What to consider when buying headphones
There are currently a bewildering array of headphones available on the market and getting down to business choosing just one for yourself can be a daunting task. One of the main ways you can narrow down the list and make your decision a little easier is to consider how you intend to use your headphones the most. Different hearing aids work better in certain situations, so here are some of the most common situations along with some tips to get you started.
Use at home
For headphones that will be used at home, you should primarily look for full-size headphones that come with full-size phono jacks that will fit your home stereo. Many of the home use headphones on the market today, such as the Audio-Technica ATH-M50, come with a standard 3.5mm jack along with an adapter to convert them to full size for your home stereo. This means that they can also be used on other devices such as MP3.
Travel
If you travel a lot, you may need a pair of headphones to help block out all the outside noise and pump some of your favorite songs into your ear. When looking for a pair of headphones for travel, comfort is a priority alongside noise-canceling capabilities. Something akin to the PSB M4U 2 noise-canceling headphones would be ideal. These provide a good combination of comfort along with excellent noise cancellation.
Exercise
It goes without saying that if you are looking for a pair of headphones for your workouts then you need something that will give you a secure fit. Many headphones that are designed for use during exercise appear to lack sound quality, but there are a few on the market, like the Polk Audio UltraFit 2000, that provide excellent sound quality, along with a good, secure fit and reasonable price.
Fashion statement
Sometimes you just need a pair of headphones that can complement your lifestyle and show that you are a modern person. If sound quality, comfort, and price aren’t your concern, then the Beats by Dre range of headphones may be what you need. Dre Beats headphones are leading the current trend in headphone craze and stylish headphones like the Dre Solo Monster Beats are ideal for the fashion-conscious personal music listener. In terms of audio reproduction, they aren’t the best headphones out there, but they’re well-built, stylish, and on-trend.
It’s easy to get overwhelmed with all the headphone options available these days, but with a little time invested you can find something that perfectly suits your taste. It’s probably best not to jump on the bandwagon of the hype that sometimes accompanies products like Beats by Dre headphones, instead take some time to look at a handful of other products that are often better than the hype.