We use headphones for music, calls and work, but the choice is huge and the prices varied. Some suit sport, others travel and others company calls. Let us explain what types exist and how to choose the right ones.

Types of headphones

  • In-ear are small earbuds, light and portable, ideal for travel and sport.
  • Over-ear cover the whole ear, offering the best sound and comfort for long wear.
  • On-ear are something in between, smaller than over-ear.

Wired versus wireless

  • Wireless connect via Bluetooth, are comfortable and cable-free, but need charging and have a slight delay.
  • Wired need no battery, have no delay and tend to be cheaper at the same sound quality.

Noise cancelling (ANC)

Active noise cancelling (ANC) filters out the surrounding noise, which you appreciate on a plane, public transport or in a busy office. Many headphones also have a transparency mode that lets the surroundings through when you need to hear what is going on.

What to look at

  • Purpose: music, calls, work or gaming.
  • Comfort, especially if you wear them for a long time.
  • Microphone quality, if you make calls often.
  • Battery life for wireless ones.
  • Codecs for better wireless sound, which we write about in the article on Bluetooth.

What for whom

  • Sport: sturdy in-ear that stay in the ear.
  • Travel: over-ear with ANC for peace and quiet.
  • Calls and work: headphones with a quality microphone, similar to a webcam and microphone.
  • Gaming: low delay and a good microphone.

Choosing headphones and cannot decide? Get in touch, we will advise based on what you will use them for most. If you are looking for sound from a computer, see also how to choose speakers.