over ear headphones – Gawky Geek

Headphones are like nuts and bolts: you can have a machine without them, but it won't work as efficiently. As a result, there is a vast world of headphones to explore, designed for different purposes, musical tastes, and budgets. So if you're unsure which type to acquire for yourself or a loved one this holiday shopping season, check out the possibilities below. In the audio world, we usually have three types of headphones: In-ear earbuds that sit inside the ear canal. On-ear headphones that cover part of the ear. Over-the-ear cans (AKA studio monitors) that sit around your ears. While they may be more personal and fit better, the first two aren't usually used for listening to music. However, you can find wireless models that fold up or adjust in size using ear hooks to listen to music at a reasonable price. In addition, these are often Bluetooth-enabled, so you can easily pair them with your smartphone or tablet. Over-the-ear headphones If you're looking for extra bass and a comfortable fit, get over-the-ear headphones from Monster, Sony, and Skull candy. Over-the-ear headphones are perfect if you're looking for a speaker system but don't want the weight of a traditional set of headphones. In-ear headphones In-ear headphones are another option. They're light, cozy, portable, and can be used when exercising, commuting, or even sleeping. Some of them can be noise-canceling, too. You'll pay a bit more for these types of headphones, but it's worth it for the sound quality and comfort. These are perfect for people who want to listen to music discreetly at work or on the go. Panasonic Stereo RP-HT227-K – Over the Ear Headphones For an absolute bargain in headphones, check out the in-ear model from Panasonic. The company's F-sounds headphones are an eight-ohm model that offers high sensitivity over a wide frequency range. And they're noise-canceling, too! The Panasonic F-sounds are the only open-back headphones on the market—and they're made of plastic. The open backs make them comfortable to wear, but they lack bass and upper range response. So if you want rich bass, you should keep looking. Otherwise, these are very affordable choices for value through sound quality and comfort. They have a pretty small carrying pouch but come with a nice 4-foot-long wired cable (that you can use as an earphone). Jabra Elite 75t Earbuds Another in-ear model worth mentioning is Jebra Sound+. These are a bit more expensive, but they have a noise-canceling feature and are completely closed-back. The bass response is adequate, but this model can't compete with in-ear options. Bose SoundLink II The Bose SoundTrue AE2 is one of Bose's best and most expensive headphones. This closed-back set is available in black or silver color variants and comes with a dedicated noise-canceling mode that provides decent sound isolation and optimal sound. In addition, an improved digital to analog converter also delivers improved audio clarity and detail. The Bose SoundTrue AE2 headphones also sweat and weather-resistant and have an inline remote for hands-free calling. The bass is not as good as many other high-end options, but the sound quality across all frequencies is quite impressive. If you can live with that, these may be worth the investment. Bose SoundSport Bose also has some great in-ear options. The SoundSport line is super lightweight and includes StayHear tips that form to fit your ear canal for a comfortable listening experience during workouts. These headphones are a bit pricier than the SoundTrue models, but they're worth every penny if you plan to listen to music during workouts or when you need to be mobile. Bose SoundTrue Another excellent in-ear option is the Bose SoundTrue Headphones. These have a very comfortable fit, added stability, and superior sound quality for their size. Also, they're noise-canceling. Unfortunately, active noise cancellation is not available on these headphones, but they do an excellent job of minimizing outside noise. Pair them with an iPod (or compatible device), and you'll get one of the most comfortable ways to listen to your favorite music at an affordable price. Panasonic ErgoFit Wired Earbuds If you prefer something less expensive, try the Panasonic ErgoFit Stereo Earbuds. These have a lightweight design and excellent sound, and they're easy to use. The bass is quite good for an inexpensive model, but the overall sound quality is muddy. Nevertheless, if you want an affordable in-ear pair of headphones, these are your best bet. Sony MDR-XB500 Headphones If you'd like a pair of closed-back over-the-ear cans with excellent bass and great clarity at all frequencies, check out the Sony MDR-XB500 Extra Bass Lightweight Headphones. These noise-canceling models come with an inline remote for volume control