How to choose wireless headphones?

This article is dedicated to one of the most popular and convenient accessories of today - wireless headphones. For example, if you want to watch an interesting broadcast on television, and the rest of the family for some reason needed absolute silence. Headphones solve this problem. After reading the publication, you will learn how to choose wireless headphones, what technical characteristics you need to pay attention to first.

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Classification

Depending on the acoustic design of the accessory, these types of headphones are distinguished:

• Plug-in. Among the plug-in models, the wireless option can be found infrequently. This is the most compact type of headphone.
• On-ear headphones. They have an arched shape. The cups are placed over the ears, they do not cover the entire auricle, but the auditory canal. The arcs are made adjustable, most of the models are folding. These accessories are perfect for your TV. In addition, the device is quite budget, the purchase does not hit too much in the pocket.
• Monitor. They are also called full-sized, because they completely cover the surface of the auricle. The large surface of the speakers results in good sound quality. This type of headset is used by musicians, DJs, and recording studio employees. Undoubtedly, monitor headphones are great for a TV, but their cost is a bit high. If this does not bother you, you need to choose this particular variety - the sound is perfect.

Important! There are 2 types of monitor headphones - open and closed. The latter option allows you to fully immerse yourself in the world of listening sounds. Open headphones give you the opportunity to hear, in addition to recording, and sounds from the outside. We devoted a separate review to this type of headset, in which we brought rating of the best monitor headphones.

Now more about the selection criteria.

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Signal transmission method

This is the main criterion for choosing an accessory. The type of wireless channel determines the sound quality, range and speed of information transfer.

Radio signal

It is distinguished by the extremely large value of the range (more than 50 m) and high-quality sound reproduction. However, there is a drawback - this type of signal is very sensitive to interference.

Important! If you have a child or pet who loves to “flicker” in front of the screen, then it is unlikely that you will enjoy listening because the sound will be interrupted all the time.

IR radiation

Interferences to infrared radiation are not terrible, the channel is distinguished by its extreme resistance to external influences. But there is a drawback - a small (only 10 m) exposure radius.

Important! If you prefer this particular option, then take care of the optimal distance between you and the TV (5-7 m). In this case, good sound quality is ensured.

Bluetooth channel

Bluetooth technology makes it possible to use accessories to listen to sounds in a radius of slightly more than 10 m. Devices using Bluetooth technology look a little more massive than other varieties of accessories, but the convenience, and even more so the sound quality, does not suffer from this.

Important! There is no interference with this wireless channel.

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Sound quality

When choosing a wireless device, you have to read in the technical specifications the word that you want to pronounce with the French pronons: “impedance”, as well as the sensitivity indicators of the device. In most cases, these indicators are necessary for professionals who have to deal with highly sensitive sophisticated equipment. However, the information is not superfluous for the "average" buyer. Here is a brief breakdown of these indicators.

Sensitivity

This indicator is responsible for the sound volume. With a decrease in the diameter of the cups, the accessory decreases its sensitivity. The default sensitivity is 100 dB. If this figure is less, then the sound is excessively quiet.

Impedance

This is an indication of the acoustic power of the headphones. For most models, the digital value of the indicator is 32 ohms. In models designed to work in the studio, the impedance is 16 ohms.

Frequency response

The main indicator that determines the sound quality is the average frequency range. It ranges from 18 Hz to 20 kHz. For professional models, the frequency range is from 5 Hz to 60 kHz.

Important! Sometimes the manufacturer indicates in the technical specifications an unreliable frequency range, so you need to test the headset immediately before purchase. For low-frequency models, distorted sound reproduction is characteristic.

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Tips for choosing a wireless headset

Regardless of the manufacturer and technical specifications, you can use the basic tips to select the best wireless headphones. Here are the five requirements that a device must meet:

1. Convenience. Do not be too lazy to try on headphones. The device should sit freely without interfering with listening. At the same time, it should not fly off the ears at the slightest movement.
2. "Two in one". That is, two pairs of headphones for the price of one. If the store holds such an action - why not take advantage?
3. Offline time. Everything is clear here: the longer this time, the better. Other things being equal, it is advisable to choose a model with more capacious batteries.
4. Adjust the sound volume on the cups.
5. The presence of automatic configuration. This is much more convenient than setting with the wheel.

Important! Depending on when and where you are going to use the headset, our instructions will come in handy:

• How to connect wireless headphones to the phone via bluetooth?
• How to connect wireless headphones to a laptop?
• How to connect headphones to a TV?

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Best wireless headphones - 2017 ranking

The ranking shows the models that received the most positive reviews from customers.

Plantronics BackBeat Pro 2 SE

Universal full-size headphones. Great for watching television programs, PCs, listening to audio recordings. For example, if you do not know how to choose wireless headphones for your computer, this is your option. They feature a pleasant design and high-quality sound reproduction. The model is comfortable and ergonomic (only in the summer the headset is a bit hot).

Benefits:

• The sound is good quality.
• Comfort
• The battery life is 24 hours.
• Good noise reduction.
• Quality factor and durability.
• Convenience of use.
• Good microphone.
• Equipped with a cover.

Jabra REVO Wireless

Convenient headset for a mobile device. The headphones are virtually weightless, made folding, but at the same time they have quite impressive functionality.

