The best headphones for phones. How to choose the best headphones for your phone. Headphones that don't need to be inserted into your ears
With the advent modern smartphones, combining a lot of functions, full-fledged players have become not so in demand. Moreover, in addition to listening sound files and music, specialized accessories will help you remotely control your gadget, take calls and not miss an important moment. How to choose the best headphones, and how appropriate they will be for your phone, will be discussed in the material presented.
In order not to make a mistake with your choice, you should definitely clearly define for yourself for what purposes they will be used. If the headphones will be used exclusively for conversations, then you may prefer inexpensive options with a microphone, but if music is your priority, a stereo headset with excellent sound quality will be of great success.
Several criteria will help you choose the perfect accessory:
- You can choose the best headphones only based on your own preferences and experience; you shouldn’t count on advice, only your own ears can tell you comfortable frequency range.
- If the most common problem is wires that often get tangled or broken, getting rid of the inconvenience is easy. To do this you will need to purchase for your phone wireless headphones .
- Cheap headphones are not always a bad choice, a sensational brand is not a guarantee of quality, it’s worth considering options and compare characteristics of the presented product.
- A headset with good sound may not have a narrow frequency range The wider it is, the richer the sound and the more clearly the details of the arrangements appear.
And now, taking into account expert opinion, as well as reviews from hundreds of customers, we present to your attention a rating from the Marka.guru portal, which will certainly help you choose good headphones for your phone.
Invoices
The first group of popular products is on-ear headphones. There are 4 models included in the rating; let’s take a closer look at their descriptions.
1. Urbanears Plattan ADV
The leader was a headset with high-quality performance, which to a greater extent won the hearts of users.
The removable headband is easy to wash; the fabric braiding of the cable allows it to be reliably protected from creases and other mechanical influences.
What young people really like, but older people are unlikely to prefer, you can find many color solutions. The frequency range is not large, standard 20-20000 Hz. The average price is 4290 rubles.
Urbanears Plattan ADV prices:
2. Sony MDR-XB500 Extra Bass
These are the best headphones for a smartphone, not just with good bass, but with very deep, balanced ones that don’t “hit you over the head.” They have a flat wire and a reliable plug that is quite difficult to damage, even if you try very hard. A few more important points:
- The quality of the design is beyond praise; this is a reliable accessory that is worth the money.
- The comfort of the headband and soft earcups will allow you to enjoy music for hours without experiencing any discomfort.
- The sound insulation is so good that noise from outside will not interfere with listening to the arrangements, and those around you will not have to become unwitting listeners.
The acquisition cost is about 4 thousand, but finding the model is problematic, since it is no longer in production.
Prices for Sony MDR-XB500 Extra Bass:
3. Sennheiser PX 100-II
This model is for lovers of the classics; it has been produced for more than a decade and will most likely not be discontinued anytime soon. The folding design is suitable for traveling, and the fair sex will appreciate the compact headband. They allow you to discover the bass beauty of most compositions, without aggressively enhancing low frequencies.
Suitable for cycling lovers, as they allow you to hear external noise while enjoying the sound quality.
The price ranges from 2,480 to 5,084 rubles.
Prices for Sennheiser PX 100-II:
4. Molami Plica
An option for those who know the price of style. It's a stunning combination of sophisticated design and great sound. Many buyers tend to think that these are the best headphones for women, the design is too soft. The fabric braiding of the cable is aimed at mechanical protection, and the soft pads are designed to protect the ears from hard plastic.
The only downside is the rather high cost, which can reach 7,990 rubles.
Prices for Molami Plica:
Earbuds
The following 2 models are among the best representatives of in-ear headphones.
1. Philips SHE3205
An inexpensive and fairly high-quality option for those who like compactness, but are not used to vacuum models.
The only negative is that the earbuds have less sound insulation, and therefore some discomfort for others is inevitable.
However, the sound does not suffer in any way. Widest range from 8 to 24000 Hz will allow you to get a lot of pleasure from voluminous low frequencies and rich highs. The cost will be about 1000 rubles.
