On-ear Headphones

Clearly defines the headphone design. Earbuds and canalbuds are suitable for sport or travel, while full-size headphones are suitable for comfortable home listening or as a PC accessory. 

Construction is one of the main criteria in the selection. Closed headphones isolate you from the noise around you and also keep others from hearing your music, while the open design allows more natural sound reproduction, but at the expense of sound passing through the cups.   

Microphone directionality describes the microphone's sensitivity to sound from various directions.

An electrical parameter expressing resistance circuits in microphones. It is measured in ohms and its value is important for an optimal microphone-to-amplifier connection.

3.5mm jack connector (in case of PC headphones, a pair of 3.5mm jack connectors or USB connector) is definitely the most widespread connector type. Wireless headsets, using Bluetooth or radio channels for connection, are also increasing in popularity.  

Shorter cables are ideal for portable earphones as they are harder to tangle. Headphones for home use (eg. TV headphones), on the other hand, can provide more comfort with longer cables.

There are single-side and double-side headphone cables – single-side headphones have the advantage of a single cable connected to a headset, effectively preventing the wire from getting tangled.

Frequency is one of the most important parameters when choosing headphones. Generally, the higher frequency range of headphones, the better sound quality. The lower limit of the frequency range deals with bass reproduction. Frequency is measured in Hertz (Hz).

Frequency is one of the most important parameters when choosing headphones. Generally, the higher frequency range of headphones, the better sound quality. The upper limit of the frequency range deals with treble reproduction. Frequency is measured in Hertz (Hz).

Sensitivity is measured in decibels per milliwatt, or dB/mW, and describes the sound pressure level. Generally, the higher the sensitivity, the better the headphones are for sound reproduction. A higher value also indicates higher volume.

An electrical parameter expressing resistance circuits in headphones in ohms. Headphones with lower impedance have a higher volume (important for portable media players), but greater distortion. Larger impedance equals lower volumes and lower distortion.