We have a plethora of choices when it comes to choosing headphones. If you thought you can pick one easily, think twice. The audio industry comes up with new types of headphones every day. The list of features they provide is incessant. In no time, your current model of headphones can get outdated compared to the advanced technology launched on the market. While not easy, choosing the right types of headphones for you is not that intricate or time-consuming, either. It boils down to the features you are looking for. That way, you can select headphones that will give you ultimate comfort.
In our previous discussion, we learned the advantages and disadvantages of headphones. Thus, this time around, let’s explore different kinds of headphones.
Earbuds
Before we head into the varying types of headphones, let’s take a look at earbuds and what makes them different from others. Earbuds were designed to fit in your ears and at the same time sit outside your ear canal. Therefore, you can expect to hear sounds from the external environment, too. If you are looking for a portability feature, earbuds are a perfect choice for you. They are compact and comfortable. Also, since they don’t enter the ear canal, you won’t have to deal with problems such as ear fatigue. Plus, earbuds are comparatively cheaper, so you can find one at the best prices.
Closed-back Headphones
Closed-back headphones are the common form of headphones used by people who want nothing but excellent audio quality. Due to the closed-back design, sounds from the external environment cannot enter your ear while using this piece of audio technology. Similarly, the sound from inside cannot escape. This ultimately produces high-quality sound hence it’s used by musicians during their performances. But there is a drawback with closed-back headphones. While their design can limit distraction, it also leads to breathability issues. You can experience this frequently, usually in the form of sweaty ears.
Open-back Headphones
Open-back headphones are a counterpart of closed-back ones. This time, sound from the external environment can enter your ear and the one from speakers can escape, too. This way, people can hear what you are listening to. Unless you are not looking for an intimate listening experience, the open-back type is the one for you. Just remember, if you happen to be in a bustling environment, you must prepare for a compromise with your listening experience. On a brighter note, you won’t face breathability issues because of their open design. Thus, no more sweaty ears. Plus, you can use them for a longer duration without discomfort.
Noise-canceling Headphones
The noise-canceling headphones are the talk of the town. Not that you can hear it, though. As the name suggests, these headphones cancel noise. If you want to create an isolated environment, the noise cancelation headphones are the ones for you. They have a built-in microphone that monitors the external sound and creates an opposite sound wave that cancels it. This is the concept of phase inversion that creates anti-noise. Therefore, users will only hear the sound coming from the headphones and not the external environment. If you travel frequently, noise-canceling headphones can be your perfect companion to block unavoidable background noises.
Bluetooth Headphones
Bluetooth headphones are ideal for users that want to go cordless. We can’t really judge them for their choice, as cord entanglement is the common cause of headphone damage. This headphone skips the wire connection process, allowing you to go wireless. You get a portability feature along with the convenience of going tangle-free. But it’s not all rosy. With Bluetooth headphones, you can expect a delay as connection and transmission occur through radio signals. Other than this, Bluetooth headphones need to be charged. Ergo, be sure to charge your device before using them. Finally, considering they provide a hassle-free listening experience, the expensive price comes as no surprise.
Over-ear Headphones
The name of these headphones speaks for itself. Here, the earpads cover your entire ear. This creates an isolated environment, blocking interference from the surroundings. If high sound quality is your requirement, over-ear headphones are a perfect choice for you. Plus, the cushion covering your ears gives you ultimate comfort. This can either be made up of velvet or leather material. But on the flip-side, they are one of the bulkier types of headphones. If you can compromise on portability and arrange for the space to store it properly, you can freely go for over-ear headphones.
On-ear Headphones
On-ear headphones are similar to over-ear ones, with the difference the earpads are comparatively smaller. Thus, you can easily wear them while on the go. Also, since the earpads of on-ear headphones are the perfect fit for your ears, you don’t have to worry about them slipping and falling out. This way, you get stability and can use them while performing physical activities. On the other hand, you can expect to experience breathability issues with this type, leading to sweating if used for a prolonged duration.
In-ear Headphones
At first, in-ear headphones may seem similar to earbuds due to their design, but they are actually different. In-ear is one of the most common kinds of headphones and, chances are, you own it or used to. Here, the ear tips go to your ear canal. Therefore, the sound goes directly to your ear with little to no leakage. This improves your listening experience and allows you to focus more on the music you are listening to. But again, you will have to be careful when using these headphones. Since it goes directly to your ear canal, avoid turning up to high volume. Otherwise, loud sounds can rupture your eardrum.
Bone Conduction Headphones
The headphone options we explored until now are concerned with ears. Now we will discuss bone conduction headphones that can help you listen to music without covering your ears. In this kind of headphones, sound vibrations transmit through the cheekbones and jaws and reach the inner ear. This is how you hear sounds. Using these headphones, you can listen to your environment, which increases your situational awareness. This way, you can use these headphones while safely walking the streets. But everything comes at a cost. In this case, it is the high price and low-quality sound.