earcup is open or perforated to allow airflow. Air pressure cannot build up by allowing airflow into and out of the earcup. Therefore this gives a transparent audio reproduction and improves the overall sound.
The Vented Open Earcup of the Hifiman Susvara
For this reason, open-back headphones are suitable for immersive listening because the sound is open. However, open-back headphones are only good in quiet places. In a noisy environment, the vents or perforations on the back of open headphones will also allow noise to enter the headphone, thus degrading the audio quality.
Sound leakage from open-back headphones can also interfere with your neighbors in quiet places, like libraries or offices. For this reason, open-back headphones are better for home use or where sound leakage is not a problem. Read more about open-back headphones.
Closed-Back Headphones
Closed-back headphones are ones where the earcups are sealed. The closed earcup prevents sound leakage out of the earcup or noise leakage into the earcup. The major advantage of closed-back headphones is noise isolation. Because the earcup is sealed, closed-back headphones allow users to enjoy music in noisy places without turning the volume up, which could harm your hearing.
Beyerdynamic T5p Tesla Closed-back Headphones
They also leak out less noise, which gives you more privacy as people around you cannot hear what you are listening to. This also prevents you from disturbing your immediate neighbor.
You will notice a boost in the bass for closed-back headphones. This is because enclosing the sound prevents propagation and makes the bass seem louder or punchier. However, enclosed sound might also cause imperceptible echoes, which might affect the fidelity of the sound. The use of anti-resonant material in the earcup by headphone manufacturers prevents echoing. Read more about open-back vs. closed-back headphones.
Semi Open-Back Headphones
Semi-open-back headphones are thought of as a product of open and closed headphones. While semi-open-back headphones are not fully open like open-back headphones, they carry all the disadvantages of open headphones. They also deliver natural and open-like sounds like open headphones.
The Semi-open Beyerdynamic DT-880 Pro 250 Ohm
They do not isolate like closed-back headphones; they will also leak sound out and let noise in the earcup. If you want the best of closed-back and open-back headphones, semi-open-back headphones are not the way. It is better to get a closed-back and an open-back headphone.
However, this is not saying semi-open-back headphones should not be on your mind. As with any headphones, you’re good to pull the trigger if you like the sound. See our in-depth post on semi-open-back headphones.
Headphone Fit: Over-Ear vs. On-Ear vs. In-Ear
Over-Ear Headphones
As the name suggests, Circumaural or over-the-ear headphones are the type of headphones that completely cover the entire ears. While they are bulky and bigger in shape, they remain the most comfortable headphones around. If you are looking for headphones to use at home or the office, over-ear headphones are your best bet.
The Big Earpads of the HiFiMAN HE 1000 V2
Over-ear headphones usually tend to sound better than on-ear and in-ear headphones. This is because of their larger and more refined headphone drivers, which makes them good for an immersive listening experience.
Because of their larger earcups, over-the-ear headphones, especially closed-back ones, do an excellent job isolating a user from outside noise. The ability of a pair of headphones to block out noise is called passive noise reduction/isolation.
On-Ear Headphones
On-the-ear headphones are also known as supra-aural headphones. They are headphone types that sit on top of the outer ears. They are smaller than over-ear headphones, making them suitable for portable use. Most On-ear headphones feature a design that can be folded to fit in a bag pack or hung around the neck.
The AKG N60NC Wireless On-ear Headphones
Their clamping force determines the comfort of On-ear headphones. When they clamp too hard, they might get uncomfortable after some time. However, if they are to lose, you might have difficulty keeping them up on your head.
On-ear headphones are decent but not the best when it comes to isolation. On-ear headphones are ideal for people who need to travel but do not prefer in-ear headphones. They offer a striking balance of listening to your music on the go and a fashion statement.
In-Ear Headphones
In-ear headphones fit inside the ear canal or on the ear opening. They can also be referred to as intra-aural earbuds, in-ear monitors (IEMs), canal phones, earphones, and earbuds (See the difference between in-ear monitors and earbuds). In-ear headphones are the most common type of headphones around. They range from disposable models you get on a plane to those included with your new smartphone to high-performance buds that offer audiophile quality sound.
Using iPhone with V-Moda Vibe Earbuds
The major advantage of in-ear headphones is that they are very compact and can effectively isolate noise because of their seal. Unlike full-size headphones, in-ear headphones can also be used discreetly without getting much attention. They offer little to no inference with glasses, earrings, hairstyles, and hats.
Shure SE846 IEM Earpieces
While the advantage of in-ear headphones is their compact design, you might trade in the sound quality, especially for cheaper models. In-ear headphones that go deeper into the ear canal can also get irritating with time, while wired in-ear headphones mean there are possibilities for tangled wires.
