By Steve Holdgren

Top quality headphones seem to be getting more and more expensive these days. Heaphones with similar quality, but not the desiner name, can be had under the $50 mark. Just because they are cheap doesn’t mean they are lacking in sound quality. These lightweight but still a little bulky, so you may find them to be troublesome as travel headphones. These headphones produce highly detailed music that effectively blocks out other sounds in the room. The bass is powerful without sounding fuzzy; the highs and mids are clear and sharp. The headphones are fairly comfortable to wear for extended periods thanks to the thick padding on the ear cups. These help with noise isolation as well. Those who have physically sensitive ears or a large head may find the pressure the ear pads exert uncomfortable after a while. For the price, however, you can’t go wrong with this JVC set.

Steve Holdgren is an engineer by trade and has worked for some of the largest energy related engineering firms in the world with his latest stint in Switzerland. He holds a degree is mechanical engineering… See more about Steve

Prices

By Steve Holdgren

As far as budget headphones go, these are an excellent choice. For around $20 to $30, everything is just right. They may not compete with some of the more expensive options out there when it comes to noise isolation or bass levels, but that’s expected at this price level. These headphones are very light weight and have adequate padding. This means your head and ears won’t feel any discomfort after long sessions. They sounded great out of the box, but I felt that they lacked some bass. Mid to high tones came through crystal clear. Some adjustments to the graphic EQ on my laptop for bass levels really made a difference. That could be a downside for some users and the option is not always available. I also had to turn the volume up pretty high to get a good level, this may end up being a problem from certain sources. If you are in need of some headphones and aren’t looking to spend a lot of cash, these will do the trick.

Steve Holdgren is an engineer by trade and has worked for some of the largest energy related engineering firms in the world with his latest stint in Switzerland. He holds a degree is mechanical engineering… See more about Steve

Prices

By Steve Holdgren

If you’re an audiophile who wants to enjoy the full richness of sound, then you need a good set of headphones. We looked at a number of headphones and selected our 10 favorites based on several factors:

1. Comfortable wearing even for extended periods of time
2. Clear, sharp highs, steady mids, and tight lows
3. A powerful bass without distortion or muddiness
4. A long enough cable for some mobility
5. Compatibility with home stereo systems, computers, and mp3 players
6. Stylish, lightweight design that isn’t too bulky

Headphones Buying Guide

Understanding Sound Quality When Buying Headphones

People buy headphones for various purposes. Some just want a simple set that they can wear on the go, while they read or study, and while they exercise. They may not care about having the best possible quality, as long as they can hear the music clearly and block out most ambient noise.

Audiophiles, professional sound engineers, and recording artists demand the best sound quality from their headphones. They want a set that’s comfortable to wear for long periods of time but still allows for the full range of sounds.

Whether you’re a casual music listener or an avid collector of sound equipment, it’s worthwhile to review the basics of sound quality so you understand what manufacturers are talking about when they claim their headphones are the best.

Sound perception varies from person to person. The best way to select new headphones is to try them out yourself at the store. Because everyone has different shaped heads and ears, they’ll perceive music and sound differently, especially since headphones pipe music directly into the ears. Hence, it’s important to try on different headphones not only to see which ones are comfortable to wear, but to get an idea of how rich and full the music sounds.

Consider the following questions:

• Does the sound come out clear with no distortions or muddiness?
• Is the bass clear, powerful, and controlled?
  • You don’t want a bass so strong that it overpowers the vocals and lighter sounds.
  • Some headphones have shaking technology that lets you feel as well as hear the thumping bass.
• Are the high sounds tinny or smooth?
• Is there a distinguishable hiss with a wireless set?

For long periods of use, you need a comfortable fit. Many modern headphones are incredibly lightweight, but make sure you’re comfortable wearing a set for an extended time. Padded surfaces are a must—including the headband. With circumaural headphones, you want a good seal over the ears, but make sure it’s not so tight that it puts undue pressure on your ears and head. Some headphones make your ears heat up or feel tingly if you wear them too long.

