Bluetooth 5 doubles the data throughput compared to Bluetooth 4.2 using 2Mbps mode. Faster transmit speed means less time spent with the radio active, which in turn means decreased battery consumption. The faster rate allows for better user experience enabling to exchange data faster and implementing new functions like data-logging and diagnostics.
When buying a headphone these days people typically debate the style of headphone they want (in-ear, on-ear, around-ear) whether to go wired or wireless (or even totally wireless) and whether to opt for such extra features as active noise-cancellation to help muffle ambient noise. Oh, and then there's price. Everybody has a budget.
If you've narrowed your choice down, we have plenty of models to choose from in our list of the best headphones, with breakdown of the best headphones in various categories including wireless, sports, noise-cancelling and cheap.
But if you're still a little lost in the headphone maze, here's some info that will hopefully help steer you in the right direction.
Forms and styles
The distinctions of portable and home headphones has melted away, but the following rundown of headphone types will clarify your buying options. How you intend to use your headphones (for music, home theater or gaming) and where you plan to do your listening (at home or on the go) will narrow the range of possible types you'll want to research.
1. Earbud headphones
Also known as:In-ear headphones.
Earbud-style headphones range from the disposable models you get on a plane to the ones that are included with your smartphone to high-performance buds that offer sonics rivaling full-size models. Their tiny earpieces rest on the outer ear or need to be inserted into the ear canal, and some models, particularly sport buds, include wings or fins for a more tailored, secure fit.
Upside: Ultracompact and lightweight; most models have a microphone and track navigation controls built into the wire; can provide moderate to excellent isolation from external noise; little to no interference with earrings, glasses, hats or hairstyles.
Downside: Sound quality and bass response often not comparable with full-size models; can sometimes cause discomfort over extended use; some reference models are difficult to insert and remove, making them less than ideal for office environments; dual-cable design means more possibilities for tangled wires.
Extra features: Five-button remote to control volume; variety of ear tip sizes and materials (foam, rubber, silicone); over-ear guides; multiple balanced-armature drivers with crossover.
See reviews of our top in-ear headphones here.
2. On-ear headphones
Also known as:Supra-aural headphones, open-backed headphones, semi-open headphones, closed-back headphones, earpad headphones.
These headphones rest on top of your outer ears and run the gamut from inexpensive portables to high-end home models. While on-ear headphones can have closed designs that cover the ears, some prefer fully sealed circumaural models (see below) for their increased sound isolation and the fact that they won't leak sound to neighbors. Still, the earpad headphone is preferred in places like office environments, where users still benefit from hearing the outside world.
Upside: Relatively compact; less prone to overheating ears than full-size headphones; some models fold up for easy transport.
Downside: Less-effective noise isolation than in-ear or full-size models; less-powerful bass compared with full-size headphones; leaks noise to neighbors.
Extra features: Microphone and track navigation controls on the wire; extra earpad set included; carrying case; folding design; coiled and straight cord.
See reviews of our top on-ear headphones here.
3. Full-size headphones
Also known as: Circumaural headphones; closed-back headphones; earcup headphones; over-the-ear headphones.
The tech-speak description for this type of headphone is 'circumaural,' which includes any headphones with earcups that fully enclose your ears. Because of their size and their acoustic isolation, full-size headphones are often considered to be better-suited to home use rather than as a portable option, but the recent popularity of full-size, noise-canceling Beats headphones are challenging the rule.
Upside: Large headphones offer potential for maximum bass and loudness levels; earcups create larger sound stage; surround-sound effectively blocks outside noises, seals music in.
Downside: Large footprint can be cumbersome for portable use; some full-size models have problems with heat on the ears; wide headband can often interfere with earrings, glasses, and some hairstyles.
Extra features: Folding design; detachable cord; microphone, track navigation, and volume controls on the wire; replaceable pads; extra 3.5mm plug for daisy-chain sessions with multiple listeners.
See reviews of our top full-size headphones here.
4. Wireless headphones
Also known as:Bluetooth headphones, transmitter headphones.
The most popular format for transmitting wireless music is Bluetooth, but keep in mind that you'll sacrifice some sound quality due to the file compression process. To combat this audio degradation, some models support the aptX Bluetooth codec that offers slightly improved fidelity.
