Headphones are a type of audio equipment that is worn on or around the head and over the ears, which allows the user to listen to audio without disturbing others nearby. They consist of two ear cups attached to a headband, with drivers (speakers) inside the ear cups that produce sound.
There are several types of headphones, including:
- Over-ear headphones: These headphones have large ear cups that surround the ears and are held in place by a headband. They tend to offer the best sound quality and noise isolation.
- On-ear headphones: These headphones have smaller ear cups that sit on the ears and are also held in place by a headband. They are typically more portable than over-ear headphones but may not be as comfortable for long listening sessions.
- In-ear headphones: These headphones are small and fit inside the ear canal. They are very portable and often come with smartphones or portable music players. They may not offer the same sound quality as over-ear or on-ear headphones, but they can be more convenient for on-the-go listening.
Headphones can be wired or wireless. Wired headphones have a cable that connects to the audio source, while wireless headphones use Bluetooth or other wireless technology to connect to the audio source. Wireless headphones can offer greater convenience and freedom of movement, but wired headphones generally offer better sound quality.
Some headphones also come with additional features, such as noise cancellation, which uses technology to block out ambient noise, and microphone and remote control functionality, which allows users to make phone calls and control audio playback without taking off the headphones.
Common Type of Headphones
Over-ear headphones
Over-ear headphones, also known as circumaural headphones, are a type of headphone that has large ear cups that surround the ears, rather than resting on them. They are held in place by a headband that sits over the top of the head. Over-ear headphones are generally considered to be the most comfortable type of headphone, as the ear cups distribute the weight of the headphones evenly around the ears, rather than pressing down on them.
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| Over-ear headphones |
Over-ear headphones are also known for their superior sound quality, due to the larger drivers (speakers) inside the ear cups, which can produce a wider range of frequencies and more accurate sound reproduction. They can also provide good noise isolation, which blocks out ambient noise and allows the listener to focus on the audio they are listening to.
There are two types of over-ear headphones: open-back and closed-back. Open-back headphones have ear cups that are partially open, allowing some sound to escape and also letting in some external noise. This can create a more natural sound and a wider soundstage, but it also means that others nearby can hear what the listener is listening to. Closed-back headphones, on the other hand, have ear cups that are completely sealed, which provides better noise isolation and prevents sound from leaking out, but can result in a more confined soundstage.
Over-ear headphones can be wired or wireless, with wired headphones generally offering better sound quality and wireless headphones offering greater convenience and freedom of movement.
Check Out - Best Over Ear Headphones Available in India
On-ear headphones
On-ear headphones, also known as supra-aural headphones, are a type of headphone that have ear cups that sit on the ears, rather than surrounding them. They are held in place by a headband that sits over the top of the head. On-ear headphones are generally more compact and portable than over-ear headphones, making them a popular choice for people who need to take their headphones on the go.
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| On-ear headphones |
On-ear headphones are generally less comfortable than over-ear headphones, as the ear cups can press down on the ears and cause discomfort over long listening sessions. However, they are often more affordable than over-ear headphones and can still offer good sound quality.
On-ear headphones tend to offer a more balanced sound than in-ear headphones, as they can produce a wider range of frequencies and more accurate sound reproduction. However, the smaller ear cups may not be able to produce the same level of bass as over-ear headphones, and the sound leakage can be more pronounced with on-ear headphones than with closed-back over-ear headphones.
Overall, on-ear headphones can be a good choice for people who want a more portable and affordable alternative to over-ear headphones, but are willing to sacrifice some comfort and sound quality.
Check Out - Best On Ear Headphones Available in India
In-ear headphones
In-ear headphones, also known as earbuds or in-ear monitors (IEMs), are a type of headphone that fit inside the ear canal. They are held in place by silicone or foam ear tips that create a seal with the ear canal, which helps to block out external noise and improve sound quality.
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| In-ear headphones |
In-ear headphones are very portable and lightweight, making them a popular choice for people who need headphones on the go. They are often included with smartphones and portable music players, but higher-end models can offer superior sound quality compared to the bundled earbuds.
In-ear headphones can be wired or wireless, with wired headphones connecting to the audio source via a cable and wireless headphones using Bluetooth or other wireless technology. Wireless in-ear headphones are often more expensive than wired models, but they offer greater convenience and freedom of movement.
The sound quality of in-ear headphones can vary depending on the quality of the drivers (speakers) and the fit of the ear tips. High-end in-ear headphones can offer excellent sound quality, with a wide frequency range and accurate sound reproduction. However, the small size of the drivers can limit their ability to produce deep bass, and the fit can be difficult to get right, leading to discomfort or poor sound quality if the ear tips are not properly sealed.
