What Kind of Headphones Should You Get: Wireless or Wired?
What Kind of Headphones Should You Get: Wireless or Wired?
If you love music, you probably always carry headphones with you. But with so many different kinds and prices available, it can be hard to know where to begin. Don’t stress—we’re here to help! This guide will show you everything you need to know to choose the best headphones for you.
We’ll break down everything you need to know, from the technical specs to design considerations. Let’s dive in!
Frequency Response
The frequency response is the range of modulation that your headphones can generate. From the minimum to the highest, this range is depicted in Hertz (Hz), this range is shown as the lower limit to the upper limit. In general, the wider the range, the better the sound quality.
Our ears can pick up frequencies between 20 Hz and 20 kHz, so it’s important to choose headphones with a response range that covers this spectrum. This ensures your headphones can deliver higher-quality sound.
Sensitivity
Sensitivity is directly related to the output power of your headphones. Higher sensitivity generally means louder sound.
That said, sensitivity doesn’t just impact sound quality—it also affects your ear health. Headphones that exceed 120 dB can cause discomfort or even hearing damage. Most headphones fall in the range of 80 to 125 dB SPL/V.
Fortunately, there are gadgets that can alert you when you exceed your listening limit by loudmouths. For example, some smartphones will prompt users to turn the volume down after prolonged high-volume listening. It’s a good idea to heed these warnings to protect your ears in the long run.
Impedance
Impedance refers to the resistance to electrical current, measured in Ohms. It’s an important factor because it determines how much power reaches your headphones.
Higher impedance typically means better sound quality, as it allows for greater volume without distortion. Listening habits dictate the choice between headphones with lower or higher impedance, which is why it's important to consider.
Noise Cancellation
Noise cancellation is one of the most sought-after features in modern headphones, and for good reason. External noise is a major culprit in degrading sound quality while you’re listening.
Active Noise Cancellation (ANC)
The use of two microphones on both sides of ANC headphones allows them to detect ambient sound and cancel out any unwanted noise with the cancellation signal. This tech lets you focus solely on your music without external interruptions. All you have to do is press a button to activate ANC and enjoy.
Passive Noise Cancellation
Passive noise cancellation works by physically blocking external noise. This happens because the headphones form a snug fit around your ears.
While passive noise cancellation is effective in quieter environments, it’s less useful in noisier settings. Ambient noise can still seep in, although at a reduced level.
Choosing the Right Type of Noise-Canceling Headphones
If blocking out all ambient sound is your goal, over-ear headphones are your best bet. They’re more effective at noise isolation but can feel bulky and less comfortable over time.
Remember: Active noise cancellation will drain your battery faster. What is the purpose of this? Keeping it on is not always recommended, especially when walking or running, where the only way to stay safe is by being able to hear your surroundings. If this occurs, use the ambient setting provided by many headphones to maintain your awareness of what's going on around you.
The tips below can help you decide which headphones to buy, whether it's for casual listening, work-out, or simply relaxing. Happy shopping!