A good headset for a computer. How to choose headphones or a headset for your computer and mobile devices. parameters you need to pay attention to when choosing a computer headset

Anyone who has a computer or laptop at home, who likes to stay up until midnight, listen to music, watch movies, does not need to be told about the role and importance of headphones. Listening to music through external monitors at night or watching another TV series is unlikely to be an emancipation for family members or neighbors living behind the wall. But with headphones, the sound volume will not disturb anyone.

So, the functional role of headphones is extremely clear. Let's talk about choosing the right head-mounted monitor model for you. It should be said that it will depend on how and when you intend to use them.

Since this article will discuss how to choose headphones for a computer, we will not consider such types as “droplets” or “plugs”.

It so happens that the above options are the standard for mobile phones and MP3 players with their own advantages and disadvantages.

For example, earbuds have poor sound insulation, and a small membrane does not provide good quality sound. However, their main advantage is their compactness and lightness.

Despite the complete immersion of the listener in the sound, earplugs are not recommended for long periods of time, as they create strain on the ear. This is a good mobile option, but not for stationary and long-term use.

Of course, earbuds and earbuds can easily be connected to a computer, and yet on-ear or full-size headphones are more often used for PCs. They will be discussed further.

On-ear headphones

To further narrow down the range of models available on the market, let’s determine for what purposes on-ear headphones are best suited.

The very word “overhead” tells us that this type includes those that are placed on the ears, but do not completely encircle them.

Such models have a beautiful design; the earbuds fit well to the ear. They are often used at home and outdoors. They go well with the player.

It’s good to walk around the park or go for morning jogs in these headphones, as they have a headband-shaped mount. In them, a person does not look like an alien and, in general, they are quite comfortable.

On-ear headphones are used for the computer: in conversations on Skype, for listening to music. This is a universal type that is suitable for many occasions, but, having a single copy, you will have to switch between the player and the computer very often.

Agree that this is inconvenient. It’s better when each device and for certain tasks has its own “ears”.

Therefore, when talking about choosing headphones for a computer, it makes sense to talk in more detail about full-size or, in other words, monitor headphones.

Over-ear headphones

Full-size - they differ from all others in that they fit very tightly to the head. They have better sound quality due to the large membrane; among them there are those that are intended for professional work with sound.

From an acoustics point of view, full-size headphones are divided into open and closed. What is the difference between them?

• Closed headphones have no holes on the outside, therefore, they have good sound insulation. They are designed for working with sound and tracking various artifacts, therefore they are used in professional recording studios. Their disadvantage is the following: they, like in-canal ones, create a load on the human hearing system. The ear gets tired, a person needs to take breaks from work.
• Open-back headphones have small holes on the outside. Because of this, a person does not have a feeling of complete isolation from the outside world. The ear is not as tired as in closed headphones, so this type is most often used by gamers and computer music lovers.

What the technical specifications say

Let's talk about the technical characteristics of headphones for a computer. I want to say right away that all head-mounted monitors can be divided into 2 classes: budget and premium.

The difference in their sound will depend not only on technical parameters, but also on the quality of sound-reproducing parts.

What do you need to know to make your choice meaningful? Perhaps it wouldn’t hurt to know at least a little about what it is:

• sensitivity;
• frequency response;
• headphone impedance.

Let's look at all this with a specific example. At the same time, we will see other characteristics of the headphones.

Let's say we buy headphones for the Sennheiser HD 202 II computer. These are not the best on the market, we are just looking at them as an example. What can we read about them on the online store page?

Headphone type

So, regarding type, we already know what “closed” means. There are no holes, good insulation is a plus

The downside is that if you sit in these headphones all day, by the evening you will have a “square head”. If you plan to use them 2-4 hours a day, this option is for you.

Connection type

These headphones are connected using a wire. It should be noted that there are also wireless headphones on the market. Their advantage is that you are not tied with a “string” to the device transmitting sound.

But, if you have a laptop in your hands that can be carried, or you are stationary, sitting at a computer, you don’t need wireless headphones. Choose the wired type.

By the way, looking ahead a little, you can see that the length of the cord is 3 meters. Think about whether this length is enough for you, for example, to move away from the computer if necessary.

Also, if we are talking about a cable, then there is also such a thing as a “connection interface”. In our case, this is a mini-jack with a standard 3.5 mm jack.

I am sure that the laptop has a mini-jack output and it will be suitable for any computer. But if you want to connect headphones to an external sound card, you should pay attention to what output it has. If for a large jack, then you will have to use an adapter.

A two-way cable means that the cable is connected to both ears and will be in the center, and not to the left or right, as is the case with a one-way connection. Here, think about whether it will interfere with you if you often type on the keyboard. But I assure you, this is not critical. It's all a matter of habit.

Noise suppression

The Sennheiser HD 202 II does not have active noise cancellation. But you don't need this system if you'll be using the Sennheise HD at home and not on a noisy street.

Noise reduction is the technical process of recording extraneous noise, which is converted into an electrical signal that is mixed out of phase with the music in the headphones.

The result is “anti-noise” that a person cannot hear. In general, if in optics there is a deception of vision, then in acoustics there is a deception of hearing. There is noise, but you don't hear it. So, the Sennheiser HD 202 headphones do not have noise reduction.

Frequency range

The headphones we are considering as an example have a frequency range or frequency response: 18 – 18000 Hz This means that these head-mounted monitors will only reproduce the sound range indicated above. If our ear hears up to 20,000 Hz, then Sennheiser HD will not produce anything above 18,000.

But again, this is not critical unless you are a music fan and absolutely need to hear all the super high frequencies. Therefore, for the average user this characteristic will not be extremely important.

Resistance, impedance

This is where you need to pay attention to the numbers, because headphones with high impedance will need a powerful sound source. But in this case we are dealing with computer headphones, and 30 Ohms will be enough for them.

Although, if the impedance were higher, then perhaps we would have better sound quality, since the higher the impedance, the greater the suppression of electrical noise.

Sensitivity

The sound volume depends on this parameter. In this case, the sensitivity is slightly higher than the standard 100 dB.

A characteristic such as weight matters to determine whether it will be difficult for you to wear such head-mounted monitors.

Summarize. When choosing headphones for your computer, you always need to first decide what tasks you are buying them for.

Maybe your choice is headphones with a microphone, because you will spend most of your time talking on Skype. Then you need to pay attention to the microphone itself and its parameters. Does it have noise reduction, what is its frequency response, etc.

Of course, if sound quality is important to you, then the best way to choose headphones is to put them on and listen to music, but in that case, you need to go to a nearby store. On the Internet, the choice will always be based on the brand, technical characteristics and the ratio of expected quality and price.

In the world of expensive multimedia centers and large audio systems, headphones have always been in the background. As a rule, the choice comes down to the number of decibels - the more, the better. Few people know that good headphones can produce sound whose quality is much higher than that of the most expensive speakers. In this case, you do not need to worry about installing equipment and soundproofing walls.

The right headphones for your computer will help you create an immersive atmosphere and feel every note of your favorite song. A wide range of prices and variety of products often drive potential buyers into a dead end. Below you will find a list of the best headphones for your computer, which you will need not only for listening to music, but also for work, games and conversations.

How we chose the best headphones with a microphone for a computer

There are a lot of headphones with a microphone on the market today, I would even say too many. You just need to go to any large electronics and household appliances store to be convinced of this. You will find a huge showcase with headphones for every taste, color and budget. But which headphones with a microphone to choose from all this variety? After all, in stores, you usually cannot unpack headphones and listen; this is practiced only in specialized boutiques, which are not found in every city. And even if you could do this, how many headphones could you listen to? It's like choosing perfume in a store, after the third or fourth scent you no longer understand what it smells like, even the aroma of coffee does not help much to reset the sensitivity of the olfactory receptors in order to continue tasting aromas. It's about the same story with headphones. After the fifth pair, you will begin to get confused, unless, of course, the headphones are from different price categories and device classes.

Therefore, we in the editorial office got together, thought, brainstormed and tried to create a universal list of headphones with a microphone for a computer and phone, which you could confidently rely on when choosing a model for yourself. Of course, we understand perfectly well that this task is almost impossible, because... Hundreds and thousands of models are sold, we physically cannot listen to them all, much less sort them into some kind of table so that it satisfies everyone in terms of sound quality, price and ergonomics. But we tried to embrace the vastness and this selection of the best headphones with a microphone can significantly reduce your search for those ideal headphones.

We tried to include both affordable models and expensive items in the selection, because people have very different interests, needs and requirements for technology. For some, only the most affordable examples are suitable, others need balanced samples that are affordable and sound good, and still others want to listen to music only in the best headphones. We tried, don't judge strictly.

A microphone built into headphones is always a compromise. Even with the most expensive and good headphones, it may not work as well as you expected. It is unknown whether manufacturers do this on purpose, or whether there is a technical difficulty in this, but we have only encountered really good microphones a few times in fairly expensive headphones. Although, sometimes there are successful models in the middle price range.

