Tips for Choosing Wireless Headphones

Wireless headphones can cost 1,000 rubles, or they can cost as much as 20,000. What it depends on, whether it is worth saving on this device, what parameters must be taken into account when buying - read about these and other nuances below.

A few years ago, people dreamed of wireless headphones that would make it easier to listen to music and talk on the phone and eliminate the need to untangle wires before leaving the house.

Now it is possible not only to buy wireless headphones, but also to choose the appropriate ones among the existing options.

What characteristics to pay attention to, read the article.

Connectivity Technology

The connection technology determines how the headphones receive sound from a smartphone or other device. Bluetooth headphones are the most popular, but there are other technologies as well.

Bluetooth

The advantage of Bluetooth headphones is their versatility: they can be connected to any device with a Bluetooth module, be it a smartphone, tablet, laptop or TV. Moreover, if the device does not have an appropriate interface, a small transmitter will solve this problem.

In addition, Bluetooth is available in most devices, so Bluetooth-connected headphones will become universal.

radio channel

The radio channel began to be used later than the infrared channel, so it is considered an intermediate step between infrared and Bluetooth connections.

The main advantage of the radio channel was the increased signal reception range - up to 100-150 meters. At the same time, the connection is not sensitive to barriers and obstacles. Of the minuses, one can note the appearance of noise and hiss due to extraneous signals, as well as high power consumption.

The radio channel is now rarely used and mainly in headphones designed for home movies or video games.

infrared channel

Infrared was once the only way to transfer data between devices, but now it is an outdated connection type. Despite the cheapness, the infrared channel is almost never found. The only exceptions are television and automotive systems.

Among the advantages of the IR channel are:

• cheapness;
• good, clear sound;
• high transmission speed;
• low power consumption.

Negative features of infrared technology:

• complete absence of barriers between the headphones and the device from which the music is played is necessary;
• fear of direct sunlight;
• the maximum distance between the signal source and receiver is 10 meters.

The main drawback of the IR channel lies precisely in the poor tolerance of barriers, i.e. go out into another room, continuing to enjoy the music, with headphones will not work. That is why the infrared signal is practically not used in 2020.

Protection from external noise (noise reduction): how it works and why you need it

So that extraneous noise does not interfere while listening to music or watching movies, you can choose closed-type headphones: their speaker is completely covered by the cup body, and if they are also of an enveloping type, then the cup covers the ear from all sides.

But there is another option: choose a model with active noise cancellation. These headphones are equipped with a microphone that measures the level of ambient noise, after which an inverted sound wave is created in antiphase.

This technology allows you to block all extraneous sounds - this is the plus of noise reduction.

Disadvantages of the noise reduction function:

• headphones with this technology are heavier;
• increased power consumption;
• the presence of intolerance in some people of the system of active noise reduction.

In the latter case, there may be complaints of headache and ringing in the ears.

Headphone form factor and features of each type

By design, all headphones can be divided into internal and external.

The latter are large pads that completely cover the auricle, and are fixed on the head with a rim. A feature of these headphones is a clearer and better sound, high autonomy and large dimensions.

External headphones are divided into:

• overhead - superimposed on the ear, but not always completely cover it;
• full-size - the largest, completely cover the ear.

Internal headphones are very compact, light, almost invisible. They are further subdivided into 2 types:

• liners;
• vacuum.

In-ear headphones are less securely fixed in the ear and somehow allow extraneous sounds to penetrate. Vacuum headphones are inserted deeper into the ear canal, so they sound clearer, louder and do not allow noise from outside.

The disadvantage of internal headphones is a small autonomy, since their size does not allow you to place a large battery in them.

Possibility of cable connection

Some models of wireless headphones are equipped with an audio cable connector that allows you to connect them "the old fashioned way" with a wire.

This solution is very reasonable if you need to reduce power consumption, so when traveling or on a long journey, headphones with a cable connector will come in handy.

In addition, if the headphones are still discharged, the cable will allow them to be used further for their intended purpose.

Battery Life

Battery life determines how many hours the headphones can work without recharging. Usually, the autonomy of the device is indicated in the technical specifications, and it depends on the type of connection.

The latest versions of Bluetooth provide up to 20 hours of continuous operation.

