Which headphones reproduce clear and high-quality sound. What headphones to choose so as not to regret buying

If you travel often, need to focus on the work process, or you just love music and audiobooks, headphones are a very important gadget.

The main types of headphones

Headphones can be classified into several types based on various factors.

The most common division is wireless and . The former connect to devices that support the corresponding Wi-Fi or Bluetooth standard. There are models available on the market that operate on the basis of a radio signal and an infrared port, but, at present, Bluetooth is the most popular option. It provides a short range (about 9-10 meters), but this is enough for a smartphone, which is usually in our pocket, at a distance of several tens of centimeters from the headphones.

Wired headphones have a long jack-type cable that can be plugged into the audio jack port of the device. Good wired headphones provide excellent sound quality because the sound is not compressed like a Bluetooth headset. However, they have a smaller "range", limited by the length of the cable.

Wired and wireless headphones also differ in design. Here we can highlight waybills, liners, behind-the-ear and intrathecal.

As you can see, on-ear headphones are the largest because they completely or partially cover the ears. In-ear headphones are the ones that are hidden in your ear. The over-the-ear headphones have special hooks that go around the ears, thanks to which they stay well in place. Intrathecal types of in-ear headphones are equipped with special rubber inserts (tips) that better isolate from outside noise. They are usually located in the ear canal, deeper than in-ear headphones.

Also available on the market closed, semi-open and open headphones... This division concerns the shape of the headphones. The closed ones fit snugly against your ear, so that the sound is "stuck" between the speaker and your ear. This means that the sounds from outside do not reach you, and the music that you listen to is not for the environment. Such models are characterized, as a rule, by very good reproduction of low and high frequencies.

Open-back headphones are the ones that are best for use at home and in quiet places, as this will allow you to hear noises outside. People around you will also hear sounds from your headphones, especially if you are listening to music loudly. On the other hand, open models provide good ventilation for the ear. This makes them more comfortable, especially if you wear them for a long time. It is also a good choice if you are looking for a secure sports earbud for a runner, for example. Hearing complements vision. Often, first we hear something, and only then we notice. While running around the city, it is better to know what is happening around us.

For this purpose, you can also try half open headphones that combine the best features of closed and open models. The main thing is excellent sound quality and a wide range of reproducible low and high frequencies. In addition, they isolate from unwanted sounds from the outside, although to a lesser extent than closed designs. They provide adequate ventilation to the ear.

If you are looking for closed-back headphones, select the intrathecal in-ear models. Due to the placement in the ear canal and the use of silicone inlays, they generally separate you well from noise.

Important characteristics and parameters of headphones

See what the headphones are made of:

The choice of the right headphones depends, first of all, on what they are used for - to talk on the phone, Skype or to listen to music? A model equipped with a microphone is usually perfect for all occasions. The only difference is that for a conversation, especially over the Internet (VoIP), simple options are enough, if only because of the sound compression. More important is the sound quality, the maximum available volume.

Model for music lovers should already meet much greater requirements. See what parameters to check if you're looking for a really good wired or wireless headphone.

Headphone sensitivity

See examples of sound volume levels:

In music headphones, volume is very important, that is, the sound pressure level. In other words, sensitivity. It is indicated in decibels (db). In accordance with EU regulations, the recommended maximum value is up to 85 db, outside the EU the norm can go up to 96 db.

Most commercially available headphones, however, have a higher maximum volume. But it also means higher pressure, which is felt over time. Listening to sounds over 80 dB for a long time can be tiring. Pain threshold is a loudness level at the level of 110-140 dB, and if these values ​​are exceeded, hearing damage occurs.

If at any point you feel that your hearing is straining, turn off the music or take a break from listening. With good quality headphones, this shouldn't happen. Remember also that the final headphone volume also depends on the volume of the output device and the quality of the connection between it and the headphones, as well as impedance.

Headphone impedance

Most mobile devices support values ​​in the 16-64 ohm range (denoted by the Greek letter Ω for omega). The higher the impedance, the more power you have to supply to the headphones in order for them to reach a sufficient volume level.