If you think that we have missed some important and iconic models, feel free to write about it in the comments to this article. We will check the models you indicated and if they really turn out to be good, we will definitely include them in the selection.

The influence of price on the quality of headphones with a microphone

It seems that the higher the price, the better the headphones with microphone, with many people believing that the relationship is linear. But that's not true. Moreover, I would like to note that the price is not always adequate for some headphones. For example, you may find headphones with average sound quality at a very high price, and nearby on the shelf there may be other headphones of the same form factor with a lower price but better sound quality. This is not as rare as you might imagine. It is precisely to give you the opportunity to spend less money but get the best quality headphones that we, journalists and reviewers, exist. We take on the labor of choosing and give you the finished result, so that without suffering the agony of choosing from 15 models, you choose the ones you like best, buy them and be satisfied.

The price is influenced by many factors: brand value, quality of materials, country of origin, sound quality, microphone quality, ergonomics, complexity and beauty of packaging, price of importing goods into the country and many other smaller nuances. Each manufacturer evaluates its work in its own way and sets different margins for one or another model, so price is not always the determining factor when choosing headphones with a microphone.

However, price plays a watershed role, like the price of a mug of coffee in a coffee shop. Have you ever wondered why coffee in some establishments costs much more than in others, even though it is the same coffee? Price in this case plays the role of a visitor filter. So that you, as a well-mannered, intelligent and calm person, can confidently go into a coffee shop and find there the same adequate people who look nice, have interesting conversations and do not allow themselves to be rude, noisy and rude towards their neighbors. Price is a filter in itself. Likewise in the world of headphones, if you want the best, pay. But if you just need good headphones for every day, then you can get confused in the abundance of offers.

What design do you want?

The design of the headphones plays a big role when choosing. Some people like brightly colored headphones to make them glow, sparkle and attract attention. Others prefer headphones with a simple or even simple design. Still others prefer a calm and soft appearance, or even put functionality and convenience at the forefront, and how the headphones look is not particularly important.

Manufacturers actively take advantage of this and produce the same filling in different design variations, selling the same thing to different people. This is not bad, on the contrary, it is good when we are talking about famous manufacturers who spend a lot of time and money on the development and implementation of sound reproduction systems, and in order to give as many people as possible the opportunity to enjoy the fruits of their labor, they package them in different cases , while targeting these headphones for different purposes: listening to music at home, walking outside, or playing on the computer.

How can an ordinary consumer see such headphones? No way. That's why we are there - we listen to headphones, compare our impressions of this or that model and understand how they actually sound. This is not as easy as it might seem at first glance. Our extensive experience allows us to spot successful models in a heap of typical ones and point them out to you, potential buyers, in the hope that you will listen and buy truly worthwhile headphones.

Does the manufacturer affect the quality of headphones with a microphone?

Of course, the manufacturer influences both the sound quality of the headphones and the quality of their technical performance. Those manufacturers who have been in the headphone market for decades, who have numerous awards and recognition from the global audio community behind them, will not risk their reputation and produce passable and downright bad headphones. After all, thanks to their reputation, they can afford to spend much more money on research and development, and subsequently make significant money on good models that will be produced for many years in a row. While young companies will churn out model after model, discontinue some headphones and launch others while the first model has not been on sale for even one year. This is done to create excitement and simulate hectic activity.

Good and famous companies such as Sennheiser, Beyerdynamic, Sony, AKG or MrSpeaker can be treated differently, but even those who do not like the products of these companies cannot help but admit that they are of high quality and such headphones sound differently, but they never sound bad. This is true, even inexpensive models from famous brands do not sound bad. Yes, they may sound simple, without any flair, but nevertheless, they will sound correct, without serious distortion and lies.

Therefore, yes, if you see a serious brand in the name of headphones, do not immediately exclude it from the list of contenders just because the price of its headphones is slightly higher. After all, this price is justified by the quality.

List of headphones with microphone for computer and phone included in our selection

Remember, the selection is periodically updated, so if you come to this page in a few months, you will find new models here, and those headphones that have been discontinued will, on the contrary, disappear.

Model	Headphone type	Peculiarity
	In-channel, closed	Bright appearance, aluminum body, build quality
	Full size, closed	Bright appearance, good ergonomics, retractable flexible microphone
	Full size, closed	Bright appearance, good ergonomics
	Invoices, closed	Full metal construction, good ergonomics, detachable cable
	In-channel, closed	Very comfortable, signature Sony signature in sound
	Full size, closed	Entry-level professional headphones
	Full size, closed	Good ergonomics, excellent price/quality ratio
	In-channel, closed	The most affordable in-ear headphones
	Full size, closed	Comfortable, inexpensive, excellent price/quality ratio
	Invoices, closed	Wireless, unusual appearance
	Invoices, closed	Powerful sound, ability to adjust the intensity of low frequencies mechanically
	Full size, closed	Excellent price/quality ratio
	Full size, closed	One of the best gaming headsets with Dolby Atmos surround sound
	Full size, closed	Bright design, good ergonomics, good microphone
	In-channel, closed	Aluminum body, hybrid driver system

The best headphones with a microphone for gaming on a computer

Razer Hammerhead Pro

Razer Kraken Pro

This is an option for monitor gaming headphones with good sound and stylish design. The manufacturer positions them as the most comfortable headset of all existing ones. It comes in black and neon green colors.

The side cups and headband have soft padding and fit well to the head. The sound is clear, but don't forget the significantly boosted low frequencies, which dampen the highs and mids a bit. The microphone is removed from the left earpiece and has the standard quality for such models - the voice is clear, but the microphone can pick up the noise around you, and your teammates in the game will hear it.

Pros:

• Good wire;
• Ears do not get tired from prolonged use;
• Good sound quality for gaming headphones;
• Good microphone;
• Soft and comfortable fastenings.

Minuses:

• In some specimens, the body creaked when put on. Does not affect work in any way;
• No volume control;
• Ears become hot after prolonged use.

Steelseries 9H

Real gaming headphones, which, unlike the previous model, are focused on functionality and convenience. The ear pads are a little hard, however, they completely cover the ears. The headband is equipped with soft pads and fastened with metal arches. Adapters for standard sockets are supplied with the headphones, since the wire is removable and equipped with its own interface.

The main feature of the model is the external sound card. It supports the simultaneous connection of two pairs of headphones, processing the signal from both microphones. Using special software, users can independently adjust the headset, enable surround sound or noise reduction in the microphone.

Pros:

• Comfort;
• Premium quality;
• External Sound Card;
• Sound. Completely justifies the price of the headset; it remains clear and rich at all frequencies.

Minuses:

• Lots of wires;
• Hard ear pads.

Meizu HD50

The headphones have a folding design, the mounts and ear pads are made of metal. The headband and the inside of the cups are covered with leatherette. After using the headset for a long time, your head does not get tired. Inside, the ear pads are filled with special memory foam, which in a few minutes takes the shape of the ear and significantly reduces the pressure on it.

The sound in the headphones is clear, more focused on low frequencies and is regulated using a convenient remote control.

Pros:

• Good materials and high-quality assembly;
• Stylish appearance;
• Convenient control panel;
• High-quality sound;
• Affordable price.

Sony MDR EX650AP

The in-ear headphones are made of brass, which significantly reduces their weight. Sony engineers gave the headset an unusual shape in the form of a dome, narrowed to the base. Due to this, sounds do not overlap each other, and the body does not resonate from high frequencies.

The earbuds are made of hygienic silicone. They fit perfectly in the ears and perfectly isolate from extraneous noise. The sound of the headset is at a medium-high level - high frequencies are sometimes distorted, and in a saturated sound range the bass comes to the fore, muffling other notes.

Pros:

• Stylish design;
• Brass body;
• Good sound insulation;
• High quality cable.

Sennheiser HD380 Pro

The headphones have good ergonomics and are equipped with a special sound system, Eargonimic Acoustic Refinement. Soft leather on the headband and ear pads does not put pressure on the head and is pleasant to the touch. Numerous metal inserts will help extend the life of the headset.

The headphones have closed cups, so they transmit sound perfectly without any distortion. After a short testing, you begin to pick up the slightest transitions that were simply absent in other headphones.

Pros:

• Convenient cord;
• Special bag included;
• High sound quality;
• Reasonable price;
• Nice build.

Minuses:

• After several hours of use, ears become sweaty;
• High arch fixation;
• Heavy cable.

Beyerdynamic MMX 2

Ideal headphones for video conferencing, talking and listening to music. The body is made of reliable plastic, and the ear pads are covered with high-quality velor. The microphone has high directional sensitivity and picks up much less noise than its closest competitors.

Speakers based on a neodymium magnet produce good sound, which is enough for comfortable listening to music. The sound is slightly distorted, the bass is rich and deep.

Pros:

• High-quality assembly;
• Versatility.

