Wireless bluetooth headphones for PC

What kind of headset is there?

In total, accessories can be divided into four main categories:

1. In-ears – Presumably maintain a compact size, making them almost invisible. But the models will have virtually no sound insulation. Prolonged use may cause hearing discomfort. An excellent option only if you don’t listen to music all the time.
2. In-channel - In many ways they resemble the previous type, but are distinguished by more reliable fastening. A slight insulation from external noise is the only advantage compared to the previous group.
3. Full-size or monitor – Headphones belong to the professional class. There are both products with medium and high quality. The higher the price, the better the quality. Models have partial or complete sound insulation. The last type is relevant for buyers who place sound quality first compared to other characteristics. A headset with holes in the case is the best option if you have many hours of watching movies or gaming sessions.
4. Overheads - Their essence is largely the same as the previous variety. Many consider such models to be universal. Suitable for use both outdoors and at home. There is a membrane, but it only partially covers the ear. Therefore, you don’t have to worry about excessive pressure on your hearing organs, there is none. A secure fit on the head makes the headphones suitable even for jogging, let alone watching movies.

The last two types are considered optimal regardless of the user’s goals or frequency of use.

Vacuum

Vacuum (or in-ear) headphones have become one of the most popular formats on the market in recent years. These miniature headphones are inserted directly into the ear canals, disconnecting the listener from ambient sounds, street noise, birdsong and shopkeepers. However, you should be careful, because you may simply not hear the signal of a moving car, bus or tram. The second advantage lies in their acoustic properties. They reproduce low frequencies very well and, in general, in terms of sound quality and richness, can be compared with overhead models.

This same system is also the kryptonite of in-ear headphones. As a rule, the kit comes with several pairs of tips of different sizes for ear canals of different sizes, but for some this is not enough - the headphones either “sit” in the ear too tightly, causing discomfort, or are not held tightly, causing the sound to lose strength and pressure. Plus, they should not be worn for too long, otherwise tightly blocked ear canals will not be able to clear dirt, and listening at high volume for a long period can negatively affect hearing.

Popular vacuum headphones

Apple AirPods Pro from RUR 14,990 Xiaomi Redmi AirDots 2 from 999 rub. Samsung Galaxy Buds+ from RUR 5,990 Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro from RUR 9,340 Huawei FreeBuds 4i from RUR 4,950 Huawei FreeBuds Pro from RUR 9,850 Xiaomi Redmi AirDots 3 from RUR 2,190 Honor Choice TWS from RUR 2,000 Xiaomi Zmi PurPods Pro from RUR 5,380 Samsung Galaxy Buds2 from RUR 8,150 Sony WF-1000XM4 from RUR 22,900 Sony WF-1000XM3 from RUR 10,390 JBL T110 from 550 rub. Xiaomi QCY T1C from 824 rub. Honor Earbuds 2 Lite from RUR 3,629 JBL Tune 215TWS from RUR 3,096 Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 2 from RUR 16,990 JBL C100SI from 543 rub. Xiaomi Redmi Buds 3 Pro from RUR 4,590 ANKER Soundcore Liberty Air 2 Pro from RUR 10,780

Ideal for people who need inexpensive, compact and multifunctional headphones for all occasions.

What are the main technical parameters for headphones?

Many buyers look only at design features and design. But the actual technical characteristics of the device are no less important. The optimal scope of application of each model depends on this.

Before purchasing, we recommend paying attention to the following parameters:

• Frequency range – 20 Hz – 20 kHz – standard frequency range for quality products.
• Resistance or impedance – Impedance determines the quality with which the signal is transmitted. Unit of measurement – ​​Ohm. The normal value is in the range of 40-150 Ohms. An impedance higher than 100 ohms is necessary for studio-quality sound. The maximum this characteristic can be 600 Ohms. The minimum is 30 Ohms, this indicator indicates a very low quality of the headset. If the computer sound card does not support the appropriate characteristics, then even purchasing high-impedance headphones will not give the desired results.
• Sensitivity indicator – Sensitivity is also called headphone volume. The recommended level is 100 dB. Such devices will not damage hearing, which ensures safety for the user. The rule can be omitted only for a headset that is used occasionally. If headphones are used for an hour or more a day, then you should not ignore the recommendations.

Buyer's checklist

1. First of all, decide on the maximum price and main use case.
2. Next, based on the purpose, select the type of headphones: over-ear, on-ear or in-ear.
3. Select several models of a specific type that fit your budget.
4. Evaluate the important features of the selected models: ear pad material, wire braid, headband design, and so on.
5. Study the technical parameters that characterize sound quality.
6. Check out reviews and reviews online, and see if there's somewhere you can test the headphones before purchasing.
7. Make your choice.

What other criteria should I look at?

There are other nuances that you should know about before making a purchase.

• Several types of connectors are used - USB, 6.2 mm jack, 3.5 mm minijack. If necessary, it is easy to use special adapters for indicators of 6.2 or 3.5 millimeters.
• The percentage of sound distortion should be as low as possible. If manufacturers care about their reputation, then they will definitely prescribe this parameter.
• Type of attachment. These can be ear clips, devices under the hairline, over the head. Here, only the user decides which option suits him most. It is worth considering how much the accessory weighs overall. When used for a long time, the headphones will only cause discomfort if they are too heavy.

Wires and their absence: what to choose?

You need to decide in advance what type of connection will be used. Headphones are either wireless or wired.