Philips SHE3205 prices:
2. Nokia WH-108
According to users, this model can live a lifetime. There is no reason to doubt the quality of performance and sound. There is one drawback - problems with acquisition. The fact is that the product has been discontinued, and Nokia is no longer this moment no longer exists.
However, if you manage to find leftovers in the warehouses of online stores, then you should take it without hesitation - the excellent characteristics and low price will certainly please you for a long time. At the moment, we can find options for 600-700 rubles.
Prices for Nokia WH-108:
Gags
Let's note the 2 best models of earbuds that were included in our rating.
1. Westone W60
These are undoubtedly the best headphones for phones in this category. All music lovers who were able to evaluate the capabilities of this accessory were completely delighted with the detail of the arrangements and the depth of sound. Aesthetes will be pleased with the many color options that come in the kit.
You can change not only the colored tips, but also the cable with different connectors.
Ideal solution for various devices. But not everyone will be able to afford such a luxury, because even the price minimum is frozen at around 54,000.
Prices for Westone W60:
2. Sony XBA-A3
This model will be appreciated by athletes and music lovers, who know the price amazing sound. Could it be possible to imagine a range of vacuum accessories from 3 to 40,000 Hz?
Now this is a reality, which is presented in a not-so-exorbitant price segment of about 16,000 rubles. The perfect ear mount fits perfectly and allows you to run, jump and do your favorite activities without worrying about the head with the speaker falling out.
Prices for Sony XBA-A3:
Wireless
Wireless headphones are very popular, in the compiled list best models 2 of their representatives were hit.
1. Jabra Sport Pulse
This is a real find for athletes and the best wireless headphones you can find on the market.
The range is 10 meters, so you can get an excellent signal from your backpack or pocket.
The advantages include the following:
- Active noise cancellation will eliminate the need to be distracted and focus on your own steps.
- An excellent battery will not cause any inconvenience during a day of active use.
- In addition, if you get carried away, you won’t be able to miss an important call; the headset copes with its functions perfectly.
- Well, for connoisseurs, a heart rate monitor can be really very useful during cardio training.
The average price today is 12,680.
Jabra Sport Pulse prices:
2. MDR-AS800BT
This accessory is thought out to the smallest detail:
- moisture-resistant housing;
- case for safe transportation;
- convenient external control.
Ideal for sports, it has a compact ear hook that perfectly keeps the head from falling out.
Most users also have no complaints about the sound. Price for so modern gadget small - about 6,000 rubles.
MDR-AS800BT prices:
Conclusion
Of course, the rating presented by the Marka.guru portal is for informational purposes, however, it will certainly help you navigate the market for audio accessories for smartphones. The assortment is too large, it’s quite easy to get confused and make mistakes, but if you pay attention to some of the details presented, you can please yourself with an excellent purchase with the prospect of a long period of uninterrupted operation.
What should you pay attention to first when choosing quality headphones for your phone? Some users consider it most important great sound, in which individual instruments and the vocalist's voice are distinguishable. For others, comfort is most important, since comfortable headphones can be used for several hours in a row without feeling fatigue in the ears or head. The third category is important low cost, because if there is budget smartphone It makes no sense to buy something expensive for it. Whatever your preferences, our review of 10 popular models will help you choose the best headphones for your phone.
The best in-ear headphones for your phone
Vacuum headset models – optimal choice for smartphones. They are compact, which allows you to carry them in a jacket or jeans pocket, as well as good noise insulation, which is important for enjoying music without extraneous sounds. Another advantage of such headsets is their comfortable fit, which can be adjusted using the included ear pads. At the same time, the cost of vacuum headphones is quite affordable, which makes them a mass product for fans of high-quality sound.
1. JBL C100SI
The average cost of the C100SI model from JBL is only 500 rubles, which makes these earbuds an excellent solution for buyers on a limited budget. The sound in this solution is simply excellent and quite loud (sensitivity 103 dB). At the same time, any source is sufficient for the C100SI, since their impedance is only 16 Ohms. The microphone installed in the budget JBL vacuum headphones is not bad for its price, but you should not expect anything extraordinary from it. Not a bad option for rare listening to music on a smartphone.
Advantages:
- price-quality ratio;
- good built-in microphone;
- impressive volume reserve.