Being able to adjust your headphones is critical, especially if you’re a professional who wears them a lot. The headband should adjust for different head sizes, and pivoting ear cups making getting a comfortable position easier. Unless they’re wireless, headphones typically come with a cord anywhere from 6 to 10 feet. Some have a Y split in the cord, with each end connecting to an ear cup. Headphones with a single-sided cord allow for more freedom of motion.

Understanding Other Sound Terms

Frequency: Headphones capture the complete range of sounds that humans can hear, from 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz. The question is how well they reproduce those frequencies. Any low frequencies below 20 Hz aren’t audible, but you can sometimes feel them.

Sensitivity: Headphones measure their loudness efficiency in terms of decibels per milliwatt of power. You want a high sensitivity number of at least 100 dB if you’re using a portable device. The lower the sensitivity, the harder the headphones have to work to sound as loud as those with high sensitivity.

Impedance: Impedance is measured in ohms and it relates to how much resistance the headphones put on an amplifier. Most headphones for professional and commercial use have impedances under 100 ohms. The higher the impedance, the more power you’ll need.

Steve Holdgren is an engineer by trade and has worked for some of the largest energy related engineering firms in the world with his latest stint in Switzerland. He holds a degree is mechanical engineering… See more about Steve

Featured Headphones Articles

Choose the Right Pair of Headphones

There are many types of headphones out there on the market. They all have their pro and cons, right and wrong situations, and you have your preferences. This will be a quick overview on how to choose what type of headphones will work best… [more]

Recognizing the Different Types of Headphones

There are three main types of headphones, and their names relate to how they fit over the ears. Each headphone type has its special attributes and drawbacks. Supra-Aural – Also Called: On-ear, open-back, open-air headphones … [more]

Noise-Canceling Headphones: Active vs. Passive

You’re settling in for a long flight and you want to listen to music to help you relax. The ear pads fit right over your ears, but the roar from the engines overpowers the sounds coming from the headphones. That’s the frustrating situation Amar Bose found himself in back in 1978; within 10 years … [more]

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Best Wireless Headphones

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Top 10 MP3 Players

While MP3 players vary in their size, capacity, and functions, we found ten models that scored well in the most important aspects: 1. High-quality audio, video, and/or pictures, 2. Ease of navigation with buttons and menus … [more]

Best Noise Cancelling Headphones

Listening to music on the go is becoming increasingly popular due to the flooding of smartphones that are capable of storing our entire music libraries. Since we are out and about while we are catching some tunes, there is bound to be some distracting environmental noise… [more]

More Headphones

Back to Best Headphones

There are many types of headphones out there on the market. They all have their pro and cons, right and wrong situations, and you have your preferences. This will be a quick overview on how to choose what type of headphones will work best for you.

Earbuds

Earbuds have become very popular as mobile music devices flood the market. Now we have our music on our persons at all times. Earbuds have become the best way to travel lightly with our music. They weight almost nothing and take up virtually no space. Those are the good things. Sound quality for most earbuds isn’t bad, but they always seem to be lacking just a little bit of the full range bigger headphones offer.

Noise Cancelling Headphones

Noise cancelling headphones are going to be your best bet if you are a constant traveler, mass transit commuter, office listener, or library hermit. These types of headphones are capable of keeping environmental and ambient noise out while keeping the sound of your music in. No one disturbs you and you disturb no one. It’s a pretty great feeling to know you can create your own quiet place with your favorite tunes just about anywhere. Sound quality is also going to be very impressive on a pair of noise cancelling headphones. And it should be since you will be hearing as much of the music that you possibly can.

Wireless Headphones

Wireless headphones are important for many reasons. Most importantly, the ability to listen to your music on a portable device and not worry about getting tangled in the cord or yanking it out is a dream. These headphones are going to be perfect for those who mostly listen on their cell phones. Most headphones and smartphones are capable of interacting with each other effortlessly. Plus more often then not a pair of wireless headphones has a mic built-in so you can take calls without digging out your phone. Very convenient. The sound quality here will not beat out a pair of noise cancelling headphones, but it’s usually pretty good for those who like listen on the go.

As always, know weigh the pros and cons of all possible options and make the right choice on what is going to work best for you, your music listening habits, and your wallet.