and playback on your device. The bass response is rich, and the sound quality is good overall. They're reasonably comfortable, too, and though they don't fold up or adjust in size, they're still a great buy. Sony MDRXB650BT/B Bluetooth Headphones The Sony MDR-XB650BT over-the-ear headphones are the best and most reasonably priced solution. These have a rich bass response and a solid sound across all frequencies without distinguishing characteristics too overbearing or away from clarity. Most people who aren't picky about their headphones will be pretty happy with these, especially for their price tag. The comfort level of these headphones isn't bad, either. However, some headphones in this price range can be uncomfortable to wear for long periods. What About Noise Canceling? Noise-canceling headphones are also worth looking into if you're willing to spend more money. These models don't need batteries to block out extra noise, either. Instead, they work by using physical materials to block the noise. If you're going to be listening to music in a noisy environment like an aircraft or train, you'll want to invest in a pair of noise-canceling headphones. Some of them can be used as earplugs at night or while you sleep! Many companies now make affordable noise-canceling models that rival much pricier options from just a couple of years ago — and most of them have an excellent bass response. Sony High-Resolution MDR-NC750 If you want a great mix of affordable, lightweight, noise-canceling features, try the Sony MDR-NC750D. These have an excellent active noise cancellation feature that blocks out ambient noises, and the sound quality is solid overall. Bose QuietComfort 25 The Bose QuietComfort 25 are some of the best over-the-ear headphones for noise cancellation with their physical design. The active noise canceling feature works via a mic to gather external sounds and block them out as you listen to your music. In addition, they're great at filtering out ambient noise and have plush earpads that make them easy to wear for extended periods. Bose QuietComfort 20 If you'd like a more budget-oriented pair of noise-canceling headphones, the Bose QuietComfort 20 is also worth looking at. These have excellent sound and clarity across all ranges, but they aren't as comfortable as their pricier brethren, and active noise canceling isn't as effective. Still, these are some of the best over-the-ear headphones for mixed-use. Some great options are available now if you're searching for noise-canceling earbuds that work better than just blocking out noise. You can use noise-canceling earbuds during flights or at night to keep your sleep uninterrupted with their sound quality and convenience. Check out the Bose QuietComfort 20i. These are lightweight earbuds that cancel out noise and have excellent sound quality. They're easy to use, too: one tap of the button on the inline remote will turn them on and off, with a second tap activating your microphone. Sony MDRNC500D Headphone If you're looking for earbuds with excellent sound quality across all frequencies, good bass response, and physical noise-canceling features, the Sony MDR-NC500D is worth examining. These headphones block out external sounds with their design while minimizing sound leakage through your headphones. As a result, the sound quality is excellent, the ANC feature is practical, and the sound isolation is decent. In-Ear Headphones Having a pair of good in-ear headphones opens up your listening experience. In-ear designs allow you to plug in your music source and listen without wires running across your body or pockets. They're also lightweight and compact, so you can take them with you while you're on the road. Skullcandy SLYR If you're looking for good quality in-ear headphones that won't cut into your budget, look no further than the Skullcandy SLYR earbuds. These work with most smartphones, iPods, and MP3 players. They're also wireless and have excellent sound quality. They have a good bass response, and the overall sound quality is solid all across the board. In addition, the inline remote control makes it easy to change songs or adjust volume without digging out your phone. Sony MDR-EX150AP If you'd like a more affordable option that won't skimp on sound quality, check out the Sony MDR-EX150AP in-ear headphones. These are comfortable to wear for hours, and they're also waterproof. They come with three different-sized ear tips to ensure that you get a proper seal in your ear canal, so you don't lose any of the deep bass notes. In addition, their lightweight design makes them easy to wear while you're active—they're sweat and water-resistant, too. Beats Studio Buds Try the Beats Studio in-ear headphones if you're looking for earbuds with superior sound quality. These are just a few different