- Create Account
- Login
| |||
Refine Your Search Reset Manufacturer and/or Model Style There are four basic styles of headphones, based on their intended use. Category The category classification is dictated by the intended use of the headphones. Features Price The approximate retail price of the headphones. Smart Rating The smart rating takes into account technical specifications, features, and ratings from the following sources: What HiFi, CNET, PC Mag, and Good Gear Guide. Popular Searches |
|
- Smart Rating
- Impedance
- Sensitivity
- Price
- Category
- Style
Guide to Choosing Headphones
With seemingly everyone purchasing pricey mp3 players and special Smartphones with mp3 features, look to find a good pair of headphones to maximize your listening experience. Investing in quality headphones vastly improves the fidelity of the music you hear, whether you jam to the heavy bass and pounding rhythm of rap or appreciate the delicate intricacies of a jazz. Headphones enable you to more deeply appreciate your favorite music, and if you use our comparison, you can find a set at the right price. With 1,139 headphones to choose from, we can help you find the best set for your needs.
How to Find Headphones
Smart Rating
The smart rating takes into account technical specifications, features, and ratings from the following sources: What HiFi, CNET, PC Mag, and Good Gear Guide.
Fact: With a Smart Rating of , Grado PS1000 headphones received the best ratings.
Impedance
The impedance is also known as signal obstruction (measured in Ohms). Generally, higher the impedance means better sound quality, but this also requires more power for a proper output volume from the headphone. As such, low impedances (~100) should be used with MP3 players/laptops, while higher impedances should be used with higher quality headphone amplifiers.
Sensitivity
Low-sensitivity headphones require more power to produce the same sound volume as their high-sensitivity counterparts. For portable devices, look for a higher sensitivity.
Fact: With a sensitivity of 129 dB, the AKG K 317 headphones are the loudest.
Price
The approximate retail price of the headphones. Quality headphones can get very expensive. Determine your price range to refine your search.
Facts: | The standard price for a pair of headphones is $134. With a price of $2, the Coby CVH47 headphones are the cheapest. With a price of $2749, the ULTRASONE - EDITION 10 headphones are the most expensive. |
Category
The category classification is dictated by the intended use of the headphones. Audiophiles (audio-enthusiasts) value superior sound quality above all, while athletes prefer comfort, opting for a durable, lightweight set. To determine what is best for you, see the following categories:
- Budget Headphones are ideal for the user who wants a reasonably priced pair of headphones and is not overly concerned with audio quality. At higher volumes, these headphones have increased levels of distortion, and they will often not be able to hit some of the deeper lows that you could expect when listening with some of the higher-end headphones. These headphones are optimal for spoken word, audio books, or acoustic music, and offer an economical option.
- Sport Headphones are ideal for the user who intends to use headphones during physical activity. To ensure proper fit that is minimally invasive to activity, these are often either in-ear or earbud style sets, which will sometimes include a special piece of plastic that fits behind the ear for a secure fit. The sound quality ranges substantially, dependent on price. Some cheaper pairs will perform like budget headphones, while other pricier sport headphones can compete with audiophile headphones.
- Gaming Headphones are ideal for the user who is concerned mainly with communicating during gameplay. These headphones are often over-ear headphones and always include a microphone to support chat capable gaming.
- Audiophile Headphones are ideal for the consumer who desires the best audio quality without paying for studio or reference headphones. This category is the largest by far, containing many consumer-oriented brands like the popular Beats by Dre and Skullcandy. Audiophile sets come in a variety of styles and performance differs according to price. However, be wary, for more expensive does not necessarily translate into higher quality.
- DJ Headphones are ideal for the user looking to monitor music during DJ performances. These headphones are regularly ear headphones, typically with high sensitivity to ensure adequate volume in loud situations. In addition, these headphones will commonly have larger drivers and the ability to produce lows tones better than other headphones.
- Studio Headphones are ideal for the user who in audio production reference or one who will be monitoring in a studio setting. This option can produce the deepest lows and highest highs, all with a much flatter frequency response time. Studio headphones will typically cost more than their audiophile counterparts, so only set up to this level if you will need the extra accuracy.
Style
There are four basic styles of headphones, based on their intended use.
What to Watch for in Headphones
As is the case with many products, headphone price reflects brand name and marketing as much as--if not more than--the actual quality of the headphones. While a $20 set may leave you wanting, many $100 pairs are just as good as their $300 counterparts. To fully ensure you're satisfied, visit a store to sample different sets.
Deals on Headphones
Popular Headphones
Most Viewed Side-by-Sides for Headphones
Powered by the FindTheBest Headphones Comparison
Popular Searches for Headphones
Related Comparisons
Headphones by Brand:
- AKG Headphones, Apple Headphones, Audio-Technica Headphones, Bang & Olufsen Headphones, Beats by Dr. Dre (Monster) Headphones, Bose Headphones, Bowers & Wilkins Headphones, ChicBuds Headphones, Clarion Headphones, Coby Headphones, Creative Headphones, Creative Headphones, DGL Headphones, Denon Headphones, Denon Headphones, Genius Headphones, Grado Headphones, Ifrogz Headphones, Incase Headphones, JVC Headphones, Jaybird Headphones, Kicker Headphones, Klipsch Headphones, Koss Headphones, MEElectronics Headphones, Monster Headphones, Nixon Headphones, Nocs Headphones, Nuforce Headphones, Panasonic Headphones, Parrot Headphones, Phiaton Headphones, Philips Headphones, Pioneer Headphones, Plantronics Headphones, Polk Audio Headphones, Razer Headphones, SMS Audio Headphones, Sennheiser Headphones, Shure Headphones, Skullcandy Headphones, Sol Republic Headphones, Sony Headphones, Soul by Ludacris Headphones, TDK Headphones, Thinksound Headphones, Ultrasone Headphones, V-Moda Headphones, Velodyne Headphones, Westone Headphones, Yamaha Headphones Show more›