Headphone Buying Guide
Posted on August 03, 2025 By Mike M.
Headphones have long been a staple in school backpacks, gym bags, and suitcases. Having a convenient way to listen to your music on the go can enhance your workouts and commutes alike. Choosing a pair of headphones isn't as easy as it used to be though. Wired headphones used to be king, by virtue of being the only option around, but there are many headphone options to choose from these days. With that in mind, allow me to guide you through your first foray into the exciting world of headphones.
Types of Headphones
First, let's get into the two major headphone categories: wired and wireless headphones.
Wired Headphones
Wired headphones embody the classic headphone style. With a direct tether to your device - whether it be a phone, tablet, or laptop - you'll have access to clear, latency-free audio right away. Latency refers to the amount of time it takes for the audio from your device to reach your headphones. The main benefit that you get from wired headphones is that they come with almost no latency. Whether you're listening to tunes or watching a video, there will be no audio delay to mess with your flow. Of course, the wire is also the major downside to wired headphones, since it tends to get tangled in your pocket, or snagged on things when you're at the gym or moving through your commute.
Wireless Headphones
Wireless headphones couple incredible audio quality with a wire-free design to bring you the ultimate on-the-go package. Through a Bluetooth connection, wireless headphones can connect to your phone, tablet, or laptop without the need for a wired connection. This makes these headphones perfect for the gym, or anywhere else you may be moving around a bunch. Of course, as mentioned before, wireless headphones that connect through Bluetooth will always come with a level of latency, which is the only real downside to these convenient audio devices.
Noise Cancelling Headphones
Noise cancelling headphones don't necessarily refer to either wired or wireless headphones, though you're more likely to find active noise cancellation technology on wireless headphones than wired headphones. These devices do as their name implies: They partially, or entirely, block out any noise outside of your headphones for a clear listening experience. Though the quality of the noise cancelling properties will vary between models, many noise cancelling headphones are able to keep out unwanted sounds you may hear on the go like vehicle sounds, noisy kids, or weights clanking at the gym. That means, no matter where you go, these headphones let you keep the music coming without intrusion.
Earbuds or Headphones?
You're also going to have to decide if you want over the ear headphones or earbuds. You can find wired and wireless headphones in both of these form factors, so the decision mostly comes down to personal preference. For me, I prefer earbuds on the go, and over the ear headphones at home when I'm gaming or listening to music. I find the compact style of earbuds easier to take out on a run, and less in my way when I'm lifting weights, while I prefer the comfort of a full headset when I'm at my desk.
Gaming Headphones
Speaking of gaming, gaming headsets are a whole other topic. Gamers need specific headphones that get them the most out of their games. The first major difference between a gaming headset and a regular pair of headphones is the addition of a high-quality microphone. You're going to need a good mic to talk to your pals online or your teammates in game to make callouts, so gaming headsets almost always have a built-in mic. Gaming headsets often incorporate noise-cancelling technology as mentioned above and, if you have a wireless headset, they usually have a good battery life. Now I know what you're thinking: If latency can be a problem on wireless headphones, why would a gamer want a wireless headset? The main pro of having a wireless gaming headset is its mobility. You can spin around on your chair or get up to grab a drink, all without taking the headset off. Not to mention, many gaming wireless gaming headsets come with an extra adapter that connects to your computer or video game console, and wirelessly connects to the headset to nearly eliminate latency entirely.
Other Features to Consider
There are a few smaller things to consider when looking for headphones. If you listen to lots of bass-heavy music, you're going to want a model that can give you the amount of bass you're looking for. You also need to make sure that the headphones you go for are a good fit for your ears. If you're getting earbuds, make sure they are size-adjustable. If you're looking for over the ear headphones, make sure the padding on them is comfortable, especially if you plan on wearing them for long stretches of time. Finally, you should try to find a pair of headphones that match your style. For that, you should take a look at different color options, and when it comes to gaming headsets, different RGB lighting options.
Getting a quality pair of headphones can totally change the way you listen to audio both on the go and at home. Though it may seem overwhelming, the world of headphones is an inviting one and there really is a pair out there that's perfect for you. Do yourself a favor and don't settle for any old headphones - find a good pair, and reinvent the way you listen to audio.