Minuses:

• No adapter;
• Insufficient noise reduction.

KOSS KEB15i

The headset has a stylish design and is sold in several colors. Additionally, the headphones are equipped with three pairs of silicone ear pads. Sound insulation leaves much to be desired, but allows you to comfortably listen to music even on the street.

The sound in the headphones is rich and conveys bass and high notes well. The volume reserve is enough for any situation.

Pros:

• Stylish design;
• Low price;
• Additional ear pads;
• Built-in microphone.

Philips SHM1900

The headphones have a stylish design with a cutout on the arc and fit securely on the head. A special wheel is responsible for adjusting the volume. The sound is clear, but does not convey bass well. The microphone picks up voices perfectly and the amount of extraneous noise is minimal. These are the ideal headphones for Skype calls.

Pros:

• Good microphone;
• Adequate price;
• Not a bad sound.

Minuses:

• Requires a good sound card;
• The wires are too thin.

Philips SHB9150

The headphones are made of glossy plastic, the body does not creak or deform. The headband is covered with white leatherette. Sound insulation is average. All connectors and control buttons are located on the right side, and the NFC module is on the left.

The sound in the headphones is clear, conveys high frequencies and bass in detail. Wireless Bluetooth connection reduces sound quality. There is interference from the radio module, which is heard in the right “ear” and only at low volume.

Pros:

• Convenient control unit;
• Good sound through the wire;
• Good ergonomics;
• Long battery life.

Headphones for a computer are far from an essential item, but you also need to be able to choose them correctly so as not to throw away considerable sums of money. Today in this article you will learn several of the most important rules in choosing headphones for a computer or laptop, which will help you choose the ideal device that can satisfy your hearing preferences.

In general, headphones for a computer are a misnomer; it would be more correct to call them “Computer headsets,” since almost all headphones also have a built-in microphone for communication. After all, they not only listen to music or watch movies, but also communicate in video or audio mode, and they are also necessary for playing games on the Internet.

8 parameters to pay attention to when choosing a computer headset

Today there are a lot of parameters for headphones by which you can choose them, but we will list only the main ones, those that deserve attention:

1. Headphone type
All types of computer headsets are usually divided depending on the design used (there are only four types):

• In-Ear Headphones(or whatever they are called pills). The main advantage of such headphones is their simplicity, they take up no space at all (especially when rolled up), fit easily into the ears, do not spoil the hairstyle at all (for girls), and you can easily put a hat on top of them and it will not interfere with listening music, and they will not spoil your appearance. This type of headphones can always be found in MP3 players and mobile phones. If we talk about shortcomings, there are also plenty of them, the main one is the lack of any sound insulation, as a result of which, in addition to music, you hear extraneous noise (the TV working in the next room or the conversation of loved ones nearby). This type is completely unsuitable for computers, since at home we don’t sit in hats and don’t wear beautiful hairstyles that we are afraid of ruining, but extraneous noise is a fairly common occurrence.


• Earplug headphones(that is plug-in type). This is a more suitable type of headphones, since they are also invisible, also comfortable to wear, but have a number of advantages over “tablets”. Firstly, they “sit” more tightly in the auricle, which means they won’t fall off. Secondly, the quality of sound insulation is noticeably better (you won’t even hear the subway noise if you use these headphones while sitting in a train). The sound quality, as in the previous type of headphones, is quite mediocre, since their main problem is the small diameter of the membrane. If you require high quality headphones for your computer, then you should choose the following two types of devices.


• On-ear headphones(on the box or in the description there is also a name such as supraaural). The advantage of the headphones is that they have a fairly large membrane diameter, due to which the sound becomes noticeably better quality when compared with in-ear or plug-in headphones. Despite their large size (compared to previous types), they remain quite compact and simple in design. They have quite different methods of fastening, which also makes them stand out from the crowd.


• Monitor headphones(designated as Circumaural). This is the most ideal type of headphones of all, as they have a maximum membrane diameter, as well as a complex design, which allows them to create excellent sound output. The cups, or as professionals call them “ear cushions,” completely cover the ears, which prevents the penetration of other noise or sound. Based on the above, they are ideal for a computer, although there is one drawback - the high price.

2. One-way headset
Very often, a computer headset is used for work (answering Skype calls, for example, in technical support), but not everyone knows that there is a headset that has an earphone on one side and only a pressure plate on the other, which allows you to hear the interlocutor, but in It’s also time to fully hear the people around you. Such headsets are naturally equipped with a microphone for communication.

In addition, gamers should also buy a one-way headset, as they will be able to both play video games (communicating with virtual friends) and listen to others without being distracted from the game.

3. Headphone mounting type
When choosing headphones for your computer, you cannot help but focus on the type of mount; try to predict all the cases when you will use the headset, because in this way you can understand which type will suit you best. There are only four mounting options:

• Headband- can be called a standard type of mounting computer headphones with a microphone. The essence of this fastening is that between the cups (ear pads) there is a bow in a vertical position. Thanks to this headband, the weight of the entire device is evenly distributed over the head, so there is no feeling of something heavy. This type is not always suitable for girls, as it can ruin the beauty of their hairstyle.


• Occipital arch– this is no longer the most standard type of fastening, but it is quite familiar. The same bow connects the two ear pads, but now it runs in the back of the head and does not touch the hair around the perimeter much, which is better for a pre-made hairstyle, but worse for the ears, since all the weight is distributed on them. The site’s experts do not recommend using this type if the headphones will be used at home constantly.


• Headphones are attached to the ears– this type of fastening is most recommended for girls, since the headphones are attached using a special earhook or something like a clip. With this type, the lightest models of devices are often used so that the ears do not hurt from prolonged use.


• Without fastening– this type of headphones includes only “tablet” and “plug” headphones, which, as you already understood, are not the best option for working or playing on a computer. In general, they do not use a mount because without it the user has a feeling of some freedom in movement (the main thing is not to touch the headphone cable with your hand).

4. Type of microphone mount on headphones for computer
If you want to have not only headphones, but also a microphone to be able to communicate over the Internet, then you need to decide on the type of mounting:

• On the line– a good option for those who are not sure whether they need a microphone or not. Visually, it is practically invisible and is often located on the volume control button. The design is quite simple to manufacture, so the price of the headset will not increase due to such a microphone.


• Fixed mount– ideal for those who will constantly communicate using a microphone (almost without removing it from their head). Visually, the microphone is mounted on a special plastic holder and gently (not too much) protrudes forward.


• Movable microphone mount- in our opinion, it is ideal for a computer headset, since with the help of this mount you can adjust the proximity of the microphone to your mouth, thereby changing the sound quality of the listener. Often, such a microphone can also be “hidden” by raising it above your head.


• Built-in microphone– one of the worst options for mounting a microphone, since it will pick up not only your voice, but also all extraneous sounds. The only advantage of the built-in type is that it is completely invisible, which means it does not spoil the appearance of the entire headset.

5. Microphone with built-in noise reduction
Modern microphones are often equipped with such a useful function as noise reduction. If your headset has the same capability, then when recording or communicating, a minimum of extraneous noise will enter your microphone, which will ultimately make speech even more understandable, and also give the effect of your presence next to the listener.

6. Connection type. Which headphones should I choose, wireless or wired?
A computer headset can also be divided according to the type of connection:

• Wireless headphones for computer. They should be chosen in cases where you need freedom of movement around the house or office. The essence of the technology is quite simple: you connect the base station to your computer, and it already has a special transmitter built into it for exchanging signals with the headphones themselves. The absence of wires and a large range of movement are the main advantages and reasons for purchasing such a headset. Although this type has many disadvantages, such as sound quality, it is noticeably worse than wired ones due to an unstable signal. In addition, you will have to regularly change the batteries in your headphones, or buy several batteries, which again costs money, plus it causes some discomfort. Naturally, the weight of the headphones also increases due to the additional device and inserted batteries, which, by the way, only last for a few hours.


• Wired headphones. They are preferable in our opinion, since the sound, as we have already said, becomes better, the weight is less, and the reliability is greater. In addition, their price will naturally be lower when compared with wireless headphones of the same level and characteristics. It turns out that in most cases it is better to choose wired headphones, and wireless ones are worth your attention only if you are willing to constantly tinker with batteries and endure other shortcomings, but at the same time feel freedom of movement.

7. Headphone jack
There are two main connectors for connecting to a computer, between which you should choose:

• Mini jack 3.5 mm– a standard and familiar type of connection for everyone. It is a small plug that can be inserted not only into a computer, but also into another device (player, TV, home theater, etc.). We recommend using it, because even if you don’t use the headset on your computer, you can easily use it on another device. However, please note that there must be two such plugs: one for headphones and the other for a microphone.


• USB– a modern computer headset connector, it is increasingly being used in the computer industry. A headset with such a connector already has a built-in sound card, so they can easily be connected to netbooks or other devices that do not have an audio output. Your headset will always work (both headphones and microphone).

