In the world of music and sound, headphones are a personal accessory that can make a significant difference in how we experience our favorite tunes, podcasts, or movies. But what should you look for when you buy new headphones?
This comprehensive headphone buying guide is here to answer that question and more.
So, whether you're a seasoned audiophile or a casual listener, read on to discover how to choose the perfect pair of headphones that will elevate your listening experience.
This comprehensive headphone buying guide is here to answer that question and more.
So, whether you're a seasoned audiophile or a casual listener, read on to discover how to choose the perfect pair of headphones that will elevate your listening experience.
When it comes to buying new headphones, the options can be overwhelming. There are so many factors to consider, from the type of headphones to the sound quality and even the price. But don't worry, we're here to help. Here's what to look for in headphones:
There are three main types of headphones: in-ear, on-ear, and over-ear.
If you're finding it difficult to figure out how to choose headphones for you specifically, consider your lifestyle and where you'll be using them. For example, if you're a frequent traveler, you might prefer in-ear headphones for their portability.
The next thing to consider is whether you want wired or wireless headphones.
If you're often on the go or like to listen to music while exercising, wireless might be the way to go. However, if sound quality is your top priority, you might prefer wired headphones.
What are good headphones without good sound quality? Sound quality is subjective and depends on what you're looking for in your audio experience. Here are a few things to consider:
Bear in mind, the best way to judge sound quality is to listen to the headphones yourself. Reviews and specs can help guide you, but everyone's preferences are different.
It's vital to note that noise-canceling headphones are typically more expensive than noise-isolating ones, and they require a power source for the noise-canceling function, which means you'll need to charge them more frequently.
When you're in the middle of a great song or an interesting podcast, the last thing you want is for your headphones to die on you. That's why battery life is such an important factor, especially for wireless headphones.
Most wireless headphones can last between 10 to 20 hours on a single charge, but some high-end models can even go up to 30 hours or more like the Life Q30 NC headphone's 60 hours of playtime in standard mode or up to 40-hour playtime in noise-canceling mode. Need a quick boost? A 5-minute charge gives 4 hours of music, allowing you to enjoy music anywhere, even on the go.
So, if you're planning to use your headphones for long periods, fast charging can be especially beneficial. Some headphones come with a quick charge feature, which can give you several hours of use with just a few minutes of charging. This can be a lifesaver when you're in a hurry.
If you're someone who likes to listen to music while working out or you're just prone to getting caught in the rain, you might want to consider getting waterproof headphones.
Waterproof headphones are designed to withstand sweat and rain, making them a great choice for gym-goers and outdoor enthusiasts. They're usually rated using the IP (Ingress Protection) system. For example, headphones rated IPX7 can be submerged in water up to 1 meter for up to 30 minutes.
However, keep in mind that being waterproof doesn't mean you can go swimming with them. For that, you'll need headphones specifically designed for swimming.
No matter how great the sound quality is, if the headphones are not comfortable, you're not going to enjoy using them. Comfort can be subjective and depends on factors like the size of your ears, whether you wear glasses, and how long you typically use your headphones at a time.
Here are a few things to consider:
Now, let's talk about price. Headphones can range from very affordable to quite expensive. The price usually depends on factors like the brand, sound quality, features, and design.
But keep in mind, a higher price doesn't always mean better quality. There are plenty of affordable headphones out there that offer great sound and are comfortable to wear. So, set a budget and stick to it. Don't be tempted to overspend on features you don't need.
When it comes to buying headphones, it's all about finding the right balance between price and performance. Be sure to take your time, do your research, and you'll be able to find the perfect pair of headphones for your needs. After all, good headphones are not just about listening to music, they're about experiencing it.
What headphones should I buy? Finding the perfect pair of headphones can feel like a daunting task, especially with so many options available. But don't worry, we've got you covered.
Here are some unique and interesting tips to help you find the best headphones to buy.
Different headphones can produce different sound profiles. Some might emphasize bass, while others might focus on delivering clear, crisp highs. Knowing your sound preference can help guide your decision. For instance, if you're a bass lover, you might want to look for headphones known for their strong bass performance.
The device you're planning to use your headphones with can also influence your choice. For example, not all devices support the latest Bluetooth version, which can affect the sound quality of wireless headphones. So, make sure to check the compatibility of your device before making a purchase.
For wired headphones, the cable can make a difference. A tangled cable can be frustrating and can even affect sound quality. Look for headphones with a flat or fabric-coated cable as they're less likely to tangle. Also, consider the length of the cable. A longer cable can give you more freedom of movement, but it can also be more prone to tangling.