This means that when connected to the same source that provides lower current (such as a smartphone), low impedance headphones will be louder. On the other hand, the lower the resistance, the more susceptible to noise.

Headphone frequency range

Pay attention to the frequency range, that is, low and high frequencies are supported. In the case of really good headphones, the range should be from 16 to 20,000 Hz - exactly the same as the range of human sound perception. The lower limit means the lowest, bass sounds, the upper range means the highest, i.e. upper and any accents.

Remember, however, that manufacturers measure the frequency range differently, as there are no uniform requirements, and this can make a big difference. If the headphones are quiet at low frequencies, in practice you may not hear the most bass sounds. Therefore, frequencies are an important criterion, but not the main one.

Headphone membrane size

An important feature that determines the sound quality. Of course, the membrane of the on-ear headphones is larger than that of the earbuds and behind-the-ear. It is important that the reproduced sound is less distorted and sounds better (especially low, bass tones).

Headphone membranes are made from various materials - from artificial, paper, aluminum or titanium. High quality headphones with a wide operating frequency range can be equipped with a microfiber membrane for better sounding.

Adjustability and convenience

Comfort and ergonomics are also very important. The comfortable headphones are virtually invisible, so you can listen to music for hours. If you buy in-ear or intrathecal headphones, you usually get a full set of earbuds and / or hooks in various sizes to fit your ear.

In the case of full-size headphones, consider the adjustment range of the bow first.

What headphones to buy

Before choosing a specific headphone model, think about which device you want to pair them with: smartphone, tablet, laptop, computer or TV?

Most of the models available on the market are perfect for any occasion. But it’s worth knowing what headphones designed for use with various devices should have.

Headphones for smartphone

With a smartphone, it is more convenient to use small headphones or earbuds that take up little space and are easy to store even in your pocket. Headband or behind-the-ear headphones are also a good idea to stay in place when you are on the move, walking or running fast.

A type headphones suitable for smartphone, determines, first of all, by the presence of a jack connector. If so, you can choose from a variety of different models of wired headphones that provide excellent sound quality. The wired connection is reliable, however, these headphones can become confused during storage. Manufacturers are trying to eliminate this problem increasingly by equipping their models with flat, rubberized wires.

If you are using a smartphone without a jack (for example, iPhone 7), you can match headphones with a Lightning connector (for example, Apple Ear Pods) or wireless headphones.

Headphones for TV

It is much better to take wireless headphones to the TV - mainly because of the range. Wired cables must have a very long cable. If you're looking for headphones that you will only use at home with your TV, go for over-ear headphones. They provide the best sound quality that you will appreciate from watching a movie and hearing clearly even the quietest phrases.

A TV that has a jack only jack will only accept wired headphones, but this will require a long cable model.

Headphones for computer and laptop

Wired headphones work well for laptops and desktops. Better if it is a model with a long cable, especially if you have a system unit under the table. Otherwise, you may experience quite a strong "attachment" to the computer ...

It is more convenient to have just monitor with headphone output- then a standard length cable is enough for you. It is also a good idea to use a Wi-Fi + Bluetooth network card or a Bluetooth module that plugs into a USB port on your computer and allows you to use wireless headphones.

Most laptops already have a built-in Bluetooth module, but if not, a USB network card or a small USB adapter will allow you to enjoy your wireless connection.

ANC function

Manufacturers interpret this abbreviation in different ways: Active Noise Cancellation, Active Noise Control or Adaptive Noise Canceling... Sometimes also referred to as Noise reduction.

However, these are all the same function - active noise cancellation that works based on the phenomenon destructive interdependence... Headphones use built-in microphones to control the ambient noise level and, on this basis, generate sound at a frequency that reduces unwanted noise.

Adaptive Noise Canceling is an extended version of this technology. Even on a crowded bus, you will hear your favorite music instead of the calls from your fellow traveler. You can set it to ANC only or adjust the volume yourself.

Noise Isolating function

Passive noise cancellation system that separates you from the sounds of the environment. Used in headphones that fit perfectly to your ears for a comfortable listening experience.