For a person who cannot imagine his life without music and listens to it every day, the main place is occupied by rich, high-quality sound, and only after that the convenience and duration of operation of a portable device that emits sounds. However, stores offer such a wide range of headphones of different types and manufacturers that, without sufficient information about the right choice, you can easily get confused. We will present a rating of the best and most suitable headphones for sound quality. But first, let’s provide information about which headphones are best to choose.

At first glance, it seems that choosing good headphones can be done without any problems. All you have to do is come to the store, listen to the song you like in the model you like, and if you like the sound, you can buy it. Those who think so are wrong. The process of choosing this portable device has its own nuances. When we choose a product for ourselves, we first of all pay attention to its design and description of the characteristics on the box. However, one would not be disappointed in the purchase acquired in this way. It is important to decide in what situations you need headphones to listen to music (at home, on the street, etc.).

When choosing headphones with good and high-quality sound, you should adhere to the following criteria:

To get acquainted with the rating, the best headphones will be presented according to the version of the Marka.guru portal, in the compilation of which reviews from experts and consumers were taken into account. It includes 15 models of portable devices with different designs and good sound, allowing you to listen to any music.

Plug-in

1. XBA-A3

The list opens with the best in-ear headphones for music from Sony.

Manufacturers have achieved excellent sound thanks to the drivers in the plugs (1 dynamic and 2 reinforcement).

The kit includes 2 cables (with and without a microphone), several attachments, and a case.

Advantages:

• wonderful sound;
• high quality;
• comfortable fit.

Flaws:

• sound insulation is not the best;
• the cost is high - 15,990 rubles.

XBA-A3 prices:

2. Westone UM PRO10

Vacuum device with earplugs attached behind the ear for the tightest fit to the ear.

The armature driver provides excellent clarity and high detail.

The headphones have a dual-driver reinforcement design. Durability is achieved through hand assembly from high-strength materials. The kit includes many attachments, a detachable cable, a deep cleaning tool and a case.

Advantages:

• clear, refined sound;
• voices are well separated;
• do not fall out of the ears;
• wonderful design.

Flaws:

• little bass;
• the cost is a bit high - 10,500 rubles, but the quality justifies it.

Prices for Westone UM PRO10:

3. Philips Fidelio S2

They are part of the Philips Fidelio high-quality conceptual line of audio products and are one of the best vacuum-type headphones. High power drivers are capable of transmitting accurate music sound.

The robust design of the device will ensure its durability.

And it comes with attachments of different sizes, a compact and very convenient case in which the plugs are stored.

Advantages:

• Beautiful design;
• fit well in the ears;
• the wire does not get tangled;
• soft sound.

Flaws:

• a very delicate wire that quickly hardens in the cold;
• lack of low frequencies;
• the cost is high (8440 rubles).

Prices for Philips Fidelio S2:

4. Panasonic RP-HJE125

Owners of these earbuds will appreciate their modest price, moderate high frequency, balanced midrange and good bass. The device has ear pads included.

If you don’t like the sound, then its quality can be improved by selecting other rubber bands or silicone.

Headphones are produced in different colors.

Advantages:

• good quality sound;
• L-shaped plug;
• different colors of devices;
• acceptable cost - 449 rubles.

Flaws:

• the cord is short;
• plastic becomes dull in the cold.

Prices for Panasonic RP-HJE125:

Earbuds

1. Sennheiser MX 170

Budget headphones, but decent quality. They have an advantage in high frequencies, but they also have bass, although it is better not to listen to the device at maximum volume, otherwise the bass will be blocked. But the design details have a weak link - there is practically no sound insulation, although ear pads are included in the kit. And a thin vulnerable cord.

Advantages:

• sound of acceptable quality;
• low cost (410 rubles).

Flaws:

• power restrictions;
• in the cold the cord becomes dull;
• There is no protection where the cord exits the housing.

Prices for Sennheiser MX 170:

They belong to the class of inexpensive and simple earbud devices. They are quite consistent with their price category, their sound is ordinary, low frequencies are enhanced, and the design is minimalist, not flashy. The curved body ensures comfortable holding in the ears, and the small width allows you to listen to music even when lying on your side.

The set includes ear pads, which improve the sound quality of low frequencies in the speakers.

Advantages:

• simplicity;
• comfortable shape;
• good high frequency, clean and fairly powerful bass;
• very low cost - 399 rubles.

Flaws:

• The cable is short.

Prices :

3. Apple EarPods

Standard in-ear headphones equipped with a microphone. Connected using a wire.

This device came with different iPhone models and is now fully compatible with them.

It has a stylish design, but consumers have conflicting opinions about the sound quality.

Advantages:

• high quality assembly;
• beautiful shape;
• ease of operation;
• reasonable price, varies in the range of 954-2390 rubles.

Flaws:

• easily soiled white color.

Apple EarPods prices:

Invoices

1. Sol Republic

A device in which the headband, cups and wires are completely independent of each other. If one of the components breaks down, it can be easily purchased and replaced. On the wire there is a microphone and a small remote control for adjusting the volume. With this headset you can listen to music on any mobile device and even control the menu.

The bass is dominant, but overall the sound is rich and bright.

Advantages:

• wonderful sound;
• The wire is easy to untangle;
• fit comfortably on the ears;
• pleasant to the touch material of the cups and headband.

Flaws:

• the edges of the remote control cling to clothes;
• the buttons are a bit stiff;
• the cost is rather high, varies in the range of 5702-10990 rubles.

Prices for Sol Republic:

2. Sennheiser PX 100-II

These headphones are ideal for everyday use. They have a folding design, steel hinges and a bow, which ensure long-term operation of the device.

The headphones are compact, lightweight, and if you fold them, you can put them in your eyeglass case.

One-sided cable fastening, its length is 120 cm. They have a stylish and at the same time not flashy appearance.

Advantages:

• balanced sound;
• compactness;
• fits comfortably on the head;
• excellent ratio of cost (2740 rubles) and quality.

Flaws:

• not very good sound insulation;
• The cord is flimsy.

Prices for Sennheiser PX 100-II:

3. Koss Porta Pro

The cult best on-ear headphones, which first appeared in 1984, and have been improved by manufacturers all this time.

They have an ergonomic design and original design. They fold and take on a round shape.

They will delight music lovers with excellent sound.

Advantages:

• high quality sound;
• weigh little;
• possibility of adjusting the speaker suspension angle;
• reasonable price, varies in the range of 2719-3765 rubles.

Flaws:

• poor sound insulation;
• The metal bars of the headband catch on your hair and pull it.

Prices for Koss Porta Pro:

4. SVEN AP-B350MV

Wireless headphones that provide excellent quality of reproduced tunes. Any music lover will appreciate them, as he will be able to enjoy both his favorite music and complete freedom of movement.

Built-in Bluetooth supports communication at a distance of 10 m with a tablet or smartphone, and the battery will last 10 hours without recharging.

The device can also operate from the audio cable included in the kit.

Advantages:

• easy to use;
• clear sound;
• low cost (1183 rubles).

Flaws:

• not found.

Prices for SVEN AP-B350MV:

Full size

1. V-Moda Crossfade M-100

A device with great sound and plenty of bass. It is distinguished by an abundance of leather and a minimum of plastic in its design.

The headphones can be folded, resulting in a semicircular shape and compactness.

The cable is single-sided, so it connects to any cup. The leather ear pads are pleasant to the touch, sealed, and have good noise insulation. There is only one button on the remote control that allows you to answer a call or record a speech.

Advantages:

• “bass” sound;
• compactness;
• original design.

Flaws:

• fragility;
• high cost - 17886 rubles.

Prices for V-Moda Crossfade M-100:

2. Plantronics BackBeat Pro

Wireless full-size headphones designed for listening to music indoors. The device is universal in terms of operation and copes equally well with playing music and games. Produces excellent sound, dominated by rich deep bass, driving highs and smooth mids.

They can work day and night without a wire, and a wired connection is also possible.

Advantages:

• the sound is velvety and pleasant;
• unlimited functionality;
• fit comfortably on the ears.

Flaws:

• quite massive;
• expensive (13,990 rubles).

Plantronics BackBeat Pro prices:

3. Sennheiser HD 215 II

A device with excellent sound and a number of other useful functions.

One of the best of its kind, ideal for listening at home.

It has a minimalist design; the elegance of the headphones was not in the first place when created. These headphones will last a long time and sit comfortably on your head. Good for DJs.

Advantages:

• excellent detailed sound;
• the wire is removed;
• good sound insulation;
• acceptable cost - 4490 rubles.

Flaws:

• dimensions.

Prices for Sennheiser HD 215 II:

4. Sony MDR-XB950AP

They sound great and look original. The body is mostly plastic, with metal inserts.

Equipped with a movable mechanism, which, if necessary, will allow you to expand the headband.