Benefits:

• Pleasant sounding bass and high tones. Listening to vocals is a pleasure.
• Convenient feature set.
• The battery life is 12 hours.
• Good sound insulation. Headphones even filter out wind noise.

Disadvantages:

• Not quite comfortable design (after 3-4 hours discomfort begins).

 

Sennheiser RS ​​160

Headphones with a radio signal for those who want to choose wireless headphones for a TV.Convenient design, high autonomy makes them ideal for a TV receiver.

Benefits:

• Great sound quality.
• Quality factor, durability, excellent assembly. High-quality materials used in the manufacture, determine the high comfort and structural strength.
• Good sound insulation.
• 24 hours battery life.
• Convenient control buttons.

There are practically no drawbacks.

Bose QuietComfort 35

Full-size bluetooth headset with good noise reduction.

Benefits:

• Almost perfect noise reduction.
• Balanced sound.
• Convenience, low weight.
• Beautiful minimalistic design.
• The battery life is 20 hours.

The downside is that users call it a bit overpriced.

Sony MDR-1000X

This model first appeared on the market in 2016, and to this day remains the best in terms of sound reproduction for the price range up to 500 y. e. This is an expensive, popular and high-quality model.

Benefits:

• Excellent sound reproduction for music of all genres.
• Active noise reduction.
• Ergonomic design.
• Strong, sound materials of manufacture.
• Beautiful stylish design.
• Possibility of wired and wireless connection.

The downside is the high price. But those who purchased the Sony MDR-1000X claim that the purchase is worth the money.

MEElectronics X7 Plus

This model destroys the stereotype that Chinese gadgets are substandard. This model is inexpensive, like most Chinese products, but it has excellent characteristics.

Benefits:

• Natural, balanced sound.
• Impeccable, stable bluetooth transmission.
• Robust assembly.
• Comfort
• Beautiful design.

There are practically no drawbacks.

Important! Perhaps someone will find the microphone location not quite convenient.

Defender FreeMotion B615

The in-ear headphones are of relatively good quality, yet inexpensive.

Benefits:

• Affordable cost.
• Excellent sound reproduction when talking and listening to audio books. But for music this, alas, is not enough.
• 7 hours of battery life.

Minuses:

• Limited area of ​​use (the device is not suitable for listening to music).
• The headset is not very comfortable.
• Weak microphone.

 

SVEN AP-B350MV

Very budget on-ear headphones. Almost unbelievable, but cheapness is not at the expense of quality.

Benefits:

• Good (especially for budget models) music playback.
• Low cost (only 18 dollars!).
• Strong and sound metal construction.
• 10 hours battery life.
• Nice microphone.
• Bluetooth 4.0 with virtually uninterrupted operation.
• Nice design. In any case, the headset does not look cheap.

Minuses:

• The headset starts to make an unpleasant squeak when the charge is low.

Marshall Mid Bluetooth

Wireless headphones for smartphone.

Pros:

• Great bass. Headphones are especially suitable for listening to blues tunes, funk, electronica, hip-hop and rock music.
• Elegant design, a combination of black and gold.
• Excellent quality materials.
• Good build.
• Work offline 30 hours.
• Comfort
• Ability to connect using cable.

Disadvantages:

• Not very good insulation.
• Overcharge. Obviously, this is a brand fee.

Sony MDR-RF865RK

A great option if you need to choose wireless headphones for your TV. Also ideal for listening to radio and audio books.

Benefits:

• Good quality materials, durability.
• Comfort, despite the relatively large mass. A comfortable headband and ear cushions contribute to comfortable wearing.
• Good sound quality (film and speech - perfect, music - average).
• Battery life 25 hours.
• The presence of convenient control buttons.
• No background noise, good signal reception.

The disadvantage is the low volume. But for people who have a hearing order, this is not critical.

Apple AirPods

Comfortable and beautiful headphones. But, like all Apple products, they are far from cheap.The model is positioned as a headset for iPhone 7, devoid of a headphone jack.

Benefits:

• High-quality sound reproduction.
• Convenience of management (touch or using voice).
• Attractive design.
• High quality build.
• Ability to work with iPhone, iPad and Mac.
• Autonomous work for 24 hours, and the charging time is 4-5 hours.

Disadvantages:

• High price.
• Maximum work only with Apple.

Meizu EP51

Budget model for sports. Moreover, this device is of excellent quality for truly ridiculous money.

Benefits:

• Great sound quality.
• Convenience. Headphones are equipped with convenient magnets; they do not fall out of your ears when jogging.
• Excellent sound insulation.
• Excellent sound supply (4-10 m).
• Solid assembly.

Disadvantages:

• The advantage in the direction of the control panel.
• Not very high-quality microphone.

Jabra mini

Another model that optimally combines decent quality with affordable cost. This is an ideal compact headset for telephone calls.

Pros:

• Good sound for talking.
• Compactness, convenience.
• Autonomous work - 7 hours.
• The optimum ratio of quality and cost.
• Attractive design.

Disadvantages:

• The ability to control sound only from the phone.

Logitech Wireless Gaming Headset G930

A gaming headset of excellent quality at a relatively low price ($ 200).

Benefits:

• Good game sound quality.
• Stable signal reception.
• Comfort
• Excellent noise reduction.
• Durability.
• Convenience of management.

There are practically no cons.

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Stock footage

With these characteristics, you can make a good, informed choice. As for which wireless headphones are better - bluetooth or radio, depends on your preferences and use case of the device.