Flaws:
- thin wire.
2. Panasonic RP-HJE125
Panasonic RP-HJE125 is the best you can get for 400 rubles. The manufacturer offers 9 colors to choose from, ranging from classic black and white to bright yellow and pink. The sound in inexpensive headphones with a microphone for a phone from Panasonic is remarkable, for such a modest price: noticeable but not oversaturated bass, not raised highs and a balanced midrange. The workmanship of the RP-HJE125 is also decent, however, it is still better to be careful with the wire so as not to accidentally damage it.
Advantages:
- attractive price;
- variety of colors;
- excellent sound;
- well-developed ergonomics
Flaws:
- cable quality.
3. Sony MDR-XB50AP
The third place is occupied by popular Sony headphones with pronounced bass. This predominance of the lows has a negative impact on the mids, almost completely blurring them. The situation is better with high frequencies, but they are still too soft, so even manual setting is unlikely to help achieve the desired ringing. However, the MDR-XB50AP is initially positioned as a narrowly targeted solution for certain genres, so the sound disadvantages in this case are just features. But the sound insulation of Sony earbuds is simply excellent, which allows you to achieve even richer bass. It is also worth noting high quality microphone, as for a cost of 1500 rubles.
Advantages:
- wonderful sound in suitable genres;
- convenient design;
- quality materials;
- good microphone;
- impressive volume.
The best in-ear headphones for your phone
Classic in-ear headphones do not provide as good sound isolation and fit as earplugs. However, their price is in most cases lower, and the sound is at the same level. However, in some cases, lower noise insulation may be more appropriate, such as jogging or cycling around the city while listening to music. The earbuds are also suitable for buyers who are looking for inexpensive “ears” for occasional use or who want to choose a cheap device whose loss or breakage will not greatly hurt their pockets.
1. Sennheiser MX 170
MX 170 from Sennheiser is the most affordable solution in the ranking of the best headphone models for use with a phone. The price for these earbuds starts from 370 rubles. Moreover, their sound exceeds the cost at least 2 times. First of all, it is worth noting the high sensitivity of 109 dB, which provides a good volume reserve. The sound of the MX 170 can be called fairly balanced, but to some extent there is a shift towards the treble. The bass here is not the most powerful, which is typical for all earbuds, but it is quite noticeable. To evaluate the convenience, it is better for the user to test the Sennheiser MX 170 personally. But in general, we have ordinary earbuds with a classic shape and ordinary foam ear pads, which increase comfort. But a thin wire that tans in the cold raises doubts about its durability.
Advantages:
- very low cost;
- great sound;
- high maximum volume.
Flaws:
- wire quality.
2. JBL T205
If you have not yet decided which headphones are best to choose for your phone, and want to invest 1000 rubles, then we recommend choosing JBL T205. This model not only provides good sound, but also looks presentable. Ergonomic and soft earbuds are also an important advantage of the T205, as they allow the headphones to stay in the ears well, isolate sound well from external noise and provide maximum comfort. If you are tired of constantly getting tangled cables, then the JBL T205 will please you here too, because its wire is flat and cannot get tangled.
Advantages:
- high-quality built-in microphone;
- convenient one-button remote control;
- tangle-proof cable;
- ergonomic shape;
- there is a volume reserve;
- high quality sound.
Flaws:
- There is no volume control on the remote control;
- no clip.
3. Philips SHE3205
Up next are some of the best earbuds for listening to music. The Philips SHE3205 headphones boast balanced sound, 107 dB sensitivity, 32 ohm impedance and neodymium driver magnets. This model is distinguished by its convenient shape and first-class assembly. There is also a remote control with a single button and a microphone built into it. The latter, by the way, is of quite high quality and is suitable for talking on the phone even in a noisy environment. We did not find any particular shortcomings in the headset; the price is adequate, and the quality is also at an acceptable level.
Advantages:
- attractive design;
- volume and sound;
- comfortable shape;
- the wire does not get tangled;
- good combination of cost and quality.