Brian Jones has had a passion for photography and anything related for the majority of his life. One photography class in high school was all it took to get hooked on everything to do with the subject. He became more focused on learning about camera… See more about Brian

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Listening to music on the go is becoming increasingly popular due to the flooding of smartphones that are capable of storing our entire music libraries. Since we are out and about while we are catching some tunes, there is bound to be some distracting environmental noise… [more]

Top 10 Earbuds

We are constantly on the go in the world of today. It could be on the way to school, work, or some exotic location on the other side of the planet. No matter what the situation, we are going to have our music. Earbuds are a great way to keep your load down while continuing to enjoy your favorite music or videos on the go. We rated 10 pairs of earbuds… [more]

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The word “wireless” has been sneaking its way into just about every electronic device we can think of. It started with cell phones, moved to the internet in our homes and we can even charge some of our devices wirelessly. A really great wireless innovation is headphones… [more]

Best Headphones

If you’re an audiophile who wants to enjoy the full richness of sound, then you need a good set of headphones. We looked at a number of headphones and selected our 10 favorites based on several factors: Comfortable wearing even for extended periods of time… [more]

By Steve Holdgren

For an inexpensive gaming headset, the Plantronics GameCon 367 has a comfortable fit and sturdy construction of durable plastic. We were impressed by the option to tuck up the boom mic when you’re not using it. The overall sound quality is good if not excellent; however, gamers have noted that the sound quality vastly improves with an amplifier, bringing the highs, mids, and lows to life. The bass especially becomes deep and booming enough that you can feel it as much as hear it. The volume control is within easy reach. While the closed-ear headset fits comfortably over the ears, they can make your ears feel warm after a time, and they don’t block out ambient noise. However, we were impressed with the overall quality and the affordable price of $24.84.

Quick Specs

• Closed-ear gaming headset
• Hidden mic boom
• 50 mm stereo speakers
• 8.8” x 12” x 4.2”
• 1.1 lbs.

Steve Holdgren is an engineer by trade and has worked for some of the largest energy related engineering firms in the world with his latest stint in Switzerland. He holds a degree is mechanical engineering… See more about Steve

Prices

There are three main types of headphones, and their names relate to how they fit over the ears. Each headphone type has its special attributes and drawbacks.

• Supra-Aural
  • Also Called: On-ear, open-back, open-air headphones
  • Sit over the ears with soft padded ear cups.
  • Don’t block ambient noise.
  • Leak music for others to hear.

• Circumaural
  • Also Called: Closed-back, around-ear headphones
  • Create a seal around the ears, blocking out a lot of ambient noise.
  • Don’t bleed music to the outside.
  • Higher sound quality.
  • Usually heavier, bulkier, and less comfortable to wear for extended periods.

• In-ear
  • Also Called: Earbuds, canal headphones
  • Sit inside the ear, either at the outside (earbuds) or inside the canal.
  • Canal headphones create a tight seal within the ear, improving sound quality.
  • Vary in how well they fit and stay in place.

JB Burden has been reviewing, and researching TVs and Electronics for more than 9 years. His topical “interests” include pixel orbiters, louvered screen filters, and in-plane switching panels… among other things. See more about JB

More Headphones Articles

Noise-Canceling Headphones: Active vs. Passive

You’re settling in for a long flight and you want to listen to music to help you relax. The ear pads fit right over your ears, but the roar from the engines overpowers the sounds coming from the headphones. That’s the frustrating situation Amar Bose found himself in back in 1978; within 10 years … [more]

Related Top 10 Lists

Top 10 Headphones

If you’re an audiophile who wants to enjoy the full richness of sound, then you need a good set of headphones. We looked at a number of headphones and selected our 10 favorites based on several factors … [more]

You’re settling in for a long flight and you want to listen to music to help you relax. The ear pads fit right over your ears, but the roar from the engines overpowers the sounds coming from the headphones. That’s the frustrating situation Amar Bose found himself in back in 1978; within 10 years Bose had developed the first noise-canceling headphones that block out ambient noises.