The presence of a microphone

There are 3 options: headphones without a microphone, with a regular or with a movable microphone. The first option is suitable for those who only plan to listen to music or watch movies using the device.

The second option is ideal for those who will communicate via video and not only. Headphones with a movable microphone are suitable for people who conduct video conferences, lectures or conduct business negotiations.

The microphone, if necessary, can be moved to the side to hide sounds that should not get into it.

Selecting Audio Sound Options

There are 3 main audio sound parameters that determine the quality of the files being played.

• Frequency. The human ear is capable of hearing sounds in the range of 20 to 20,000 Hz. It is optimal if the headphones support the entire frequency spectrum.
• Loudness, or sensitivity. In order for the headphones to allow you to listen to sound at the usual, good volume, their sensitivity must be from 95 dB or more.
• Resistance. This indicator determines the overall sound quality and loudness. For portable devices, a resistance of 16-32 ohms is sufficient; for home devices, large values ​​\u200b\u200bare more optimal.

Moisture protection

The moisture protection function can be implemented to varying degrees.

But there is also a more powerful protection that allows you to purposefully use the headphones in water, for example, in the shower or in a pond. Such protection is encrypted in the documents with the IP68 cipher: it means that the device will calmly endure diving to a depth of up to 10 meters for 30 minutes.

Charging time

Charging time for any device, including wireless headphones, takes an average of 1-2 hours and depends on the power of the cable. In addition, when using a non-original wire, the charging time increases.

However, there are models that charge in 10 minutes due to the presence of the fast charging function, and those that restore their performance within 4 hours. It is also worth considering that many modern devices support wireless charging technology.

All this is usually indicated in the technical documentation for the device, so you need to pay attention to this.

Removable battery

Wireless headphones may have a built-in or removable battery.The role of the latter is performed by conventional batteries of popular formats, usually AA or AAA.

Here you should make a choice based on your preferences or needs. If the headphones will be used frequently, it is better to choose a model with a rechargeable built-in battery, otherwise buying batteries will cost a pretty penny.

Case-case included

The included carrying case reduces the chance of losing the earbuds or one of them. Not all manufacturers produce wireless models packed in a convenient case, and as a result, the user may sooner or later put the device in a holey pocket and be left without it.

In addition, many cases also act as a battery and allow you to recharge the battery if necessary. A classic example of headphones in a convenient case are Apple AirPods.

TOP popular manufacturers

The popular manufacturers included both giant firms and the so-called noname.

1. Apple. Apple's AirPods are at the top of the list in terms of popularity. The manufacturer has tried with technologies: here you have noise reduction, and a microphone, and a convenient battery case, and a stylish design, and voice control, and the highest sound quality. However, not everyone is willing to pay as much for headphones as the brand asks - and this is the main, if not the only, drawback of Apple's wireless headphones.
2. Xiaomi. Chinese brand, quite popular, in demand, high quality. This firm offers cheaper alternatives to global giants, including Apple. The features of Xiaomi headphones are a huge range of models, options and colors, compact size, convenient location of the headphones in the ear canals, high-quality sound reproduction and the use of advanced technologies in more expensive models.In addition, most models are made of hypoallergenic material.
3. Sony. The Japanese brand produces different types of headphones (earbuds, earplugs, full-size). They are distinguished by high-quality assembly, focus on different categories of users (athletes, gamers, etc.), realistic sound and reasonable cost. Many of them support not only Bluetooth, but also NFC.
4. JBL. This company specializes specifically in the production of equipment that reproduces music, so the feature of JBL models is impeccable sound. The manufacturer strives to create a surround and balanced sound with a predominance of bass, not forgetting the quality of the materials used and the affordable cost.
5. Honor. Another Chinese brand that is famous for its bright, reliable and inexpensive devices. The headphones of this manufacturer are very comfortable, presented in several designs, lightweight and very durable. Most models have dust and moisture protection properties, and all models have good autonomy.
6. Plantronics. Headphones of this brand are professional and are distinguished by build quality, original design, a large selection of designs and models, high-quality sound and the presence of additional functions and features. Despite the introduction of the latest technologies, the brand's models are distinguished by an affordable price.

Wireless headphones can be an ideal assistant for athletes, music lovers and lovers of high-quality sound when watching movies.

Our review will help you make the right choice and purchase a reliable, versatile and stylish device with high-quality sound.