Computer Headphones

Before you buy PC headphones, first consider what you will use them for

Headphones for home listening

Headphones for home listening are comfortable to wear but don't have a microphone.

Gaming headsets

Gaming headphones often focus on deeper bass reproduction. They are comfortable and come equipped with a microphone.

Headphones for office work or Internet calling

Office headphones are smaller and lighter. They are equipped with a microphone, making them ideal for call center operators and for chatting online.

Important factors to consider when selection headphones

Design

• Over-ear headphones - they are comfortable during extended listening sessions and feature good sound quality. Due to their higher weight and larger dimensions, they are less portable. More suitable for home use.
• On-ear headphones - are usually lighter and smaller. Compared with similarly priced over-ear headphones, they are less comfortable to wear during long listening sessions. Suitable for use at home or on the road.

Connection

• Wired headsets (3.5mm Jack, USB) - compared with similarly priced wireless headphones, they offer superior sound reproduction. While listening, your freedom of movement is limited by cable length.
• Wireless headsets (Bluetooth, radio frequency) - with no wires, they provide greater freedom of movement (Bluetooth headsets have a range of approx 10 metres from the playback device, radio frequency up to 100 metres). Wireless headphones have built-in batteries and must be recharged.

Construction

• Closed - dampen ambient noise.
• Open - provide high sound quality (less distortion) but with some ambient noise.
• Semi-closed - a compromise between open and closed headphones.

Useful functions and features

• Volume control - located on the headphones or cable.
• Folding design - for easy transportation.
• Rotating ear cups - comfortably listen to music in one ear (especially useful for DJs).
• 7.1 surround sound - allow you to hear where a particular sound is coming from (especially useful for gamers).
• APTX and AAC - codecs for Bluetooth headphones guaranteeing higher quality sound.
• NFC - technology used in connection with Bluetooth headsets, which accelerates and facilitates their connection with the playback device.