All Different Types of Headphones and Earbuds

All Different Types of Headphones and Earbuds

Out of the gadgets that make our lives comfortable, headphones indeed are a part! Most of us can’t even go a day without plugging in our headphones. From attending calls to meetings, during intense workouts, morning jogs and surviving long hours of flying in planes and even on the train. Headphones make it all easy, and there’s no denying the truth!

If you are a music lover, or someone who needs to get ahold of a pair of headphones, then let’s dive into the world of 14 different types of headphones so you can get the perfect pair for you that fulfills your requirement. 

Types of Headphones: Technology

Even though all headphones serve the same purpose, that is allowing you to listen to your favorite tracks, hear your favorite podcast and attend calls. But in terms of technology, they become a bit different. Find out other headphone technologies:

1. Active Noise-Cancellation Headphones

Active Noise-Cancellation Headphones

Active noise canceling headphones use technology to reduce the amount of background noise, such as traffic and other distractions.

These ANC headphones use microphones, which pick up ambient sounds and send vibrations through speakers in the ear cups. These vibrations create a sound wave that cancels the original ambient sound.

Active noise canceling headphones have been around for a while, but they have only recently become more popular because they block out a wide variety of noise. They are also effective for people with hearing loss or tinnitus to mask these noises.

Pros 

  • No external noise 
  • Immersive listening experience
  • Protects hearing 
  • Helps travellers with noise-inducing stress

Cons

  • On the pricier side
  • Battery life is compromised 

2. Bone Conduction Headphones

Bone Conduction Headphones

Bone Conduction Headphones are headphones that allow you to listen to music, podcasts, audiobooks, and other audio content without using your ear. 

These  headphones are designed for hearing loss or for people who want to listen to music without needing to hear it with their ears. They work by transmitting sound vibrations through the bones of the skull instead of through the eardrums.

The main benefit of bone conduction headphones is that users can listen in private and not disturb others in public spaces like restaurants and cafés. These headphones also offer a more natural listening experience because they don’t require special equipment like speakers or earbuds, which can be uncomfortable or bothersome when worn for long periods. 

They use vibrations to transmit sound waves to your ears. They are usually used for people with hearing disabilities, but people with normal hearing can also use them.

Pros 

  • Perfect for people who like background awareness
  • Helpful for people with hearing problems
  • They sit perfectly on the ears

Cons 

  • Isolation isn’t the best

3. Headsets

Headsets

Headsets have been around for decades, but they became popular in the past few years with the rise of wireless headphones and Bluetooth technology. These devices allow you to listen to music while doing other things. The headsets can be used by people who struggle with hearing loss or tinnitus and those who want to travel light and don’t want to carry bulky headphones.

Pros 

  • Excellent microphone 
  • Perfect for attending calls and recording voice
  • Comfortable to use 

Cons 

  • Sound quality isn’t very good

4. Ambient Sound Headphones

Ambient Sound Headphones

Ambient Sound Headphones are unlike other headphones where the sound comes from one source. Instead, they allow you to hear the ambiance of your surroundings and block out unwanted noise. These headphones have many benefits and have been gaining popularity in recent years.

With Ambient Sound Headphones, you can listen to music while working out or commuting without bothering others around you. They can also be used during presentations so the audience can hear what is being said.

These headphones emit sound in public spaces, such as offices and classrooms. The idea is that these headphones will help people focus on their work by reducing distracting sounds and increasing productivity.

Pros 

  • Perfect for people who commute a lot
  • They block out background noise 

Cons 

  • Expensive 

Types of Headphones: Size

Headphones vary according to size; some may be very small, while some headphones are pretty big. You can find out about the different sizes of headphones and choose the one that suits your needs. 

1. Over-Ear Headphones

Over-Ear Headphones

Over-ear headphones are popular headphones that sit on top of the ears rather than inside them. They are typically used by people who want to listen to music and watch videos without disturbing others around them.

Over-ear headphones are preferred over in-ear headphones because they provide better sound quality and comfort for the listener. They also have a more natural fit, so they don’t need to adjust as often as in-ear headphones.

These headphones can be in different shapes and sizes, with some designed for specific activities like running or gaming.

Pros 

  • Comfortable 
  • Impressive sound quality
  • Good sound stage 

Cons 

  • They lack portability 
  • On the pricier side 

2. On-Ear Headphones

On-Ear Headphones

On-ear headphones are a type of headphones that sit on the ear. They are typically smaller and lighter than over-ear headphones and are usually used for listening to music.

