The ideal pair of headphones for you will not be the same for someone else. Depending on your budget, how you plan to use them, and your personal preferences in terms of shape and sound, certain criteria should be prioritized when making your decision. In this article, we identify the most important selection criteria to consider to ensure you make the right choice—complementing the video capsule that you can also watch above.
Understanding the different types of headphones
Before considering any other selection criteria, it is important to note that all headphones, whether wired, wireless, or designed for a specific use (such as connecting to your TV), fall into three main categories: on-ear headphones (supra-aural), around-ear headphones (circumaural), and finally, in-ear headphones (intra-aural). In addition to their shape, these different types of headphones offer important features and characteristics to consider in your purchasing decision.
Over-ear headphones
Circumaural headphones are large headphones that cover the ear. They offer exceptional, more immersive performance. Their construction makes them the ideal choice for passive sound isolation, allowing you to listen to music at moderate volumes in noisy environments (public transportation, public places).
Available in a variety of materials and designs, circumaural headphones offer music lovers plenty of choice. Capable of satisfying even the most demanding audiophiles, the highest-end models can reproduce a frequency range worthy of the best sound systems.
As with other types of headphones, there are wired and wireless (Bluetooth) versions. It is in the over-ear category that we find wireless headphones designed for television (with digital transmission from a base connected to the TV).
A wide variety of open-back headphones designed for home listening are also available. The most high-end headphones are among them. Combining the highly faithful sound of a large speaker with an airy feel, these models are as revered as the traditional sound systems most appreciated by audiophiles. Most of these headphones require a dedicated amplifier for optimal sound reproduction.
In-ear headphones
In-ear headphones are popular for their practicality. Smaller and easier to carry when traveling, they fit directly into the ear. This provides passive isolation from outside noise. Designed for comfort, in-ear headphones come with different sized ear tips (small, medium, and large) to accommodate everyone's ears. A well-fitting earbud will offer better sound quality and optimized frequency reproduction, especially bass.
In-ear headphones offer freedom of movement thanks to their small size. Available in several models with or without wires (possible via Bluetooth technology), they are the choice of active people on the go.
On-ear headphones
On-ear headphones rest on the ear. This design makes them very versatile for many types of use. More comfortable for long listening sessions, their design also passively blocks out external noise. Some models fold up or come with a carrying case, making this type of headphone an excellent choice for listeners on the go.
Often chosen for their performance, the speaker is larger than in in-ear headphones, giving them more power and a wider frequency response.
Several different materials can be used in their construction—metal, wood, leather, synthetic, plastic—depending on the range, taste, and desired performance.
It is also in this type of headphone that we begin to find open-back models. Designed for listening at home, they are distinguished by their airy and more precise sound. They therefore offer no isolation from outside noise. Very comfortable for long listening sessions, they are perfect for the most demanding music lovers.
How do you plan to use them?
This is probably the most important question to ask yourself when choosing headphones: do you want comfortable headphones for listening to music while sitting on your sofa, or do you need headphones that can adapt to all your movements?
Connectivity—wired or wireless?
Each type of connection has its advantages and disadvantages, depending on how you intend to use them. Wired headphones remain the preferred choice for audiophiles, gamers, and studio professionals, mainly because they don't require batteries, offer minimal latency, and generally guarantee superior sound quality for the price. Conversely, wireless models using Bluetooth technology stand out for their everyday versatility and freedom of movement, although they are dependent on battery life and audio quality can vary depending on the codec used.
It is also important to check the technical compatibility of your earphones or headphones with your electronic devices, or the devices with which they will be used. Analog connections via 3.5 mm or 6.35 mm jacks are still common for wired solutions, although they are becoming less and less common on recent phones. Some models require a USB-C or Lightning connection, depending on the phone model used. On the wireless side, audio performance and latency depend on the Bluetooth codecs supported (such as aptX, AAC, or LDAC).
Open or closed?
If you choose over-ear (circumaural) headphones, the design of the ear cups is an additional variable to consider, and this choice will greatly influence your listening experience. Open models allow air and sound to flow freely through the ear cups, creating a more natural and airy soundstage. This type of headphone is particularly popular for critical listening in a quiet environment. However, the lack of sound isolation means that sound escapes to the outside and ambient noise remains audible. Conversely, closed-back headphones completely surround the ear to provide better sound isolation and a more pronounced bass response, making them more suitable for travel, recording, or everyday use in shared environments.
With or without noise reduction?
A headset's ability to block out external noise depends on the technology used. Passive isolation relies solely on the physical design of the device: well-fitting ear cups or in-ear tips that prevent outside sounds from entering. It's a simple, effective solution that's common on closed-back headsets and in-ear headphones. Active noise cancellation (ANC), on the other hand, uses microphones and digital processing to cancel out ambient sounds in real time. It is particularly useful in noisy environments such as public transportation or open-plan offices. However, it can sometimes slightly alter the sound reproduction or cause a feeling of pressure in the ears for some users.
With or without a microphone?
For professional use, video gaming, or frequent calls, the quality of the microphone and the integration of practical controls are important considerations. Microphones built directly into the cable or earphone housing are generally sufficient for occasional or occasional use. However, not all of these features are equal. There are several different qualities of built-in microphones, and they are used in different numbers. For example, some headphone models can use up to 12 microphones together for clear voice quality without background noise in all environments—although some of these microphones will only be used for active noise reduction.
Battery life
Battery life is a key factor when choosing wireless headphones or earbuds, especially if you're often on the go or listen to music for long periods of time. Bluetooth on-ear headphones typically offer between 20 and 60 hours of continuous listening, depending on the features enabled (such as ANC). True wireless stereo (TWS) earbuds have a more limited battery life of between 5 and 12 hours per charge, but their carrying case usually allows for several additional charges. Fast charging technologies are also a practical advantage for quickly recharging your earbuds between uses.
Sound signature
The sound reproduction of headphones is not universally neutral: some models are better suited to specific musical genres or, more simply, to personal preferences. A balanced or neutral sound signature is recommended for audiophiles, musicians, or classical music lovers, as it offers faithful reproduction of the original signal. Headphones with accentuated bass are more suitable for fans of hip-hop, electro, or dynamic music; these are referred to as headphones with a more colorful signature. A “V” signature, characterized by enhanced bass and treble, is popular for a more lively and energetic listening experience. Although each model is known for a particular signature, it is important to listen to them to make sure that they suit your ear.
Comfort
Although the vast majority of headphones and earphones are designed with comfort in mind, the fact remains that our heads are not all the same! Headphones that are extremely comfortable for one person may not necessarily be as comfortable for another. In addition to choosing models that favor the use of quality materials, trying them on in the store will ensure that they are perfectly suited to your specific needs.
To choose the right earphones, there's nothing better than coming to see us!
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