How to Choose the Right Headphones & Earphones: A Comprehensive Buying Guide

Andrew Wang

Sep 5, 2024 — 7 min read

Whether you're an audiophile, commuter, fitness pro or just someone who enjoys a good podcast, finding the right headphones or earphones can significantly enhance your listening experience. This guide will walk you through the key factors to consider to ensure you select the best audio device for your needs and preferences.

Determine the Type

The first step in choosing the right headphones or earphones is to determine the type that best suits your lifestyle:

In-ear Earphones

In-ear earphones are ultra-compact and lightweight, making them perfect for on-the-go lifestyles and physical activities. They fit snugly inside the ear canal, providing good noise isolation and secure placement, which prevents them from falling out during vigorous movements. Ideal for commuters and fitness enthusiasts, in-ear earphones are discreet and portable, easily stored in a small carrying case. For a more detailed comparison of in-ear options against other types, see our comprehensive guide on Earphones vs Earbuds vs Headphones.

On-ear Headphones

On-ear headphones offer a balance between portability and sound quality, resting comfortably on the outer ears without completely enveloping them. They are lighter and less bulky than over-ear models, making them suitable for use in the office or during commutes. While they provide better sound fidelity than in-ear options, they allow for some ambient sound to reach the ears, keeping you aware of your surroundings.

Over-ear Headphones

Over-ear headphones deliver superior sound quality and exceptional comfort, featuring large earpads that fully encompass the ears. They are designed for extended listening sessions, offering plush padding and excellent noise isolation, both passively and through active noise cancellation technologies. Best suited for home entertainment, professional audio work and environments where audio precision and immersion are desired. Learn more about how they compare with on-ear models in our article, on-ear vs over-ear headphones.

Consider Wired vs. Wireless

Wired Headphones & Earphones

Wired headphones and earphones are renowned for their superior sound quality, primarily because they can transmit audio without any compression. This direct connection preserves audio fidelity, making them popular among audiophiles, musicians and audio professionals.

The reliability of a wired connection means there's no worry about latency or interference, which is crucial during live performances or audio editing. Because they don’t require batteries, users can enjoy the convenience of not charging. The simplicity of plug-and-play without the need to pair the device or manage Bluetooth settings is also user-friendly.

Wireless Headphones & Earphones

Wireless or Bluetooth headphones and earphones offer convenience and flexibility, making them a favourite choice for many, especially those who dislike cables. The absence of a physical connection allows users to move freely — making exercising and commuting easier. Many wireless headphones and earphones now have features like on-device controls for volume adjustment, track skipping and activating voice assistants, enhancing usability and interaction.

However, the need to manage battery life is a consideration. The good news is advanced models offer extended battery life that can support long hours of listening and quick charging.

Sound Quality

The sound profile of headphones or earphones is the way they reproduce sound, particularly how they handle different frequencies such as lows (bass), mids and highs (treble). Understanding and choosing the right sound profile is essential depending on your audio preferences:

Balanced Sound: A balanced or flat sound profile aims to reproduce audio as accurately as possible without enhancing any particular frequency. This profile is favoured by audiophiles and professionals who want a true representation of the original recording, ideal for classical music or jazz.
Enhanced Bass: Some headphones and earphones boost lower frequencies to provide a more powerful bass response. This can enrich the listening experience for genres like hip-hop, electronic or pop music, where a deep, thumping bass is desirable.
Vibrant Treble: Devices that emphasise higher frequencies are great for listeners who prefer clarity in vocals and high-pitched instruments. This profile can make the audio feel more lively and is often preferred for acoustic and vocal-heavy music.

Drivers

Headphone and earphone drivers convert the electrical signals into sound. The size of these drivers plays a critical role in determining overall sound quality.

Driver Size and Sound Quality: Larger drivers produce better sound quality. They move more air, making it easier to generate a more powerful bass and a richer, fuller sound. In headphones, driver sizes typically range from about 20mm to 50mm. Over-ear headphones often use larger drivers than on-ear models due to the additional space within the earpads.
Earphones and Driver Size: In earphones, where space is limited, drivers can range from about 8mm to 15mm. Despite their smaller size, modern technology and design innovations allow these small drivers to produce excellent audio quality.
Volume and Efficiency: Larger drivers are also more efficient at converting electrical energy into sound, which means they can produce the same volume level as smaller drivers but with less power. This can be particularly advantageous in passive listening devices where power consumption is a concern.

Comfort and Fit

Ear Tips for Earphones

Choose earphones that come with multiple sizes of ear tips, including silicone and memory foam options, to ensure a comfortable fit and improved noise isolation. Memory foam tips are particularly beneficial as they adapt to the shape of your ear canal, enhancing comfort and blocking out ambient noise more effectively.