Overall, in-ear headphones are a popular and convenient choice for people who need headphones on the go, but the sound quality and fit can vary depending on the model and the individual user's preferences.
Check Out - Best In Ear Headphones Available in India
Bone Conduction Headphones
Noise conduction headphones, also known as bone conduction headphones, are a type of headphone that use bone conduction technology to transmit sound to the listener. Instead of using speakers that sit over or in the ear, noise conduction headphones use transducers that sit on the cheekbones or behind the ears to send vibrations through the bones in the skull, which are then processed by the inner ear and perceived as sound.
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| Bone Conduction Headphones |
The main advantage of noise conduction headphones is that they allow the listener to hear audio while still being aware of their surroundings. This makes them popular among athletes and people who need to stay aware of their environment while listening to music or taking phone calls.
Noise conduction headphones are also beneficial for people who have hearing impairments, as they can help bypass hearing loss caused by damage to the outer or middle ear.
However, noise conduction headphones can have some limitations in terms of sound quality and volume. Because the sound is transmitted through bone, the audio quality can be lower than with traditional headphones, particularly in terms of bass response. In addition, noise conduction headphones may not be able to produce high volumes, particularly in noisy environments, which can be a disadvantage for some users.
Overall, noise conduction headphones are a specialized type of headphone that offer unique benefits for certain users, particularly those who need to stay aware of their environment while listening to audio. However, they may not be suitable for all users, particularly those who prioritize audio quality and volume.
Popular Features of Headphones these days
- Noise Cancellation
Noise cancellation is a technology used in headphones to reduce or eliminate external noise by producing sound waves that cancel out incoming noise. This can create a more immersive listening experience and reduce the need to increase the volume to overcome external noise, which can help protect your hearing.
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| Noise Cancellation |
There are two main types of noise cancellation: passive and active. Passive noise cancellation is achieved through the physical design of the headphones, such as the use of closed-back ear cups that block out external noise by creating a seal around the ear. Active noise cancellation (ANC), on the other hand, uses electronic circuitry and microphones to analyze incoming noise and produce a sound wave that is the exact opposite of the incoming noise, effectively cancelling it out.
Active noise cancellation headphones work by using one or more microphones to pick up external noise, which is then analyzed by a digital signal processor (DSP) in the headphones. The DSP then generates a sound wave that is the exact opposite of the incoming noise, known as an anti-phase wave, and plays it back through the headphones. The anti-phase wave and the incoming noise then cancel each other out, resulting in reduced or eliminated external noise.
Active noise cancellation is most effective at cancelling out low-frequency noise, such as airplane engine noise, traffic noise, or the hum of an air conditioner. It is less effective at cancelling out higher-frequency noise, such as speech or music, although some headphones are designed with multiple microphones and advanced DSP algorithms to improve their effectiveness in these situations.
One of the key benefits of active noise cancellation is that it can reduce the need to increase the volume of the headphones to overcome external noise. This can help to protect your hearing, as listening to music at high volumes for extended periods of time can cause hearing damage.
It's important to note that not all noise cancelling headphones are created equal, and some models may perform better than others. Additionally, noise cancelling headphones can be more expensive than regular headphones, due to the additional technology and components required. Nonetheless, active noise cancellation can be a very useful feature for those who frequently listen to music in noisy environments or want to reduce their exposure to external noise.
- Wired vs Wireless
Wired and wireless headphones each have their own advantages and disadvantages, and which one you choose may depend on your individual needs and preferences.
Wired headphones, as the name suggests, use a physical cable to connect to the audio source, such as a smartphone, computer, or music player. Some of the advantages of wired headphones include:
- Consistent sound quality: Wired headphones can deliver a consistent, high-quality sound without the risk of signal interference or dropouts that can sometimes occur with wireless headphones.
- No need to charge: Wired headphones do not require a battery or charging, so you can use them for as long as you need without worrying about running out of power.
- Generally more affordable: Wired headphones tend to be less expensive than their wireless counterparts, which can be a factor if you're on a budget.
However, there are also some drawbacks to using wired headphones, such as:
- Limited mobility: Wired headphones can be restrictive in terms of movement, as you may be tethered to your audio source and unable to move around freely.
- Can get tangled: The cable can sometimes get tangled, which can be frustrating and time-consuming to untangle.
- Not always compatible: Some newer smartphones and devices may not have a headphone jack, which means you would need to use an adapter or a different type of headphones.