The cups completely cover the ears, but the ears do not fall inside them. The cups themselves move smoothly, adapting to the head. The button will answer the call. But you can’t adjust the music volume with a button.

Advantages:

• high-quality construction;
• sit comfortably on the head;
• the wire is strong;
• acceptable cost - 4328 rubles.

Flaws:

• The wire becomes dull in the cold.

Prices for Sony MDR-XB950AP:

We have reviewed the Top 15 best in-ear, in-ear, on-ear and over-ear headphones. This information will help people who decide to buy this device for themselves to choose it correctly.

For the uninitiated user, choosing headphones or a headset poses some difficulties. And it’s not surprising, because this simple device at first glance has many designs, characteristics and even more manufacturers.

But we won’t let you get lost in this diversity and in this article we’ll tell you everything you need to know when choosing headphones or a headset for your computer or mobile devices and help you make the right choice.

Gaming headsets

One of the most popular gaming headsets today are HyperX and the Cloud Core model, which has the best price/quality ratio.

These lightweight and durable headsets have bassy sound designed specifically for gaming, but they're also quite enjoyable to listen to music and watch movies on.

Digital headsets

If your PC has a cheap motherboard with a budget audio codec (most non-gaming models), then it is advisable to take a digital headset with a USB connector, the sound quality of which will not depend on the computer’s sound card.

One of the best options would be SteelSeries headsets, which provide very clear sound with light, transparent bass and have a very sensitive noise-canceling microphone. Even an inexpensive 5H v2 USB model is enough.
SteelSeries 5H v2 USB Headphones

Headsets for communication

Some of the best headsets for Skype and other chats are Plantronics. I recommend models Audio 355/655(USB), GameCom 318/388.
Plantronics GameCom 318 Headphones

These lightweight headsets have an excellent noise-canceling microphone and surprisingly good bass sound, making it comfortable to play games and listen to music.

Universal headsets

The universal headset can be used for any task - music, games, movies, with a computer and mobile devices. Everywhere they show themselves quite worthy.

One of the best options would be headsets from Sony, which are distinguished by excellent balanced sound, good quality bass and compactness. I can recommend the MDR-ZX660AP and MDR-XB950AP models.
Headphones Sony MDR-ZX660AP

But there are many more similar successful wired and wireless models.

Headsets for music

For gaming lovers who also appreciate good music, we can recommend gaming headsets from Sennheiser. For example, the inexpensive model GSP 300.
Headphones Sennheiser GSP 300

Everything that was listed above is one of the most optimal headsets today in terms of price/quality ratio, but of course there are many other successful models.

If you want to delve into all the technical nuances of choosing headphones or a headset, understand why I recommend these particular models, or find something of your own, then read the article further.

2. Purpose

Based on their purpose, headphones can be divided into the following types:

• for communication
• for music
• for games
• for mobile devices
• universal
• monitor

Now I will describe them in a little more detail.

For communication- usually a lightweight headset with a microphone for communication on Skype, where high demands are not placed on sound quality, but there must be a good microphone. A high-quality headset for communication is not expensive ($20-30).

For music– headphones with the highest quality sound across the entire frequency range. High frequencies should not be cut off, there should be no dips in the mids, and the bass should be transparent, soft and pleasant, and not explosive or booming. Such headphones should be soft, comfortable, provide comfortable use for a long time and cannot be cheap (from $100). However, the presence of a microphone in them is not a priority.

For games– headphones or headsets, which also have high demands in terms of comfort, but do not require natural sound. The main thing is that they help you navigate the game by sound, do not eat up small details and have muted bass that does not hurt your ears. All this is taken into account when developing gaming headsets. They should also be quite durable, since they are used quite actively. Having a microphone with good noise reduction and a mute function is a recommended condition for online team games. The cost of a gaming headset should be average between a simple headset for communication and high-quality audiophile headphones ($50-100).

For mobile devices– often the main requirement for such headphones is lightness, compactness, folding design and a carrying case. It will be convenient if it is a headset with a microphone so that you can receive calls. It’s also good if it’s wireless and has a long enough battery life. Of course, if such a headset is of high quality and provides good sound, then it will cost a decent amount (about $100).

Universal– headphones or headsets that can be used for computers and mobile devices in most tasks – communication, music, video, games. In general, for undemanding and budget-conscious users who need a little bit of everything. These headphones do not have high demands in terms of sound quality, since it is impossible to provide ideal sound in completely different scenarios. However, this may be enough for most users, and there is no need to buy several separate headphones for different purposes. These headphones may have a microphone, cable or wireless connection, and a built-in battery. At the same time, their cost can be very affordable ($30-60), but they are unlikely to belong to a famous brand.

Monitor– professional headphones that reproduce sound without distortion or enhancement. They are mainly used by musicians in studios and are expensive (from $100). These headphones usually do not have a microphone, are equipped with special connectors or adapters for connecting to studio equipment and may have increased impedance. Regular users are unlikely to appreciate them, since the sound in them seems not bright enough.

3. Headphones or headset

Some users are faced with a choice of what to buy – headphones or a headset. Many people believe that they don’t need a microphone in principle and are unlikely to need it.

However, it is better to purchase a more functional device – a headset with a microphone. If you don’t need a microphone now, you may really need it tomorrow when your webcam breaks or you need to make a late Skype call. Or maybe someone you know will drag you into an online game and you will be without communication.

In any case, it is better to have a microphone, even if it is removable, if you do not plan to use it for now or think that it will interfere with you. For a headset that you will wear with a smartphone, it is better to have a built-in microphone.

4. Headband

I decided to start with the design of the headphones from top to bottom, and then I’ll talk about the technical characteristics, other nuances and manufacturers.

The headband is the arm that holds the earcups with the speakers and is used as a support that transfers the weight of the headphones to the head. It can have a different design and size, which greatly affects the comfort and durability of the headphones.

4.1. Headband design

The following headband options can be distinguished:

• plastic shackle
• plastic with shock absorber
• cervical arch
• suspended structure
• metal rim
• foldable design

Plastic temple- the simplest version of the headband, characterized by low strength and low ease of use. Thin plastic breaks quickly, thick plastic lasts longer, but in any case it puts unpleasant pressure on the back of the head, especially for those who don’t have a lot of hair there.

Plastic with shock absorber– solves the problem of convenience, but does not add reliability and durability to the design.

– usually made of plastic and, in addition to being unfamiliar with use, transfers all the stress to the ears, which makes them begin to hurt after an hour or two of use.

– can be found in models with both a plastic and a more reliable metal shackle. The advantages include the softness of the fastening, but on a small head it can sag too much and this is difficult to adjust, especially in heavy models where the load falls on the ears.

– the highest quality and most reliable type of headband. The plate can be placed on top, or it can be completely covered with soft leather. It’s good if all the fastening up to the cups is made of metal, such a design will be practically indestructible.

– exists in many variations, the main thing is that it is strong enough, i.e. made of metal or very thick plastic with no visible weak points.

4.2. Headband size

The size of the headband also plays an important role, i.e. how much it can stretch in width and move apart in length.

Of course, for a wide head you cannot take narrow headphones, as they will put a lot of pressure on the ears or the space around the ears, which is uncomfortable and the ears quickly begin to hurt. In addition, the plastic headband may not withstand constant stress, especially when putting on/taking off headphones, and will quickly break. With a narrow head, the situation is the opposite - wide headphones will dangle on it, which is also not very convenient, although not always critical.

The length of the head also needs to be taken into account, since some headphones may not expand to the desired height and the cups will be higher than a comfortable level (they will press down on the earlobes). With a small round head, the opposite situation may arise; even with the mount fully retracted, the cups will be too low and the headphones will hang on the ears instead of the rim, causing discomfort and pain from fatigue.

While most headphones are designed to fit a variety of head sizes and are reasonably adjustable, this is something to consider as there are exceptions to both head sizes and headphones.

Whether the headphones are the right size for you and whether they will be comfortable for you, of course it is better to try them live in the store. But if this is not possible, then you can roughly navigate the proportions and sizes of the headphones (wide or narrow), taking into account your anatomical features.

5. Cups

The ear cups contain the headphone speakers and are usually made of plastic, which rarely compromises durability.

5.1. Cup design

By design, cups can be divided into:

• motionless
• movable

Fixed– are rigidly connected to the headband and do not rotate left-right, up-down, which is used in cheap headphones and is usually not critical, but sometimes it can be inconvenient.

Movable– in good headphones, the cups should rotate at least a little in several planes, this is usually enough to fit the ears comfortably.

5.2. Cup material

The cup material usually uses one of the following types of plastic:

• matte
• glossy
• soft touch

Matte plastic- the simplest and, in my opinion, the best solution as a cup material, since it is not easily soiled and does not require special care.

Glossy plastic- not the best solution, although at first it shines beautifully, it collects fingerprints, dust, gets scratched and requires frequent careful cleaning.

