How to choose headphones for your computer

The computer is an integral part of the life of a modern person. Some people like to stay up late watching their favorite movies, TV series or playing games, which can disturb their roommates. In this case, the importance of headphones cannot be overestimated. Moreover, when it comes to gamers, having a microphone for modern online games is a must, and most models take this into account. To make the right choice of a headset for a computer that will not cause discomfort during long-term use, you should take into account some of its features and characteristics.

Types of headphones for computer

There are several main types of headphones used when working with a computer. They differ fundamentally in their design and not all are suitable for long-term use. By design, four types of this equipment can be distinguished:

1. Earbuds are the simplest type, inserted directly into the ear. Their main advantage is their compactness, due to which they are mainly used for listening to music from players and phones. They are completely unsuitable for working on a computer.
2. In-channel – the design is almost no different from the previous ones.The earplugs tightly close the ear opening, blocking extraneous sounds and improving sound quality. But because of this feature, long-term use of them negatively affects hearing. This type of headphone is not the best choice for PC.
3. Overhead speakers have a large membrane, which has a positive effect on sound quality. Moreover, such equipment is conveniently mounted and is lightweight, so it can be used with a phone or MP3 player.
4. Monitors are the best choice for use with a computer. They completely cover the ear, preventing the penetration of extraneous noise to a greater extent. Large and powerful speakers provide high-quality sound compared to other types. In most cases, they are equipped with a microphone, which is necessary for modern online gaming and communication.

ATTENTION! The last two types are best suited for a computer. They are more convenient for these purposes and create less strain on the hearing organs.

What characteristics to look for when choosing headphones

The design of the headphones is far from the main parameter. In addition to this, there are several important characteristics that directly affect sound quality and ease of use.

Sensitivity

This parameter determines the maximum volume of the reproduced sound. The optimal value for monitor headphones is 100 dB. When purchasing, you should not choose equipment whose characteristics greatly exceed this value, otherwise your hearing may be damaged. Sensitivity is determined by the material from which the magnets are made; neodymium is considered the best in this regard.

Sound distortion level

The optimal nonlinear distortion coefficient is less than 2%.At low frequencies, sound distortion is less noticeable than at high frequencies, so higher values ​​of this parameter are allowed here. Manufacturers of cheap accessories usually keep silent about this characteristic.

Resistance

This characteristic directly affects the sound quality. Resistance helps suppress electrical noise. The minimum allowable resistance (impedance) is considered to be 30 ohms. If this value is lower, you should not expect high-quality sound from such headphones. A headset with a very high value (from 100 ohm) also does not guarantee good sound. If the resistance value is very high, you should pay attention to the sound card. It is important here that it produces an audio signal that is quite powerful for the normal operation of such equipment.

Frequency range

The human ear hears sounds in the range from 16 Hz to 20 kHz. For lovers of high-quality music, it is desirable that a headset for a computer corresponds to this value as much as possible. Otherwise, you simply won’t hear some sounds in your favorite compositions. If headphones are needed for computer games or watching movies, this characteristic should not be decisive when choosing.

Additional criteria

When buying new headphones, it is important to pay attention to some additional characteristics, which will determine the ease of use and durability of the equipment. Among the most important:

1. Connection method. There are three connectors for this: USB, Jack 6.2mm, Minijack 3.5mm. Please note that the plug matches the one on your PC, otherwise you will have to buy an adapter.
2. Availability of a microphone. It is required for communication and most online games. It is convenient when the accessory is equipped with a microphone.
3. Mounting method.On-ear headphones have a large number of fastenings. This method, such as a clip, is very convenient and reduces the weight of the accessory, which is very important when using it for a long time.
4. Presence of wire. Wireless ones are more convenient, but the signal transmission in this case is of lower quality. When purchasing a wired headset, pay attention to the thickness of the wire. Fractures are the most common cause of headphone failure.

ATTENTION! There are also accessories with sound positioning. As a rule, such models are expensive and it makes sense to buy them only if you are an avid gamer.

General recommendations for choosing headphones for your computer

In addition to the basic technical characteristics, it is important to consider some additional nuances. When choosing new headphones for your computer, do not forget about the following:

1. Accessory weight. This parameter is very important for long-term use. If you do not pay attention to the weight, then after several hours spent in headphones, your neck will hurt.
2. The presence of a noise reduction system. In some cases, it is necessary, especially if you want to take the accessory with you to listen to music in public places.
3. Over-ear monitor headphones should only be chosen if they will be used at home. The size and weight of such accessories will not allow you to use them comfortably in other places.
4. Overheads with a clip fastening method are not suitable for people who wear glasses.

When buying new headphones for your computer, it is very difficult to remember and take into account all possible parameters and nuances. The best advice in this case is to try out the accessory in a store, listen to a couple of musical compositions and make sure that the sound quality is quite good. Also, do not forget about convenience, especially if you like to sit at the computer for a long time.