Home-theater headphones that employ RF connectivity are also available, and Wi-Fi headphones are now trickling onto the market.
Upside: No wire between headphone and audio device. You can stream audio from up to 33 feet (10m) away from your device -- and sometimes farther.
Downside: The music stops when your battery dies; compressed audio files can leave your music sounding less dynamic.
Extras: Active noise-cancellation; 3.5mm port, and cable for a hardwired connection; replaceable earpads; travel case.
See reviews of our top wireless headphones here.
5. Totally wireless headphones
There are a growing number of totally wireless earphones arriving on the market. Some, like Apple's AirPods and Alpha Audio's Skybuds, try to keep things simple and have a relatively limited set of features. However, higher-end models like Bragi's The Dash Pro and Doppler Labs' Hear One tout more advanced 'smart' features.
Upside: No wires whatsoever.
Downside: Battery life can be relatively short; you have to be extra careful not to lose one or both of the buds; good models with reliable performance tend to be more expensive than standard wireless headphones.
Extras: Charging case, built-in heart-rate sensor; on-ear touch navigation; advanced noise filtering.
6. Noise-canceling headphones
These headphones hush ambient noise by creating anti-noise that obviates the noise at your ear. They don't eliminate the outside world, but the better models significantly reduce the whoosh of airplanes' air-conditioning systems. Noise-canceling headphones come in all forms, from full-size to earbuds. Since you no longer have to crank up the volume to overcome background noise, this type of headphone lets you listen at lower levels, which leads to reduced ear fatigue. You'll also hear more low-level detail in your music.
Upside: Active noise-canceling technology eliminates ambient noise; ideal for plane rides and morning commutes.
Downside: Alters the 'natural' qualities of music; some people experience an 'underwater' nausea effect from the noise-canceling hum.
Extras: Wireless connection; travel case; rechargeable batteries; on-ear navigation and volume controls.
See reviews of our top noise-canceling headphones here.
7. Lightning or USB-C wired headphones
With a Lightning a USB-C headphone you plug the headphone directly into the Lightning port (on Apple devices) or USB-C port (on Android devices). A standard headphone plug is an analog connection while this creates a direct digital connection. The headphones are powered by your phone (they use only a little bit of battery power) and have an integrated DAC (digital-to-analog converter) that's usually superior to the DAC in your phone.
There aren't a lot of these headphones available, but they are available in various styles (in-ear, on-ear and over-ear).
Upside: Direct digital connection can sound cleaner.
Downside: Need a converter to plug into a standard analog audio jack; sips a little battery life from your phone; can be more expensive than a standard wired headphone.
Extras: Integrated active noise-cancelling powered by your phone.
8. Sports headphones
Sports headphones are among the most popular types of headphones and the best ones are now wireless. Sweat-resistant or even totally waterproof, they can be used at the gym or for running or biking. Some are have an open or semi-open design to let some sound in for safety reasons (so you can hear traffic noise). However, other models have a sealed, noise-isolating design.
Most will work fine as an everyday headphone, though some work better than others for everyday use.
Upside: Designed to be used during athletic activity; sweat-resistant or even waterproof.
Downside: Some models have an open design and are not good for noisier environments.
Extras: Heart-rate sensor; carrying case
See reviews of our top sports headphone here.
Features
The size, type and technology of a pair of headphones are all critical to a purchasing decision. But it's important to demystify the bevy of features and headphone-specific vocabulary. Listed below are the most important features you'll need to consider before finding the perfect pair of headphones.
- Bass: Even at its very best, headphone bass is never the sort of pants-flapping, sock-it-to-your-gut experience you literally feel from massive speakers or subwoofers, but many manufacturers custom tune their 'signature sound' to emphasize the lower frequencies, albeit at the cost of instrument separation and natural delivery.
Earbuds are tiny and portable, but -- except for a couple of high-end models -- they can't compete with full-size, over-the-ear headphones for deep bass response or visceral dynamic range.