If possible, try the headphones on before buying. Wear them for at least 20 minutes to check your comfort level. Remember, even the best-sounding headphones can be a pain if they're not comfortable to wear. But you will inevitably have questions in your mind: where can I buy headphones near me that I can try out?
As soundcore, we understand the importance of trying out our headphones before making a purchase, and we strive to provide the best possible experience for our customers. To find soundcore headphones that you can try out near you, we recommend visiting authorized retailers and stores that carry our products. You can check our official website to find nearby retailers that offer soundcore headphones for in-person testing.
Headphones are an investment, and like any investment, you'll want to protect it. Check the warranty before buying. A good warranty can give you peace of mind knowing that you're covered if anything goes wrong.
Reviews can provide valuable insights into the performance and reliability of the headphones. Look for reviews from users who have similar needs and preferences as you. But take note, everyone's experience is subjective, so take each review with a grain of salt.
Finally, don't be afraid to experiment. You might have a set idea of what you want, but you might also be surprised by what you find. So, keep an open mind, and don't be afraid to try something new.
Choosing the right headphones is a personal journey. It's about finding that perfect blend of comfort, sound quality, and functionality that matches your lifestyle and listening habits. Whether you're a music enthusiast looking for the highest fidelity sound, a frequent traveler needing noise cancellation, or a fitness buff requiring waterproof and secure fit, there's a pair of headphones out there for you.
The best headphones to buy are not necessarily the most expensive ones, but the ones that offer the best value for your needs and preferences. So, take your time, do your research, and don't be afraid to try out different options.
Telling the difference between good and bad quality headphones involves a combination of factors:
What constitutes "good" quality can be subjective and depends on your personal preferences.
The best headphones for music depend on your personal preferences and the type of music you listen to. For example, if you listen to a lot of bass-heavy music, you might want headphones with strong bass performance. If you listen to a lot of live recordings or classical music, you might want headphones with a wide soundstage and clear, detailed sound.
Ideally, the best way to find the right headphones for music is to try them out with your favorite songs and see how they sound.
More and more business people are looking for a Bluetooth headset with mic that can not only be used for business communications, but for casual listening as well.
If you’re in the market for a new Bluetooth headset, there are a few things you should consider before venturing out into the murky waters of Bluetooth headset shopping.
You want to make sure that you get a headset that’s right for you, and for your needs. With that in mind, here are a few thoughts for you to ponder as you look for the perfect Bluetooth headset.
What is your preferred wearing style?
Do you prefer a headset that’s worn over the head, or one that’s worn over the ear? Maybe you want one that can be worn in either of these two ways, i.e., a convertible model.
You want to make sure that you’re clear on this before you go shopping. If nothing else, it will help to narrow down the field for you, and that’s not a bad thing given there are a lot of choices.
The second reason why this is recommended is because you want to have a comfortable wearing experience, and if you end up with the wrong product, it can not only be hard to wear for long periods of time, but if you opt to return it, that’s just a hassle in most cases. So, do a little research up front and it will help you to avoid discomfort, or inconvenience.
What will you need the Bluetooth headset to connect to?
A mobile phone?
A Tablet?
A computer?
A desk phone?
Multiple devices?
It’s important to know what you will use the Bluetooth headset with, or connect it to.
Why? Because Bluetooth headsets come with different capabilities. Some are Bluetooth wireless only, while others may include a USB dongle/adapter so you can use it with a computer.
Right about now you might be thinking that you don’t need a USB dongle/adapter to use it with a computer, if the computer is Bluetooth enabled. That is true, and yes, you can use most any Bluetooth wireless headset with a Bluetooth enabled computer. Will it work? Yes.
Will it work well? No. If you travel down that dark path of connecting a Bluetooth headset to a Bluetooth enabled computer via a Bluetooth wireless connection you should expect to be disappointed. Disappointed in these ways;
A bluetooth headset that connects to a computer via a USB dongle/adapter will give you more wireless range over one that connects via a Bluetooth wireless signal. So, if having more wireless range is important to you, then skip the idea of a wireless bluetooth connection.
If having good sound quality is important to you, then this is another reason to skip the idea of connecting a Bluetooth headset to a Bluetooth enabled computer via a wireless Bluetooth connection. Simply put, you’ll have inconsistent sound quality, and that’s not what anyone wants when making business calls.