4. Samsung EO-EG920 Fit
Rounding out the ranking of the best in-ear headphones for smartphones Samsung company. Once upon a time, headphones came in a box with flagship smartphones Galaxy S6 and S6 Edge, and today they can be purchased as a standalone product. It is worth recognizing that, unlike most bundled headsets, the EO-EG920 Fit is quite suitable for listening to music, and not storing them in the trash. Firstly, their ergonomics are simply excellent, especially considering the modest cost of 700 rubles. Secondly, the sensitivity of 101 dB provides a good volume headroom, surpassing the main competitors. And finally, thirdly, the Samsung EO-EG920 Fit sounds more expensive than its price. The lows and highs here are quite good. But the middle is at the same level as in other similar solutions. However, this nuance can be forgiven due to the advantages of the headset.
Advantages:
- comfortable shape;
- high-quality sound;
- good microphone;
- rich bass;
- acceptable price;
- volume reserve.
The best on-ear headphones for your phone
For various reasons, not all customers like earbuds and plugs. In this case, you should take a closer look at on-ear headphones. They sound good and fit securely on your head. If you don’t listen to music, then such models can simply be hung around your neck, while compact solutions are attached to a not very reliable clip or are supplied without one. In terms of price, on-ear headphones are approximately at the same level as good earplugs. However, before buying, it is better to try them out in person to understand whether the size of the chosen model fits your head and whether it is pressed too tightly against your ears.
1. Sony MDR-XB550AP
The Sony company makes wonderful on-ear headphones for phones. One of the best models in this class that the Japanese can offer is the MDR-XB550AP. The average cost of these on-ear headphones is only 2,000 rubles. For this amount, the buyer receives high volume (sensitivity 102 dB), an impedance of 30 Ohms, 30 mm membranes that reproduce frequencies in the range from 5 to 22 thousand Hz, as well as a good microphone. If we talk about sound, it is best characterized by the letters XB in the name. They're an acronym for Extra Bass, so you can already imagine how your favorite songs will perform. But don’t think that the low frequencies are too rich and oppressive, since in this regard Sony tried to maintain a reasonable balance. The MDR-XB550AP's “ears” are best suited for “indie” and electronics, but metal sounds mediocre on them.
Advantages:
- rich lows;
- attractive design;
- good ergonomics;
- reasonable price;
- high-quality assembly;
- low cost;
- volume reserve.
Flaws:
- lacks midrange and treble.
2.JBL T450BT
The next line is occupied by budget wireless headphones for phones from JBL. The T450BT model can be found in stores for as little as 2,000 rubles, which makes it an excellent choice for those who value high-quality sound and want to get rid of wires. Of course, you shouldn’t expect flawless detail from an inexpensive device, but overall the sound is quite smooth and allows you to listen to almost any style. But the manufacturer definitely decided to sacrifice ergonomics. With short-term use, the headphones feel good, but just walk around in them for at least a few hours, and your ears immediately begin to hurt. By the way, you can use JBL headphones for a long time without any problems, because their autonomy is stated at 11 hours on a single charge.
Advantages:
- wireless Bluetooth connection;
- attractive design;
- good sound for the price;
- good quality materials;
- excellent autonomy.
Flaws:
- inconvenient design;
- washed out low frequencies;
- You cannot listen to music and charge at the same time.
3. Beats EP On-Ear
For a long time, Beats was popular only due to the efforts of marketers, but not because of the high-quality sound of its products. However, after moving under the wing of Apple, the situation began to change in better side and now the fans good sound can pick up Beats headphones and not suffer from aesthetic outrage. Thus, the EP On-Ear model can boast of good detail and rich bass. The mids and highs aren't as good here, but the Beats are designed primarily for hip-hop, R&B and electronica, where the lows are more important than anything else. But fans of Metallica and similar music should skip the EP On-Ear headphones, because you won’t hear anything but mush.
Advantages:
- impeccable quality and reliability;
- sound in “native” genres;
- decent sound insulation;
- fit well and do not press;
- stylish design and 4 colors to choose from;
- complete case;
- good microphone.
Flaws:
- unless you include inappropriate styles, then no.