People can use these on-ear headphones in different ways. Some people use them when they want to listen to music without disturbing others while working out or when they want to listen to music without disturbing others while they’re studying. They can also be used as a replacement for earbuds if you don’t like the sound quality of earbuds or if you need something more stable during exercise.

Pros 

  • Easy to carry
  • Comfortable to wear

Cons 

  • No passive isolation 

3. True Wireless Earbuds

True wireless earbuds are the perfect device to listen to music while you are on the go. They are lightweight and come in different colors. True wireless earbuds, as their name suggests, don’t have any wires connecting them to the power source or the device they’re connected to. This is achieved with a battery life of up to five hours and impressive sound quality with noise cancellation technology.

True Wireless Earbuds are a fantastic solution for all your needs. You can use them for listening to music, making calls, listening to podcasts, and more. You can also use them as a fitness tracker by adding voice coaching to your workout routine. 

Pros 

  • Travel-friendly 
  • Light-weight and comfortable to wear
  • Excellent to wear during sports
  • Durable 

Cons 

  • The battery isn’t long-lasting 
  • Narrow soundstage 

4. Wireless Earbuds with a Cable

Wireless Earbuds with a Cable

Wireless earbuds with a cable are a new type of wireless headphones. They have the same capabilities as other wireless headphones, but they also have a cable you can use to listen to music on your phone or connect to your computer.

Wireless earbuds with a cable are an alternative to traditional wired headphones. They offer the same features and functionality as their wired counterparts but without the wires getting in your way or adding unnecessary weight.

Pros

  • Portable earbuds 
  • Good quality sound 
  • Stable for someone who travels a lot

Cons

  • Battery can’t last for longer periods
  • The cable gets tangled often.

5. Wired Earbuds 

Wired earbuds are a type of earphone with a wire connecting the two earpieces. They are used for listening to music and sometimes phone calls.

Wired headphones are called ‘cabled’ or ‘wired in-ear headphones. They are usually less expensive than wireless headphones, but they can be uncomfortable to wear because they don’t have any wireless signal between the two earpieces.

The wired connection between the two headphone pieces allows you to listen to high-quality audio and is more reliable than a wireless connection. They are also easier to carry around and don’t require charging. Wired earbuds can be used with different devices and come in various colors, shapes, and sizes. You can also use them with smartphones, tablets, laptops, etc.

Pros

  • Impressive sound quality and noise-isolation
  • They have no audio latency
  • Travel-friendly and lightweight 

Cons

  • Not compatible with many devices

10. Classic Earbuds 

Classic Earbuds

Classic earbuds are the newest technology that does not go inside your ear. They sit on your ear canal, and you can use them to listen to your favorite tracks while tapping them for changing tracks, attending calls, and so on. Apple Airpods 2 are the perfect example of classic earbuds. 

Pros 

  • You can hear ambient noise
  • Very comfortable 
  • Wider soundstage

Cons 

  • May not be a great fit for some people

Types of Headphones: Design

The types of headphones vary according to design; you can find two different types in the market:

1. Closed Back Headphones

Closed Back Headphones

Closed-back headphones are designed to give you a more immersive experience. They are typically used for studio monitoring, live recordings, and personal listening.

These closed-back headphones have a built-in sound chamber that blocks outside noise and lets you focus on your music or audio content. These headphones also help reduce outside sounds while playing or recording music. Closed-back headphones are designed to be more comfortable and also very popular in the audiophile community, as they offer enhanced sound quality.

Pros 

  • Impressive base response 
  • It has passive isolation
  • Designed to be more comfortable 
  • Immersive listening experience

Cons 

  • Narrow soundstage 

2. Open Back Headphones

Open Back Headphones

Open headphones are a type of headphones that are designed to be worn around the back of the head. They typically have a larger ear cup and an open back. They are designed to allow the user to hear sound from all directions, providing a more natural listening experience. They also provide better isolation for people who want to use them for recording purposes.

The main difference between closed and open headphones is that the sound waves in open headphones are not blocked by the cups, which means they can be heard more clearly by people standing behind you. This makes them ideal for listening to music or watching movies with friends or family.

Open-back headphones are also known as “back-of-the-head” headphones because they sit on top of your head rather than on your ears as closed headphones do.

Pros 

  • Wider soundstage 
  • Breathable and comfortable to wear 
  • Good sound quality

Cons

  • Poor bass performance 
  • No passive isolation

Types of Headphones: Connection

Headphones can be differentiated according to the connection they build; while you may have experienced wired headphones, there are two types of headphones in terms of connection. 