Wireless headphones, on the other hand, use Bluetooth or other wireless technology to connect to the audio source, allowing for greater mobility and freedom of movement. Some of the advantages of wireless headphones include:
- Greater mobility: Wireless headphones allow you to move around freely without being tethered to your audio source, which can be convenient for working out, traveling, or other activities.
- No tangling: Without a cable to deal with, wireless headphones can be more convenient and less prone to tangling.
- Generally more versatile: Wireless headphones can be used with a wider range of devices, including smartphones, tablets, computers, and some smart TVs.
However, there are also some disadvantages to using wireless headphones, such as:
- Potential signal interference: Wireless headphones can sometimes experience signal interference, resulting in dropouts or reduced sound quality.
- Need to recharge: Wireless headphones require a battery, which means they need to be recharged periodically.
- More expensive: Wireless headphones tend to be more expensive than wired headphones, particularly for high-end models.
Overall, both wired and wireless headphones have their own advantages and disadvantages, and which one you choose may depend on your individual preferences.
Once you are done with this post you can also check our Maintenance Tips for long lasting Audio Gear and learn to take care of your headphones to enjoy high quality audio for years to come.
Most popular headphone brands in India
Here are some of the most popular headphone brands in India:
- Sony: Sony is a well-known and trusted brand in the audio industry, offering a wide range of headphones with varying features and price points.
- Bose: Bose is another popular brand known for their high-quality sound and noise-cancelling headphones.
- Sennheiser: Sennheiser is a German audio company that produces a wide range of headphones, from high-end audiophile headphones to budget-friendly options.
- JBL: JBL is an American audio company that produces a range of headphones, from budget-friendly options to high-end models.
- Audio-Technica: Audio-Technica is a Japanese audio company that is known for producing high-quality headphones that are popular among audiophiles.
- Skullcandy: Skullcandy is an American audio company that produces stylish and affordable headphones, with a focus on bass-heavy sound.
- Philips: Philips is a Dutch electronics company that produces a wide range of audio products, including headphones at various price points.
- Beats by Dr. Dre: Beats by Dr. Dre is a subsidiary of Apple that produces headphones with a focus on bass-heavy sound and stylish design.
- Boat : Boat is a popular audio brand in India that offers a wide range of headphones, earphones, and other audio products. The company is known for producing affordable and stylish headphones with features such as wireless connectivity, noise cancellation, and water resistance.
- AKG: AKG is an Austrian audio company that produces high-quality headphones for both professional and consumer use.
- Marshall: Marshall is a British audio company that is known for producing stylish and high-quality headphones with a classic rock-and-roll aesthetic.
- Beyerdynamic: Beyerdynamic is a German audio company that produces high-end audiophile headphones, as well as more affordable options.
- Shure: Shure is an American audio company that produces high-quality headphones with a focus on sound isolation and clarity.
- Denon: Denon is a Japanese audio company that produces a range of headphones, from budget-friendly options to high-end models.
- Mpow: Mpow is a Chinese audio company that produces affordable headphones with a focus on wireless connectivity.
- RHA: RHA is a Scottish audio company that produces high-quality headphones with a focus on durability and sound quality.
- House of Marley: House of Marley is a Jamaican-inspired audio company that produces eco-friendly headphones with a focus on sustainability.
Final Summary
Here is the short summary and a quick checklist to remember to buy the right headphone of your choice.
- Sound quality: This is one of the most important factors to consider when choosing a headphone. Look for headphones that offer a balanced and clear sound with good bass, mids, and highs.
- Comfort: You want headphones that are comfortable to wear for long periods of time. Look for headphones with soft ear cups and a padded headband that won't put too much pressure on your ears or head.
- Noise isolation: If you want to use your headphones in noisy environments, consider headphones with good noise isolation or noise cancellation features.
- Wired or wireless: Decide whether you want wired or wireless headphones. Wireless headphones are more convenient, but wired headphones often offer better sound quality.
- Type of headphone: There are three main types of headphones: over-ear, on-ear, and in-ear. Over-ear headphones are the largest and most comfortable, on-ear headphones are more compact, and in-ear headphones are the smallest and most portable.
- Brand and price: Consider the brand and price of the headphones you are interested in. Popular brands often offer a balance between quality and price, but you can also find good quality headphones at lower price points if you do your research.
- Purpose: Consider the purpose for which you need the headphones. Are you using them for music, gaming, or phone calls? Different types of headphones may be better suited to different uses.
By considering these factors, you can choose the best headphone for your needs and budget. It's also a good idea to read reviews and do research on the headphones you are interested in before making a purchase.