Regardless of the fact that the neighbor upstairs is making repairs or trees are being cut down under the window - you will hear your favorite songs.

EC function

Eliminate echo in the microphone. Reduces any additional sounds other than speech. In the case of Creative headphones, this function is Clear Speech which simultaneously removes digital noise and enriches sound quality. Very useful when you are making phone calls and VoIP.

Multipoint function

A feature that allows one wireless headset to be connected to two devices at the same time. Thanks to this, for example, it is convenient to watch a movie on a tablet, and when a call comes to a smartphone, just pick up the phone and talk through the headphones.

Fast Fuel function

Many earbuds have a fast charging function. Connect them to the charger for 5 minutes, and you can use them for another 1-3 hours (depending on the model). This solution is used in the Apple Beats headphones.

Beats Acoustic Engine function

Also typical of Apple Beats. The original Beats software allows for the best sound quality, consistent with what the music creator wanted to achieve.

Remote Talk function

Thanks to this function, you can have a conversation through wireless headphones and control the player using the assistant built into the headphones. Launches Siri as well.

TTS function

Text-To-Speech, that is, converting text to speech. Includes both voice messages about turning the headphones on / off, pairing with a device or low battery level, as well as the phone number / name of the contact who is calling you.

In Samsung Level headphones, after installing a special Samsung Level application on a smartphone, it is possible to read content, reminders and messages.

Sound with Me function

Popular headphone models

Choosing the right headphones it will be much easier when you explore the models we recommend.

We hope our review will make it easier for you to choose the right headphones for you. What is more important to you - sound or appearance? Which of the proposed headphones did you like the most? Let us know! We look forward to your comments.

The sound quality depends equally on the source (player, smartphone, tablet) and on the headphones. You cannot achieve a good result by focusing on one link in the chain and forgetting about the other. The absence of external noise significantly improves the perception, so choose headphones with the maximum degree of passive noise isolation. The best choice in this case is in-ear plugs. Much also depends on the quality of the recordings. MP3 in this situation is not the best option. Truly natural sounding is possible only with uncompressed (WAV) or lossless compressed (APE, FLAC) audio files. It is important that the gadget of your choice supports such formats.

Which player do you prefer?

Dedicated audio player or smartphone?

Which headphones to choose?

Headphone selection by parameters

The main criteria for selecting headphones are sound quality and wearing comfort. Passive noise isolation is also important. If, with all this, you want to have an acceptable margin of undistorted loudness, then for your signal source, you should choose a device that is suitable in terms of electrical parameters.

The main criteria for selecting headphones are the quality of their sound and the comfort of wearing. Passive noise isolation is also important. If, with all this, you want to have an acceptable margin of undistorted loudness, then for your signal source, you should choose a device that is suitable in terms of electrical parameters.

2 x 50 mW or more

In terms of parameters and what important characteristics to focus on so that the purchased device meets all desires? After all, this accessory for listening to music differs in configuration, size, appearance and purpose.

The list of the main requirements for headphones: sound quality and volume, noise isolation, sensitivity, power and design that suits the structure of the ear. In addition, the weight of the device and the availability of additional functions (for example, a built-in microphone) are important for buyers. The most important points are always indicated by the manufacturer on the packaging, it remains to learn how to read them. This article will help you to understand in detail the main 7 characteristics of headphones and tell you what parameters and how to choose this accessory.

Sensitivity

Directly related to the volume of the music in the accessory. The parameter depends on the size of the magnetic core used in the design of the headphones and varies between 20 and 130 dB.

What does the headphone sensitivity in dB mean? On the packaging, it is defined as "dB / mW" or "dB / V" and shows the proportion between volume and power or voltage. Adjusting the sound on a portable device and there is a way to change its voltage. This suggests that the same headphones will sound differently at different volumes. In addition, the number of decibels determines the energy efficiency of the headphones: the higher the sensitivity, the more economical the device's battery consumption.