Soft touch plastic– I don’t know who and why came up with the idea of ​​​​making cups from a material that is pleasant to the touch, but collects greasy fingerprints, it’s still not a mouse. In any case, it’s better than gloss, but worse than regular matte plastic; soft touch needs to be cleaned more often and is more difficult.

In general, I would advise not to focus on the material of the cups and consider this as the last thing when choosing very similar models.

5.3. Acoustic design

But it’s worth paying more serious attention to the acoustic design, since this already concerns the sound quality and comfort of using headphones. In general, this primarily relates to the operation of the speakers, and sound insulation is a side effect, although it is also an important effect.

Depending on the type of acoustic design, cups are:

• closed
• open
• half open

Closed cups– create a closed space, which prevents the vibration of the membranes, since there is no inflow and outflow of air inside the cups (in front of and behind the speaker membrane). This distorts the sound somewhat, but can make it bassier, which some people like. But the most important thing is that this design provides high sound insulation, and is better suited for those who like to enjoy music in silence, without hearing external sounds (for example, in the subway). Sound insulation also works in the opposite direction, without interfering with the rest or work of those who are nearby, especially at night.

Open cups- here everything is exactly the opposite. The cups have holes through which air flows freely, allowing the speaker membrane to vibrate more freely without distorting the sound. This is suitable for those who are very picky about sound quality, i.e. music lovers. In addition, with this design you will hear everything that is happening around you and others will hear what you have in your headphones. Personally, I like to hear what is happening around me when they call or contact me. On the other hand, I never turn the volume up high and don't disturb anyone.

Half-open cups– it’s something in between. On one side, special holes are usually not visible; somewhere there may be narrow gaps. This has little effect on the sound and it is unlikely that those without a gifted ear for music will notice the difference with a closed or open type. Sound insulation is moderate, external sounds do not come through much, and music from the headphones comes out even less. Personally, I also like this option, perhaps even slightly better than with completely open cups. A quiet TV does not interfere with enjoying the game, and if my wife says something, I will hear it.

In general, you shouldn’t bother too much with choosing the type of cups in terms of sound quality. Focus on your preferences in terms of sound insulation and the conditions in which you will use the headphones.

6. Ear pads

Ear pads are soft pads on the cups; they come in different designs, sizes and materials, which greatly affects comfort and sound.

6.1. Design

Based on the design of ear pads, headphones are:

• full size
• invoices
• vacuum
• earbuds

Full size– fit the ear completely, providing high comfort during long-term use of headphones.

Invoices– are placed on top of the ears, creating some pressure on them, which is quite acceptable for short-term use for 1-2 hours, but can cause pain in the ears with long-term use.

Vacuum– do not belong to computers and are used mainly with mobile devices, although they can also be used with a laptop. Vacuum headphones are inserted deep into the ear canal using small rubber ear pads, which is why they are also called canal headphones or earplugs. They usually cannot provide the same sound quality and deep bass as full-size headphones, with the exception of some successful models (for example, AKG). If you listen to music not loudly, then your ears won’t hurt, but for some people these headphones don’t stay in their ears and fall out all the time, so you need to choose them individually or take a model with an additional attachment to the ear. Vacuum headphones provide high sound insulation.

– headphones that are not inserted into the ear canal, but are placed in the auricle, which is why they are called earbuds. They may have foam ear pads, rubberized edges, or simply be plastic. Unlike vacuum ones, the sound in them is not as rich, there is practically no bass. But personally, for example, I really like the earbuds from HTC smartphones, they are comfortable and the sound in them is pleasant, they stay well in my ears and do not cause discomfort. In addition, through the earbuds you can clearly hear what is happening around you, you will not be pushed by passengers on public transport and you will not get hit by a car without hearing it approach. But not all earbuds fit equally well in different ears; some fall out or press on, and after 1-2 hours the ears begin to hurt.

When it comes to computer headphones and headsets, I personally prefer full-size headphones with large ear pads.

6.2. Shape and size of ear pads

Even though headphones may be advertised as full-size, the shape and size of the ear pads can vary greatly from model to model. This is worth paying close attention to.

The shape of the ear pads can be:

• oval
• round
• rectangular

Oval– have the most natural shape, repeating the outline of the ear and fitting it perfectly.

Round– since they do not exactly follow the contours of the ear, they must be larger than oval in size.

Rectangular- closer to oval than to round and can quite comfortably fit ears with the same sizes.

It is better to choose headphones with larger ear pads and a thinner edge, so that they completely fit your ears and do not even slightly press them anywhere. For example, slight constant pressure on the earlobe will cause ear pain after a few hours, and after 3-4 hours you will start to have a headache. As a reminder, the entire weight of the headphones should rest on the headband, and the ear pads should only rest lightly on the head around the ears.

6.3. Ear pad material

The main materials used for ear pads are:

• leatherette
• textile
• velours
• foam rubber

Leather– the best material in terms of quality and durability, but headphones with genuine leather are very expensive, mostly for music lovers.

Leatherette– is not inferior to natural leather in ease of use. Nowadays they make ear pads from very soft and pleasant leatherette. However, its durability in inexpensive headphones leaves much to be desired, which is another reason not to save much. Leatherette wears off especially quickly in men with hard stubble in the sideburn area. The sound features of headphones with leatherette ear pads include rich sound and powerful bass, compared to ear pads made of other materials.

Fabric, velor– some music lovers prefer ear pads made of this material, since it does not reflect sound waves like leatherette, but rather absorbs them somewhat, without introducing distortion and making the sound more natural. However, the sound becomes less rich and bassy, ​​so I prefer leatherette ear pads. In terms of ease of use, I can’t say which is better. On the one hand, the fabric breathes and the ears don’t sweat as much, on the other hand, it can get hot in a warm room. It probably wears out over time just like leatherette. In terms of care, it may be a little worse, it gets dirty more easily and the ear pads need to be removed for washing, while leatherette ear pads just need to be wiped with a damp microfiber without removing them. In general, my choice is leatherette.

Foam rubber– the cheapest and fastest wearing material, used mainly in the most inexpensive overhead headsets for communication. This may be justified for reasons of austerity or if you want very light and open headphones through which you can hear everything. But low wear resistance imposes its limitations on the frequency of use of such headphones; neither they nor the foam rubber will last long. Personally, I wouldn't recommend such solutions at all.

It is also worth considering that ear pads made of leather and faux leather have greater sound insulation than those made of fabric and foam rubber. Velor provides average sound insulation.

7. Connection interface

The connection interface is a combination of connector and data transmission technology.

All headphones and headsets are divided into:

• analog
• digital
• wireless

Analog headphones– connected by a cable with an audio connector, for a computer and mobile devices this is a 3.5 mm mini-jack. If there is a microphone, there will also be a separate mini-jack for it. The sound quality of these headphones depends greatly on the sound card or audio codec. Integrated audio codecs on cheap motherboards may not produce sound of sufficient quality to unlock the full sound potential of good headphones. High-quality discrete sound cards and audio codecs with headphone amplifiers on gaming motherboards can provide higher quality sound.

Digital headphones– have a built-in sound card and are connected via a USB connector. Through the USB interface, sound is transmitted digitally without distortion. Therefore, digital headphones on any computer sound as the manufacturer intended. In addition, the microphone does not require a second connector. This is a great solution for users with a not very good sound card. Among the shortcomings is the lack of connectivity to mobile devices. Also, the computer’s USB ports must work well, otherwise the connection may fall off (as happens with flash drives), but this rarely happens and can be solved by installing a working USB controller.

Wireless headphones– also have a built-in sound card and receive the signal in digital form, but using a radio channel or Bluetooth. Headphones that operate via their own radio channel include a USB transmitter that connects to a computer and may not be able to connect to mobile devices. Bluetooth headphones or headsets often do not come with a receiver and must be purchased separately (if your PC does not have such an adapter). Most laptops and mobile devices have a Bluetooth adapter and these headphones can be connected directly to them. Bluetooth has different versions 2.0-5.0. It is advisable that the headphones have the most modern version of Bluetooth (4.0,4.1,4.2,5.0) - the higher the better. The range of the most common versions 4.0-4.2 today is 7-10 m in line of sight, through walls 3-5 m.

In general, the best and most reliable option is a USB connection, then a 3.5 mm mini-jack, and the least reliable is a wireless connection, since the signal can be lost and interrupted by routers, wireless mice and other devices.

8. Headphone characteristics

The main characteristics of the headphones are:

• resistance (for analog)
• frequency range (for all)
• autonomy (for wireless)

Resistance– or impedance is the first parameter that you should pay attention to when choosing headphones with a 3.5 mm jack. The standard value for which sound cards are designed is 32 Ohms. If this value is higher for headphones (64 Ohms), then the weak integrated sound card will not be able to sufficiently drive the speaker membrane, the sound will be inconspicuous and muffled. If, on the contrary, it is lower (16 Ohms), then there will be no problems with drive, but the electrical load on the sound card will increase, which could theoretically reduce its service life. But these problems should not be exaggerated; most even very weak sound cards will work normally with headphones with a resistance of approximately 24-48 Ohms. And a high-quality audio codec on a gaming motherboard copes well with headphones with an impedance of about 60 Ohms, not to mention discrete sound cards.