The best over-ear headphones for your phone
Most buyers consider full-size headphone models to be completely unsuitable for mobile devices. Of course, not every user will agree to carry such bulky devices, and their price is often higher than their more compact counterparts. However, this category of headphones also has a number of advantages, such as higher quality sound, which feels much more spacious than in earplugs and even on-ear models, as well as full ear coverage, which ensures maximum comfort. For early spring, as well as late autumn and even winter, full-size headphones are absolutely perfect, but in summer they can be a little hot.
1. Pioneer SE-MS5T
The first full-size headphones on our list are the SE-MS5T from Pioneer. Stylish design, frequency range from 9 to 40 thousand Hz, as well as sensitivity of 105 dB and an excellent microphone - all this makes the device under review an ideal choice for its price. By the way, the cost of the Pioneer SE-MS5T is only 4-5 thousand rubles. For a full-size headset that is well suited for most genres of music and has a high-quality microphone, this is a completely justified amount.
Advantages:
- high-quality assembly;
- excellent design;
- excellent sound insulation;
- good highs and mids;
- high quality cable;
- good microphone.
Flaws:
- low microphone sensitivity;
- sometimes there is not enough bass.
2. Sony MDR-7506
The TOP 12 most popular headphones for smartphones and phones is completed by the MDR-7506 model from the Japanese brand Sony. These are truly excellent “ears” that will allow you to enjoy music 100%. However, keep in mind that their impedance is 63 Ohms, so the model under review is quite demanding on the source. If we talk about the preferred genres for the Sony MDR-7506, then, perhaps, it is impossible to single them out. And this does not mean that the headphones cope poorly with any music, but on the contrary - they perform well with almost any style. Stage depth in the MDR-7506 is also excellent, as is the width of the stereo panorama. But, of course, all this splendor cannot do without sacrifices in any case. So, Sony will force you to donate 7 thousand rubles at once.
Advantages:
- ideal in any genre;
- excellent volume reserve;
- long 3-meter cord;
- Neodymium magnets;
- Nice case included.
Flaws:
- design for everyone;
- big sizes.
What headphones to buy for your phone
How many people, so many opinions. The budget and genre preferences of different users differ, so it is impossible to single out a single model that will suit everyone. Therefore, we included 12 devices with different prices, designs and sounds in our review of the best headphones for phones. So, for fans of hip-hop and electronics, Beats are suitable. If you want to get rid of wires, then the JBL T450BT on-ear wireless headphones are your choice. For those who want to save money, we recommend taking a closer look at plugs from the same JBL. We consider the Pioneer SE-MS5T to be the ideal among full-size models.
Headphones are an accessory that has become familiar and indispensable for a modern person with a smartphone or tablet. Using the headset, you can listen to your favorite tunes anywhere, for example, on the way to work or while jogging, in the gym or while relaxing at home. The headset that comes with your phone is often of poor quality. Therefore, it is better to choose good headphones in the store than to use some low-grade gadgets with disgusting sound for your phone.
To know how to choose good headphones for your phone, you must first understand what types of headsets there are. Gadgets for listening to music from a phone or other device can be divided into the following types.
Plug-in
Earbuds can be considered the most common gadget for mobile phones. In most cases they included in the package to the tablet, player or phone you are buying. In-ear headphones, the shell of which is made of plastic, are small in size and easily inserted into the ears. Of course, the sound quality in this headset can hardly be called good, even if you purchase more expensive models. Also, earbuds cannot provide complete sound insulation from extraneous noise.
Vacuum (droplets or plugs)
They, like earbuds, are inserted into the ear. But they are located much closer to the eardrum than the latter. Judging by the sound quality of music from this headset, we can conclude that it is far superior to plug-in gadgets.
But earplugs have one significant drawback: they cannot be used for a long time, since due to their close location to the auditory membrane, sound reaches it without dispersion. Therefore, if you frequently listen to loud music, there is a chance of damaging your hearing. However, a vacuum headset can be recommended as a gadget for phones. This device It has good sound insulation, and when using it, extraneous noise will not disturb you.
Invoices
These headphones are held on the head using an arc on which the cups of the device are attached. Sound membranes are installed in the bowls, through which sound is reproduced. For more comfortable use of the headset, the bowls are covered with soft “pads” called ear pads. They completely cover the ears, thereby providing sound insulation from the outside world.
