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What Should I Consider When Buying Headphones?

Phil Shepley
Phil Shepley

There are many considerations that you must make when buying headphones, and there are a great number of types to choose from. Obviously, the first thing you need to think about is the price range in which you are willing to spend. The next thing to consider when buying headphones is the purpose that they will be used for.

There are many different types of media that can use headphones, including portable music devices, home stereos, home computers, laptops, phones and more. There are also many different options for each type of use, and you will need to find a pair that fits your needs as well as your style. Another consideration to think about is the quality of the headphones and the sound that they output, as well as if you need additional features such as a built-in microphone, which will be essential if the headphones are going to be used for business purposes.

Earbud headphones and headphone jack.
Earbud headphones and headphone jack.

Usually the first thing to think about when purchasing headphones is the dynamic range of the sound, or in other words, the amount of bass and treble that you hear when using them. If you are using the headphones to talk on a cell phone, you might be more interested in headphones with a smaller range that can filter out a lot of background noise and allow you to hear voices more clearly. However, if you are using them to listen to hi-fidelity musical recordings, you will probably want the best possible range for your dollar. Other headphones offer noise cancellation features that silence sounds that exist around you, giving you peace and quiet when necessary.

Noise cancelling headphones.
Noise cancelling headphones.

Sometimes the point of buying headphones is the opposite of getting peace and quiet. Such is the case with gaming headphones, or ones that are made to play video games with. These feature surround sound and often have built-in microphones so you can talk to others while gaming. Headphones that feature surround sound like this are also great for portable DVD viewing devices and laptops, when you want to immerse yourself in a movie or video.

Individuals whose exercises require significant movement should invest in a pair of headphones that can be clipped into place.
Individuals whose exercises require significant movement should invest in a pair of headphones that can be clipped into place.

Along with all the features of headphones, one of the main things to consider while looking for a pair is style. Nowadays there are styles and colors to fit practically any personality, from plain to flashy. Along with style comes comfort, and there are many different forms of headphones, including ear buds, wraparound headphones, headsets and many more to choose from.

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    • Earbud headphones and headphone jack.
      Earbud headphones and headphone jack.
    • Noise cancelling headphones.
      By: Artistic Endeavor
      Noise cancelling headphones.
    • Individuals whose exercises require significant movement should invest in a pair of headphones that can be clipped into place.
      By: AntonioDiaz
      Individuals whose exercises require significant movement should invest in a pair of headphones that can be clipped into place.
    • High-end headband headphones are usually designed to provide the best sound quality possible.
      By: Warren Goldswain
      High-end headband headphones are usually designed to provide the best sound quality possible.