Contents
Connectivity technology
Wireless headphones receive sound using a radio module or Bluetooth. Which of these options a particular model uses depends on its compatibility with various devices and other connection features.
Bluetooth
If you are going to use the headphones outdoors, the Bluetooth-enabled model is your choice. Smartphones, tablets, as well as many laptops and other portable devices are also equipped with Bluetooth modules. Therefore, you can connect wireless headphones to them without additional accessories.
However, Bluetooth is also suitable for the home: smart TVs and other stationary appliances also sometimes support this technology out of the box. If the TV does not have a built-in wireless module, you can still connect Bluetooth headphones to it. It is enough to buy a special transmitter and connect it to the TV through a regular audio jack.
When choosing wireless headphones for your phone, pay attention to the Bluetooth version. The latest at the moment is Bluetooth 5.0.
The newer the Bluetooth version, the better the sound quality and the less energy it takes to transmit and receive it.
Therefore, the longer the headphones and gadgets connected to them will go without recharging.
But in order for you to experience the benefits of the latest version, not only the headphones, but also the device connected to them must support it. For example, if you are streaming audio from a Bluetooth 4.0 smartphone to Bluetooth 5.0 headphones, or vice versa, the connection will be limited to version XNUMX.
Also, if you’re willing to pay more for the best sound quality, consider aptX-enabled Bluetooth headphones. Technically, this codec provides the best sound, but in practice, not everyone hears the difference. In order for you to appreciate the potential of aptX headphones, the gadget you connect to them must also support it.
Radio channel
If you choose headphones for home or office, then a model with a radio module may suit you. These headphones are sold complete with a bulky transmitter for connection to stationary audio equipment.
The radio uses more power than Bluetooth, so radio headphones tend to run out faster. But such a signal passes through physical obstacles better, which means it outperforms Bluetooth when working indoors.
Optional cable
Some wireless headphones are equipped with an additional audio cable jack. Having bought such a model, you can connect it to the equipment in the old fashioned way – in a wired way, in order to save battery.
There are other wireless technologies such as infrared (deprecated). But the most common are Bluetooth and radio communication, so you should choose from them.
Design
Like traditional models, wireless phone headphones come in internal and external. The first category includes compact devices that are inserted into the auricle. They are more comfortable because they do not hinder the user’s movements and are great even for sports. At the same time, they often provide poorer sound quality and run out faster due to the smaller battery.
External headphones are larger, they are superimposed on the ears and are fixed with a hoop. Consequently, they are less convenient, but win in terms of battery life. The sound quality of external headphones is usually better.
Battery life
One of the most important characteristics when choosing wireless headphones is the time during which they can be used without recharging. Therefore, before buying, pay attention to the number of hours of battery life indicated by the manufacturer or store.
Taking into account everything written above, external headphones connected via Bluetooth of the latest versions work longer than others. On average, they can withstand about 12-20 hours of autonomous use.
Microphone
If you are going to not only listen to music, but also communicate using headphones over a cellular connection or via the Internet, they must have a microphone. If you want to control what sounds get into it, buy headphones with a movable microphone. In this case, it can be taken aside when necessary.
Protection against external noise
To prevent outside noise from spoiling your headphone experience, choose a model with improved sound isolation. Vacuum-type inner earmuffs and closed-ear earmuffs tightly seal the ear canal, so they are the best at blocking out external sounds.
In addition, there are models with active noise cancellation. These headphones use a microphone to monitor ambient noise and then block out external sounds using special technology. But headphones that support this feature are more expensive, and it consumes battery power.
Audio Options
Consider the main physical characteristics that affect the sound.
frequency range determines what range of sounds the headphones are capable of reproducing. The human ear recognizes sounds in the range of 20 to 20 Hz. Choose wireless headphones for your phone that fully cover these frames, then they will reproduce all the sounds available to the ear.
Headphone sensitivity is their volume. To prevent the headphones from being too quiet, choose models with a sensitivity of 95 dB or higher. But don’t forget that listening to music at too high a volume causes permanent hearing loss.
Resistance (impedance) affects the overall sound quality and volume. For most portable devices, headphones with an impedance of 16 to 32 ohms will be optimal. Higher impedance headphones are better suited for home equipment.
Checklist for choosing wireless headphones for your phone
- Choose headphone models that support the latest version of Bluetooth 5.0.
- If you are going to use headphones indoors, then take a closer look at models with a radio module: the signal will be better.
- External headphones, although more bulky than internal ones, win in terms of sound quality and battery life.
- Prefer headphones with a frequency range of 20 to 20 Hz, an average impedance of 000 to 16 ohms, and a sensitivity of 32 dB or more.
- To prevent outside noise from spoiling your headphone experience, choose a model with improved sound isolation.