Headphones

When choosing headphones, first consider how you will use them

Headphones for PC or laptops

For gaming, office work, or as a versatile PC headset, we recommend over-ear headphones. They are comfortable even during extended listening sessions, and compared with similarly expensive in-ear headphones, they offer superior sound quality. For gaming or Internet video conversations, choose a headset with a microphone.

Headphones for life on the go

When travelling on the bus, train, or plane, earbuds and in-ear headphones are the most convenient, as are headphones with a folding design. In short, go for something lightweight and compact.

Sports headphones

In-ear headphones, such as ear buds, are ideal sports headphones as they fit snugly in your ears, block out ambient noise, and are more comfortable during hot and sweaty workouts than over-ear headphones.

TV Headphones

TV headhpones can be connected by a 3.5mm jack or wirelessly. When choosing TV headphones with wires, we recommend a cable length of at least one metre longer than the distance between the TV and the viewing point.

What else should I look for when choosing headphones?

Connections

• Wired headphones (3.5mm jack, USB) - compared with similarly expensive wireless heahphones, they offer better sounds quality but less freedom of movement.
• Wireless headsets (Bluetooth, radio frequency) - with no wires, they provide greater freedom of movement (Bluetooth headsets have a range of approx. 10 metres from the playback device; radio frequency up to 100 metres). Wireless headphones have built-in batteries and must be recharged.

Connection Type / Compatibility	Computer	Laptop	Smartphone	tablet	Mp3 player	TV
3.5mm jack
USB
Bluetooth
Radiofrequency with transmitter
Radiofrequency with broadcast station
Lightning			iPhone 5 / 5S / 5C and later	iPad 4 and later	iPod Nano 7th gen., Touch 5th gen. and later

The data in the table are indicative only. To use the headphones with a particular playback device, both devices must support the same type of connection.

Construction

• Closed - dampen ambient noise.
• Open - provide high-quality sounds (less distortion) but with some ambient noise
• Semi-closed - a compromise between open and closed headphones.

Useful functions and features

• Volume control - located on the headphones or cable.
• Folding design - for easy portability.
• Rotating ear cups - comfortably listen to music in one ear (especially useful for DJs).
• 7.1 surround sound - hear where a particular sound is coming from (especially useful for gamers).
• APTX and AAC - codecs for Bluetooth headphones that guarantee higher quality sound.
• NFC - technology used in connection with Bluetooth headsets, which accelerates and facilitates their connection with the playback device.