Choosing the perfect pair of headphones could be problematic nowadays, as there are several models with different features provided. But which one is the most suited one to you? Each type of headphone offers a unique listening experience which is appropriate for different needs and preferences. In this general article, we are going to explore each type and its cons and pros in detail. After reading this, you will be able to select your best suited headphones based on your situation and needs.
1. Over-Ear Headphones
A. What is an Over-Ear Headphone?
As it is named, an over-ear headphone or circumaural headphones, are equipped with a large ear cup that encircles all your ears for your comfort.
B. Over-Ear Headphones Advantages
Sound Quality: High-quality sound with a deeper and more immersive base is the most notable positive point of these headphones.
Comfort: The large design of its ear cups allows you to cover all your ears which provides you comfort in use. The padded ear cup also adds to its convenience. Using these headphones lets you use them for longer sessions.
Noise Isolation: Most of the over-ear headphones are featured with noise cancelation technology. This feature will help you to hear the sound better and increase its intensity by reducing the ambient noise.
C. Over-Ear Headphones Disadvantages
Size and Portability: Because these headphones are designed to cover the whole ear, they are bulky and carrying them around would be problematic and cumbersome.
Heat Build-up: These headphones as mentioned cover all your ears with a cup holder made of soft material, so long period usage will increase the temperature around your ear and heat will build up.
D. Best suited for:
Audiophiles: Who are looking for high-quality sound without any interruption, headphones of this sort would be their optimal option.
Home Use: Because of the size and bulky design, it is better to use them at home and avoid buying them with portability in mind.
2. On-Ear Headphones
A. What is an On-Ear Headphone?
On-ear headphones, also known as supra-aural headphones, sit directly on the ears rather than around them. Keep in mind that it does not cover your whole ears.
B. On-Ear Headphones Advantages
Portability: These on-ear headphones are lighter and more portable than over-ear ones due to their smaller design that just sits on your ears and does not cover them.
Breathability: Because these headphones do not cover your ear, the amount generated heat is less compared to the former model.
C. On-Ear Headphones Disadvantages
Comfort: These exert pressure on your ear and because of that pressure it is not comfortable for long periods of usage.
Noise Isolation: Due to their design, they are unable to cancel all ambient noise, and when you are using it, you will have some noise from ambient.
D. Best suited for:
Commuters: These are very handy and carrying them around with you is easy, so it could be a great option for commuters and people who want to have their headphones with them.
Casual Listeners: For people who want to listen to music for a shorter amount of time, this is a great option. Keep in mind that headphones of this sort are not good options for expert users because they are not comfortable and most of them do not support noise cancellation.
3. In-Ear Headphones
A. What is an In-Ear Headphone?
In-ear headphones, also known as earbuds or in-ear monitors (IEMs), are inserted directly into the ear canal.
B. In-Ear Headphones Advantages
Portability: The most portable type is In-ear headphones. They are super lightweight and compact and you can easily carry them around with you, in your pocket or your handbag.
Noise Isolation: Extreme noise cancellation lets you have a great experience in listening to your preferred music.
Compatibility: For a wide range of activities, these headphones could be used as they fit into your ear, cancel ambient noise and are portable.
C. In-Ear Headphones Disadvantages
Comfort: After a long period of usage, for many people, this type will be irritating as they fit into their ear.
Sound Quality: These headphones usually provide High-quality sound, but they generally are not as good as over-ear ones. So, if you are looking for a high-quality sound you have to choose.
D. Best suited for:
Active Lifestyles: Workout, running, and traveling, this is your companion.
On-the-go Use: The small and handy design makes it a good pocket headphone.
4. Earbuds
A. What Is an Earbud?
Earbuds sit just outside the ear canal compared to in-ear headphones that sit inside it.
B. Earbuds Advantages
Affordability: Generally, could be found at a lower price, this has made these earbuds an affordable option.
Portability: Extremely easy to carry with you.
C. Earbuds Disadvantages
Sound Quality: Lower sound quality and bass depth compared to over-ear headphones.
Fit: They do not perfectly fit into all ears, and most of the time it is hard to find the appropriate shape.
D. Best suited for:
Casual Listening: Suitable for everyday use, not expert usage.
Affordability: Ideal for those on a small budget.
5. Bone Conduction Headphones
A. What is a Bone Conduction Headphone?
Bone conduction headphones transmit sound through the bones of the skull to the inner ear, bypassing the eardrum. These headphones are at the border of technology.
B. Bone Conduction Headphones Advantages
Awareness: because of the innovative design, you can freely hear the ambiance while having the sound of the headphones clear. This technology enhances ambient awareness.
Comfort: For those who don’t like something in their ear and have found other headphones irritating, this type of headphones is extremely comfortable for them as it does not sit inside the ear.
C. Bone Conduction Headphones Disadvantages
Sound Quality: Generally, the sound quality is not as high as traditional headphones because of its design.
Price: Can be more expensive due to specialized and new technology.
D. Best suited for:
Safety-conscious Users: For people who want to stay aware of the ambiance and environment, like runners and cyclists, this is a great option.
Hearing Impaired: Beneficial for individuals with certain types of hearing loss and problems.
Conclusion
Selecting the right and appropriate pair of headphones depends on your needs and preferences. Whether you want high sound quality, portability, affordability, or comfort of advanced features like active noise cancelation, you have to select your type. Consider your primary usage and scenarios then choose the best suited headphones for yourself.