How to choose a good wireless headset: a detailed guide
Educational Program How To Choose / / December 19, 2019
data transmission technology
Support of various methods of data transmission determines the compatibility of headphones with other devices. That's why this feature is one of the most important.
There are at least three techniques by which wireless headphones receive sound: radio, Bluetooth, and infrared. Last lost its relevance, so focus on the first two. They dominate the market.
radio communication
Aural designed for indoor use. They connect to audio using a bulky transmitter, which is inconvenient to carry, are not suitable for portable devices and discharge faster than headphones with Bluetooth.
But the range of from radionaushnikov usually several times more, it is important to work within large offices or private homes. You can move away from the computer or audiotsentr tens of meters without worrying about signal loss. Maximum range indicated in the specifications.
Bluetooth
Bluetooth-headset optimized for use on the go. They spend sparingly battery and can receive audio from smartphones, tablets and other gadgets without any additional accessories. That's because almost all mobile devices are equipped with modules
Bluetooth.At the same time, you can connect these headphones to the stationary equipment. Computers, smart TVs, extender and other home or office devices, too, are increasingly equipped with wireless communication modules.
If in a certain unit of the module is not present, simply connect it to the Bluetooth-transmitter through the usual audio ports. After that, it is also able to transmit sound to the wireless headphones.
Choosing headphones of this type, consider the Bluetooth version. The newer it is, the less energy is spent on the transmission and reception of sound and the better its quality. The latest available version of the market - Bluetooth 5.0. But so you can use its potential, this version should support both of your devices: headphones and transmitting apparatus.
If you are connected to two different versions of the gadget with Bluetooth, the transmission of data between them is limited by the older. So think about whether to pay for the headphones with Bluetooth 5.0.
Audiophiles should pay attention to aptX codec. Other things being equal headphones with support for this technology can provide higher sound quality. In practice, the difference did not notice anything except the price. In addition, if the sending device does not support APTX, then these headphones will work with them as usual. To give them more money for these attackers.
additional cable
Wireless headphones can be fitted with a socket for the audio. They can be connected to the gadgets traditional wired way that conserves battery power.
Form Factor
Type-all headphones - including wireless - can be divided into internal and external. The former include miniature devices that are inserted into the ears. These headphones are light and do not interfere with the user's movements. Typically, they provide not the sound quality, and their size is not sufficient to accommodate the powerful battery.
External headphones are larger, they are worn over the ears and fix the hoop. They are less convenient, but last longer on a single charge, and often sound better.
Soundproofing
Loud external noise can spoil the impression of your favorite songs or interfere with important telephone conversation. To guard against it, look for models with increased sound insulation.
Internal headphone-plugs, also known as vacuum and external headphones closed type is best to block the sounds of the environment.
Some models protect against noise is not only due to the design features, but also with the help of special functions. So, there are headphones with active noise cancellation technology. They monitor the surround sound through a microphone and automatically block noise when you need it. But this technology consumes battery power and increases headphones cost.
autonomy
To the headphones is not discharged too often chosen by you, before you buy, pay attention to battery life. To do this in the specifications are almost always indicate the number of hours that the device can withstand without recharging.
Taking into account all of the above, the longest battery run external headphones with support for the latest versions of Bluetooth.
On average, they can go without recharging for 12-20 hours.
A microphone
Choose a headset with a microphone, if you plan to use them as a headset for your smartphone or computer. The microphone can be built - this option does not spoil the appearance of headphones and will not increase their size.
Sound Features
Headphone sensitivity It can be regarded as their volume. In order not to buy too quiet model, choose a headphone with a sensitivity of 95 dB. But always remember that the abuse of loud music can damage your hearing.
frequency range - a range of sounds that can be played headphones. The human ear recognizes sounds in the range of 20 - 20,000 Hz. Choose earphones that fit this range, then they will give all available ear sounds.
Resistance (impedance) It affects the volume and the overall sound quality. For most mobile devices are ideal headphones with an impedance of 16-32 ohms. For the home equipment is better to choose a device with a high impedance.
Buyer's checklist
- Choose headphones with support for Bluetooth - the best option for most scenarios. But if you are looking for a model to be used in a large house, a better fit aural.
- For the device to work longer without recharging, make a choice in favor of external headphones with Bluetooth latest versions.
- If you want to call using headphones, buy a model with a microphone.
- Look for active noise cancellation function, if you wish to protect themselves from possible external noise.
- Choose headphones with a frequency of 20 - 20,000 Hz, a sensitivity of 95 dB and a resistance of 16-32 ohms. resistance may be higher than for the stationary audio.
See also:
How to choose a TV: everything about what is usually silent in stores →
How to choose a smartphone →
How to choose a laptop →
What Bluetooth-headset for select sports: 4 model cheaper 4 000 →