Earphones should be comfortable to wear for long listening sessions, and they should have good noise isolation to block out external sounds. They should also feature wireless connectivity, a long battery life and a sleek design.
Many audiophile earbuds are designed with touch controls, making it easier to adjust music or hands-free calls. You should also look for a carry case and additional accessories to complete your purchase.
Comfort
The quality of the headphones that you use can have a huge impact on your listening experience. They need to be comfortable to wear for extended periods and have an excellent noise cancelling system to block out external noise. They also need to be lightweight so you can listen to music without your ears getting fatigued from the weight of the headphones.
Thankfully, there are many options available to music lovers when it comes to choosing the best earphones. Headphones have come a long way since the cheap foam-eared efforts that were bundled with Sony Walkmans back in the day. They are now lightweight, stylish and offer lush sound quality at an affordable price. There is a common misconception that you will need to spend a fortune on a pair of headphones to get good audio quality, but this is not the case.
One of the biggest factors to consider is whether or not you want a pair that are in-ear or over-ear headphones. In-ear headphones are small and sit in your ear while over-ear headphones surround your entire ear. Both types of headphones have advantages and disadvantages, but the right one will depend on your preferences and budget.
For example, if you like dance music, you may prefer the wireless earbuds from Plantronics that are lightweight and feature a great noise cancellation. They have eight hours of playback on a full charge and come with a carry case for when you’re out and about.
On the other hand, if you’re looking for high-quality headphones that are ideal for studio work and are willing to spend a little more, both the Jabra Elite 8 Active vs Jabra Elite 7 Active are exceptional choices. These headphones are designed for professional musicians, DJs and producers who need to hear every detail of their music. They have a neutral response and high-resolution audio codec to ensure that the listener gets an accurate representation of their music.
Noise Cancellation
A good pair of headphones will block out ambient noise, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the music you’re listening to. But this kind of sound isolation usually comes at the cost of battery life, which is why earbuds that offer active noise cancellation tend to be more expensive than those without it.
But that’s changing, and we’re starting to see ANC appear on more budget models. The ANC works by using electronic circuitry to create a sound wave that’s 180 degrees out of phase with the sounds around you, effectively canceling them out and leaving only your music. This is a nice feature to have on hand when you need to be in public places, such as at the gym or on public transport.
Similarly, these headphones from Asus are also affordable but don’t skimp on quality. They use hybrid active noise cancelling to minimize ambient sound while keeping the audio you’re playing at high levels. This helps you hear every squeak in your music and eliminates the masking effect that can sometimes make lower-frequency sounds harder to hear.
Sound Quality
There is nothing quite like the experience of listening to music on a pair of great-sounding headphones. That is why audio quality is often the biggest factor that separates earbuds that are truly fantastic from those that are just fine. Bass is perhaps the most recognizable feature that sets superb wireless earbuds apart from the rest, but in many cases the best earbuds will also provide a solid mid and high range output so you can hear all of the intricate details of your favorite songs.
In addition to sound, the design and hardware that go into a pair of earphones can have a significant impact on how they fit in your ears. They need to be comfortable and stable enough for long periods, but they should also seal out external noise and allow you to enjoy your favorite tunes without any interruptions or distractions.
A wide soundstage is another key aspect of a good set of earbuds, as it helps to separate sounds so they feel more immersive. They should also be smooth and balanced rather than abrasive or grating, with clear, textured and warm mids and highs that can deliver the fullness of the vocals and instruments in your music.
These Bluetooth earbuds from Sony offer a full, rich soundscape that is ideal for casual listening and even more demanding listening scenarios. Their DSEE technology can upscale compressed music files in real time, while their dual-sensor noise-rejecting microphones will minimize ambient sounds around you so that you’ll be able to hear important things like announcements or traffic. They also come with three ear tip sizes to ensure a snug and comfortable fit.
Wireless Connectivity
Whether you prefer wired or wireless headphones, it all comes down to convenience and comfort. You want to be able to take your music with you, without being bothered by cords. A good pair of headphones should be comfortable enough to wear for long periods, even when you’re listening to a full album or working out. Some models may have special features that make them suitable for day-to-day use, like tap controls and smart assistant support. Others will offer active noise cancellation, which can mute the sound of rush hour traffic or noisy offices while still providing clarity.
A few of the headphones we’ve highlighted feature bluetooth technology, which makes them easy to connect with any mobile device and enjoy your favorite tracks on-the-go. They also have built-in microphones for hands-free calling and can be synced to your phone to access voice assistants. You can also download an app to customize the sound and adjust the settings for a better audio experience.
Serious audiophiles tend to prefer wired headphones over wireless models because they can deliver exceptional sound quality that’s closer to analog signals compared to digital ones in wireless headphones.
Unlike the foam-eared headphones that came with your Sony Walkman back in the day, today’s best headphones are packed with amazing technology that delivers an immersive listening experience. Look for models that offer advanced features such as active noise cancelling, a long battery life, and the ability to connect to multiple devices at once.
Price
If a music lover is going to invest in a good set of headphones, you want to make sure they get the best bang for your buck. Sound quality directly correlates to price, with the top picks delivering incredible audio with clarity and detail. Bass may be the easiest to reproduce in headphones, but a great pair will also have a strong mid-range and treble output so you can enjoy the vocals and the finer details of instruments.
The best earbuds come with multiple sizes and tips to help you find the perfect fit in your ear. The smallest buds tend to be the most comfortable, but you may need to upgrade to a larger size for some extra oomph. You can also consider purchasing a replacement case for your headphones, which will keep them safe and secure while in your bag or pockets.
Lastly, you’ll want to check to see if the headphones are compatible with your music player. Some earbuds are exclusive to one brand, which can be frustrating if you switch between phones frequently.
A pair of headphones can make a thoughtful gift for any music lover. To complete the package, consider adding a music-themed accessory to suit your recipient’s style.