Headband and Earpads for Headphones

Look for headphones with padded headbands and earpads made from breathable materials to enhance comfort during prolonged use. Adequate padding helps distribute weight evenly, while breathable fabrics prevent heat buildup, making long listening sessions more comfortable.

Noise Cancellation Features

Active Noise Cancellation (ANC)

Active Noise Cancellation technology is especially valuable in headphones for those who travel frequently or work in noisy environments. Here’s how it works:

Technology: ANC headphones use built-in microphones to detect ambient noise from the surrounding environment. The headphones then produce a counteracting sound wave that is phase-inverted by 180 degrees to the unwanted noise. This sound wave effectively cancels out the incoming noise before it reaches the listener's ears.
Use Cases: ANC is particularly effective against constant, low-frequency sounds, such as the hum of an aeroplane engine, office air conditioning or traffic noise, making it ideal for commuters and travellers.
Battery Dependency: ANC technology requires power to function, so these headphones will need to be charged regularly. Adding a layer of processing to ANC can also impact the overall sound quality, and in some cases, it might introduce a slight hissing sound when activated in very quiet environments. In wireless headphones, the ANC function may also drain battery life faster.

Passive Noise Isolation

Passive noise isolation, unlike ANC, does not rely on technology but rather on the physical design of the headphones to block out sound.

Design Factors: Passive noise isolation effectiveness is determined by how well the earpads or ear tips seal your ears from external sounds. Over-ear headphones generally provide the best passive isolation due to their size and the way they envelop the ears. In-ear headphones can also offer excellent isolation if the ear tips form a good seal within the ear canal.
Materials and Fit: The materials used in the ear pads or tips also contribute to noise isolation. Softer materials like memory foam are excellent for creating a seal and are comfortable as well. However, the exact fit can vary significantly from person to person.
No Power Required: Unlike ANC, passive isolation does not require any power to function, so it doesn’t drain battery life and can be found in both wired and wireless models.

Durability and Build Quality

Materials

The choice of materials used in the construction of headphones and earphones significantly impacts their durability, comfort and overall performance.

Durable Plastics and Metals: Many high-quality headphones and earphones are constructed from premium plastics and metals. These materials are chosen for their strength, flexibility and ability to withstand the wear and tear of regular use. Metals, often used in the framework, provide structural integrity and a premium feel, while advanced plastics can offer durability without adding excessive weight.
Reinforced Cables: The cable is often a weak point in wired headphones. Look for headphones with reinforced cables designed to resist tangling and physical damage. Some cables are braided with materials like Kevlar or covered in thick, protective rubber, which can extend the life of the headphones.
Quality of Construction: Build quality, including how components are assembled and the solidity of the joints, also affects durability. Well-constructed headphones can handle the stress of being carried in a bag or worn around the neck.

Water Resistance

Water resistance is particularly important for earphones used during exercise or in outdoor environments.

IPX Ratings: The water resistance of electronic devices, including earphones, is often indicated by an IPX rating. This rating system shows how well the device can prevent ingress from moisture and dust. For sports earphones, a minimum of IPX4 (splashproof) is often recommended, which protects against sweat and light rain.
Higher IPX Ratings: For more intense activities or environments, higher IPX ratings like IPX7 or IPX8 indicate that the device can be submerged in water to certain depths for specified durations, offering greater protection. This feature is valuable for swimmers or for use in all weather conditions.
Non-IPX Options: While not all devices come with official IPX ratings, some are still designed to be sweat-resistant and can handle light moisture. Always check the manufacturer's specifications and user reviews to gauge real-world performance.

Additional Features

Wireless Connectivity: If opting for wireless models, check the type of Bluetooth supported (such as Bluetooth 5.0) and ensure it is compatible with your device for optimal performance. This is important for maintaining a stable connection and achieving maximum range and sound quality.
Microphone and Controls: This is useful for hands-free calls and easy control over music playback. Check the microphone's clarity if you plan to make calls or play games.
Voice Assistant Integration: Some headphones and earphones now come with buttons or voice commands that activate virtual assistants like Siri, Google Assistant or Alexa. This feature can be helpful for setting reminders, making appointments or obtaining real-time information hands-free.
Compatibility: Ensure the headphones or earphones are compatible with your devices, especially in terms of software or connector types, such as USB-C or Apple Lightning.

Budget

Prices can vary greatly based on brand, features and quality. Determine how much you are willing to spend. Consider the warranty period and customer support offered by the manufacturer, which can save you money and hassle in the long run.

Making the Right Call

Choosing the right headphones or earphones involves balancing various factors, including type, sound quality, comfort and budget. By considering how and where you'll use them most, you can prioritise the features that matter most to you and make a decision that enhances your audio experience.

Ready to upgrade your listening experience? Mwave offers a wide range of headphones and earphones with the latest technology to deliver exceptional sound. If you need some assistance choosing the right audio device, check out our Headphone and Headset Finder tool. Find your perfect pair at Mwave today.