Introduction of Headphone and Earphone

Earbuds (in-ear headphones)

Earbuds are commonly issued as freebie headphones with portable players, but higher-performance earbuds can offer sonic performance that rivals their full-size linemates. Their tiny earpieces rest on the outer ear or need to be inserted into the ear canal. Ultracompact and lightweight, earbuds are the most portable of all headphones, and they can provide excellent isolation from external noise when paired with a well-fitted tip.

Over-the-ear headphones

Over-the-ear headphones are exactly that: headphones designed to fit around your ear, which are different from "on-ear." They're also referred to as "circumaural," which means that padded cups fully enclose your ears.?True audiophiles may consider the top-tiered headphones well worth a lifetime of listening.

Noise-canceling headphones

These headphones hush ambient sounds by creating frequencies that obviate the noise at your ear. They won't eliminate everything, but the better models significantly reduce the whoosh of airplanes' air-conditioning systems and crowd chatter. Noise-canceling headphones come in all forms, from full size to ear buds, and since you no longer have to crank up the volume to overcome background noise, this type of headphone lets you listen at lower levels. You'll also hear more low-level detail in your music.

On-ear headphones

On-ear headphones usually refers to lightweight, non-earbud models with two general headband styles: standard vertical bands that arch over the head, or horizontal designs that extend behind the head or neck. They're also known as supra-aural, named for the cups that sit on top of your ears. These models are usually open-backed designs, meaning they'll leak your music to the world around you.

Stereo Bluetooth headphones

Portable Bluetooth headphones represent the next evolution in headphone technology. If you have a compatible smartphone with Bluetooth, the obvious benefit is that you can get rid of the wires snaking from your backpack, purse, or pocket. Many of the models collected here also include track navigation features on the ear cup as well as a built in microphone for taking calls hands-free. However, keep in mind that Bluetooth sound quality still isn't up to wired standards, so you'll have to sacrifice fidelity for the convenience.

Home theater headphones

Wireless home theater headsets have been around for years, but they have only recently started to approach the sound-quality standards of corded headphones. If you've already spent thousands of dollars kitting out your home theater set, don't forget to make an investment on your headphones as well. Wired or wireless, a well-researched pair of headphones should last a lifetime and will let you hear every detail in the soundtrack, without the added worry of outside noise interfering with the performance.

Sports headphones

More headphone manufacturers are making headphones for an active lifestyle that require a more secure fit, long-term comfort, and durable resistance to sweat and grime. Many of the newer earbud models also include an ergonomic fit that locks into place, preventing the piece from falling out in action. Finally, you can also find silicone-wrapped designs and even waterproof headphones for swimmers.