When deciding which sensitivity is better, you need to give your vote in favor of a device where its indicator will not be lower than 100 dB, with lower values ​​the sound will be very quiet, especially if you listen to music on the street. It is important to remember that prolonged listening to sounds louder than 80 dB can lead to fatigue and hearing problems.

How to choose headphones for sensitivity? Today there are no rigid standards by which manufacturers would measure this parameter. Some take measurements at a frequency of 1 kHz, others reduce the readings to 500 Hz, and still others generally take averaged results. The main thing to remember for the average customer is that the higher the sensitivity level, the louder the accessory. This is provided that all other indicators are equal.

Resistance

How to choose the right headphone impedance (ohm)? Considering this criterion, all devices are divided into 2 types: low-resistance and high-resistance, while this gradation is different in large and small accessories. For "kids" all accessories up to 32 Ohm are considered low impedance, with a large number - high impedance. For large specimens - up to 100 ohms and more than 100 ohms, respectively.

The numbers in this parameter indicate the following:

• the lower the resistance, the higher the volume of the accessory, and vice versa;
• the higher the resistance indicator, the more economically the battery charge is consumed;
• the lower this parameter, the more acoustic potential the headphones have.

Of course, you shouldn't rely only on this data, because they are directly interconnected with other parameters of the device.

How to choose the impedance of the headphones (impedance) when buying? If the accessory is purchased for another gadget, you must choose options with low numbers (16-40 ohms). For or the ideal solution will be readings in the range of 50-150 ohms, which guarantees 100% purity of music and speech.

To clearly demonstrate the choice taking into account resistance and sensitivity, it would be correct to make a comparison table of 3 types of headphones. For example, "budget" devices from the middle price segment and an expensive accessory.

frequency range

The standard frequency is usually indicated on the headphone box: 20 Hz-20 kHz. These parameters determine whether the user can hear the sound of a certain frequency through the accessory. So what is the value of the property and how to choose headphones by frequency range?

Schematically, the proportion between loudness and frequency is drawn with a graph called frequency response (AFC). A perfectly straight line on it means the same sound. By specifying the frequency numbers, the manufacturer is essentially describing the length of this straight line. Here are just specific requirements for the characteristic are not specified in any standard.

What should the buyer remember and what frequency should the headphones be? Here are 3 main rules:

1. You should not choose an accessory only by frequency parameters. These numbers will only help filter out the most inappropriate options.
2. When buying, it is necessary to take into account that the specified range is still within the range of 20 Hz-20,000 Hz.
3. To determine the nature of the sound of headphones, it is best to test their capabilities live.

You should be especially careful when purchasing copies, the frequency range of which is very different from the standard one. Many people know that high notes, with a frequency of more than 25 kHz, a person will not hear (but dolphins will hear), which means that this characteristic is most likely just a marketing ploy.

Frequency response curve

This is the same amplitude-frequency characteristic, which was already mentioned above. It depicts the tonal balance of sounds by breaking them down into different frequencies.

To understand the issue in more detail, you need to look at the figure on the left. The graph shows the frequencies and values ​​of each range. Vertical - volume level. Its value is measured in decibels, the increase in sound twice is equal to 6 dB on the graph.

Perfectly clear sound, without hiss and hoarseness, occurs with a line that is as close to a flat line as possible. Manufacturers make such measurements according to the level of SPL (sound pressure), and you can see the measurement results on the official websites of the brand. To navigate the schedule, it is worth looking at a few examples at once.

The graph on the left. Shown here are the frequency response curves for large headphones like.

The lines in the figure represent:

• Green - subjective frequency response, from the indicators of which the measurements are repelled.
• Yellow is an accessory preferred by live music lovers. In recordings of such sounds, as a rule, there is no sharp fluctuation of frequencies.
• Blue - professional headphones for singers and musicians, which emphasize the high frequencies. In such a device, vocals are especially clearly heard.
• Orange - headphones in which sibilants (vowel whistling sounds) are muffled.

The next picture is on the right. It depicts frequency fluctuations for earphones or earbuds (such as). What does it show?