Some models can put pressure on the ears, so before choosing headphones for your smartphone, you need to try them on (this cannot be done when purchasing online).
The on-ear headset has good sound quality and does not have any problems with bass. In addition to the standard 3.5mm Mini Jack connector, the gadget can have a plug for connecting via USB. Overhead gadgets are the best option headphones for music. They will also be the best if you need headphones with good bass.
Monitor
They are large in size and intended for professional use in recording studios. They are distinguished by good sound insulation and clear sound, without distortion and “decorations” that are inherent in ordinary gadgets. Simply put, a regular headset embellishes the sound by adding high and low frequencies, while a monitor headset sounds flat and quite unpleasant for the average person, since the bass component is cut off in it. If you are not tasked with controlling the recording process with subsequent sound processing, then you do not need such a device, especially as headphones for your phone.
Wireless
Such devices are much more convenient to use than wired headphones, but cannot boast of good sound. In addition, it is necessary to constantly keep under control charging the headset battery. The device operates at a distance from the transmitter (phone, tablet or other device) up to 10 meters.
Headset specifications
Before choosing headphones for your phone, it is recommended to pay attention to some parameters of the gadget:
- sensitivity;
- frequency range;
- resistance;
- distortion;
- power;
- membrane diameter.
Sensitivity
This parameter has a direct impact on the sound volume. If you want to buy loud headphones, then you should choose a device with a sensitivity rating of at least 100 dB.
frequency range
The human auditory organ is not capable of perceiving sound vibrations below 16 Hz and above 20,000 Hz. You should not fall for the bait when the packaging says that the gadget is capable of providing you with frequencies from 15 to 25 Hz. Maybe he can produce such a range, but you won’t hear it. Therefore, when asked which headphones are better, we can answer that the best option is a headset with an operating range of 16-20,000 Hz.
For earbuds and vacuum plugs it starts at 20 Hz.
Resistance
Resistance or impedance is a very important parameter if you want to choose high-quality headphones for your phone. The higher this indicator, the less distortion there will be and the better the sound will be. But as the impedance increases, the volume is cut. According to the standard, the headset has an impedance of 32 Ohms. Therefore, when purchasing a device, we choose one with 32 ohms or higher.
Distortion
Any stereo headset tends to distort the sound, and this parameter is measured as a percentage. The lower the percentage of distortion, the better the sound will be. Distortion of less than 1% in the frequency range from 100 to 20,000 Hz is normal. And for the range up to 100 Hz, the distortion percentage is allowed, which is equal to 10.
Power
The sound volume is also affected by the power indicator. When choosing a headset, you should remember that the audio output on the phone has low power. Consequently, the power of the gadget must be appropriate. The optimal indicator is 100 mW.
Membrane diameter
The size of the membrane or speakers in an over-ear headset has a significant impact on sound quality. The larger the diameter of the membrane, the juicier the reproduction will be. low frequencies. Standard size membranes for earbuds are 9-10 mm, and for overhead ones - 30 mm, and the bass quality will be good. For studio devices, the speaker diameter can reach up to 70 mm.
Diaphragm with a diameter of 44 millimeters Audio-Technica ATH-PRO5 MK3
Length of cable
For normal use of the headset, the cable length should be such that it does not create discomfort. For a smartphone, the length should be between 80 and 120 cm, but no more. This length is enough to place the phone in a jacket pocket, as well as in a bag or jeans.
Replaceable ear pads
It’s good if the headset (vacuum) includes replaceable ear pads of different diameters. Most often there is only one pair. But, as practice shows, ear canal diameter may vary from person to person. Therefore, for some, the ear pads may be too big, for others, on the contrary, they may be too small. A set of replaceable rubber bands will allow you to choose the desired diameter so that the plugs fit tightly in your ears.
Thus, if you have expressed a desire to buy good headphones for your phone or tablet, you can take into account the recommendations described above when choosing a gadget. By using them, you will purchase a headset that will delight you with its excellent ergonomic design and excellent sound.