- Sealed (closed) vs. open: Sealed headphones -- the noise-isolating, in-ear models or the full-size earcup designs -- acoustically isolate your ears from your environment. Of course, the degree of isolation varies from one pair of headphones to another, and the seal limits the leakage of the headphones' sound out to the room.
Sealed models are ideal for private listening, where you don't want the sound to be heard by other people. Open headphones -- such as foam earpad models and many sports designs -- are acoustically transparent and allow outside sound to be heard by the headphone wearer, and a good deal of the headphones' sound will be audible to anyone near the listener.
Generally speaking, such headphones produce better, more 'open' sound than sealed designs. Because they don't block out everything from the outside world, open-backed headphones are recommended for outdoor activities, such as jogging, which require awareness of your environment.
- Comfort and weight: Assessing sound quality is always a subjective exercise, but the only way to judge comfort is to put them on and listen for at least 10 minutes.
Do the earpads exert too much pressure on your ears? Headphones that enclose or cover your ears can get uncomfortably hot, but you'll have to wear them for a while to find out. Some of the bigger sealed models with cushy leatherette pads are the worst offenders.
Pro-style headphones are comparatively bulky and can feel uncomfortably heavy after hours of use. Lighter headband-style headphones are almost always more comfortable than heavier ones. And even if they're not, they're less of a hassle to carry around.
- Durability: There's no reason a headphone should be treated as disposable technology. Unlike almost everything else in the realm of consumer electronics, this year's headphones won't be obsolete six months or a year from now. In fact, there's no reason a good pair of headphones can't last for the better part of a decade.
Be sure to assess the build quality of your prospective headphones. Some earbuds and portable devices are relatively fragile, for instance. If the headphones fold up for easy storage, are the hinges robust, or will they fall apart in a month or two? Don't forget to consider that the earpads and earbuds will get extensive wear and tear over the life of the headphones.
- Cable dressing and length: Most stereo headphones have just one cable, usually attached to the left earpiece (sometimes called single-sided cabling). Some models -- and all earbuds -- use a Y-cable that connects to both earpieces (double-sided). The actual cable plug, meanwhile, is usually one of two designs: a straight I-plug or an angled L-plug; the latter may be useful if your portable player has a side- or bottom-mounted headphone jack.
Preferences for the length of headphone cables vary for portable users, especially depending on where you prefer to wear your device: a backpack or a pants pocket necessitates a longer cable, while you'll opt for a short one when wearing a player on a neck lavalier or an armband. But a cable length at either extreme need not be a fatal flaw: extension cables can lengthen those that are too short, and cable wraps can tighten up ones that are too long.
Quick reference glossary
You'll find a few of the following specifications on the headphones' box or on the manufacturer's Web site. Here's what they mean:
Frequency response: Frequency-response specifications in full-size loudspeakers are generally pretty useless in predicting sound quality, but headphone frequency-response numbers are even worse. Manufacturers have routinely exaggerated frequency-response figures to the point that they're irrelevant. Even the flimsiest, cheap headphones routinely boast extremely low bass-response performance --15Hz or 20Hz -- but almost always sound lightweight and bright. Generally, bass buffs will be happier sticking with larger 'phones.
Total harmonic distortion: True, headphones with lower actual total harmonic distortion (THD) will sound better than those with higher THD. But the quoted THD numbers -- 'less than 1 percent' -- aren't helpful in predicting sound quality. Listen to recordings of simply recorded acoustic guitar to assess the distortion of one set of headphones versus another. Some will sound appreciably cleaner than others.
Impedance: Generally speaking, the lower the headphones' electrical impedance (aka resistance), the easier it is to get higher volume. But here again, the low impedance is no guarantee of high volume capability; other factors can still limit loudness potential. Since many MP3 players have feeble power output -- the iPod is a notable exception -- smart shoppers should check the loudness before purchasing any pair of headphones. To be sure, listen with your player.
Frequently asked questions
Q: Do I need a headphone amplifier?
A: What you plug your headphones into can significantly affect their sound, and the quality of the amplifiers built into portable CD/MP3 players is generally awful. It's not their fault: the little guys have to power their electronics and their internal amplifier using a few puny volts. Even some of the better home AV receivers' headphone jacks offer highly variable sound quality.
