Buyers Guide

In Ear/Earbud Headphones

In Ear/Earbud headphones fit inside the ear and rest above the ear canal. In Ear/Earbud headphones tend to be the most popular headphones because they're offered free with many mp3 players and other media listening devices. Many brands offer 3 size earbud tips (S, M, L) to provide the right comfort and fit that is suitable for the listener. In Ear/Earbud headphones have a wide price range and are sold in a multitude of colors.

Over Ear Headphones

Over Ear headphones fit just over the ear or can cover your whole ear. Over Ear headphones have a wide array of versatility and can be found in many different categories such as DJ, Noise-Canceling, Wireless, and many more depending on the use. Many users of Over Ear headphones praise the conformability of the extended listening time these headphones provide.     

Bluetooth® Headphones

Bluetooth® headphones provide another form of wireless listening using Bluetooth® technology. The most popular devices frequently used with these headphones are mobile phones and bluetooth® enabled mp3 players due to the convenience of listening to music and taking phone calls using the same headset. Bluetooth® headphones can be found in both earbud and over ear styles and some come bundled with a Bluetooth® adapter that make non-Bluetooth® mp3 devices compatible with the headphones. 

Bluetooth® Headsets

Bluetooth® headsets allow hands free conversation via Bluetooth® compatible mobile phones. They operate wirelessly and are perfect for conversing while driving, considering many states have made it illegal to hold a phone to your ear while operating a moving vehicle. Many top brands such Jabra, Jawbone, Motorola and Plantronics just to name a few offer a large variety of styles and wide price range to help find the Bluetooth® headset that’s right for you.

Wireless Headphones

Wireless headphones allow you to listen to an audio source free of cables and wires. Perfect for listening to audio while moving from room to room or watching TV. They can be used with TV's, PC's, stereos, mp3 players, and most audio devices you own. Most popular wireless headphones feature an over ear design with cushion pads that provide extra comfort for extended listening. Earbud style wireless headphones can also be found for TV amplification and listening for hearing impaired users.

Noise Canceling Headphones

Noise Canceling headphones reduce surrounding ambient noise using technologies such Active Noise Control (ANC). Typically one or more microphones are placed in the headphone. The mic takes the surrounding ambient noise signal and produces an anti-noise signal to cancel out the ambient noise without the need to raise the volume of the audio. Many top brands including Audio-Technica, Koss, Sony, and Sennheiser offer noise-canceling headphones in both earbud and over ear style.

DJ/Monitor Headphones

DJ/Monitor headphones offer dynamic sound and are designed for durability and comfort for extended listening. DJ/Monitor headphones are designed for listeners to monitor music in loud settings or in a studio environment. Many people use them for casual use as well breaking the stigma that only DJ's and professionals can use them. Many DJ/Monitor headphones can be found in an array of colors and designs and carry a wide price range for both average consumers and high-end professionals.

Professional Headphones

People who work in an audio or video profession primarily use professional headphones. Professional headphones offer top tier sound and are considerably higher in price. They're great for use in many areas from studio and live performance to radio and television broadcasting. Koss, Sony, and Sennheiser are known as a few of the top manufacturers in the professional headphones industry.

Sports/Active Headphones

Sports/Active headphones provide a great deal of comfort when it comes to working out at the gym or going for a morning jog. Designed for comfort during vigorous movement they stay in place giving the user a comfortable fit. The two most popular styles that most brands offer are behind the neck and ear clip headphones. JVC, Philips, Sony, and Sennheiser are among the top brands that manufacture sports/active headphones.

Children's Headphones

Children's headphones are designed specifically for young children.  High volume can be extremely damaging to a child's hearing and adult headphones may not provide a comfortable fit for children. Children’s headphones are usually designed smaller to fit a child’s ears comfortably and limit the volume level to prevent damage to a young child’s developing eardrum.

Women’s Headphones

Women’s headphones are designed with a women’s ear and fashion sense in mind. By nature females tend to have smaller ears than males. After years of complaints about uncomfortable fits many tops brands took notice and began to develop headphones with input from female consumers. Audio-Technica, Philips, and Sennheiser are a few of the manufacturers that are leading the way in this fairly new women’s headphones market.

Gaming/PC Headphones

Gaming/PC Headphones are popular amongst gaming and PC enthusiast. Primarily used for communicating in online gaming with fellow gamers or using as a phone with compatible VOIP phone services.  You'll receive great voice quality and superb sound coupled with cushioned ear pads for comfort during extended use. Top brands of gaming/pc headphones include Sony, Sennheiser, Steel Series, and Plantronics to name a few.

iPod® Headphones

Since the iPod® exploded on to the scene, headphones manufacturers have scrambled to produce some of the best quality iPod® headphones to compliment this groundbreaking device. Many brands create headphones in a variety of colors to match the iPod® color designs as well as adding iPod® remote control capability built directly into the headphones for intuitive use. iPod® headphones can be found in many styles such as bluetooth®, earbud, over ear, and sports/active.

iPhone® Headphones

The iPhone® is the best of both worlds combining a cellular phone and a multimedia player into one spectacular device. All of the top manufacturers have created some of the best headphone technology to compliment all the wonderful features the iPhone has to offer. iPhone® headphones feature an in-line mic and well as remote control capability built directly into the headphone’s wire. iPhone® headphones can be found in a variety of styles including bluetooth®, earbud, over ear, and sports/active.