1. Wireless Headphones

Wireless headphones offer convenience by eliminating the need for wires to connect them to your device. They provide an easy way to listen to music on the go without having tangled cords in your pocket or bag. These headphones are also great for people who want freedom from being tethered to their devices and enjoy listening without having an annoying cord. 

Wireless headphones come in different shapes and sizes and have various features, such as Bluetooth connectivity or noise cancellation. Some wireless earbuds can also be used with your phone, tablet, or computer for music playback and phone calls.

Pros 

  • Travel-friendly 
  • They are packed with the newest features 
  • Decent sound quality

Cons 

  • The battery isn’t very long-lasting 

2. Wired Headphones

Wired Headphones

Wired Headphones provide a more immersive listening experience. They also offer better sound quality, which is why they have always been popular among audiophiles and music lovers. 

These wired headphones usually come with a wire that connects the headphones to a device such as an MP3 player or computer. The wire is then connected to a jack on the other end, which allows you to plug in the device and listen to music or watch videos. They are compact, and convenient for on-the-go use.

Pros 

  • No battery problems 
  • Decent sound quality
  • Not very pricey

Cons 

  • Not compatible with a lot of devices 

What Are Some of the Most Well-Known Brands of Headphones?

You have the option of splurging on a brand-name set of headphones or purchasing a pair of generic headphones from any pharmacy or petrol station. There are a plethora of trendy options available today, ranging from AirPods to Raycons headphones.

The following are some of the most well-known brands of headphones now available on the market:

  • AKG
  • Apple
  • Beats
  • Bose
  • JBL
  • Panasonic.
  • Philips 
  • Raycon
  • Skullcandy
  • Sennheiser
  • Sony 

AKG

You can give AKG credit for being the company that first introduced us to the concepts of supra-aural as well as open-back headphones. This kind of car, the K240, was featured in the music video for Eddie Murphy’s song “Party All the Time!” and contributed significantly to the brand’s meteoric rise in popularity as a result.

Apple

The introduction of Apple’s AirPods has fundamentally shifted the landscape of the earbuds business. The in-ear headphones are completely wireless and have recently seen an unbelievable amount of popularity. Apple sold about 60 million sets of AirPods in 2019, which the company expects to continue to rise.

Beats

Dr. Dre, a legendary figure in the hip-hop music industry, founded Beats in 2006 and then sold it to Apple for an astounding $3.2 billion eight years later. According to the company website, Beats “help bring the energy, emotion, and excitement of playback in the recording studio to the listening experience.” Beats were created for those who enjoy listening to music.

Bose

When looking for new headphones, it’s crucial to have a few options to choose from. Bose takes great satisfaction in the fact that it is able to provide customers with a wide selection of designs, including wireless headsets, noise-canceling speakers, earbuds, as well as Bluetooth sunglasses that have a built-in microphone!

Woodstock 69 became one of the most famous music festivals that have ever taken place, while JBL speakers were there to capture the magic of the occasion. Since that time, the company has been manufacturing headphones and speakers of high quality and in a wide variety of designs.

Panasonic

Panasonic is a technological behemoth that is virtually capable of producing anything imaginable, including but not limited to lights, home appliances, televisions, laptops, mobile phones, cameras, and projectors. Their headphones are noted for their ability to provide a sound that is rich in bass while also being comfortable to wear and long-lasting.

Philips

When you go to the website for Philips, you will discover that the company is committed to providing you with headphones that “fit your lifestyle.” You have the ability to narrow down your choices by selecting specific categories, such as noise-canceling, over-ear, sports, children’s, and more.

Raycon

Ray J, a prominent figure in the R&B music scene, conceptualized the company that would later bear his name with the straightforward intention of producing premium wireless headphones that were not prohibitively expensive. This brand has a lot of celebrity fans, which is one reason why it was able to pull in a nice $10 million in sales in 2019.

Sennheiser

You should probably start putting some money away now, considering Sennheiser headphones are a little bit pricier than other manufacturers. If you enjoy playing video games or if you do a lot of traveling, it is definitely money well spent. Even professional headphones and headsets for air traffic controllers are available from them.

Skullcandy

Skullcandy was dubbed “the world’s coolest earbuds” by Fortune Magazine, and it’s easy to see why they earned that title. The brand provides an assortment of colors that are appealing to the eye, artistic presentation, and an exceptionally reasonable pricing point. Additionally, the fact that they have worked together with artists such as Jay-Z, Metallica, and Snoop Dogg awards them extra “cool” points.