Passive

Headphones can passively muffle sounds by virtue of their heavy materials that block sound waves. With circum-aural headphones fitted over the ears, outside noise is dampened by about 15 to 20 decibels. That’s not bad if you’re riding a bus or walking down a street, but if you’re on an airplane, you’re still competing against the engines, which typically run at around 80 decibels. Passive noise-canceling headphones just won’t cut it in that case.

Active

Certain headphones can actively cancel out ambient noise. Like passive headphones, their very structure creates a barrier against high-frequency sound waves. However, they also erase lower-frequency waves by creating their own sound waves that cancel out incoming noises.

Confused? Think of ocean waves, the way they have crests, or high points, and troughs, or low points. Sound waves work in much the same way. Noise-canceling headphones create sound waves that match the incoming sound waves in frequency and amplitude, but the crests and troughs are inverted. The dueling sound waves essentially cancel one another out. This process is called destructive interference, but don’t worry—the only thing the headphones are destroying is the ambient noise around you.

The Costs

Are noise-canceling headphones perfect? No. They reduce ambient noise by about 70 percent, which is generally enough for airline passengers to focus on the music they want to hear. But the headphones can also muffle some of the sounds of your music, too, so you may not experience the best sound quality.

The Benefits

While noise-canceling headphones can’t completely block out ambient noise, they come pretty close. There’s really no other way to enjoy music or some peace and quiet on a noisy trip. You can wear the noise-blocking headphones even without music just to muffle all the sounds coming at you. Too much low-frequency noise for extended periods of time really wears you out. And if you’re wearing headphones, fellow plane or bus passengers are less likely to disturb you.

JB Burden has been reviewing, and researching TVs and Electronics for more than 9 years. His topical “interests” include pixel orbiters, louvered screen filters, and in-plane switching panels… among other things. See more about JB

More Headphones Articles

Recognizing the Different Types of Headphones

There are three main types of headphones, and their names relate to how they fit over the ears. Each headphone type has its special attributes and drawbacks. Supra-Aural – Also Called: On-ear, open-back, open-air headphones … [more]

Related Top 10 Lists

Top 10 Headphones

If you’re an audiophile who wants to enjoy the full richness of sound, then you need a good set of headphones. We looked at a number of headphones and selected our 10 favorites based on several factors … [more]

By Steve Holdgren

These headphones from Audio-Technica offer professional sound quality with startling clarity. They’re getting on the pricey end of the spectrum at $50.98, but you’re getting the high quality sound you’d expect from an expensive headphone set. The highs, mids, and lows are all clear and rich without sounding fuzzy. You won’t hear much of what’s going on around you once you’re absorbed in the music; outsiders won’t be bothered by sounds bleeding out of the headphones, either. We like the single-side exit for the cable, which gives you a bit more mobility.

Steve Holdgren is an engineer by trade and has worked for some of the largest energy related engineering firms in the world with his latest stint in Switzerland. He holds a degree is mechanical engineering… See more about Steve

Prices

By Steve Holdgren

A high-quality monitor headphone set from Panasonic, this model features a classic retro design with a leather headband, large cans, and puffy ear pads. The headphones are adjustable using piano wire sliders. For a $29.51 set of headphones, it’s quite durable and easily portable if you want to connect it to your mp3 player while you’re on the go. The 4-foot cord is long enough, but you can purchase an extension cord if you like listening to music at home from your stereo. We were impressed by the powerful, detailed sound on all levels. It’s great at reducing muddiness and distortion.

Steve Holdgren is an engineer by trade and has worked for some of the largest energy related engineering firms in the world with his latest stint in Switzerland. He holds a degree is mechanical engineering… See more about Steve

Prices

By Steve Holdgren

You can spend over $100 for top of the line headphones, or you can get similar quality for just $32.48 with these full-size headphones from JVC. Lightweight and easily portable with a fold-up design, these headphones produce highly detailed music that effectively blocks out other sounds in the room. The bass is powerful without sounding fuzzy; the highs and mids are clear and sharp. The headphones are fairly comfortable to wear for extended periods; if you have sensitive ears or a large head, you may find the pressure the ear pads exert uncomfortable after a while. For the price, however, you can’t go wrong with this JVC set.