If you find yourself listening to headphones a lot of the time and care about sound quality, you might want to consider purchasing a headphone amp. Both home and portable headphone amplifiers are available, and Steve Guttenberg writes about some of them on his high-end audio blog on CNET, The Audiophiliac.
Q: I lost the ear tips that came with my earbuds -- do I have to buy a whole new pair of headphones?
A: Absolutely not... unless you're just looking for an excuse to try something new. But if you're not made of money, you can always hit up the manufacturer for a pair of replacement tips. Most earbuds only come with one set of each size, so losing one can be annoying. If you're in an experimental mood, Comply offers aftermarket tips that fit your brand and come in a variety of materials.
Q: Does a higher price tag mean the headphones will sound better?
A: Not necessarily. We're continually surprised that people drop hundreds of dollars on a smartphone and still refuse to invest in a quality pair of headphones to use with it. On the other hand, not all inexpensive headphones should be assumed to be cheap.
Case in point: the Koss PortaPro headphones first hit the market in 1984 and have become such a favorite with audiophiles that the company leaves the design (and the price tag) untouched. You can still pick one up for less than $50, and they come with a lifetime warranty, no receipt necessary. Check out our favorite budget headphones for more selections.
Ready to go shopping? Head over to the CNET Headphones page to get started.
Our editors independently research, test, and recommend the best products; you can learn more about our review process here. We may receive commissions on purchases made from our chosen links.
The Rundown
- Best Overall:Etekcity Wireless Bluetooth 4.0 at Amazon“A standout choice for homeowners looking to add a little versatility to their home audio experience.”
- Best Budget: Aukey Bluetooth Receiver With 3 Port USB Car Charger at Amazon“If you’ve been itching for hands-free calling via your home audio system, make that wish a reality.”
- Best for the Home: Bose Wireless Audio System Adapter at Amazon“Ready to rock right out of the box.”
- Best for the Car: Aukey Bluetooth at Amazon“If your car doesn’t support Bluetooth, check out the Aukey Bluetooth receiver.”
- Best Range: Logitech Bluetooth Audio Adapter at Amazon “A sure-fire addition to your home or office.'
- Best for Portability: Mpow Portability Bluetooth Receiver at Amazon“One of the best (and simplest) designs we’ve found.”
- Best Battery Life: Nulaxy BR18 2-in-1 Bluetooth at Amazon“Offers 40 hours of transit time compared to about 10 hours offered by competitors.”
- Best Splurge: Audioengine B1 Bluetooth at Amazon“A superb choice for wirelessly playing music.'
Our Top Picks
Best Overall: Etekcity Wireless Bluetooth 4.0
With a range of more than 33 feet, the Etekcity wireless Bluetooth 4.0 receiver is a standout choice for homeowners looking to add a little versatility to their home audio experience. Capable of working with Bluetooth 4.0 compatible speakers, the Etekcity also provides connectivity via A/V, RCA and 3.5mm inputs. With 10 hours of battery life per charge, the .6-pound unit can be fully re-charged and ready for round two in around two hours. Measuring just 6.3 x 3.7 x 2.2 inches, the Etekcity is incredibly compact, making it ideal for just about any environment (including wireless streaming music to your vehicle's sound system).
Best Budget: Aukey Bluetooth Receiver
If you’ve been itching for hands-free calling via your home audio system, make that wish a reality with the Aukey Bluetooth receiver. Capable of connecting to any existing wired stereo system, speaker or headphone, the Aukey works with a slew of devices, including both iPhones and iPads, as well as all types of computers. And pairing is simple. Just connect the Aukey to your smartphone or tablet as you would any other Bluetooth device. Weighing 6.4 ounces and measuring 4.5 x 4.3 x 1.8 inches, the Aukey allows the user to accept an incoming call with a simple press of the function button. Once connected, you’ll find a crisp, clean sound via the built-in microphone that easily frees up both hands to go about the rest of your home or office work.
