You might have heard of truly powerful headphones such as the Dolby Atmos headphones but might have also considered looking for cheaper alternatives, which is why we’re going to discuss the key questions you need to ask yourself before you make your purchase.
Whether you’re here because you’re looking into better headphones for work or leisure, we’ve got you covered on the low down on what to look out for:
Sound Quality
Whether you’re after active noise cancellation (ANC), extra bass boost, emphasis on treble, or speech clarity, there are tons of headphones specifically designed to ensure that your sound needs are met.
Though there are ways to work your equalizer at home to make any headphones reach the optimal sound you’re looking for, some headphones are pre-equipped to hit specific sound quality at preset for your convenience, and there are also others that, no matter how much you tweak your equalizer, just fail to produce the clarity you’re looking for.
Precisely because of this, it is still better to purchase the right headphones that will fulfill your ears’ desires.
Price Range
The best part about a well-developed and progressive industry is that since music production and tech are constantly advancing their ideas, there is a whole assemblage of selections to choose from for the perfect headphones for you.
More importantly, there’s one that will meet your budget.
If you’re looking to splurge, the best-and-tested brands out there will always have a new model that will match your needs.
If you’re looking to save up, you can always do a whole product test before purchase to ensure that the value for your money is still satisfactory.
Plug and Play
Connectivity is everything these days. This is why where you plug your earphones into matters. Where will you be connecting it to?
Is it on your phone, on a tablet, a PC, or your laptop? You might want to check connectivity concerns before buying to ensure that if they’re wireless, the Bluetooth functions are compatible.
If you’re looking for wired headphones, certain phones won’t have the proper audio jack features, which might be troublesome for you if you need to purchase and keep an adapter for every use.
Additionally, contemporary headphones require you to install apps to go with the device.
This might seem a bit of a trouble as it adds more preparation on your end; however, this can also be a good thing as the apps that go with your device often allow you more control over the sound quality it can produce, such as its equalizer.
Look and Feel
Portability is something you should also consider if you’re bringing your headphones with you wherever you go.
If you’re one to not want to bring a bag or a purse with you, it might be best to look into earbuds or earphones that can fit your pocket or to choose a headphone with a design that will match most of what you wear if you’re conscious about fashion.
As for comfort, ensure that the headphones you’re getting fit snugly. In-ear types of earphones come with different-sized tips for you to replace or switch so you can select a specific tip that fits your ear perfectly.
Others who aren’t comfortable with in-ear types are more comfortable with a classic over-the-ear design.
Headphones, on the other hand, might be troublesome for those who care about their hair as the design has possibilities of messing up your ‘do.
Primary Purpose
Are you looking to use them for working out or for active movements? If so, you might look more into ones that are waterproof or sweatproof.
If you’re using them for meetings, you should look into ones that are designed with an excellent mic.
If you’re an audiophile, then sound quality and being able to modify sound might be the priority. If you’re getting one for commuting, portability and dust resistance should go together.
Or are you a gamer or streamer looking into a better upgrade? If so, you need one that doesn’t just have an excellent mic but also can enhance background or sound effects.
Additionally, if you’re getting them for kids or people with smaller heads, then comfortable sizing and fit should be of utmost priority.
Certain features such as extra control–be it through tapping functions or a built-in remote on the wires–also come into play when you go back to why you’re getting them or at least how you’ll primarily be using them.
Most of all, if the purpose is clear, then considering the battery life of your headphones should match your primary goal.
If you’re looking into unpredictable lengths of use, you might as well go back to a wired one that will last so long as it is connected to your device.
If you’re using it for your commute or travel, then a piece that has at least 20 hours of playback should be good enough.
At the end of the day, however, the most important factor you should consider in choosing the right headphones is why you’re getting them in the first place.
All else will fall into place when you look back on the top priority of your purchase.