Autonomy– determines how long wireless headphones can operate on a single charge in continuous sound playback mode. Usually the approximate time at 50% volume is indicated. The minimum is about 5 hours, but 8 hours is considered more acceptable. More expensive models can work 16-20 hours on a single charge, sometimes more. Here, just focus on your needs and capabilities. But keep in mind that if in headphones of decent brands this figure is usually true, then for cheap Chinese brands the real figure may be 2 times lower. In addition, over time, battery capacity decreases and battery life may decrease significantly. Therefore, I recommend taking headphones with a battery life reserve of 1.5-2 times the minimum level you need.

Manufacturers and stores may indicate other headphone parameters, but they won’t tell you anything and are rarely true, so you can ignore them.

9. Microphone characteristics

Microphones differ in design, directionality and some other parameters.

9.1. Microphone design

Based on their shape and location, microphones can be divided into:

• gooseneck
• retractable
• fixed
• removable
• built-in
• on cable

- a very common microphone design, usually involving rotation from the top non-working position down closer to the lips, as well as a slight bend in any direction. One of the advantages is that it can be brought very close, which allows you to speak very quietly. It can also be folded up frequently when not needed. The disadvantages include constant wear and tear of the structure and not the highest durability. A microphone switch may be built into the rotary mechanism.

- may be similar to a goose neck, but extend out of the cup as needed and be somewhat shorter. In principle, the design is acceptable, does not interfere, but does not extend to the very lips. This design is a little more durable.

Another option is that it can have the same swivel design as in the case of a gooseneck, but be completely plastic, non-bending, and often also shorter. In principle, this may be convenient, but wear and tear when turning does not go away. It can also have a turn on/off function.

– it just sticks out of the cup and doesn’t move anywhere, which makes the design more reliable and convenient, but it should be short and durable so as not to interfere with putting it on the table, storing headphones and so that it doesn’t break.

– usually attached to the left cup as needed and may be gooseneck or rigid plastic. This option is most suitable if you rarely use the microphone. A long microphone that is constantly attached and cannot be rotated will make it very difficult to place the headphones on the table. Personally, I join him once a month, when someone I know drags him for a ride in the tanks, and then only if it’s at night and I can’t talk through the webcam.

– usually located in the ear cup and can be invisible, in the form of a small hole like on a smartphone. Cheaper models may require you to speak a little louder than normal. But on higher-end digital headphones, it may be even better than a gooseneck that can be bent straight to your lips.

– is a convenient, but not the best solution in terms of audibility. If you speak loudly enough all the time, this won't be a problem. But in any case, it is desirable that it be as high as possible; some manufacturers hang the microphone so that it will be on your belly, if not on your knees, and you will have to attach it with an additional clothespin to your clothes higher, which is very inconvenient.

In general, if you use the microphone quite often, then I would recommend that it be short (fixed, retractable, rotating) or built into the cup (on quality headphones). Long and detachable microphones are inconvenient for frequent use, and the microphone on the cable requires a high position and a raised voice.

9.2. Microphone Directivity

Microphones come in unidirectional (directional) and omnidirectional (non-directional) types.

Unidirectional microphone– most often used in headsets, especially with goosenecks and various retractable options that are designed to bring the microphone closer to your lips. The advantage of a directional microphone is that it picks up little extraneous noise, which is very important for games.

Omnidirectional microphone– can be built into the earcups or located on the wire. It picks up sounds from all directions. So, if you have a TV in your room, then the Turkish TV series that your wife watches will “delight” the whole team in the game chat. However, in a quality noise-canceling digital headset and in an environment where there is no external noise, such a microphone can provide the highest quality voice transmission. Also, through an omnidirectional microphone, you can communicate with the whole family or company via Skype, which, however, is usually done using the same omnidirectional microphone of a webcam.

Choose the directionality of the microphone depending on the conditions in which you will use it. If in a noisy environment, then directional is better, if you are sitting in a separate quiet room, then non-directional is possible. This can greatly affect the quality of communication.

9.3. Microphone settings

Other microphone parameters include sensitivity and noise reduction.

Sensitivity– the sensitivity of the microphone determines how quiet sounds it can pick up. In this case, you need to take into account the direction of the microphone. If the microphone is directional, then higher sensitivity will have a positive effect on the quality of voice transmission and you will be able to speak more quietly. If the microphone is omnidirectional, then it does not need excessively high sensitivity, since extraneous sounds will be picked up. Microphone sensitivity is measured in decibels (dB), but is interpreted opposite to volume level. That is, a -38 dB microphone is more sensitive than a -54 dB microphone. In other words, the lower the numbers, the higher the sensitivity.

10. Surround sound and vibration

Some headphones and headsets support surround sound technology, which can be realized physically or virtually, and some also have vibration. They are usually equipped with a built-in sound card and connected via USB.

Physical implementation– implies the presence of an honest 5.1 or 7.1 speaker system, thanks to which the user can hear from which direction the sound is coming (front, rear, left, right). This is useful in games, but not necessary in most cases. In addition, high-quality surround sound systems are expensive, and cheap ones cannot provide good sound.

Virtual surround sound– usually content with two speakers, but by playing with frequencies it gives the sound some directionality, as in a 5.1 system. Again, this works better on more expensive devices and actually helps some users navigate their surroundings better. In cheap models, this is just a marketing ploy and does not work well. In any case, all this is not for everybody.

Vibration– assumes the presence of vibration motors in the headphones (like in a mobile phone), it can be light, but most often it is quite powerful. Cheap manufacturers usually lure inexperienced users with such “tricks”. In reality, at best it gets boring quickly, and at worst it gives you a headache. Those. This option is very much for everyone.

For use only in games, you can, in principle, purchase headphones with surround sound. But they should not be cheap and from a decent brand. For universal use and for listening to music, it is better to give preference to a high-quality stereo model. I recommend abandoning vibration; this function, of course, can be turned off, but the headphones are unlikely to be of good quality.

11. Controls

Headphones and especially headsets can have different controls.

Remote controller- usually a small block on the cable, with which you can adjust the volume and switch tracks. This is, in principle, convenient for universal headsets that can be used in conjunction with mobile devices. But this somewhat reduces reliability, since conductors may break in the area of ​​the remote control. Some control panels (mostly in expensive headsets) may have a built-in digital-to-analog converter (DAC) or, simply put, an adapter from a 3.5″ connector to USB or vice versa. This makes the headphones more versatile, allowing you to connect them with both a regular analog interface and a digital one. However, it is better to use the adapter on a periodic basis rather than on a permanent basis, as it still reduces the reliability of the connection.

– in principle, a useful thing, but not necessary for a computer headset, since the volume can be adjusted from the operating system or using the keyboard. For example, I never use the regulator on headphones. But for use with mobile devices it is convenient. If the regulator is made in the form of a wheel, then over time it can wear out and deteriorate. Buttons in this regard are less convenient, but more durable.

– a very useful feature for a computer headset, since you don’t always need to be heard in the game. For example, you may be going somewhere or you need to talk to your family. After all, your place may be noisy at times and you don't want to disturb your teammates. It is more convenient if the microphone is muted using a separate button, and the digital headset may also have audio (to understand whether the microphone is turned on or off). Some, mostly inexpensive headsets, have a mechanism to turn the microphone on/off when it is rotated (translated into working and non-working positions). This is interesting and, in principle, convenient, but not so reliable, in addition, the click can be unpleasant in the ears.

– can be on a mobile or universal headset, allowing you to switch tracks, answer calls, change the operating mode, turn the wireless headset on and off. All this is good and it is desirable that with the help of them you can perform all the necessary actions without taking your smartphone out of your pocket. The location of the buttons and how big they are also matter. Sometimes the buttons are very small and tight, which is inconvenient. Put your hand to your ear and try to understand where and how conveniently the buttons are located. Also read user reviews for their convenience.

When evaluating controls, use your needs as a guide. For a gaming headset, it is desirable to have the ability to turn off the microphone; for a mobile or universal headset, it is desirable to have a full set of necessary functions.

12. Cable

You also need to pay special attention to the headphone or headset cable, as ease of use depends on it.

Length of cable– is of great importance and when connecting to a distant system unit, it is desirable that it be within 1.8-2 m. The same 1.5 m may not be enough. Of course, it can be extended with an extension cord, but the quality and reliability of the connection will suffer. For a universal headset, on the contrary, it is better to have a shorter cable around 0.8-1.2 m, plus an extension cord for connecting to a PC. Since the extra wire will interfere when used with mobile devices. In any case, be guided by your specific conditions where the computer is located and what you wear your smartphone.

