Which headphones are right for you?

The basic terms you need to know:

Wired headphones plug into your audio source, therefore they need to be compatible with your phone, laptop, screen, etc. Bluetooth headphones don’t however require plugging into your audio source, using Bluetooth to commute with it. Whilst true wireless are the latest innovation in headphones, requiring no wires at all, the earbuds simply fit into your ear.

Pretty simple this one. In-ear or ‘earphones’, have buds that sit in your ear. With on-ear, the cups sit on your ear, whilst over-ear have larger cups to encase your ears. It is worth noting here that a lot of over-ears are still wired. This doesn’t make them a dated option, it is merely because they require more power to function due to their size, and help to deliver the best possible sound quality. 

Some headphones come with active noise-cancelling (ANC), which use sound waves to cancel out external noise. This is a useful function for those using their headphones on the commute, whilst exercising or at work, to reduce a level of the unwanted sounds. They will never completely mute your environment, but can help to reduce the level of unwanted sounds. This also makes noise-cancelling a good option for those who use their headphones to regularly listen to music, as it means you do not need to play it as loudly – making it better for your ears.

Libratone headphones come with CityMix™ adjustable noise cancellation meaning you can choose how much of the world you want to let in, through picking one of four different ANC levels on your device. Our TRACK+ Bluetooth headphones also come with an automatic option – which you can choose in the Libratone app, that picks the right levels automatically.

Noise cancelling should not however be confused with noise isolation, which means that the product physically sites between your ear and outside sounds – for example with over-ears.

So now you know the basics, you are ready to think about which headphones you want to own.

If it is mostly for your commute, then some headphones might not be as practical as others, for portability for example, and you might want to consider extra functions such as noise cancelling.

If you want headphones to mostly listen to music or podcasts at home, without distracting those you live with, then portability becomes less of an issue.

If you fancy yourself as the next David Guetta and want a pair for your studio, then you are going to need something more substantial than the free pair you got from the bus tour on your last city break.

This is our recommendation:

Into running and outdoor pursuits? Wireless is your best option, no wires from your phone to your ears to put you off your stride. You also want to ensure a snug fit. So we would suggest in-ears or true wireless as your best option. Whilst noise-cancelling is great for those running safely, you also want to be aware of your surroundings, so we suggest an adjustable noise cancelling option that automatically sets to suit your surroundings. We have had great feedback from runners on our TRACK+ device that offers all these things, as well as being sweat and splash proof.

More a gym type? Then again we would recommend wireless, and if you are more into your lifting then your cardio, then consider on-ears. These don’t get as hot as some over-ear products and also look cool when you are hanging around between sets. Our Q ADAPT also come with adjustable noise cancellation and up to 20 hours of battery life, meaning you don’t have to worry about charging them after every sweat session.  

Some things you need to consider when buying for the commute.

The portability factor. Yes, massive over-ears may make you look cool and like you just wandered out of a music studio or away from your decks, but you might not realistically want to carry a heavy pair of headphones to and from work every day. In-ears are usually a more portable option. But for those looking for a combination of cool and portable you also have a middle-ground, the on-ear. Our Q ADAPT headphones look cool on the go with their light-up nightingale design, and are also light and easy enough to carry.

No tangles. In-ears have a tenancy to get tangled which is why the TRACK+ is great for commuting as it is made with tangle-free materials, so you can just throw it in your bag and go. It is also wireless making it easy to wear out and about, without catching on your clothing, or other commuters.

Battery time. The battery life of wired and wireless headphones varies dramatically. If you choose a wireless Bluetooth headset, then you especially need to consider how often you want to charge your device. The majority of wired headphones don’t have a battery as they are powered from your sound source, unless they include noise cancelling, in which case they will sometimes also need charging.

As a rule, the smaller the wireless device the smaller the battery life usually, so an on-ear product, for example, will need a longer time between charge than true wireless, as it has the space for a bigger battery. For those commuters who fly a lot and want something to survive a red eye, then an on-ear is a good option, especially when coupled with noise cancelling like our Q ADAPT. Although, the more functions you use (including noise cancelling), then the quicker the battery might be used up.

And a final note on commuting. Frequent business flyer on the red-eye? Then you won’t regret switching to headphones offering ANC.   

Into gaming? Wireless is again a better option for those who regularly play computer games. It means you don’t have to sit as close to your screen, protecting your eyes. Just make sure your screen has integrated Bluetooth.

Mostly listen to spoken words - podcasts, audio books and meditation? If you are listening as you want to move around your home, then again Bluetooth headphones would work well.

Listening to music– at home with less need for noise cancelling and a more portable product, then on or over-ear headphones would be our recommendation, delivering excellent sound quality. 

Quite a few headphones now come with controls on the wires or built into the headphone itself, meaning you don’t need to keep lifting your phone in and out of your pocket. Our TRACK+ device comes with controls and a microphone, making it easy to answer phone calls, listen to your tunes and access other tools on your phone.

The last two things to consider:

Over-ears offer comfort and great sound quality, and if you like your music loud, then it has been argued they offer better protection as they aren’t sending your tunes directly into your ear as in-ear devices do. However, ANC works well with in-ear, as long as you have the right fit with your earbuds. This means you might not have to actually play your music as loud as you do with another type of headphones. So, if you are regularly listening to music outside the home, then in-ear headphones with ANC would be a great choice.

Headphones are available at all price points, but with only limited exceptions you usually tend to get what you pay for. If there is a particular pair you have your eye on, then it is good to look around as there are often great promotional windows throughout the year.

In-ear–tend to be the cheaper option, but there are bargains to be had if you keep your eyes open. Bluetooth headphones are now a more affordable option due to a competitive marketplace. True wireless, as the newest to market, are the more expensive but for portability and convenience, they are a good investment for those who commute often. If you do decide to opt for true wireless, then it is worth also investing in the Wireless Charging Case, as their design means they have a small battery, so need more regular charging than larger headphones.

Hopefully, you have found this information useful. We would love to know which headphones you opted for. Follow us @libratone on social media and let us know!