Choosing headphones for a smartphone is a task with an asterisk. We offer practical advice, which will help save money, nerves and time.
Smartphones are equipped with basic headphones; you shouldn’t expect powerful sound from them that excites the mind. Choose headphones for your smartphone extremely difficult, everything depends not only on technical characteristics the gadget itself and the selected accessory, but depending on personal preferences, hearing and financial capabilities. You can choose high-quality headphones for your smartphone in any price segment (both cheap and expensive, niche brands). The main thing is to know what parameters to look at.
How to choose headphones for a smartphone?
What are headphones for?
It's a stupid question, but it needs to be answered. Because an honest answer will help you decide on the price segment and type of headphones.
To choose headphones for your smartphone, answer the following questions:
- what kind of music do we listen to, where do we get it from?- if you listen to the radio most often, then even the included headphones will do the job perfectly. The same sources include: audio recordings on social networks, SoundCloud, Google Music and others cloud services. If your music is there, there is no point in buying niche Harman Kardons for such purposes.
- where we listen to music- not all forms of headphones are equally suitable for different types of activity. Wired headphones are inconvenient in the gym; in-ear headphones (vacuum or in-ear) do not provide the same noise isolation as over-ear headphones (full-size or on-ear/over-the-ear) outdoors. For the gym we choose inexpensive wireless headphones, for the street - in/on-ear.
- will the headphones be used for talking?- not all headphones for smartphones are equipped with a microphone; you won’t be able to talk on the phone through such headphones. Niche headphones designed for high-quality music reproduction (Parrot ZIK) are not equipped with a microphone. They are designed only to enjoy high-quality sound.
- wire/wireless- wireless headphones for smartphones are convenient, but in the basic price segment they do not provide adequate sound quality. Good wireless headphones with high-quality sound are expensive. We recommend considering Marshall Major II (approximately $150), Harman Kardon (approximately $200), Parrot ZIK ($270-400).
Wire damage- the main reason for failure and purchase of new headphones for a smartphone. Wired headphones from expensive brands are equipped with detachable wires, which makes it easier to solve the problem if the cable is torn or bent.
What type of headphones for your smartphone should you choose?
Over-ear/on-ear headphones differ from earbuds in the size of their diaphragm. The larger the diaphragm (the actual source of the reproduced sound), the higher the quality and its volume. However, the larger diaphragm size determines the size of the headphones themselves. The average diaphragm size of earbuds is 9mm, studio on/over-ear is 30mm, amateur full-size is 15mm.
In-ear headphones combine several classes of smartphone headphones. Some are placed in the auricle:
Others penetrate the ear canal (for which they are called “intracanal”):
It is the latter that provide the best sound quality due to deep fit in the ear and cutting off external noise. Good headphones come with interchangeable ear pads of different diameters for a perfect fit (however, as practice shows, finding headphones that are the perfect size for a smartphone is a task with an asterisk).
Over-ear headphones provide noticeably better sound quality and detail. Over-the-ear headphones for smartphones are divided by type of bowl: closed, open, semi-closed. For heavy music, closed bowls are preferred. The sound resonates in a closed space, with better bass response. Open bowls provide greater clarity and lightness of sound, and better convey stereo effects.
Full-size closed-back smartphone headphones
Over-ear headphones for open-back smartphone
Comfortable fit of headphones for a smartphone
One of the most important parameters in choosing headphones for your phone, and the main reason not to order headphones online. The earphone itself should fit tightly in the ear and not fall out of the auricle when turning the head, while walking, bending or running. The rim of the on/over-the-ear headphones should not squeeze your head or fall off while moving, otherwise you can simply forget about the pleasant enjoyment of sound.
For example, Sennheiser Momentum In Ear has this intricate earphone shape:
It is not securely attached to the ear and tends to fall out when actively turning the head. Not compatible with hats and hoods. The earphone itself fits quite deep into the ear canal, the pad is too soft, which leads to sound distortion, you have to get used to it and adjust it.
When choosing a full-size headphone model, it is also important to pay attention to the materials of the rim. The “headband” is made of plastic or metal. Plastic fasteners are less practical and often break. Finding spare parts for headphones is very difficult.