Cable thickness– on the one hand, the higher, the more reliable, but on the other hand, the thick cable is much heavier and pulls the headphones down, which is very uncomfortable. Especially the thickness of the cable is important for a universal headset when used with mobile devices. In this case, it is better for the cable to be thin or of medium thickness (if the cable is short).

Cable shape– can be round, twisted, flat (noodle) or double. The thin, round cable is prone to curling (getting tangled), which some people don't like. On the other hand, it is light and compact, which is more important for me personally. Sometimes the cable can be completely or partially twisted (like on a telephone handset), which in my opinion is absolutely inconvenient. Some people like the flat cable, called a "noodle" cable, because it doesn't get tangled. But this is mainly relevant for mobile use and I personally don’t like it, as it turns out to be heavy and takes up more space (especially in compact earplugs). But if the flat cable is not too long or is used in purely computer headphones, then this is not important. Sometimes you can also find headphones with a double cable (like an ordinary Soviet wire), it is not clear why they use it, since it twists more strongly, but on the other hand, it is quite reliable and the signal attenuates less in long cables, since the wires in it are thicker. This cable is used in some audiophile headphones from Sennheiser.

Presence of braid– has a positive effect on the durability of the cable. In addition, it glides better, curls less, and is overall more pleasant to use. Although for me personally the presence of a braid is not essential, its presence is still better than its absence, and many headphones from the middle and higher price ranges have it.

– these are a kind of rubber or flexible plastic inserts along the edges of the cable (at the junction with the connector and cup). They do not allow the cable to bend in these most vulnerable places to dangerous angles, which can lead to damage (broken wires) or breakage due to accidental jerks. Many headphones have such protection, and in more expensive ones it is made of higher quality (soft molded inserts), which provides excellent protection.

Detachable cable– used in some headphone models with replaceable cables of different lengths or functionality. There are also models with one cable, but for some reason it is removable. To be honest, it is not clear why this was done, because the cost increases and the reliability of the connection decreases. In addition, it is not always possible to replace this cable with another one, since it has non-standard connectors with a special lock (so that they do not fall out).

I would recommend choosing computer headphones with a fairly long (1.8-2 m), round, not very thick cable. The presence of braid is encouraged, but not required. Kink protection is also important for durability. A detachable cable is less reliable, since it has extra contacts, but in good, not the cheapest headphones, it is of sufficient quality, so this is not important.

For a universal headset, on the contrary, it is better to choose a shorter cable (0.8-1.2 m) so that it does not interfere when used with mobile devices. And to connect to a PC that is far away, it is advisable to include an extension cord in the kit (although it can be purchased separately). As for the “noodle” type flat cable, I personally don’t like it, but there are other opinions, so there is no universal advice here, it’s better to try it live (regardless of the headphone model).

13. Equipment

In addition to the headphones themselves with cable and microphone, the kit may include:

• extension cord/remote control (1-2 m)
• adapter (USB/Mini Jack)
• stand/charging
• carrying pouch

There are also often several versions of the same headphones with different configurations. Here, look at your needs and capabilities, what is important to you, and what you can save on. For example, you can buy a bag or a simple audio extender without any problems and it is cheap. Although, complete extension cords are usually of higher quality and more durable.

Some, mostly Chinese headphones, may come in a nice box or a simple package. Sometimes the difference in price can be 1.5-2 times. But, if the difference is still small ($3-5), then it is better to prefer higher quality packaging. It may turn out to be not only better in terms of safety, but also in terms of the quality of the headphones themselves and the packaging. Since in a box they are designed for export, and in a package mainly for the domestic consumer market.

14. Best producers

I will list here not only manufacturers of headphones and headsets for computers, but also for mobile devices, as well as some music lover brands. Since no one prohibits their use in conjunction with a PC, they are suitable for those who value high sound quality. Most of these headphones do not have a microphone, although there are exceptions.

On the other hand, I will not list expensive professional brands used by musicians, since I don’t understand this, they are very expensive and have non-standard parameters (connectors, resistance, etc.). Also, there will be no unpopular brands that do not specialize in headphones.

Brands are listed in alphabetical order to make it easier to select them in the filters of online stores and product catalogs. The best ones are highlighted in blue, the good ones in green, the mediocre ones in yellow.

A4Tech– lightweight and inexpensive headsets for communication with a sensitive microphone, the sound is clear but without bass, there are also vacuum headphones that are good for their price.

AKG– high-quality monitor headphones with natural sound; there are also gaming headsets, comfortable earbuds and vacuum headphones that will appeal to music lovers.

Apple– comfortable earbuds, well suited for iPhone and iPad, providing sound of normal quality, but they don’t sound good on other smartphones and tablets.

ASUS– gaming headsets of ordinary quality at an inflated price, more or less successful models, cost even more.

Audio-Technica– monitor headphones with natural sound, high-quality assembly, there are excellent gaming headsets for those willing to pay extra for pure natural sound.

Beats– music headphones for bass lovers (greatly embellish the sound, powerful and high-quality bass), good build, can be used with mobile devices, not cheap.

Bloody– budget gaming headsets from A4Tech (minimum option for games), bass sound (tailored purely for games), microphone without noise reduction.

Cooler Master– not the most popular gaming headsets, they are made with high quality and reliability, but the sound is rated differently and the price is too high.

Corsair– gaming headsets are of good quality with a comfortable design, some are wireless, the sound is bassy and more suitable for games, they perform a little worse in music and video.

Creative– gaming headsets and headsets for communication are of mediocre quality; there are only a few relatively good vacuum, universal and wireless headsets.

Edifier– there are quite decent universal headsets with good reviews, but I haven’t personally come across them.

HTC– there are quite comfortable earbuds with good natural sound (but no bass) and vacuum headsets with good bass, but a heavy flat cable and many have ear pads that fall out of their ears.

Huawei– There are several good sports headsets for mobile devices.

HyperX– the most popular gaming headsets from Kingston, comfortable and durable design, bass sound well suited for games, you can also listen to music, but not for music lovers.

JBL– high-quality universal and mobile headsets with bright bass sound at an affordable price.

Koss- inexpensive music headphones with detailed sound and good bass; there are good mobile and gaming headsets that are well suited for lovers of powerful bass in games, music and videos.

LG– there are good wired and wireless headsets for mobile devices of relatively good quality.

Logitech– there are good lightweight headsets for communication, gaming headsets cannot be called the best, there are only a few successful ones among the more expensive models, the quality and sound of which are at a good level.

Mad Catz– there are relatively normal, lightweight and inexpensive gaming headsets with a good sensitive microphone, clear sound and bass, more suitable for games than music.

Marshall– one of the best audiophile headphones right now in terms of price/sound ratio, excellent slightly embellished detailed sound, but not the lowest price.

Meizu– There are several interesting wireless headsets for mobile devices.

Microlab– there are several interesting and inexpensive universal and mobile headsets, but they are not very popular.

Panasonic– inexpensive headphones and headsets for mobile devices, many more or less successful compact and on-ear models, can be considered as a budget option.

Philips– inexpensive universal headphones and headsets for communication of relatively good quality, there is one successful gaming headset with a digital interface, good vacuum and sports headsets, but in some places the design is flimsy.

Pioneer– musical universal and mobile headphones and headsets, high quality workmanship and sound, there are in-ear, vacuum, sports and on-ear headphones from inexpensive to cool music lover models.

Plantronics– one of the best headsets for communicating on Skype, high-quality build, excellent microphone with noise reduction, good sound with presence of bass, you can listen to music and play, there are many wireless models, there are gaming ones but they are not popular.

Razer– high-quality, but relatively expensive headsets for gamers, the sound and microphone are ideally tailored for games, but there are also not very successful models.

ROCCAT– gaming headsets with sound tailored for positioning in games, but some models have an unimportant microphone and flimsy design; there are several vacuum models for brand connoisseurs.

Samsung– undistinguished headsets for mobile devices with mediocre quality and low price.

Sennheiser– audiophile headphones with natural sound and very light bass, do not hurt your ears with prolonged use, there are headsets for communication and cool gaming headsets for those who, in addition to games, want to enjoy high-quality music.

Sony– there are very decent universal headphones and headsets with excellent balanced sound and good bass, well suited for music, communication, games and mobile devices.

SteelSeries– good lightweight gaming headsets, clear sound with airy bass, excellent sensitive microphone with noise reduction, there are digital ones for PCs with a weak sound card, but cheaper models have flimsy construction.

Thermaltake– gaming headsets under the Tt eSPORTS brand, the sound is not bad, the bass is present, the construction is durable, but they are heavy and are not particularly popular.

Xiaomi– There are some pretty good headsets for mobile devices.

Zalman– gaming headsets are not their thing, the workmanship and sound leave much to be desired, the only advantages are light weight and price.

15. Links

Kingston HyperX Cloud Revolver Headphones
Kingston HyperX Cloud Core Headphones
Kingston HyperX Cloud Stinger Headphones