When it comes to headphones there is certainly no shortage of styles, brands, and options that exist, and if you’ve found yourself in need of a new pair then it can be extremely overwhelming trying to sort through what’s available. From over-the-ear powerhouses to more portable in-ear models, there truly is something out there for everybody, but understanding which one is right for you does take a bit of patience and research. Whether you mainly listen to podcasts while you commute, or you prefer hitting the gym with your favorite tunes blasting in your ears, that perfect pair will completely enhance your listening experience, and you can find both portable solutions as well as more sport-specific options which can fit seamlessly in with your lifestyle and preferences. Thankfully, this guide is here to help you narrow down your search, and will serve to streamline your selection process so you end up with the ideal pair that's truly tailored to your unique listening needs. 

Headphone Fit Sizes

One of the very first things you will notice when you start searching for a new pair of headphones is the unique shapes and sizes that they are available in, and before you even have a chance to dive into the crazy features or impressive sound quality, the range of fits will be the first hurdle you need to overcome. Which size and fit you opt for will have a direct impact on your overall comfort level, and depending on the shape of your head, your ears, and your activity level, certain models may be more advantageous than others. In order to get you started on your purchasing journey, the 3 core headphone fit styles you should be aware of are:

Easily the largest sized models you will find, over-ear headphones are best identified by their wide cups that are designed to fully envelop your ears as you listen to audio. Ideal for a more immersive experience, these headphones tend to provide superior sound quality as well as better noise isolation and the extra padding can make them comfortable for hours of extended usage. The downside to over-ear headphones, however, is that their large size can make them less convenient for traveling, and if you want something you can throw in your purse or your pocket, then they may not be a great choice for you. 

The slightly smaller cousin of the over-ear headphones, on-ear models rest directly on-top of your ears instead of encasing them in padding and this makes them well balanced for individuals who want good sound quality, but also want a more portable option. Great for daily commuting or for at-home listening, these can be a top choice if you want something a bit more compact, however, they can be less comfortable when worn for hours at a time. In addition to the potential pressure they create against your ears, they are also less effective at blocking out external sounds which can impact your audio experience in noisy environments. 

Technically not headphones, in-ear models, which are otherwise known as earbuds, are the most compact solution available to you and these tiny devices fit directly into your ears for a snug and portable experience. Ideal for on-the-go activities such as traveling or jogging, they provide a much more secure fit so you don’t have to worry about them falling out as you go about your day. Where earbuds fall short, unfortunately, is they can be one of the least comfortable options, and some users really struggle to achieve that perfect fit. They also don’t always offer the highest level of sound quality, and true audiophiles may find that even the best earbuds fall short when it comes to the depth and clarity of the music they are listening to.

Types of Headphones

The fit of the headphones is one of the aspects you’ll need to consider when trying to purchase the perfect pair, but another thing you will want to explore is the various types that exist in the market. Beyond just over-ear, on-ear, and in-ear, headphones come in a vast range of types and they each cater to specific use cases as well as preferences. Are you an audiophile who wants to lose yourself in the immersive sound quality of your favorite songs? Do you prioritize active noise cancellation for focusing at work? Do you require a built-in, reliable microphone so you can connect with friends while playing games? Asking these types of questions is the easiest way to identify the types of headphones that are right for you, and some of the types that you may want to consider include:

Favored by audiophiles and professionals for their superior sound quality, open-back headphones are designed so that air can freely pass through the ear cups and this makes audio sound more natural and spacious. However, because they are open, they don’t do a great job of blocking out noise from your external environment so they tend to work best in quiet spaces such as your home. In addition, open-back headphones can also allow the audio you’re playing to escape into the world around you, so if you spend a lot of time on public transport or plan on wearing them at work, your surrounding neighbors will be forced to jam-out alongside you. 

On the opposite end of the spectrum from open-back headphones you’ll find closed-back headphones, and these sealed cups are usually preferred among wearers who spend their time around other people or who enjoy blocking out external noises such as loud voices, traffic, or your annoying co-worker! But while closed-back headphones are the superior choice in noisy environments, and they won’t leak audio when you’re out in public, they do make some sacrifices with sound quality and you may find the bass seems more pronounced and the overall sound is simply less spacious. 

Closed-back headphones do a good job of reducing the noise that exists around you, but they won’t completely eliminate all sounds which is why some wearers gravitate towards models that feature active noise canceling (ANC) technology. By using built-in microphones, these headphones are able to automatically detect ambient noise when it occurs and will then counter those environmental sounds by generating competitive sound waves at the same time. Able to completely eliminate the background chatter at your favorite cafe or the annoying hum of a vacuum, ANC headphones will absolutely enhance your listening experience and ensure you can enjoy your audio even when you’re out in the busy, noisy world. 

