Headphone Buying Guide

Whether you need headphones for your hi-fi, mp3 player or portable DVD player, here are some hints and tips for things to consider when buying a set.

How to Choose the Best Headphones: Types

Headphones are ideal for a range of uses, including listening to portable music players and watching television. Some types of headphone can be used with a number of devices, while other types of headphone are specially made for a particular product.

Here are the main types of headphone available:

Full-size headphones - The classic, comfortable type of headphones, that produce quality sound, full-size headphones feature ear cups that sit right around your whole ear. Some models of full-size headphones are open - they are fitted with vents and therefore don't cancel out exterior sounds, enabling you to hear what's going on - while other types of full-size headphones are sealed - totally isolating outside noise. The fact that a set of headphones is open or sealed won't necessarily affect the sound quality - many users prefer open vented headphones for indoors, and sealed headphones for outside use.
Earbud headphones - Earbud headphones are easy to use and offer great sound, fitting neatly in your outer ear. Their design also makes them easy to store, taking up little space when travelling. Earbuds are the most affordable type of headphones on the market, and while they won?t cancel all outside noise, the sound quality on most models is outstanding and they are ideal for use with portable music and DVD players.
Ear canal headphones - Similar in appearance to earbud headphones, ear canal headphones fit inside the inner ear, cancelling out outside noise and delivering crystal clear sound. They work by using tiny rubber tips to seal the ear from outside interference and many users claim they are the best for sound quality. Although they are more expensive than earbud headphones, the ear canal models have the same compact design for ease of use and storage, perfect for music and watching the odd film or two on those long flights!
Clip-on headphones - About the same size as ear bud headphones, clip on headphones are popular for their convenient design, clipping or hanging behind the ear. Clip-on headphones are ideal for wearing under hats and helmets, or whenever you are moving about and want the convenience of compact headphones without the risk of them coming off.
Ear pad headphones - Similar to full size headphones, ear pad headphones are lighter, with smaller ear cups that rest on your earlobes, and are a great compromise between comfort and portability. Usually ear pad headphones do not completely cancel out exterior noise, but there are some sealed models available. Ear pad headphones can come as one-piece units or in a folding /collapsible design.
Street style headphones - Fashionable amongst urban wearers, street style headphones are usually connected to each other by a loop that goes around the back of your neck, as opposed to the conventional loop over the top of the head. Many users of street style headphones find them convenient for sports and exercise.
Wireless headphones - Using wireless technology for convenient listening both indoors and outdoors, wireless headphones work with a base transmitter connected to the audio source, leaving you free to enjoy music wherever you care to wander! The range of wireless headphones vary, but is usually enough to cover a house and garden.

Features to Look for When You Buy Headphones

The main features to consider when choosing headphones are:

Comfort - Weight and fit are the most important factors in deciding whether your headphones are comfortable. Full size headphones can get hot around your ears, while ear pads can put pressure on them, and street style headphones can sometimes feel bulky or heavy. Sometimes it is better to find headphones that provide a comforting fit rather than looking for the most fashionable style.
Bass - The larger the headphones, the greater bass range they will be able to deliver. Although more compact headphones can deliver reasonable bass, the quality on larger ear pad or full size headphones is deeper and more dynamic.
Sealed or open? - Sealed headphones isolate outside noise and usually work better outdoors, where there it is likely to be a lot noise than inside. Open headphones are vented, and just as when listening to a hi-fi, other sounds from outside can be heard. The sound quality is not affected by the headphones being sealed or open.
Portability and durability - If you are planning on using your headphones for a journey you should consider either compact or foldable headphones, as they take up less storage space. At the same time, consider whether the headphones will be durable enough for the activities that you will be doing when wearing them.

Do I Need to Buy an Extended Warranty for my Headphones?

When choosing your headphones, find out what warranty is included. A warranty will ensure repairs or a replacement under certain conditions.

It can be a good idea to set a limit on the amount of money you are prepared to spend on your new headphones. Prices on headphones can vary significantly, and although most models will provide reasonable sound quality, bear in mind that the more you pay, the better quality your headphones are likely to be.

By shopping around online, comparing prices between different online headphone retailers and taking advantage of discounts and special offers, you could even get a better pair of headphones than your budget would normally allow.