Which wireless bluetooth headphones to choose
For music lovers, headphones are indeed a very important device that is subject to strict selection criteria. To choose the right wireless device, you need to understand this design in detail.
The content of the article
Types of wireless headphones
Wireless headphones are divided into several categories depending on their characteristics.
Data transmission technology. Previously, wireless devices used radio and infrared ports, but this technology has become obsolete. Now they have Bluetooth technology, since long-distance transmission is possible with it. Transmission distance and sound quality depend on the version of Bluetooth you are using, so you should choose the latest one. Now the newest version is Bluetooth 5.0.
Control type. Depending on the type of control, they can be push-button or touch-sensitive. But headphones with high-quality touch controls are quite expensive: usually starting at $150. In budget models, there are false alarms, and this can greatly interfere with listening. Push-button control is more democratic and comfortable.
Appearance
- Headphones can be external: these are the usual volumetric devices that completely cover the ears. They usually have high sound insulation.
- With jumper.They are connected to each other by a cable or arm, but are not connected to the phone by wire. Headphones with a plastic earpiece are usually intended for sports (more rigid mount and fit), and with a wire - for everyday life and music.
- TWS headphones. The most innovative: they have no cable at all, but all the functions remain, including a microphone and touch controls. Such devices are small earbuds. A famous example is Apple's AirPods. They are a little expensive, but they are worth it because they are invisible in the ear and comfortable. By the way, many companies have picked up the trend and began to release their own TWS models: for example, Xiaomi released AirDots, similar to their Apple counterparts in appearance and functionality.
The best wireless headphones
Each headphone model is suitable for a specific purpose, so choosing one that is objectively “best” is quite difficult. Nowadays, TWS headphones are considered the market leaders, as they are compact but provide many features. However, standard models are discharged in a couple of hours, and they are also easy to lose.
Attention! So when choosing, you should pay attention to the battery life - that is, how long they can work without charging.
A few more important points that affect the quality of headphones:
- Availability of a microphone. You can talk to him on the phone or record your speech on video and a voice recorder.
- Sound volume, or sensitivity. The sensitivity of good devices is above 90-95 dB.
- Frequency range. The human ear is capable of a range from 20 to 20,000 Hz, so when choosing, you should base your choice on it.
Top 10 wireless headphones
Today the choice of headphones is large, but there are the best models of the device.
Sony WF-SP700N
Compact TWS headphones that are suitable for sports and everyday use. They maintain a connection at a distance of up to 10 meters, support Google Assistant, and also have a built-in microphone. The body is made of silicone and plastic, there are several colors: black, white, pink and yellow.
AirPods
The most famous earbuds on the market from Apple. The headphones fit perfectly in the auricle and do not fall out at all, as it might seem at first glance. They are touch controlled, have a microphone and control with Siri. During a conversation, external noise is filtered out. You can also pay attention to AirDots - an analogue from Xiaomi. They are cheaper, but they sound a little worse.
SAMSUNG Gear IconX 2018
Another earbuds without wire. An important difference: they have not only a built-in microphone, but also a fitness tracker, that is, they count steps taken and activity. Progress can be tracked in the S Health app. The price of the headphones is comparable to AirPods.
Sony WH-1000XM2
Closed over-ear headphones with good sound insulation. They were voted the best wireless headphones of 2018, and for good reason: they do a great job of canceling out external noise, have spacious sound, and have a microphone and detachable cable.
JBL Endurance DIVE
“Earplugs” designed specifically for sports, so they fit comfortably in the ears and are protected from water. They also have a built-in 1GB MP3 player, so you can use them without connecting to your phone.
Marshall Mid Bluetooth
Folding volumetric Bluetooth headphones with signature bass sound. They can withstand a distance of up to 10 meters, and the battery life is more than a day. Excellent characteristics and laconic design with leather cups: suitable for both personal use and studio work.
Sennheiser HD 4.40BT
Full-size closed. Thanks to their wide frequency range, they are suitable for all music, from rock to sonatas, and due to the use of NFC, they quickly connect to your phone or computer. The headphones are large and even bulky, but the clear, high-quality sound is worth it. They are also suitable for games.
Pioneer SE-MS7BT
Surround wireless ones that seem to be created for classical music and strong sound. They keep the connection at a distance of more than 10 meters and are suitable for working with music. They have a built-in microphone and come with a detachable cable.
SteelSeries Arctis 7
Lightweight and ergonomic, perfect for gamers. Thanks to the design, there is no pressure on the ears and head. Surround sound, good microphone and filtering of extraneous noise. Considered the best addition to a gaming headset. They catch sound at a distance of more than 10 meters and even through thick walls. They cost around $140.
Nokia BH-503
The list ends with the best budget model. Clear sound, built-in microphone and almost 11 hours of battery life. They are also comfortable and weigh 100 grams, and cost only $25.
Which wireless headphones to choose
Before purchasing, you should decide whether you need headphones for sports and games or just for music and calls. This will help you decide what to choose and how much money to spend.
- By 2019, radio technology is hopelessly outdated, so it's worth getting a device with the latest version of Bluetooth.
- Take a close look at the battery life.
- For calls and voice recording, choose a model with a microphone.
- In-ear headphones are suitable for sports and music, but for games and work in a music studio, you should choose volumetric on-ear headphones.
- Optimal sound parameters: frequency range 20 - 20,000 Hz, sensitivity from 90 dB and impedance 16-32 Ohms. For studio headphones, the figures may be higher.
- Material. Plastic models are short-lived, but metal ones will last longer and be more resistant to falls. But plastic devices are cheaper, so they can be changed every six months. The choice is yours.
- Price. When buying products from Sony, Beats, Apple or Sennheiser, you will also pay extra for the brand. Little-known brands can cost 2-3 times less. However, in well-known companies the quality has been tested by time and millions of people, and the warranty period is longer.
Nowadays, it’s hard to imagine a person’s life without headphones: we listen to music, podcasts and audiobooks; There are millions of dollars in the music industry, and inspiring running soundtracks seem to give athletes more strength. Therefore, a high-quality device will definitely become one of your best purchases.