“Music is the strongest form of magic.” ― Marilyn Manson
Rightly said, but we have something to add to it:
Music is the strongest form of magic which can only be experienced with the right kind of earphones and headphones!
That being said, earphones and headphones have become an essential part of our lives. We depend upon them for sailing us through our day, high on music and high on style!
But do you often find yourself buying new headphones every now & then? Often just because you didn’t buy the ones that suit your needs? Or because they don’t sound right? Or because they are too clumsy to use? Or they feel too heavy on your head? Whatever be the reason!
If you want to avoid such misadventures in the future then you must familiarize yourself with the lingo and understand their specifications clearly. On top of this, there are so many types of them that it becomes all the more confusing.
Read on to understand better and make an informed decision:
Know the Type
First and foremost, you should understand the basic difference between headphones and earphones and their types:
Headphones are basically earphones with headbands. They are also of two kinds: the ones that are pressed against your ears and the ones that enclose the ears (a.k.a over-ear headphones) are often worn to get superior music quality like for music mixing or DJ-ing! Also, the snug fit provides additional noise isolation which is great for calling or watching videos.
Earphones often called earbuds or in-ear headphones are compact and lightweight and mostly worn for everyday active usage. They can be of two types again: the ones that sit in the peripherals of ear cavities, and the ones that get stuffed into the ear canals. They are ideal for wearing during the commute or can be counted on to offer you a diverse number of added advantages.
Find the perfect fit that offers Comfort
You are going to wear them for long durations and you definitely don’t want to punish your ears!
If you are choosing headphones then the cushions on the earcups should feel light on your ears and the headband should not put a lot of pressure on your skull.
Similarly, the in-ear earphones should not poke the insides of the ear and make them painful. Check for ear tips in your wireless Bluetooth earphones so that they don’t fall off from your ears.
Curious Case of Connectivity
Now there are various types of connectivity options available but then can be broadly divided into wired and wireless. Both have their own set of pros and cons and it’s completely up to you to pick.
Wired headphones or earphones come with a cable that you have to insert into the system. This offers a lag-free connection which offers unmatched audio quality!
As they are connected with a wire, you don’t have to ever worry about charging them. Just ensure that the wire is long enough for you to enjoy a comfortable listening experience.
Wireless earphones as the name suggests are wire-free. You have to pair them up with your device using Bluetooth. They allow you the freedom from always carrying your phone around in your hand or being glued to your laptop while on a never-ending call.
However, you do need to charge them from time to time to ensure uninterrupted usage. But that’s not usually an issue with the True Wireless earbuds as they come with their own carry cum charging case, meaning that when not in usage the TWS earbuds get charged automatically when placed inside the case.
Double Check the Durability
Let’s be honest. You want your headphones to last! There is no denying to the fact that you are going to drop them at some point or another but that should not mean that they should break into two!
Hence, check for material and sturdiness. The wire in wired pieces is often prone to fall stretches and bends. So opt for the ones that come with a tangle-free wire and higher bend lifespan!
Additionally, you should also keep in mind that you might sweat if you plan on wearing them while working out. As well as don’t rule out dust from causing harm to your favourite Bluetooth earphones so always check for IP rating.
Portability that fits your plans
You should definitely check on the weight and compactness of the earphones before plunging to you. If you are someone who travels a lot and needs something compact then opt for earbuds or wireless earphones as they can be easily thrown into the bag and carried around.
Generally lightweight and compact, these allow you to carry your music everywhere! The fact that they are highly compact, they are ideal for travel.
On the other hand, for a more traditional stationary usage like studio work or WFH, get the headphones with the closed-back.
The right ones will be light on your ears and head and provide just the right amount of pressure on your ears to fully enjoy the sound. It’s not like you cannot carry them around as they now come in fold-up designs which can be helpful during the transit.
Last but not the least, you should also have a look at the price. Because you definitely don’t want to burn a hole in your pocket as well as not compromise on the quality, you should try to strike the perfect balance between the two and pick the one that suits you!
