Do you know how to select the best headphones? Where you listen makes a big difference in determining the best type of headphones for you. If you're looking for headphones to listen to on the go, you'll likely want something portable that's easy to store and carry. If you're looking for headphones to use with your home audio system, you may want bigger headphones that have higher sound quality.
How isolated do you need to be?
If you're in an extremely noisy environment or an extremely quiet environment, you may need closed-ear headphones. Closed-ear headphones in a noisy environment can help keep outside noise from leaking in, while closed-ear headphones in a quiet environment prevent your audio from leaking out to disturb your neighbors or interfere with recording.
Semi-open headphones are easier to wear for long periods of time and may be a good choice in an environment where complete isolation isn't crucial. Semi-open headphones also tend to sound better than closed-ear headphones, giving a more accurate representation of the audio than their closed-ear counterparts. Open headphones are typically used for casual listening, if you're looking for headphones to use at the gym or when you're out on a walk.
Headphone Styles
Full-sized headphones are either circumaural or supra-aural, meaning they fit over your ears or on them. These headphones are typically closed-ear models, although they may also be used in semi-open applications. These headphones are the most comfortable to wear for long periods of time and may be a good choice if you have ear problems or find that the in-ear headphones just aren't comfortable.
If you're looking for something a little more portable, earbuds and canalphones provide a very mobile alternative to full-sized headphones. Earbuds rest just inside your ears at the tip of your ear canal and are an easy and inexpensive choice. Unfortunately, they don't form a very good seal, making it easy for outside noise to interfere with your listening. Additionally, earbuds just don't fit some people.
Canalphones fit inside your ear canal and typically form a seal to prevent exterior noise from leaking in. Canalphones don't require a high volume to produce good-sounding audio, which can help prevent long-term hearing loss if you listen to your headphones for extended periods of time.
Noise-Canceling Headphones
Noise canceling headphones use different technologies to decrease unwanted external noise. These headphones are great if you work in a noisy environment or do a lot of flying. Canalphones may have advanced technology that cancels out external sounds, but you can get the same effect with a good pair of closed-ear headphones.
 | Know what to look for in headphones for travel, working out or home use. |
New research finds that headphones at low volumes can lead to permanent hearing loss. Are you at risk? |
How do noise cancelling headphones work? These headsets block out certain frequencies, making it less likely that any offending noises will interrupt your music listening. |
How do wireless headphones work? These headphones come in three forms that use three different types of technology: radio, infrared and Bluetooth. |
How do you put in earbud headphones? This may seem like a silly question, but you need to put them in far enough so they don't fall out, but not so far that they hurt. |