headphones from Beats explicitly designed to provide top-quality sound. These won't block out outside noise, but they tend to make some high frequencies less crisp. Still, they're pretty lightweight overall and have an excellent bass response. Other audiophiles prefer their sound quality over the ANC feature. JLab Epic Sport2 Wireless Earbuds Get your hands on JLab Epic Inkz II Dynamic in-ear headphones when you're looking for an affordable set of headphones. These are compatible with most smartphones and MP3 players. They work by capturing ambient noise and making it sound like part of the song—they can get some pretty awful noise, but they do a decent job overall at creating an immersive experience. Audio-Technica ATH-M40x Look no further than the Audio Technica ATHM40X for affordable in-ear headphones. These work with most smartphones, iPods, and MP3 players. They have excellent bass responses, and their sound is slightly crisp overall. In addition, they're comfortable to wear for hours at a time, and they have a great lifespan if you take care of them. V-MODA Crossfade M-100 If you're looking for in-ear headphones with great sound but don't cost an arm and a leg, the V-Moda M-100 Stylish in-ear headphones are worth a look. These have excellent sound quality across most frequencies, with great bass response. They won't block out the outside world as noise-canceling models do, but they're quite comfortable to wear while you're active. These also isolate outside noises quite well. Klipsch Image S4i If you'd like inexpensive earbuds that provide a superior bass response, try the Klipsch Image S4i Speakerphones. These have a mic and remote control for your music player—you can change songs or adjust the volume without digging out your phone. In addition, they come with five different-sized ear tips to ensure that you have the correct fit. The sound quality across the board is excellent, and they're pretty lightweight, too. Skullcandy Crusher Headphones The Skullcandy Crusher is a good choice if you're looking for cheap earbuds with excellent sound quality and decent noise isolation. The sound quality on these is surprisingly good for budget-priced headphones—their bass response is deep and the overall sound quality is quite crisp. These tend to be a little heavier than some other models, but they're still quite comfortable. Look for these if you want earbuds for your smartphone or MP3 player. Klipsch Image S4A - II. Try the Klipsch S4A-Score II Bass Enhanced Stereo Headphones if you're searching for a pair of earphones that won't shut out the outside world. These are noise-isolating earbuds for your music player. They have excellent sound quality across most frequencies, with good bass response. They're also quite comfortable to wear because they're lightweight and customizable, but they lack the true noise-canceling feature of other earbuds. Philips SHE7000BK/28 headphones When it comes to in-ear headphones with a wide soundstage, the Philips SHS7000 In-Ear Headphones are a good option to consider. These come with two different-sized ear tips to ensure that you get a good fit, and they work well even if you have small ears. Thanks to the sweat- and dust-resistant design, you can also wear them while you're active. The sound quality on these is superb—they have excellent clarity across most frequencies and good bass response. These work best with Apple devices, but you can easily use them with other smartphones. Monoprice Premium Headphones The Monoprice HiFi Stereo Headphones provide excellent sound quality overall. Tested these with a smartphone with several different audio settings. We couldn't even tell the difference in sound quality from one setting to another—the noise cancellation feature on these is powerful enough to eliminate outside noise. These are on-ear headphones, so they may not be the best option for everyone. They're comfortable to wear for most people, though. Noise-Canceling Earbuds Benefits of High-Quality Noise-Canceling Earbuds If you want to use your earbuds for more than just listening to music, noise-canceling headphones may be better. These eliminate outside noises to listen to your music with only a little background noise. They also help if you're making conference calls with your cell phone—you won't hear the sounds from the street or traffic around you. Many of today's noise-canceling earbuds have additional bass enhancement, wide-angle listening, and built-in microphones and remotes. In addition, many popular brands offer models with excellent sound quality and a good level of noise cancellation. Active noise-canceling earbuds take a different approach to block outside noise than traditional passive noise-canceling headphones. This type of headphone requires a battery to work, but it also includes two microphones