Wireless connection is portable. Thanks to this, the user can easily move around the surrounding space.

The convenience of a wireless connection means that the user will pay more for the equipment. It is recommended to choose such models if wires only create inconvenience. And sound quality is not that important.

Wired headphones are not as convenient as the previous option, but they are also endowed with certain strong features.

Such models transmit a higher quality, stable signal. You can choose products in which the wires are connected to only one side. Side plugs create fewer problems during operation.

Wires have other additional nuances:

• If they are too thin, then breakdowns will appear quickly; this is one of the most common problems.
• Each buyer chooses the length of the wire based on personal needs and preferences.
• Removable plugs are considered practical.

Electrostatic (Electret)

Headphones belonging to the category of Hi-End devices. You won't find them in consumer electronics stores; they are not widely available. All because of the high cost, the lower limit of which is 2.5 - 3 thousand dollars.

The operating principle of electrostatic headphones is to use a very thin membrane located between two electrodes. Under the influence of high current, the membrane moves and creates sound vibrations. Electrostatic headphones have the highest quality sound, virtually free of distortion. A significant drawback of such headphones is the mandatory presence of an impressively sized amplifier.

About surround sound and vibration

Surround sound technology is supported by several types of devices. This function is implemented physically or virtually. Other models can work with vibration. They usually have a built-in sound card as well as a USB connection.

• Option with physical implementation. It is assumed that there is an honest speaker system with 5.1 or 7.1 figures. In this case, the user hears even from which direction the sounds are coming. In most cases, the option is not required; it will be useful during computer games. High-quality surround sound systems come with a hefty price tag. And cheap ones are sometimes enough for normal sound.
• Virtual surround sound. Usually the matter is limited to only two speakers. But devices are capable of changing frequencies. And the same feeling arises as when working with 5.1 numbers. The more expensive the device, the better the function works.
• Vibration. In this case, the headphones are equipped with special vibration motors. Most often it is light, but some make it quite powerful. But for most users there is no benefit from this. Either this solution quickly gets boring, or your head starts to hurt. Headphones with surround sound are most often purchased by those who use the accessory only for gaming. But it is recommended to trust only trusted brands; low quality will not work here. Many people advise avoiding vibration altogether. Regarding controls Headsets and headphones can be controlled from various elements.
• Remotes. This is usually a small block located on the cable. Use it to switch tracks and change the volume. A convenient solution when it comes to universal headsets that are used in conjunction with mobile devices. But reliability decreases, since wires often break in the area where the remote controls are located. In some cases, models are equipped with built-in digital-to-analog converters. These are special adapters, from 3.5 millimeters to USB and vice versa. Such devices are becoming more universal. But it is recommended to use adapters not constantly, but periodically. Otherwise, the reliability of the connections is reduced.
• Volume controls. A useful purchase, although not required specifically for computer types of headsets. The operating system itself allows you to change the indicator. The keyboard supports the same function. But this is a convenient option specifically for mobile devices. Wheel-shaped parts often wear out over time. Buttons are more convenient, although they are inferior in terms of durability.
• ⦁ Mute the microphone. An indispensable addition for a computer headset. After all, not everyone needs to be heard when using certain programs or functions. For example, when the owner is distracted from the game, he walks away for a while. It would be nice if there was a separate button to mute the microphone. The digital headset also provides audio.
• ⦁ Using additional buttons. The main thing is to look at how big the buttons are and how they are located.

Earbuds

Earbuds, also known as earbuds, are the ancestors of in-ear headphones. They are also small in size, but they do not create a vacuum inside the ear canal, but simply fit neatly into it. To greatly simplify it, it’s like 2 micro speakers for the ears.

Earbuds are simple in design and in most cases affordable, but there are often quite expensive models with decent sound. And unlike vacuum ones, they do not affect hearing. At the same time, due to the loose fit in the ear, the sound of the earbuds is not as rich and detailed as that of in-ear headphones of the same level. Plus, they have poor sound insulation and on the subway you will listen not so much to music as to the noise of the car. Plus, they may not fit your ears. And if vacuum headphones can be adjusted using a replaceable nozzle, then it will not be possible to change the design of the earbuds.

Popular in-ear headphones

Apple AirPods 2 with Charging Case from RUR 9,700 Samsung Galaxy Buds Live from RUR 3,900 JBL Tune 225TWS from RUR 3,800 Apple EarPods with Remote and Mic from RUR 1,090 Apple AirPods 2 with Wireless Charging Case from RUR 11,990 Xiaomi Mi Air 2s from RUR 2,990 Apple EarPods with Lightning Connector from RUB 1,790. Huawei FreeBuds 3 from RUR 6,390 Xiaomi Mi AirDots 2 SE from RUR 1,890 Huawei FreeBuds 4 from RUR 9,250 Xiaomi Haylou GT6 from RUR 1,489 Philips TAT2236 from RUR 2,299 Samsung EO-EG920L from 690 rub. Xiaomi Mi True Wireless Earphones 2 Basic from RUR 1,750 JBL T205 from 790 rub. Vivo TWS Neo from RUB 6,499 Xiaomi QCY T8 from RUR 1,337 JBL T205BT from 890 rub. OnePlus Buds from RUR 5,850 Marshall Minor II Bluetooth from RUR 3,995

There are also pleasant exceptions among the liners, but there are relatively few of them and they, as a rule, do not live in the budget category.

Ideal for listening in environments where there is no strong background noise.