If you’re in the market for new headphones, you may get overwhelmed by the variety of brands and types available. Before you just choose a pair that looks good, it’s essential to understand each style and its purpose to find the one that suits you the most. Here are the different types of audio headphones explained!
Closed-Back Headphones
If you’re looking for headphones that can help you block out nearby noise, narrow your search to closed-back headphones. This type of audio headphone keeps surrounding noise at bay, allowing you to enjoy your music without outside interference.
You can find closed-back headphones in small on-ear and over-ear styles. Keep in mind that these headphones are bulkier than most other types and place weight on the top of your head.
Open-Back Headphones
Open-back headphones are the opposite of their closed-back cousins. As the name suggests, open-back headphones have “open” ear cups to allow some sound to purposely find its way through. As a result, they produce a sound that feels like listening to stereo speakers in a room.
Their open construction design makes them the number one pick for audio engineers mixing in studios. With open sound, audiophiles have a more authentic listener’s experience. That said, if you’re concerned about not disturbing people around you, you should avoid these headphones.
Over-Ear Headphones
Just as their name suggests, over-ear headphones cover the entire ear. They help reduce noise, allowing you to have a more isolated experience with the sound you’re listening to.
People often choose over-ear headphones for comfort as well. The design puts less pressure on your inner ear and leads to less wax buildup than in-ear headphones. However, they can easily cause fatigue if you keep them on your ears for extended periods.
On-Ear Headphones
On-ear style headphones go over the head and rest on your ears, much like over-ear headphones. The difference is that on-ear headphones have smaller cups, almost the size of your ear, which means they allow some surrounding sound to get in. They’re comfortable, as they don’t cause as much sweat and are overall a lighter design.
In-Ear Headphones
The most portable option of the different types of audio headphones is in-ear headphones. Their versatility, low-profile nature, and ease of use make them one of the most popular headphone styles. They can block out external noise and come in a variety of styles.
These headphones are the best bet for anyone who likes to listen to music when traveling, working out, or running. However, as with anything you put in your ear, there is a risk of ear infection and wax buildup.
Earbuds
The in-ear headphones vs. earbuds debate is common. However, the key difference between in-ear headphones and earbuds is that earbuds rest on the outer ear instead of penetrating the ear canal. Their design does allow for more sound leakage. This feature is ideal for those navigating areas where you need to remain aware of your surroundings.