Read our in-depth guide on over-ear vs. on-ear vs. in-ear headphones.
Headphones Connectivity: Wired vs. Wireless
Wired Headphones
Wired headphones have been around since 1910 and are still the preferred choice for most headphone enthusiasts.
One of the major advantages of wired headphones is the sound quality. This is why most audiophiles swear about wired headphones. The reason for this is that wired headphones receive an analog audio signal. Analog audio signals have unlimited bandwidth; thus, the resolution is good without losing original quality. The signal-to-noise ratio of analog audio is also better.
Behringer HPX2000 Headphones and 1/8″ connector
Another advantage of wired headphones is the price. If you’re on a budget and looking for good headphones, wired is the way. They always cost less than wireless headphones, and you get better results overall.
Wireless Headphones
Wireless headphones have grown in popularity, especially after losing the headphone plug-in in newer iPhones and bigger phone models. They are great for sports and outdoor use because they connect the headphones to your playback device, giving you better movement.
Sennheiser PXC 550 Wireless Headphones in a Storage case
Apart from freedom of movement, wireless headphones have added features like a virtual assistant that makes them easy to use. Bluetooth compatibility is also wide since almost every smartphone or playback device is Bluetooth enabled. The lack of cables guarantees no tangling wires are getting in your way of enjoying music.
True Wireless Earbuds
Wireless and true wireless technologies are different. The major distinction is that true wireless lacks a wire between the earpieces. Wireless headphones still feature a cable that connects the two earpieces.
Jabra Elite Sport TWS in Their Charging Case
True wireless earbuds are among the top models being sold today. They are more convenient than wireless headphones because they eliminate the hassle of having a cable in your way. True wireless earbuds also include a storage case that doubles up as a charging hub, guaranteeing more power for your earbuds. Read our in-depth post on wired vs. wireless headphones.
Types of Headphone Drivers
The headphone driver affects how a pair of headphones reproduce their sound. Six headphone drivers are available, including dynamic, balanced armature, planar magnetic, electrostatic, bone conduction, and hybrid headphone drivers. Below is a short overview of the different types of headphone drivers.
Dynamic Drivers
Dynamic or moving coil drivers are the most common type of headphone driver. They are cheaper and known for their outstanding bass performance and warm sound. Their biggest constraint is they are likely to distort at higher volumes, though this will be slowly addressed as technology improves.
Balanced Armature Drivers
Balanced armature drivers are usually found in in-ear headphones. They are quite popular in hearing aids because of their small size. The advantage of balanced armature drivers is that one earpiece can have as many as eight drivers, each reproducing a part of frequency response. Because they do not displace sound, balanced armature drivers lack strong bass response. Dynamic drivers are added to handle the low frequencies, which forms a hybrid headphone driver.
Planar Magnetic Drivers
Planar magnetic drivers, also called isodynamic or orthodynamic headphones, combine dynamic and electrostatic drivers. Like a dynamic driver, a planar magnetic driver uses a magnetic field around a conductor with an electrical current flowing through, thus driving the diaphragm. Like an electrostatic driver, the diaphragm is thin and flexible but with thin electrical conductors. Planar magnetic drivers handle audio distortion very well and have fast response times. This gives planar headphones a very even and precise sound. See our best planar magnetic headphones.
Electrostatic Drivers
Electrostatic drivers have a thin diaphragm similar to planar drivers. However, the diaphragm is so thin that the air around it is heavier in comparison. The upside is that they lack distortion and provide the best sound from headphones that money can buy. However, this downside is that electrostatic headphones require high-voltage headphone amplifiers to drive them efficiently. Electrostatic headphones are also some of the most expensive headphones around.
Bone Conduction Drivers
These drivers use sound vibrations to send sound through the skull down to the cochlea. Bone conduction technology allows users to perceive audio without blocking the ear canal. Bone conduction headphones are good for hard-hearing users or if you want to be aware of your surroundings when working out outdoors.
If sound quality is one of your major preferences, bone conduction is not for you. You can choose from other headphone drivers that provide better audio quality. For hearing loss, bone conduction headphones are a great option for enjoying music.
Special Headphone Features
Headphones are gradually growing with technology, thus offering more and more features. While some of these new features might not be important to you, some will be of help. Below are some features you might consider when choosing a pair of headphones.
Noise Cancelling
Noise-canceling headphones pick up ambient noise using a microphone and create an inverse that prevents the noise from reaching your ear. The amount of noise reduction by noise-canceling headphones is astonishing, especially for high-end models like the Sony WH-1000XM3. Suppose you often find yourself in an airplane, subway, or noisy environment. In that case, noise-canceling headphones can protect your hearing by eliminating the need to reduce the volume to unsafe levels.
