Headphones - all types | page 21

This category takes you to specific headphone types by wearing style, connection and purpose. If you already know where and how you plan to use them, you can go straight to a narrower selection without working through a general buying guide. Start by choosing between in-ear and on-ear models, then consider a cable, Bluetooth or the need for a microphone. Separate paths also lead to hearing protection and headphone accessories.

Choose a wearing style

Size and fit determine the situations in which headphones are most comfortable to use. Instead of comparing every construction at once, begin with one of the two main groups:

• In-ear headphones are a compact choice for travel, sport or everyday listening from a phone. This section helps you narrow the selection to small models that sit in the ear and take up little space.
• On-ear headphones suit listeners who prefer a headband and ear pads to a design placed inside the ear. Look here for models intended for listening at home, working at a computer or spending longer periods with music.

If your main concern is what fits in a bag or feels right on your head, these two groups are the quickest starting point. You can check the remaining features inside the specific category.

Connection and communication

It is useful to consider the connection separately from the wearing style. Wireless models allow greater freedom of movement, while a microphone lets you speak during calls, games, online meetings or voice recording.

• Wireless and Bluetooth headphones are for people who do not want a cable tying them to a phone, computer or another audio source. Enter this section if wireless connectivity is a basic requirement regardless of headphone shape.
• Headphones with a microphone make phone calls, work conversations, gaming voice chat and spoken-content recording easier. This category brings together models where capturing your voice matters as much as listening.

The two features can overlap: wireless headphones may include a microphone, while a model with a microphone does not have to be wireless. Choose the section based on the feature you want to use as the first condition in your results.

Hearing protection and practical accessories

Not every need calls for another pair of headphones. In a loud environment, the right destination is sound attenuation; for a model you already use, a replacement part, case, stand or another accessory may be more useful.

• Hearing protection is for visitors who need to reduce surrounding volume at a concert, rehearsal, work site or during another noisy activity. It is a separate selection path, not a category of headphones for music playback.
• Headphone accessories support headphones you already own or make them easier to store and use. This takes you to useful extras without browsing a selection of new models.

You can now move directly to the type that matches your situation. Decide first on wearing style, connection or communication, and treat protection and accessories as separate needs.