Searching for headphones can be a real headache for most. Whether you’re sifting through the endless web pages online or aimlessly looking around your favourite electronics retailer – maybe even with an NHS discount? –, if you’re not sure what product you’re after, you will find this process incredibly overwhelming and tedious.
Headphones have become an integral part of the way many people go about their day. Listening to podcasts on the train to work, music during the school run or watching your favourite show in bed whilst your partner is asleep. No matter your reason for use, you’ll need a pair you can rely on and so will the other 6.7 million users in the UK.
Reliance on headphones comes down to several factors. This includes comfort, ability to produce safe sound levels and style. In this article, we will aim to inform you about the best types of headphones to match your needs.
Over-ear headphones
One of the more common headphone types, these headphones have existed for decades and have remained popular throughout their time. Some of their main positives include:
- Extreme comfort from their cushioned earpads.
- Passive isolation. With the ears being fully closed off, outside noise is harder to get in and interfere with what you’re listening to.
- Sound quality from the sheer size of them. This makes it easier to produce great sounds that are more realistic than earbuds.
However:
- They’re big so not the most portable earphones unless you have them on at all times.
- If you workout in them, they may fall off during rigorous movement and they can collect sweat if you keep them on for too long.
Earbuds
Another popular option for people that aren’t a fan of overbearing headphones covering their entire ears. Their benefits include:
- Lower price (usually) as a result of less expensive materials used to make them.
- Portability. Can be placed into pockets or small bags easily.
- Stable during activity. These are very popular for runners due to them having a deeper fit which gives them the ability to stay in expertly well.
However:
- Their hygiene levels are low as they can collect earwax which may be hard to clean if it is allowed to build up.
Other examples of earphones you may opt for include:
Noise-cancelling – block out the world and enjoy the sounds of what you’re listening to, interruption-free.
Wired – Never worry about your earphones running out of battery. However, the wires can get in the way from time to time.
Wireless – Hassle-free headphones that you simply connect to your device via Bluetooth and listen to music without a wire bouncing around. Can run out of battery, however, so stay on top of your charging.
In the end it all comes down to what feels comfortable to you. And whilst It is of course not as easy to describe, than to simply put them on – let’s hope this guide still helped to get a better idea of what is all available.
