Buyer’s guide for headphones and headsets

There are many choices out there for buying headphones to match your hobbies and lifestyle. When making a decision for which headphones to purchase, first determine if you desire lightweight and portable headphones, gaming headphones, wireless headphones, noise canceling, or cell phone compatible headphones. You should also consider comfort when making this decision. And, off course, consider your budget.

Lightweight and portable headphones

Let’s begin by looking at options based on your activity. If you are exercising you will probably want something that is lightweight and portable. Common choices by many people are the small ear-bud headphones. Ear-bud headphones are tiny speakers designed to fit directly in your ear. Many brands come with interchangeable ear-bud sleeves to allow for a more custom fit. Over the ear headphones are also a popular choice when exercising. These headphones are also useful when you need to use headphones for several hours, such as using them at work. While the ear-bud style headphone may grow to be painful in your ear canal after long use, the over the ear style headphones gently press down on yours ears. Another portable type of headphones is the around the neck headphones. These are very handy for exercising unless you are lying down, in which case these headphones can move around on you. However, ear-bud headphones may loosen in the ear from sweat or the impact of running, and the around the neck headphones will stay in place. Another option is the clip over the ear style of headphones.

Some Ear-bud Headphones

When shopping for portable headphones, there are many brands that stand out. Some cater to a specific audience based on specific factors. For example, Cody is a solid maker for those on a budget. Any one who has had to travel with lightweight headphones knows that anything and everything can go wrong after enough time. An expensive set of headphones breaks can be quite aggravating, so you may want to purchase a lower priced set of headphones if this factors in to your decision-making process. Sony and JVC offer a wide selection of headphones, from the low-priced variety to those seeking higher end headphones. Sennheiser and Bose make high quality headphones in this market as well. Most of their products are mid-range and high-range. If style is your thing you may want to check out the selection offered by Skullcandy.

Some Skullcandy Headphones

Gamer headsets

A microphone is what separates a gamer headset from other headphones. Most of the headphones in this category have headbands and ear pads. Another style in this category is the around the neck style. The speakers usually cover the whole ear or the majority of the ear. Logitech and Plantronics are two gaming headset brands. They continue to offer a good selection and a broad range of prices. When you hear Plantronics, you might think headphones for a secretary at work, but they offer a wider variety of products than that. Another standout in this category is Cyber Acoustics. These headphones are geared primarily toward the budget-conscious gamer.

Some Gamer Headsets

Wireless headphones

A small but emerging market in the headphones market is wireless headphones. These headphones give you the opportunity to move about without the clutter of wires. The majority of the styles in this category have a headband and speakers with an ear cushion that cover all or most of the ear. Because of the need to pickup the transmitted signal, these headphones have to be a little larger than the lightweight ear buds. The selection in this market is small, but you will find the reliable Sony and Sennheiser selling their wares in this category. Expect to pay a minimum of $50 for these headphones. Also, these headphones need power. Consider whether you prefer buying batteries or if you are comfortable with the manufacturer-provided rechargeable batteries.

Some Wireless Headphones

Noise canceling headphones

Noise canceling headphones block out any exterior sound so you may enjoy the rich music. These headphones typically have a head band and speakers with a pad that cover all of the ear or most of the ear. However, there are some ear bud style headphones that fit this bill also. Some of the headphones in this category require power to operate. Standout makers in this category include Sennheiser, Sony, and Bose. Prices vary greatly in this category, typically based on quality but also on how much ambient noise the headphones reduce.

Some Noise Canceling Headphones

Cell phone compatible headsets

Cell phones are quickly becoming a multimedia dream. Many cell phones now offer gigabytes of music playback, making them an attractive alternative to other stand alone music players. If you want to listen to music with your cell phone, you will need to do your homework to determine what headphones are compatible with your phone. If your phone is compatible with Bluetooth technology than there are many brands that offer many styles to fit your needs; from Jabra, to Motorola, to Sony.

Some Bluetooth Headsets

If you prefer to have a cord, then there are also options available to you here as well. Be sure to check the jack your phone requires. The traditional headphone jack you are used to may not work in your phone. The market for this category of headphones is still developing so you can expect to pay a little more than you would compared to the lightweight headphones mentioned earlier. Good luck!