Consumer Guide to Headphones and Headsets

Types of Headphones and Headsets

Open-air headphones

Sealed headphones

Earbuds

Canal headphones

Wireless headphones

Bluetooth headsets and headphones

Surround­sound headphones

Noise­cancellation headphones

Open Air headphones

Open­air varieties are lightweight. The sound open­air versions create doesn’t flow direct within the ear cups but rather is transparent. One reasons consumers like this version is they are light and comfortable. They are also usually inexpensive. However, because the sound isn’t contained many consumers complain that noise leaks from the headset. Thus, people walking around you might hear the same music you are listening to. This may not be an advantage if say, you are riding in an airplane or in a library where you don’t want to disturb your neighbor.

Some people don’t like the fact that they can hear outside noises including conversations or cars passing buy. However, if you need to keep an ear out for other things while listening to your favorite station, these earphones to provide an advantage.

These headphones are inexpensive, but also less durable than many models. The good news is you can replace them easily should anything happen without breaking the bank. You can usually buy these in a behind the head and over the head version depending on your preference.

Sealed headphones

Sealed headphones are the most common headphones. They do not let sound escape because the earcups seal in sound. In addition the drivers use material that is almost airtight. Most sealed headphones are heavier because they limit sound transparency. This can wear on a listener who uses them for prolonged periods of time. These versions are often durable, thus withstand more abuse than traditional models.

Earbuds

These are small versions of headphones that you can place direct in the ear. They are usually kept in place with clips or a headband. Many consumers like these because they are lightweight and fit well. Many also offer high quality base that allows you to not only hear but also feel the base.

Canal headphones

Canal headphones are the smallest headphones. You can place them direct in your ear canal without using a clip or a headband. Many people like these because they can get an airtight seal, thus they reduce outside distractions. This seal can be a danger however, preventing you from hearing any outside noise that may be important.

You may hear yourself breathing more or the sound of your heart beating when you use this type of headphones. Perhaps the biggest disadvantage of this model is they may break easily, due largely to a build up of earwax that amasses when you place them in the canal. Proper cleaning can however prolong the life of these varieties.

Wireless headphones

Many people prefer wireless versions for the convenience. Why bob around with wires coming out of your head if you don’t need any?

Wireless headphones use either RF technology or infrared signals to provide quality sound. Radio frequency signals do a better job of relaying sound longer distances. Many wireless headphones produce a good quality sound, however some don’t. The convenience of wireless headphones is sometimes created at the sacrifice of sound quality. Often the headset is bulky or imbalanced, which can distract you from your purpose.

Bluetooth headsets and headphones

These technology’advanced headsets are rapidly gaining popularity especially among MP3 users. They provide many benefits, including allowing you to listen to music files any time, anywhere, and allowing you to answer phone calls or even get online and chat while using your computer. Most bluetooth sets provide quality sound combined with a strong Polymer battery that doesn’t need frequent replacement. Many people prefer this to wireless technologies as it affords the same benefits without sacrificing sound quality as much.

Surround­sound headphones

Many people look for headphones that produce a true to life sound. That is the aim of surround sound headphones. Their purpose is to provide sound that seems to come from inside the head. Ultrasone, a German manufacturer, has recently created a line of surround sound headphones that are reasonably priced. These headphones allow sound to radiate from the front to back of your head, producing sound at the front and back of the ears instead of inside.

One benefit of these headphones is they reduce the sensation that the center of the head produces music. Much like home theater technology, surround sound headphones produce sound that come from multiple sources. Surround sound versions even come in wireless technology. If you want to dish out some money you can pay $229,000 for Acoustic Research’s version, which provides Dolby Digital surround sound in a wireless structure.

If you are like most people you probably don’t have that much money to spend on headphones.

There are other new technologies including A/V receivers that produce a similar quality to more expensive surround sound headphone versions. Some headphones using this technology allow you to adjust your receiver to various DSP modes that help produce the sense of a surround sound environment. This technology helps sound move back and forth between the right and left side, helping to trick your brain into thinking it is hearing sound from multiple areas.

Noise­cancellation headphones

Yet another technology similar to this is the noise cancellation headphone. Unfortunately though these headphones sound good from their description, they often don’t produce the best sound quality. Many people buy these when they want to reduce interference, including people that travel often on planes for example.

These headphones work by canceling out extraneous or outside sound waves that may interfere with music quality in your headphones. Many of these models successfully prevent music from leaking outside the headset so your neighbor isn’t disturbed. However, as a disadvantage noise cancellation headphones may not provide the best bass sound.

This lack of bass may make music seem too brassy or muffled. However, there is enough research suggesting that even a small decrease in outside noise, as these headphones do provide, may help you feel more rested and calm at the end of a long day. Thus, you may still consider them. They are inexpensive, thus most consumers are willing to try them at least once.

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