Noise-canceling headphones come in all forms, from earbuds up to full=size headphones. For most headphones, you will get the option to switch on or off the active noise cancellation to save battery when it is not needed.
Bose 700 Noise Cancelling Headphones
If you do not want to go the active noise cancellation route, investing in comfortable in=ear headphones might be a better alternative. They do a good job of blocking external noise by 25-30 dB.
One major disadvantage of active noise cancellation headphones is slightly degrading the audio quality. This usually manifests as a hiss when ANC is turned on, and no music is playing.
Waterproof and Water-resistant
Water and sweat-resistant headphones are great features if you’re looking for workout headphones. With sweat-resistant headphones, you can continue working out without stopping to wipe off your headphones. When working out outdoors, you will be able to jog or walk in the rain without worrying about damaging the headphones.
When looking for water-resistant or sweat-resistant headphones, check for the IP rating. This is a way for products to certify their claims of being water-resistant. IP ratings range from 0=9, with 9 being the highest defense against water and dust. The higher the IP rating, the better the defense you get against water and dust.
Microphone and Controls
A microphone, whether in-line or built-in, makes it easier to make calls or use voice features. Microphones on headphones are great for receiving calls, using voice commands, and much more. On the other hand, controls make it easier to use headphones. Controls are much appreciated, whether receiving a call, playing music, or managing the volume. They can either be in-line for wired headphones or built into the headphone for wireless headphones.
Controls on The Audio-Technica ATH-S200BTWH Bluetooth Wireless On-Ear Headphones
Lightning or USB-C Connectors
With removing the 3.5mm headphone plug from major phones, alternatives such as lighting headphones for iPhones and USB-C headphones for Android devices have grown. Lighting or USB-C headphone allows you to plug your headphones directly into your Apple or Android device without an adapter. For wired headphone users, this comes as renewed hope. You can be sure the sound quality is not degraded by opting for lighting or USB-C headphones.
Biometric
In recent years, biometrics has been incorporated into wearable gadgets, which aid in tracking health and fitness-related data like step counters or heart rate monitors. Headphones and earbuds also incorporate biometrics that can help gather data directly from your ears while listening to music.
For fitness enthusiasts, buying a pair of headphones with biometrics allows you to keep tabs on your data without using additional devices. Also, some biometric headphones are compatible with fitness apps.
Volume Limiting
If you have children around, getting a pair of headphones with volume limiting is more of a safety measure. Volume-limiting enabled headphones are designed to keep children from turning up the volume to unsafe levels, which might impair their hearing. However, not all voice-limiting headphones are for children. There are also adult alternatives for those keen on protecting their hearing.
Voice Assistant
If you expect to use voice commands regularly, headphones with a voice assistant make it quick and easy. Voice assistant-enabled headphones let you manage your music playback, get answers on the go, and check messages. Most headphones come to enable to work with most voice assistants, while others have built-in assistants like Apple Siri, Google Assistant, or Amazon Alexa.
Check Headphone Specifications
The weight, dimensions, Bluetooth version, connector types, and cord length are fairly easy headphone specs to understand. When shopping for new headphones, you should check two important specs, i.e., headphone impedance and sensitivity.
Headphone Impedance
This is the amount of resistance a pair of headphones offers against an audio signal.
Headphone impedance is influenced by many factors, including the type of headphone driver, components used, and anything with some resistance. The importance of checking headphone impedance values is to decide whether your playback device will be able to overcome the resistance offered by the headphone or you’ll require a headphone amplifier.
Most headphones can be powered efficiently with the amplifier in-built into our smartphones, digital audio players (DAP), and other portable audio players. These are what we term as low impedance headphones. We recommend using a portable audio device or smartphone for headphones with an impedance rating of 32 ohms and lower.
A headphone amplifier is recommended for headphones with higher impedance than 32 Ohms with lower sensitivity values.
Headphone Sensitivity
The sensitivity values indicate how loud a pair of headphones will be when supplied with a certain power or voltage level. It is indicated as Sound Pressure Level per milliwatt or dB SPL/mW.
Impedance and sensitivity show how hard it will be to drive a pair of headphones.
- You can use a portable audio device or smartphone for headphones with less than 32 Ohms and 99 dB/mW.
- You require a high-quality source for 32-80 Ohms and 99dB/mW.
- You should get a headphone amplifier for 32-80 Ohms and less than 99 dB/mW.
- For 80-300 Ohms and higher, you should get a good headphone amplifier.
Read more about headphone impedance and sensitivity.