The green curve has the same purpose as in the previous graph. And then:

• Orange line - illustrates equipment with high low frequency response. This is a good option for smartphones and other devices.
• The blue line, on the contrary, shows the headphones, where the high frequencies are especially prominent. Such equipment is intended for musicians, since the voice is heard here more clearly than the music.

To focus on such indicators, you must first decide on the purpose of buying headphones. It is also worth considering that the price depends on the quality of the equipment.

Driver membrane diameter

This indicator in headphones directly affects the sound quality. It is logical that the larger the speaker, the louder and clearer the sound, especially the "lower bass".

If you choose small "droplets" or other headphones of a similar design, then the membrane dimensions here will range from 9 to 12 mm, which clearly does not guarantee the reproduction of high-quality lows.

The most "strong" headphones in this regard are. Their speaker diameters are often over 30mm. It is with this size of the membrane that the ideal depth, clarity and richness of sound can be achieved. And all why? The larger the membrane, the easier it is to improve it. Manufacturers install various "chips", improved magnets, etc. inside the case of such headphones, which ultimately help develop a "deep" sound.

Headphone power

The sound volume will depend on this indicator, but the choice here is more likely based on the equipment to which they are connected. Paying attention to this parameter, it is worth considering a few points:

• what determines this characteristic;
• what is measured and what power is better to choose headphones.

So, the accessory has two powers: the maximum input power, which indicates that this device can be connected to equipment with the same performance, and the nominal. On the contrary, it indicates the size of the signal that the headphones need to reach their peak performance.

The power for which the headphones are designed varies from 1 mW to 5000 mW. If the main goal is to buy an accessory for a smartphone or, then you should not focus on power. It is enough to take into account the sensitivity parameters so that the music plays loudly without overloading the battery.

Harmonic distortion

This property tells about the clarity and clarity of sound in headphones. Measured as a percentage. For a good device, the coefficient does not exceed 0.5%, the equipment with the highest rates already belongs to the category of mediocre ones.

Focusing on these parameters, it is also worth considering the frequency range at which the measurements were made. So, for low-frequency sounds, the distortion rate reaches 10%, for high-frequency sounds (from 100 Hz) - 1% or less. After reading this characteristic on the packaging, one can only roughly judge the sound quality, but to be sure of this parameter, you need to listen to the headphones.

In addition, low-quality (dull) sound in the device may occur during operation or as a result of a breakdown. Why do headphones distort the sound? In most cases, this is due to:

• Bad wire pins - This problem occurs in the headphone jack, which is the weakest part of the design. Especially if you regularly use the accessory in sports and travel, putting the player (or other device) in your pocket. Thus, a large load level falls on the jack, and the wires inside it, from which the wire is frayed. The solution to the problem is to replace the jack or buy new headphones.
• Broken wire inside the device - the "afterlife" voice from the headphones can also appear in the event of a broken wire, which leads to the speaker. It is difficult to notice this defect, since the headphone cable is thin. Even after probing its entire length, one may not understand where the gap is. When repairing, the entire cable must be replaced.
• Water ingress into the earphone - walking in the accessory in the rain or snow, you need to be prepared for moisture getting into the inside of the device. If the headphones are not urgently dried, the water will oxidize the "insides". You can dry the headphones near the battery (it is not recommended to put them on top) or by leaving them in a jar of rice for a couple of hours, which will draw out moisture.
• Broken jacks for connecting equipment - Another reason for distortion and poor sound in the headphones can be an unsuitable jack or broken contacts in it. The latter occurs if you frequently pull the jack back and forth from the jack. In the event of such a breakdown, you need to contact the service center for help.

It is worth fixing these problems if they appear on headphones that have already been in use. When a dull sound, distortion or "pipe" effect occurs in a new device, it is definitely not worth purchasing such an accessory.

Most modern smartphones (and simple mobile phones) come with a wired headset (headphones), but not every pair of standard headphones can boast crisp sound, comfort, and even more design. Listening to music, audiobooks, radio and watching your favorite movies on your smartphone will be much more enjoyable if you choose the right one.