Best for the Home: Bose Wireless Audio System Adapter
The Bose wireless audio system is a ready to rock right out of the box. Capable of connecting to just about any type of electronics, including computer speakers, stereo systems, home theaters and more, the Bose even has Wi-Fi connectivity for a direct link to the brands SoundTouch speaker line for a boosted audio experience. Fortunately, all those device options are matched with plenty of audio options as well for Bluetooth streaming, including Spotify, Pandora and Amazon Music. Music is directly controlled from the downloadable smartphone app and, with saved presets, you can jump right to the song or album you want instantly.
Best for the Car: Aukey Bluetooth Receiver With 3 Port USB Car Charger
If your car doesn’t support Bluetooth, check out the Aukey Bluetooth receiver with three-port USB. Setup is a snap. Just plug the receiver into the car stereo via the AUX (auxiliary) port, insert the charger into the cigarette lighter or 12V input and you’re done. Pairing your device is just as easy by placing the Aukey into sync mode and going into the Bluetooth menu on your smartphone and pairing just as you would any other Bluetooth device. Once connected, roll the windows down and play some tunes or let your friends do so since the Aukey supports up to three users at once. Additionally, the Aukey powers off with the car and, once turned back on, automatically links to the last connected device. Beyond music, the Aukey also doubles as a Bluetooth speakerphone utilizing the microphone in the receiver unit and the car’s speakers for inbound conversation.
Best Range: Logitech Bluetooth Audio Adapter
Featuring a streaming music range of up to 50 feet, the Logitech Bluetooth audio adapter for streaming is a sure-fire addition to your home or office. The Logitech is full of features right off the bat, including multipoint Bluetooth connectivity, which provides for a simultaneous connection of both your smartphone and tablet (and you can choose which device is currently streaming audio). Setup is a cinch with the Logitech remembering each paired device and requiring just a single button press for a new connection. Producing sound is just as easy as the setup by enabling a connection to any PC speaker, home stereo system or any A/V receiver using an RCA or 3.5mm input. It weighs 2.9 ounces and measures .9 x 2 x 2 inches.
Best for Portability: Mpow Portability Bluetooth Receiver
There are a lot of Bluetooth receivers out there — many which offer the same features. But when it comes to battery-powered units that you can easily toss into your pocket or backpack, the Mpow Portable Receiver is one the best (and simplest) designs we’ve found. It connects to your audio system (in the car or at home) via a standard 3.5mm auxiliary jack. It has a single multi-function button that turns it on and off, plus next song and volume buttons on the side. It has the capability to pair with multiple Bluetooth devices at the same time, and once you’ve paired them, all it takes is to turn it on and it’ll automatically recall the pair. The device weighs less than two ounces, delivers 10 hours of battery life and comes in some pretty cool colors beyond standard black including red, yellow, green and purple.
Best Battery Life: Nulaxy BR18 2-in-1 Bluetooth Transmitter Receiver
Simply speaking, there are a few different types of receivers which respond to different needs. Some are designed to plug into an outlet and stay in the same place all the time — most likely to add functionality to an at-home record player or an old speaker system in your house. The other type of receiver is meant for on-the-go use like in your car or on the beach, and those receivers are often intentionally tiny. One drawback of travel-friendly version's small size is they usually only fit a 100–300 mAh battery — leaving you with sub-par battery life and the need to carry an external charger. Luckily, we’ve tracked down the Nulaxy BR18, a Bluetooth receiver with a whopping 1050 mAh battery — nearly half the size of a standard smartphone battery. What this means is the device offers 40 hours of transmit time, compared to the ~10 hours offered by competitors. Beyond battery life, you’ll also get all the requisite features of a receiver like 15 meters of range, multiple pairing options, and both transmit and receive functions (depending on which direction you need to go).
Best Splurge: Audioengine B1 Bluetooth
With a range of almost 100 feet, the Audioengine B1 Bluetooth music receiver is a superb choice for wirelessly playing music. With the capability of connecting to any stereo receiver, amplifier or powered speaker in your home, all you need is a simple RCA or optical cable connection. Once connected, sync your smartphone or tablet to the Audioengine and you’re ready to jam. The receiver takes its audio experience seriously with the inclusion of the AptX codec that allows for near-studio quality music production. That means deeper bass and more dynamic range, all of which make for an outstanding Bluetooth receiver choice that’s compact enough at five ounces to fit just about anywhere.