Headphones Buying Guide

Whichever model you choose, don't forget to protect your hearing.

What to look for when shopping

Unlike with computer and iPod speakers, headphones don't differ much on features-you plug them in, put the earpieces on (or in) your ears, and listen. (One exception, covered below, relates to headset functionality.) For the most part, the main differences between models are sound quality and type. I cover the different types of headphones below, but first, here are a few things to keep in mind when shopping.

Specs and sound quality: As I've noted in my annual speakers buying guide, you should generally ignore manufacturers' specifications-especially frequency-response numbers. There's no standard testing methodology for headphone frequency response, and many vendors exaggerate their specs for marketing reasons. And even if specs were accurate, they wouldn't tell you much about how a particular set of headphones actually sounds.

Instead of reading specs, use your ears. (If you can't audition a product in person, read reviews from a source you trust.) As with speakers, a quality set of headphones reproduces audio with good balance between the treble (upper), midrange, and bass (lower) frequencies, producing full, rich sound while preserving detail. However, because of their especially small drivers (speakers), headphones present a unique challenge when it comes to bass response: Unlike huge speaker woofers that you can not only hear, but feel, the drivers in most headphones can't reproduce the visceral impact of low bass-you may be able to hear the lowest frequencies, but, chances are, you won't be able to feel them.

I point out this bass issue because some vendors design their headphones to emphasize bass "kick"-in part to stand out from other headphones in the store, and in part because some people really want that visceral impact. But such headphones often become fatiguing to listen to over time. If you're interested in accurate audio reproduction, be careful not to be wowed by emphasized bass. (The same goes for exaggerated treble detail.) The best approach is to audition a set of headphones for several hours-or, even better, several days-with a variety of music. If the headphones still sound great at the end, there's a good chance they'll satisfy you over the long run.

Headset functionality and inline control modules: Several years ago, thanks to the popularity of the iPhone, a number of companies started making headphones with a remote/microphone module on the cable, much like the inline remote on the iPhone's stock earbuds. At the minimum, the remote features a multi-function button for controlling media playback; making, taking, and ending phone calls; and taking advantage of iOS's Voice Control feature. Newer models include two additional buttons for adjusting volume. The module's microphone can be used to talk on the phone, make voice recordings, and give Voice Control commands.

Since the original iPhone's debut, Apple has standardized on the special headphone jack required to support these features. You can now use inline-remote headphones with every iPhone, as well as the iPad, the iPod touch, recent non-touch iPods, and recent Macs. This has led to even more headphone models with an inline remote/mic module. This is good news for Apple-owning headphone buyers, as it gives you many more products to choose from without having to give up the convenience of the remote and microphone.

Fit/comfort: Unlike most consumer-electronics devices, you actually wear headphones. So how well a set of headphones fits you-your head, your ears, and even your ear canals-plays a significant role in your long-term satisfaction (or lack thereof). I include a few comfort-related tips below, when describing the different types of headphones, but reading about a particular style is no substitute for actually giving a product a test drive (or a test run, as the case may be). If at all possible, try to find a local retailer that carries the model(s) you're considering, so you can actually audition the headphones on your own head and ears.

Where to buy: Sadly, fewer and fewer brick-and-mortar retailers carry quality headphones, and even fewer actually let you try the products in the store-especially if you're talking about in-ear-canal headphones. This makes it difficult to audition the sound and fit of headphones before you buy them. The solution, if you will, is to buy from a retailer with a generous return policy, so if you're unhappy with the way a set of headphones fits or sounds once you get it home, you can return it. This goes for both local and online retailers. For example, Internet headphone retailer HeadRoom carries a huge assortment of great headphones and offers a 30-day, no-questions-asked return guarantee-even on in-ear-canal models.

Headphone styles: There are literally thousands of headphone models out there, varying dramatically in style, audio quality, features, and price. But nearly all of them fall into one of several main types: earbuds, in-ear-canal, canalbuds, lightweight, full-size, noise-canceling, or wireless. Below are brief descriptions of each of these types, along with a few of my recommendations at various prices. I've noted which models include an Apple-style inline remote/microphone module. (Prices listed are MSRP; you can find many of these models at significantly lower prices.)

Earbuds, the type of headphones included with every iPod and iPhone, sit loosely in your outer ears. Although earbuds don't produce outstanding sound, they're compact and relatively inexpensive. Apple's stock 'buds are actually decent as earbuds go; you're not going to get a big upgrade in sound quality by simply replacing them with a different model. Still, there are a few alternatives out there that provide modest improvements if you're looking for a new set.

Recommendations:

In-Ear-Canal Headphones

These headphones, also known as canalphones, use silicone or foam eartips that fit snugly-and fairly deep-in your ear canals. Like earplugs, they block most external noise, so they're great for travel and noisy environments. They're also capable of producing stunning audio quality. On the other hand, some people find canalphones to be uncomfortable, and the best ones come with an equally stunning price tag. (For more information, check out our primer on in-ear-canal headphones.)

Recommendations:

Canalbuds

Recommendations: