Ah, headphones, where would we be without them? Maybe trying to read an entire book on the treadmill or talking to a complete stranger on the bus (shudder.)
Whether on your commute, in front of your laptop at work or at the gym, headphones and earbuds satisfy your technology triangle, with your phone and charger within a five-metre radius. Since we use them so often, it’s very economical to invest time and effort in deciding which style suits our needs.
If you want to find the best headphones, don’t choose based on looks alone (although, let’s face it, that’s important) but also based on what you’ll use them for. The Alcantara earmuffs may be softer than the Drake earmuffs, but the suede-like material isn’t the smartest choice for sweaty kettlebell workouts. Then there are other features to consider, like wireless connectivity, battery life and whether you want others to be able to hear you yell “One Direction” out loud.
From high-end headphones to the most affordable, these are the headphones you should be listening to this season.
The best wireless headphones
After a shaky early years, wireless headphones and earbuds are finally starting to come into their own. Aside from the fact that some phones don’t even come with headphone jacks anymore, cutting the cord is the best option for those who don’t want to deal with dangling wires or are less space-conscious. After all, there’s nothing worse than having your phone fly off the treadmill with a flailing arm mid-sprint.
Wireless headphones can sound nearly as good as over-ear headphones, if you can trust yourself to not lose them or the box they’re stored in. They’re also more likely to be waterproof and have some noise-canceling advantages due to the seal they provide to secure themselves in your ears. Will Celine Dion’s hit single be replayed? make persistent efforts.
Best workout headphones
Countless studies have shown that listening to music can improve performance in hardcore heaven, so having a good pair of workout headphones is crucial. If this is what you’re after, then arguably the most important things to note are the sweat-resistant design and secure fit. But don’t overlook the added features, like the ability to pair with a dedicated app that provides in-ear guidance (read: scream “you can do it” during that last squat) and motion sensors that let you track your progress.
In addition to being completely wireless, there’s also the option to connect the earbuds via a small neckband. These tethered models are generally cheaper, safer, and have longer battery life, making them ideal for completing longer fitness sessions. Leg workouts, we’re looking at you.
The best noise canceling headphones
We all have guilty pleasures, whether it’s popping out pimples or peeing in the kitchen sink (just us?) If you’re pretending to be looking out the window of an airplane in a music video, you don’t need a screaming baby to ruin the moment. That’s where noise-canceling headphones come in, suppressing external sounds while protecting your hearing.
Generally speaking, larger over-ear headphones will block more noise than regular earbuds, but now you can also buy in-ear headphones that offer the same “no, can’t hear you” treatment. That said, if you’re an audiophile, you’ll prefer headphones without noise cancellation, which some say negatively affects sound quality. But it’s either that or listening to coworkers gossiping all day.
Best budget headphones
While we’re firm believers that “you get what you pay for,” unlike a leather jacket, you don’t always have to spend a fortune to get a decent pair of headphones. The trick is knowing what to look for to find the best bud for your money.
Cheap headphones often fall out because they don’t stay in the ears (come on, guys, that’s headphone 101). So if you want to improve the general sound quality of your standard earbuds, and you want to do it without spending a lot of money, prioritize an ergonomically designed model or one with extra silicone tips for a perfect fit. model.