in each earpiece that pick up background noises and neutralize them through algorithms. Beats Solo 2 WIRED On-Ear Headphone Solo2 headphones skip this technology altogether, instead offering an on-the-ear style that is discerning in its simplicity. They also pack some punch in terms of sheer performance and specs, making them one of the best choices for music lovers everywhere. When using the Solo2 headphones, you won't hear anything other than your music. Even in an otherwise quiet room, these headphones create a sound-isolating chamber around your ears that drowns out all other noises. This is great for commuting or different situations when you want to focus on listening to music without the distraction of annoying noise. Samsung Gear IconX If you want noise-canceling earbuds that can easily connect with your smartphone or MP3 player, the Samsung Gear IconX (2017) is great. These have Bluetooth functionality and excellent sound quality comparable to much pricier devices and headphones. The built-in accelerometer and gyroscope technology in these earbuds also keep them stable, even when moving around a lot. Samsung Gear IconX headphones block noise. Noise-canceling blocks off loud sounds, and Bluetooth connects your device. In addition, these headphones can link to other NFC devices (Near Field Communication). The Gear app will instantly link them with your phone or Bluetooth device if you have a Samsung smartphone. Koss Porta Pro On-Ear Headphones If you're looking for in-ear headphones with superior sound quality, the Koss PortaPro are great options. Answer and end phone conversations without pulling them out of your earphones with the included microphone and control. The sound quality on these is good across most frequencies, but they don't provide the noise isolation that some of the other models we looked at in this guide do. The Koss PortaPros are lightweight, comfortable on-the-ear headphones made from a plastic material that feels durable and lightweight. As a result, they work well for most people, even though their design doesn't have many extra features like some of the ones we tested in this guide. For example, they come with ear tips designed to block out sound and help you get a better fit in your ears. Bose SoundSport If you want noise-canceling earbuds designed for listening to music and taking calls, the Bose SoundSport In-Ear Headphones should be on your shortlist. These produce superbly clear sound quality, even in noisy places like a gym or a subway station. In addition, they're comfortable to wear and have an ergonomic design that makes them easy to handle while you're wearing them. The sound quality of the Bose SoundSport In-Ear Headphones is impressive, especially if you're using them with Apple devices. The headphones have noise-canceling earbuds that help block out outside sounds, but they won't help you if you're listening to music on a smartphone or other MP3 player. Nevertheless, the sound quality is comparable to products that cost more than double Bose's charges for these. Apple AirPods Pro If you want noise-canceling headphones designed specifically for listening to music on a sports team, the Apple AirPods are perfect. These will work with your iPhone and Apple Watch or any other Bluetooth device quickly and easily. In addition, the AirPods are compatible with all iOS devices, including those running Android. Even though it's not nearly as effective as some of the other models, the noise-canceling technology on these headphones works well enough. You can also send photos and text messages to your friends using the Siri voice command. The Apple AirPods have a built-in accelerometer and gyroscope that help them auto-adjust to your ears through electronic sensors. As a result, they're always stable on a flat surface, even when walking around with them or jogging. So even if you're in an environment with large amounts of noise that can easily distract people from their surroundings, the AirPods will still provide clear sound and great comfort for hours on end. The Apple AirPods are wireless Bluetooth earbuds compatible with iOS and most Android devices. They're light and comfortable, but their noise-canceling performance is limited. The ear tips allow users to customize their fit, but no additional sizes are available to purchase separately. Conclusion When looking for good headphones, don't just focus on a particular brand or the materials they're made from. Instead, take the time to figure out precisely what kind of features you need based on how you'll be using them and what kind of sound quality you want. After all, it's easy to find a pair of noise-canceling earbuds that work well for listening to music at home but won't block out annoyingly noisy sounds on an airplane or next to a construction site.