If you’re using a Plantronics Bluetooth headset or Jabra for example, connecting via Bluetooth to a computer will not allow you to access their applications that allow you to make many headset adjustments. This means that you’ll be very limited in what you can and cannot do with and to the headset.
Most people really appreciate the ability to step away from the desk knowing they can take a call if one comes in while they’re away. Remote call answering isn’t available if you connect via Bluetooth.
Something to consider for sure especially if you consider how useful and popular that feature is. With it you’re always accessible and you don’t miss important phone calls. As an added benefit, you also avoid the need to listen to voice messages and enter into that familiar game of phone tag.
Connecting a Bluetooth headset to a computer doesn’t always succeed. In other words, you might have great intentions of making that connection, but the computer could have a different thing in mind. Device not recognized comes to mind.
The point is you need to be clear on what device(s) you plan on connecting to, and then making sure the Bluetooth headset you choose has the ability to not only connect to it, but connect to it in such a way that it provides you with the best possible experience.
The same concept of this video applies to all brands like Epos, Logitech, Poly, Jabra, Discover and more.
How many hours during the day, or night, will you be using the Bluetooth headset?
Why is this important?
Because not all Bluetooth headsets have the same amount of available talk time. You’ll find some that deliver under 5 hours of talk time, while others may give you 10,12 or even 14 hours. The last thing you need is to be in the middle of something important only to discover that your Bluetooth headset battery is dying on you.
Make sure when you’re shopping around that you pay careful attention to how long the battery lasts before a recharge is needed. The other piece of this is how long the battery takes to recharge. I’ve seen many that require 2-4 hours to recharge, and one that takes only 1 hour.
This can play an important role in certain situations. For example, let's say that you forgot to charge your battery overnight and when you come to work you have only a partial charge remaining that should get you to your first break, or lunch hour. Some Bluetooth headsets will give you a 50% charge in a short 20 minute period of time.
Otherwise, placing the Bluetooth headset into the charger during your lunch break can give you a 100% charge on some models. Knowing the battery recharge time can save you from the need to use a handset, or just being without your headset all together.
Bottom line, make note of the battery details because you just never know when those details will end up making a difference at the right moment.
Does the headset sound good, and is it comfortable?
This one is hard to nail down just by watching videos or reading spec sheets. You need to either try the headset for yourself, or read a ton of reviews. If you have a certain headset vendor that you’ve used in the past, reach out to them and ask them if they have a demo program that will allow you to try out a headset before deciding to buy. Many headset providers will allow you to sample a headset for a few days or longer.
The key value in trying out the headset first is it gives you first hand experience with the exact model you’re interested in. You can decide for yourself if it meets your expectations in the areas of comfort, fit, feel, sound quality and more. It’s much like taking a car out for a test drive before deciding if it’s the right one for you or not.
If that’s not available, then make sure to read as many reviews about the product as possible, and from many different sources as well. By doing this, you should get a pretty good sense of what to expect. If sound quality and comfort are a couple of the important things you’re interested in, then key in on those comments as you’re reading reviews.
What features come standard with the Bluetooth headset, and what features are available as an option? How do those features compare to other Bluetooth headsets that compete with the model you’re interested in? What features on a Bluetooth headset are most important to you?
There are many different features available on Bluetooth headsets. Among them include:
This list could continue, but you get the idea. Bluetooth wireless headsets have a long list of available features, but the one you may have interest in may or may not have some of them. It’s best to decide which features are the most important to you, and then carefully evaluate the bluetooth headset to see if it has what you want or need.
Before purchasing a Bluetooth headset, there are several things you need to consider before pulling the trigger on your purchase.
What is your preferred wearing style -over the head, over the ear, or both? What do you need the Bluetooth headset to connect to? Computer? Tablet? Mobile Phone? Both?
Is a long battery life important? If so, check out the headset to see how long it goes. Don’t forget to investigate the battery recharge time. That too is important.
Do your research on the sound quality and comfort to make sure it’s right for you. Request a demo from your headset vendor, and/or check out a number of reviews from several different sources. You want great sound for both you, and your callers, and you want the headset to be comfortable.
Determine what features are most important to you, and then learn whether or not the model you want has them.
By following these simple steps as part of your vetting process, you should be able to narrow down the many available headset options, and arrive at a few that best meet your needs.
If you need help finding the right Bluetooth headset, don’t hesitate to reach out to us here at Headset Advisor and we'll be more than happy to point you in the right direction.