Sony

In the same vein as Panasonic, Sony is a dominant force in the field of technology. You are able to obtain any kind of headphones that you desire while also having the satisfaction of knowing that you purchased something from a reliable company. The majority of the time, Sony headphones may be seen on the “best headphones” list year after year.

What Materials Are Used to Construct Headphones?

It almost feels like magic how your headphones manage to be so light and comfy to use at the same time. On the other hand, you really ought to give credit where credit is due and appreciate the materials used to produce your favorite pair!

The following types of materials are used in the production of headphones in various combinations:

  • Rubber
  • CopperAluminum
  • Plastic
  • Silicone
  • Textiles (Fabric)
  • Artificial leather
  • Ceramic
  • Memory foam
  • Vinyl

When making the cups or buds that sit on or in your ears, softer materials such as silicone, fabric, memory foam, as well as vinyl are preferred. Rubber, ceramic, plastic, or aluminum may be used in the construction of the casing, while copper may be used in the wiring that is responsible for sound production.

When compared to the right earphone, why is the left earphone louder?

There is no situation that is more frustrating than using headphones that produce an inconsistent sound. If the sound coming from the left earbud is louder compared to the sound coming from your right earbud, there is likely a problem with the plug, the wire, or the connectivity.

Connector (for Wired Headphones)

Check that the jack is completely inserted into the gadget you’re using by checking it. Additionally, there is a possibility that the connector or port is clogged with dirt or other particles. Make another attempt after blowing it out with some compressed air. If it doesn’t work, you might consider getting a new pair of headphones.

If you have wired headphones, you may discover that if you move your wire to a specific spot, you will momentarily hear sound coming from both of your earbuds. If this happens, you can secure it in the appropriate location using electrical tape. This is really a stopgap measure until you can invest in a more suitable set of headphones.

Connectivity (wireless models)

Surprisingly, physical obstacles such as walls, desks, and other barriers can disrupt a wireless connection. Check to see that your Bluetooth is correctly connected, and also look at the audio settings on your smartphone. It’s possible that this is what’s causing the sound to be inconsistent in your headphones.

Don’t toss out your headphones just because one of the earphones has a higher volume than the other. First, you should try to clean them since earwax, dirt, or other debris can be causing the sound to be distorted. You can also check to make sure that the wire isn’t broken and that the device is connecting correctly by giving it a second look.

FAQs

1. How many different types of headphones are there?

Headphones are divided into four categories: in-ear headphones, earbud, aural, and circumaural. 

2. What are the different types of earbuds?

There are four earbuds: True Wireless Earbuds, Classic Earbuds that do not go in the ear, Wired earbuds, and wireless earbuds with a cable.

3. What are the top earphones?

  1. Sennheiser CX 120BT Wireless Earphones
  2. Sony MDR-XB55AP Wired Earphones
  3. JBL C200SI 
  4. Jabra Elite 75t Earbuds
  5. boAt Rockerz 335 wireless earphones
  6. OPPO Enco X Earphones

4. What are the top 5 earbuds?

The top 5 earbuds include the following:

  • Sony WF-1000XMM4
  • Jabra Elite 3
  • Bose QuietComfort Earbuds
  • Beats Fit Pro
  • Apple Airpods Pro

5. Why do people like to listen to music through headphones?

You’ll need headphones if you want to listen to music or a podcast while you’re on the go. Whether you want to jam out to your favorite playlist or discover a new podcast, headphones make it possible. It is highly likely that you will don a pair of these for at least one of the following situations:

  • Working
  • Studying
  • Exercising
  • Traveling
  • Doing chores
  • Gaming
  • Talking on the speakerphone
  • Waiting in line or for an appointment

5. Are headphones bad for your health?

With headphones, we have access to a virtually unlimited supply of entertainment options, ranging from music and podcasts to audiobooks and videos on YouTube. In spite of everything wonderful about it, it is important to keep in mind that listening to music at an unsafely loud volume, having other people use your headphones, or falling asleep while listening to music could be hazardous to your health.

Conclusion

As much fun as it is to get a new pair of headphones, it is also a task. With the advancement of technology, there are many different products to choose from. With our categorization, you will know the different types of headphones according to size, technology, design, and connection. Understanding the different types of headphones makes it very easy to single out the best one.

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Abdul Wahab is a Software Engineer by profession and a Tech geek by nature. Having been associated with the tech industry for the last five years, he has covered a wide range of Tech topics and produced well-researched and engaging content. You will mostly find him reviewing tech products and writing blog posts. Binge-watching tech reviews and endlessly reading tech blogs are his favorite hobbies.