Let’s Find Your Jam!
No two types of Headphones are equal. For most users, the choice between In-ear Earphones, On-ear Headphones, and Over-ear Headphones comes down to personal preference. And while In-ear Earphones tend to be a lot easier to carry around because of their size, each type of Headphone is ideal for certain usage. Let’s see what each type of Headphone has to offer!
In-ear Earphones
Compact and generally lightweight, In-ear Earphones go inside your ear, instead of over it. In-ear Earphones are available in wired and Wireless versions and are a lot easier to carry around than their On-ear and Over-ear counterparts.
In-ear Earphones are ideal for music listening, phone/video calls, or mobile gaming.
On-ear Headphones
On-ear Headphones are significantly larger than their In-ear counterparts but are still a lot easier to carry around compared to Over-ear Headphones. They also offer superior sound quality with the band going behind or over your head and the drivers placed on the ear instead of hugging them. On-ear Headphones are relatively lighter than Over-ear Headphones and have less bulky designs.
On-ear Headphones are ideal for gaming, online streaming, voice recording, or watching videos.
Over-ear Headphones
Among all Headphone types, Over-ear Headphones provide the best sound quality. This is primarily because of the size of their drivers. Over-ear Headphones sit over your ears, sealing your ears in ear-cups with effective noise cancellation. Available in both wired and Wireless versions, Over-ear Headphones are usually most preferred for professional use.
Over-ear Headphones are ideal for immersive experiences like gaming, voice recording, online streaming and more.
Do Your Headphones Complement Your Groove?
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Wired v/s Wireless:
Which Headphone is for You?
Wireless Earphones have come a long way since the bulky Bluetooth devices that you’d stick in your ear back in the early 2000s. The rise of Wireless Headphones and Earphones can be traced back to the time Apple discontinued the Headphone jack on iPhone6. While Wireless Headphones are ubiquitous today, every once in a while, you’ll come across the stray soul with a wired headset.
To be sure, Wireless Headphones have their own pros and cons
Pros
The sound quality of Wireless Headphones has drastically improved with Bluetooth 5.0
You won’t ever have to untangle wires
Cons
Wireless Headphones run on battery and batteries need regular charging which isn’t always convenient
Occasionally, Wireless Headphones can experience interference or signal issues with Wireless technology
Stay Technologically Advanced with Truly Wireless Earbuds
Truly Wireless Earphones are the latest innovation in the earphone category. These Earbuds seamlessly pair with your Smartphone right out of the box and offer all the features of Bluetooth Earphones. All this, with no wires whatsoever.
Key benefits include:
Convenience
Tired of cables getting in the way when you’re working out, cooking, or just walking around? Truly Wireless Earphones eliminate this hassle altogether, with no wires to worry about. Use a charging case to power up your Earphones on the go.
Accessibility
Truly Wireless Earbuds allow you to answer calls and control your music directly from the Earphones without needing to use your phone. Some models offer mono mode, allowing for the use of a single earbud at a time. Newer models are equipped with Voice Assistants as well as multi-device pairing.
Wireless Technology
Whether it's Bluetooth or NFC, Truly Wireless Earbuds are extremely easy to pair and set up. After being paired the first time, Bluetooth Earphones pair automatically each time they're turned on and in range. Bluetooth 5.0 also ensures excellent audio quality and response time.
Features to Look for in Truly Wireless Earbuds
Compatibility
Ensure your Earbuds are compatible with your Smartphone OS, Android, or iOS. Some features may be OS or brand specific, so be sure to check before you buy.
Battery Life
A longer battery life (higher mAh) means more uninterrupted usage for your Earbuds. A charging case is a handy addition, which enables you to charge on-the-go.
Voice Assistant
Voice Assistant support (Siri, Alexa, Google) allows you to control the Earbuds using your voice. It provides access to your calendar, alarms, and more.
Microphone
Be sure to check in on the quality of the microphone, with multiple microphones providing richer audio on calls or while using Voice Assistance.
Durability
Most Truly Wireless Earbuds are equipped with water or weather resistance. The IP rating is a good measure of the same.
What Should You Look for While Buying Headphones?
Comfort and Fit
- In-ear Earphones come in a variety of bud designs, where some might perfectly fit your ear and some might not
- Generally, larger ear cups mean more comfort for Over-ear Headphones
- For Headphones that rest on your ear, smaller ear cups are more comfortable, and fabric padding or leather can soften the pressure
Portability
- Lightweight, Wireless models are the best, especially if you lead an active lifestyle
- For audio engineering or professional studio work, high-quality Over-ear Headphones are preferred
- For On-ear and Over-ear designs, fold-up designs are more portable and protect the Headphones in transit
- The latest Headphones can be stored and stocked in convenient carry cases, providing great portability with superb sound
Durability
- Lightweight Earphones or Headphones are generally more prone to physical damage
- For On-ear and Over-ear designs with foldable cups, check the hinges, which indicate the stability of the design
- Check the warranty coverage provided with the Headphones. It is usually wise to consider an accidental damage insurance policy as well
Other Features to Look for While Buying Headphones
Noise Cancellation
- Prevents any ambient sound from disrupting the listening experience by eliminating unwanted noise
- Passive noise cancellation uses noise isolation materials to prevent outside noise from entering the ear
- Active noise cancellation emits sound waves that cancel the effect of the incoming disturbance and ensure a premium listening experience
Foldable Ear Cups
- For On-ear and Over-ear designs, the portability of the device often depends upon collapsible ear cups
- Foldable ear cups make Headphones much easier to store and carry around
Built-in Controls
- The latest Earphones and Headphones have integrated in-line controls on the cable, or touch controls on the device itself
- Using these, users can answer phone calls, access Voice Assistants, and control music
Battery Life
- For Wireless Earphones or Headphones with active noise cancellation, it is advisable to consider the battery life
- Some of the latest Headphones offer an impressive battery life of up to 30 hours
- Truly Wireless Earphones have charging cases that can help provide all-day battery life
Water Resistance
- It is key to ensure sweat or water will not damage the Headphones while using
- Most Headphones and Earphones designed for active use come with an IP rating which indicates the degree of water resistance