Which smartphone headphones sound better?
One piece of advice. We go to the store and listen. The sound quality only partly depends on the declared technical characteristics; the design and materials influence the sound quality to a greater extent. Let's look at the characteristics that you will see either on the box or in the product card (price tag) in the store:
frequency range
The ear is capable of distinguishing sound in the range from 15 to 22,000 Hz. Ideally, headphones should cover the entire range, but this does not guarantee high quality. In the example given, we see that the proposed headphones for a smartphone reproduce sound in the range from 15 to 22,000 Hz.
Impedance or resistance
Total electrical resistance or impedance is a more important parameter. If you choose headphones for your smartphone, then it is worth considering that the higher the resistance of the accessory, the more powerful the input signal will be required to swing the membrane. In simple words, High impedance headphones require a more powerful sound source than a regular smartphone. In the example shown, the headphone impedance is 18 ohms. They are really cool compatible with your smartphone and produce clear, loud, rich sound.
Sensitivity
Level sound pressure and sensitivity - characteristics that determine how loud the sound you hear in the headphones. The average sensitivity of simple headphones for a telephone is from 100 dB. The sensitivity of the headphones is determined by the power of the magnet used in the design. The earbuds use a low-power magnet, and their sensitivity is lower; the sound volume is achieved due to the proximity of the earphone itself to the eardrum. Let's stop being clever - the higher the number, the louder the headphones will be.
frequency response
The amplitude-frequency response (AFC) displays the correspondence of the input signal to the smartphone headphones and the output sound volume. The smoother the graph and the smaller the peaks and valleys of the sound curve, the higher its quality. However, it is worth remembering that the tests are carried out in laboratory conditions, each brand conducts the tests differently. That's why this parameter can only be taken into account when comparing models of the same brand. This option has no practical benefit when choosing headphones for a smartphone.
Noise reduction technology
Cheap headphones use passive noise reduction technology due to the design and materials of the ear pads, which ensure tighter contact between the headphones and the ear canal or head. Headphones with passive noise reduction allow sound above 37 dB to pass through (that is, they suppress sufficiently quiet noise, but loud sound will be missed).
Middle-class headphones for smartphones are equipped with an active external noise cancellation (ANC) system, in which unwanted sound is eliminated by a similar wave with the opposite phase. Headphones ANC (Active Noise Cancellation) are equipped with a microphone that picks up, processes external noise and generates an audio signal with an inverted phase, which ensures suppression of background sound. However, it is worth considering that the active noise reduction system slightly distorts the sound and limits the sound range of the headphones. The system can suppress up to 70% of ambient noise.
Reminder to the user
- Cheap headphones for a smartphone will never compare in sound to headphones from expensive brands.
- For music from social networks and radio the most suitable regular headphones, there is no point in bothering with the selection of technical characteristics.
- It is impossible to choose headphones for your smartphone online. The sound quality depends largely on how correctly and comfortably they fit into your ears.
- When choosing headphones for your phone, you should pay attention to remote control and OS compatibility. So, headphones for an Android smartphone will only be able to start and stop playback on iOS phones, but will not be able to adjust the volume or switch tracks.
- The convenience of the headset itself is equally important. The buttons should be easily distinguishable by touch, the action should be clear in order to easily control tracks (often the Play button is programmed to switch tracks: double pressing switches one track forward, triple pressing one track back). If the button is inconvenient and the action is barely noticeable, then you won’t be able to control music playback.
Headphones to mobile phones refer to the items that a person most often carries with him along with his phone and watch. These devices have made music accessible anywhere. The products supplied with phones are of low quality and soon break down. When choosing a new headset, you should understand the design features and performance characteristics of the device.
In-ear headphones are compact and easy to carry. They can be located inside the ear canal or attached to the auricle. The first are often called vacuum; they fit tightly in the ears and do not allow extraneous noise to pass through. Good headphones are equipped with replaceable tips made of soft material to eliminate inconvenience during use.
Price does not always determine the quality of headphones. Try on the headset before purchasing. Buy only the model that you like, you will feel comfortable with such a purchase.