Designed to be your companion during long sessions on the computer or in front of the PS5, specialty gaming headsets are truly tailored to the unique needs of gamers and are often distinguished by the external microphone that is attached along the side. Offering crystal clear communication, you will be able to strategize with your teammates more effectively while also enjoying crisp audio and surround sound technology so you can pinpoint the exact direction a noise is coming from. Comfortable, versatile, and stylish, gaming headsets are a must-have tool for any die-hard gamer and they will help immerse you in your virtual world no matter what game you’re playing.   

When it comes to professionals, the type of headphones you’ll require are going to be very different from your average listener, and whereas a regular person may just want something they can throw on to keep them motivated at the gym, you’re going to need a pair that really hones in on sound quality with precision and accuracy. Whether you're mixing beats in the studio, recording a song, or analyzing audio for critical work, studio headphones are essential and they are meticulously engineered to provide the utmost in audio fidelity and neutrality, for a more nuanced listening experience. 

Key Considerations

Fit and type are two of the most important considerations you’ll need to think about when purchasing a new pair of headphones, but they aren’t the only key factors that matter; and if you want to ensure you’re buying something that you’ll actually use each day, then you need to be thinking about things like the fit, sound quality, and portability as well. Whether you’re just looking for something simple that will allow you to listen to your favorite songs, or you require a more advanced pair that can be used professionally, evaluating all aspects of each model is the only want to ensure you end up with that perfect solution, and some of the final considerations that are integral to the decision making process include:

Comfort goes beyond just the style of headphones you opt for, and while an over-ear may often be preferred to an earbud, that doesn’t mean that’s the only aspect that can impact how a pair feels when you wear them. For example, if you tend to have a larger sized head then a standard band may feel tight against your skull, just like those with smaller ear canals may find regular earbuds to be painful to insert. Your anatomy can play a major role in comfort, and you need to think about if there is anything unique about you that could affect how a pair of headphones fit and feel. On top of that, the amount of padding will also be important, and if you’re opting for over-ear or on-ear headphones then make sure they are built with a premium foam that is not only plush, but durable enough to withstand consistent use each day. 

Some may argue that sound quality is ultimately what matters most when it comes to headphones, and in manyy regards this is true. If your headphones only produce wildly distorted sounds then you’re almost never going to use them, and you want to make sure the pair you pick is going to enhance your listening experience, not take away from it. Subpar sound is one of the biggest deal breakers, so to avoid dealing with a low-quality pair of headphones that sound terrible it's best to try them out in person when possible. What you want to look for during testing is a balanced frequency response, well-defined bass, and the ability to handle a wide array of genres with ease, so you’ll have the freedom and flexibility to use them for everything from audiobooks to techno without sacrificing sound quality. 

Nowadays many headphones are available in wireless versions, and this is a convenient choice if you don't want to deal with annoying cords that always seem to be in the way, or finicky jacks that can break down over time. But if you are considering a wireless pair of headphones then battery life is going to be a vital aspect, as you don’t want to be right in the middle of a strenuous workout and suddenly be without music. When evaluating the battery life, make sure you’re looking at the usage conditions associated with the play time being advertised, and also see if the pair you’re considering are able to be quick-charged should they happen to die. 

For some wearers, portability won’t need to be considered, especially if you plan on using your headphones solely for playing games inside the comfort of your own home. But for individuals who need to be able to take their audio on the go, how convenient it is to transport your pair is going to be a vital aspect of your decision-making process. Do you carry a big bag with you to the gym that has ample space for larger headphones? Or do you tend to exercise by jogging and have nothing more than a pocket in your pants for carrying your earbuds? Taking a hard look at your lifestyle and the situations where you tend to use your headphones most is going to be the best way to answer these types of questions, and how portable you need your model to be will go a long way in determining which option is right for you. 

Bottom Line

Headphones are one of the most commonly used items that the vast majority of people own, but even though they are found in almost every home and backpack, it doesn't mean selecting the right pair is simple. With a vast range of options available to you, headphones are an extremely personal item and what one person absolutely loves, someone else might hate. From how they fit to how they sound, and even how they look, your headphones need to be completely tailored to you, and they should fit your lifestyle, preferences, and budget seamlessly. Thankfully, all of that selection means that there is guaranteed to be an ideal option that feels like it was made just for you, and with a little research, and some trial and error, you should be able to hone in on the model that perfectly enhances your audio listening experience.