Why do you need earphones? Are you listening to music, watching a movie, playing video games, or some other activity that requires sound? Do you prefer over-ear or in-ear headphones? Which features are most important to you, and how much are you willing to spend? All of these questions and more can be answered by reading the following guide on how to choose the best earphones for your lifestyle and needs.
Price Range
Choosing earphones is easier than you might think. We’ve outlined some of the most important features you should look for when buying a new pair of earphones, and provided five great suggestions that cover all price ranges so you can find what’s best for your budget.
– Driver size If you’re listening primarily to bass heavy music, then larger drivers are a must. Larger drivers produce louder, heavier sound but they also require more power. That means that those wanting lighter sounds will be better off with smaller drivers because they don’t require as much power. Drivers range from 6mm up to 50mm+ with 10mm as an average driver size in most earbuds these days.
Sensitivity
The first thing you want to consider when choosing earphones is how sensitive they are. Sensitivity is often written as something like 20 Hz-20000 Hz, and refers to what range of frequencies they can produce accurately. For example, a low frequency (bass) will be more difficult for lower-end earphones than a high frequency (treble). That said, most people looking for earphones will be trying to purchase earbuds or in-ear monitors that cover the mid-range well, which means a 200 Hz-8000 Hz sensitivity rating should do them just fine. Second on our list of considerations is noise isolation, which refers to how much outside sound is blocked by the silicone or foam tips in your ears.
Impedance
When it comes to choosing a pair of earphones, a variety of factors need to be considered. One is that you should be able to choose based on impedance. What is this? Impedance is simply the resistance measured in ohms that the headset or speaker needs. Headphones typically fall in the range of 16-150 ohms, and headphones with an impedance of 32-100 are recommended for most listening activities. The type of earbuds you prefer may also be affected by impedance—in general, earbuds with higher impedance will offer more powerful bass response. The higher an earphone’s nominal impedance, the harder it will be to power without distortion – this makes it hard if you use your phone or iPod as your main playback device.
Frequency Response
Every set of earphones offers a frequency response, which is also known as a sensitivity. This is the curve that determines how well your earphones will be able to reproduce different frequencies in music. Most experts recommend finding a frequency response that gives you both deep bass and high-frequency treble sounds, although some might settle for one of these two traits while sacrificing the other. Most popular sets of earphones today have an average range of 20Hz – 20kHz, and their variations are mostly located in mids, not at the extremes.
Over-Ear or In-Ear?
What type of earphone should you choose? This is an important decision, because if you don’t make a choice, it could become a tough decision later on. The over-ear and in-ear headphones have their pros and cons, so let’s look at those first. A pro for over-ear headphones is that they cover more of your ear and can block out external noise well. On the other hand, a con is that they are bulky. In addition, over-ear headphones may not fit very well with glasses because there would be too much pressure on your ears due to its tight fit. If you plan on using them for long periods of time, you may want to consider this as well.
Noise Isolation & Comfort
Two of the most important factors to consider when shopping for earphones are noise isolation and comfort. Noise isolation is how well earphones block out outside noise, while comfort is how well they fit in your ears. The shape of your ear canal will influence which type of noise isolation (or lack thereof) will work best, but most people prefer over-ear or around-ear headphones that offer a tight seal. Look for cushioned foam tips if you wear your headphones all day or don’t mind having a little pressure on your ears – the extra cushioning can make them more comfortable over time. The material that makes up an earphone’s casing and grips will have some effect on its comfort as well, so take these things into consideration when choosing an earphone.
Durability & warranty
If you’re looking for a high-quality pair of earphones that won’t break, then go with a well-known brand. Generally, if the company is more established in the market, then it means that they put more research and resources into their products. Moreover, the company will likely provide better customer service or warranty plans in case something happens to your earphones. Lastly, if it’s not too pricey (and your budget allows), get an extra set of earbuds! They always come in handy when you accidentally leave them at home or drop them while they were plugged into your laptop.