Explanation:
Headphone features to consider
Headphone type
The four main types of headphones are earbuds, in-ear, on-ear and over-ear. Small and cheap, earbuds are commonly included as a freebie with smartphones and portable music players.
In-ear models extend into the ear canal and some come with clips to help them fit more securely on the ears – handy when listening to music while exercising. Although lightweight and portable, neither earbuds or in-ear headphones offer the sound quality of large headphones.
On-ear headphones sit on the ear, while over-ear models completely cover the ear to avoid noise interference from the outside world.
Find about more about which type of headphones are best for you with our guide: How to choose the best headphones.
Noise cancelling
Noise-cancelling headphones use tiny microphones and battery-powered electronics to virtually eliminate background noise so you can listen to your audio with annoying interruptions.
These headphones aren’t cheap but they’re ideal for anyone who travels in noisy environments or enjoys being fully immersed in their music, game or film.
Five of the best noise cancelling headphones
Noise isolating
Unlike noise-cancelling headphones’ active approach, noise-isolating headphones passively block ambient room noise by creating seals around the ear or in the ear canal.
With over-ear headphones, this takes the form of soft, thick foam on the ear pad to keep noise out, while in-ear headphones effectively form a seal within the ear canal, blocking external sounds.
Noise isolating offers safer listening, as users don’t have to whack up the volume to drown out external noise.
Take advantage of the Vinyl Revival
Closed back
Also known as sealed headphones, the back of these over-ear or on-ear headphones are fully closed, which helps blocks ambient noise and at the same time avoid sound leakage.
Noise-cancelling and noise-isolating headphones typically use closed designs.
Open back
With these over-ear or on-ear headphones, the back of the ear cups is open or vented, typically showing the internal circuity behind a mesh.
Although this allows people nearby to hear your music, the increased air flow delivers realistic sound with natural bass reproduction.
Wireless
Wireless headphones remove the need to be connected to an audio source. They let you enjoy your music anywhere without trailing or tangled cables, so they’re perfect for sports and outdoor listening.
Two main types of wireless technologies are used to transmit the sound wirelessly over short distances from the audio source: infrared or Bluetooth. Most wireless headphones use Bluetooth as it’s easy to use and reliable. Bluetooth functionality is standard on many smartphones, laptops and other mobile devices which makes syncing with a Bluetooth-enabled headphones quick and easy.
What is Bluetooth?
In-line volume control
Usually found towards the top of a headphone cable, this lets you change volume, skip tracks and stop your music playing. Many have microphones that allow you to talk on the phone, make voice recordings, dictate and speak commands to Siri, and other voice-control software.
Behind-the-neck
A headphone design where the headband hangs around the nape of your neck.
Folding design
Many on-ear and over-ear headphones have headbands that folds in on themselves so that they can be easily stored when travelling.