To begin with, you should decide on the type of headphones: earbuds, plug-in (they are also called "plugs", or "plugs"), overhead (among them there are many folding models; sometimes they are called arc), and monitor. In addition, headphones can be wired or. The most suitable for the phone are earbuds, inserts and small overheads. Each of these types has its own advantages: overheads give a more spacious and high-quality sound due to a larger membrane, but they are not as compact as plug-in or overhead; plug-in - comfortable, affordable, but if such headphones are not chosen according to the shape of your auricle, then they can fall out of the ear, which is inconvenient; cork "plugs", on the contrary, sit very tightly in the ear, but not everyone is comfortable wearing such headphones, besides that, doctors do not recommend using them for a long time, this can affect your hearing aid, another important fact is that on the street you may not hear anything except your music, which can be dangerous if you, for example, ride a bike.

To understand which type of headphones suits you best, think about where you will most of all use them with your phone. If they should be invisible and take up little space, then it is better to choose inlays or plug-in ones. For long trips and travels, invoices are more suitable, since they make the head and ears less tired.

Some models of headphones were originally designed specifically for mobile phones, such as. When buying headphones in the online store, carefully read the description, and then you will definitely make the right choice.

Headphone weight

Headphone weight. If for large home headphones weight does not matter most, for a phone, the lighter they are, the better. Wired ones are always easier than wireless ones, since in the latter, the presence of batteries affects the weight. "Liners" usually weigh 5-30 grams; overhead - 40-100 grams.

For connoisseurs of quality sound

The 3.5 mm jack is considered standard. However, in some mobile phones and voice recorders, you can find a 2.5 mm jack. Often, the set with the headphones comes with an additional adapter for 2.5, as well as for 6.3 mm, which is very convenient.

Gold plated connector. You've probably noticed that some headphones have a gold-plated connector. So, the gold plating on the connector and adapter is not accidental. Gold plating is corrosion and oxidation resistance. Better contact means cleaner, better sound.

Important headphone specifications

Diaphragm diameter

Diaphragm diameter, or speaker size. This indicator affects the sound quality. Larger diaphragms reproduce low frequencies better. Again, when choosing headphones for your phone, you are unlikely to plan on buying large monitor headphones. The standard for in-ear headphones is a diaphragm with a diameter of 9-12 mm. For example, on-ear headphones for home use with good bass quality come from 30mm. Large studio headphones can be up to 70mm.

Impedance

Impedance, or nominal AC impedance of the headphone. Technical specifications. In general, for headphones, this figure can be in the range from 1.0 to 820.0 Ohm. And it depends primarily on what technique you are going to use them with. For portable equipment, select models with an impedance of 16-40 ohms. This will provide sufficient volume for low input power.

Band frequency

The frequency of the range can be specified by the manufacturer from 2 to 110,000 Hz. It should not be forgotten that the human ear perceives approximately 20 to 20,000 Hz. If the headphones have a wider range, then you may not notice the difference if your ears are not very sensitive.

Headphone sensitivity

The sensitivity of the headphones can be from 60.0 to 130.0 dB. The sensitivity affects the sound volume in the headphones. If you do not go into the technical side of the issue, then it is worth stopping at headphones with a sensitivity of at least 100 dB, which will provide sufficient volume on the street and in noisy places.

Cord length

The cable length in wired headphones primarily affects their comfortable use. For a phone, the optimal length is earphones of 80-120 cm, depending on where the phone will be: in a bag, jacket pocket or jeans pocket.

Replaceable ear pads

The number of pairs of interchangeable ear pads included. Some headphones may have only one pair, others - 3. The number of ear pads that come with in-ear headphones can be important, since it can be problematic to buy them additionally. By the way, ear pads are detachable parts of the headphones that fit directly to the ear. Sometimes the kit comes across pairs of different sizes so that the user can choose the size for himself.

Additional benefits:

Waterproof case. Yes, and the headphones are waterproof

Airplane adapter. If you fly often, then you may need such an adapter so that you can connect your headphones in the cabin to use the internal audio system.