Steve Holdgren is an engineer by trade and has worked for some of the largest energy related engineering firms in the world with his latest stint in Switzerland. He holds a degree is mechanical engineering… See more about Steve

Prices

By Steve Holdgren

Sennheiser is known for its professional-quality headphones, and with this set you can receive excellent sound for an affordable price of $18.98. The ear pads are comfortable if you have small to normal-sized ears; if your ears are longer you may find it difficult wearing these headphones for extended periods of time. The headphones produce a low, deep bass with no distortion thanks to the turbine diaphragms. You may find the 10-foot cord cumbersome, but it comes with a convenient belt clip that pulls up the slack so you can move around. Overall, we were impressed with the fine quality of sound and the reasonable price.

Steve Holdgren is an engineer by trade and has worked for some of the largest energy related engineering firms in the world with his latest stint in Switzerland. He holds a degree is mechanical engineering… See more about Steve

Prices

By Steve Holdgren

A quality headphone set from Sony, these stereo headphones provide powerful sound with great detail and range. There’s just enough bass to give music and movies richness and depth, and even with a lot of bass there’s no distortion. We liked using the sound mode switch to adjust the bass for movies or music so you can enjoy the specific qualities of both. The 3.3-foot copper cord is long enough to let you move around a bit, although you’ll probably be most comfortable sitting back and listening to the music. The soft, cushioned ear pads are comfortable to wear for extended periods of time, even if they look huge and bulky. The headphones are available for $20.85.

Steve Holdgren is an engineer by trade and has worked for some of the largest energy related engineering firms in the world with his latest stint in Switzerland. He holds a degree is mechanical engineering… See more about Steve

Prices

By Steve Holdgren

If you like the fine quality of over-the-ears headphones but wish you had the freedom to move around the house while you listen to music without dragging a long cord, then the Sennheiser wireless headphone set may be the perfect choice. The headphones come with a charging cradle that can be wall-mounted. The headphones connect to a stereo system, TV, or computer, and you’re free to walk anywhere in the house and even outside, given the 328-foot range. The sound quality is quite clear, sharp, and powerful. The only flaw we see (or hear) is the barely-there hiss that grows louder the farther you travel from the base. Overall, however, these $54.99 headphones are the way to go if you like a wireless option.

Steve Holdgren is an engineer by trade and has worked for some of the largest energy related engineering firms in the world with his latest stint in Switzerland. He holds a degree is mechanical engineering… See more about Steve

Prices

By Steve Holdgren

If you want to enjoy the full quality of sound while you exercise or go about your daily business, then you probably need small earbuds instead of bulky over-the-ears headphones. The Bose IE2 audio headphones fit the bill perfectly. Designed to be extremely lightweight and comfortable, they come with tips in three sizes so they stay put even if you’re jogging or dancing. Bose doesn’t skimp on the sound quality, either. You’ll hear the full range of sounds, from clear highs to deep bass without distortion. These are probably the best earbud headphones you can find, providing a clear, natural sound, and they’re available for $99.95.

Steve Holdgren is an engineer by trade and has worked for some of the largest energy related engineering firms in the world with his latest stint in Switzerland. He holds a degree is mechanical engineering… See more about Steve

Prices

By Steve Holdgren

For comfortable, inexpensive earbuds that provide sharp sound, you won’t be disappointed by the JBuds noise-reducing earbuds. Ideal for people who find over-the-ear headphones uncomfortable to wear for long periods, these earbuds are designed so you almost forget they’re there in your ears. The sound quality is remarkably clear, too, considering that these are $9.95 headphones. You won’t get the full depth of sound you would expect from circumaural headphones, but it’s still sharp and the bass doesn’t muddy. If you’re a student or someone who travels by air frequently, you’ll appreciate how the buds muffle ambient sounds, too.

Steve Holdgren is an engineer by trade and has worked for some of the largest energy related engineering firms in the world with his latest stint in Switzerland. He holds a degree is mechanical engineering… See more about Steve

Prices