Do you need a headphone and you are looking to know the type of earphone to buy? Or are you simply curious as to discover what types of headphones there are? Join me as we explore all there is to know about headphone types in Nigeria.
For many of us, sounds play a role in our everyday life. From the musicals we listen to, to the messages we hear and the videos we watch, quality sounds have influence our satisfaction whenever we do these things.
And while some of us will just use our smartphone's speakers for whatever it is we are listening to, alot of us turn to earphones and headsets to get a better listening experience, with no unpleasant external distractions.
Headphones nowadays gives us the kind of smooth, comfortable and convenient experience that many people some centuries back would kill for. We really have come a long way from those heavy and bulky speakers 'headphone prototypes' of the 1880s. I really can't imagine them.
So with advancement in technologies headphones and earphones now come in different sizes and shapes. Each type offer a lot that can make it challenging to pick one over the other. But they are indeed different with their advantages and disadvantages, which can change when it comes to user preference.
So today, we will explore in more detail the different types of headphones that are available in the market today and what can make one better for you over the other.
From over-ear headphones to earbuds, wireless to noise-canceling, the Nigerian market has a diverse range of options that combine exceptional sound quality, long battery life, advanced design and style.
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In this article, I will be addressing to the best of my knowledge, some pretty basic stuff on these terms and other associate terms we don't know or might not have heard about.
The Different Types of Headphones Available In Nigeria
By now, I am sure most of us, especially those who love listening to music in their own space using earphones, must have heard about words like the in-ear headphones, ear buds, noise cancellation, noise isolation etc. And might be wondering, what's the difference between these, what's with the numerous terms.
1. Earbuds or Earpods
Let's start with one of the most recognizable types: earbuds. Earbuds are the go-to choice for many individuals seeking portability and convenience.
They are compact, lightweight, and easy to carry around. Brands like Oraimo & Sony designs True Wireless Earbuds that offer the perfect blend of style and functionality.
These TWS earbuds provide a seamless listening experience with their Bluetooth connectivity and deliver high-quality sound. With their ergonomic design and customizable fit, they stay comfortably in your ears, making them suitable for workouts, commuting, or simply enjoying music on the go.
2. Over-Ear Headphones.
Over-ear headphones, also known as circumaural headphones. As the name suggests, these headphones feature large ear cups that enclose the ears fully. Over-ear headphones are known to provide exceptional comfort, thanks to their cushioned ear cups and adjustable headbands.
With their immersive sound and noise isolation capabilities, over-ear headphones are perfect for enjoying music in a private setting or immersing yourself in your favorite games.
3. On-Ear Headphones
On-ear headphones, or Supra-aural headphones, provide a middle ground between the over-ear and earbud style. They rest comfortably on the outer ear, providing a comfortable fit without fully enclosing the ear. This design offers a balanced, natural sound quality while maintaining a relatively compact size.
When looking to buy these types of headphones go for quality well-known brands. Crafted with superior materials and offering crystal-clear sound, these headphones ensure you stay connected to your favorite tunes without compromising on comfort.
Their design is versatile enough for daily use, whether you're working, studying, or just relaxing. The on-ear design offers the benefit of ambient awareness, making them a safe choice for outdoor activities where you need to stay aware of your surroundings. With their combination of comfort, sound quality, and practicality, on-ear headphones are a popular choice for many music enthusiasts.
4. Wireless (Bluetooth) Headphones
The freedom of movement offered by wireless headphones is unmatched. Bluetooth technology has revolutionized the way we experience audio.
Bluetooth headphones embody this wireless convenience with a sustainable twist. These headphones seamlessly connect your devices without the constraints of cables and wires.
They are equipped with a long battery life and providing impressive sound quality, wireless headphones are the perfect match for people who are always on the go but also like to enjoy their music along the way.
5. In-Ear Monitors
Often utilized by musicians and audio engineers, in-ear monitors (IEMs) provide a tailored and immersive listening experience. These headphones, with their compact and secure design, are inserted directly into the ear canal.
The tight seal they form effectively blocks out external noise, creating an intimate and high-fidelity audio environment. If you're seeking a more personalized and controlled audio experience, in-ear monitors could be a suitable choice for you.
They can deliver an unmatchable combination of sound quality, noise isolation, and secure fit, making them perfect for on-stage performances or critical listening sessions.
6. DJ/Wired Headphones
Designed for professional DJs and music enthusiasts, these headphones prioritize durability, sound quality, and functionality. Audio Cables are the primary means of receiving and transmitting sounds.
Wired earphones and headsets offer the best quality sound, affordable pricing, and other excellent benefits that can make you overlook the needs for cables.
However one good thing is that some wired headphones now come with detachable cables that can be kept separately when not in use. This make those cables last longer that you get to enjoy you immersive sounds for longer.
7. Noise-Canceling Headphones
In a world filled with constant noise, noise-canceling headphones provide a sanctuary for audio enthusiasts. By actively reducing external sounds, these headphones allow you to focus on the music without distractions.
Quality ANC headphones must combine the benefits of noise cancellation with sustainable craftsmanship. They feature advanced active noise-canceling technology that lets you escape into your own world of sound.
Whether you're traveling, working in a noisy environment, or simply seeking tranquility, noise-canceling headphones offer an unparalleled listening experience.
8. Bone Conduction Headphones
Bone conduction headphones offer a unique listening experience by bypassing the eardrums and transmitting sound vibrations directly to the inner ear through bone conduction technology.
These innovative headphones deserve a mention for their intriguing functionality, particularly because they are specifically beneficial to individuals with hearing impairments or those who want to keep their ears open to external sounds.
9. Open-Back Headphones
Open-back headphones have ear cups with perforations or grilles that allow sound to escape and external sound to enter. This design creates a more natural and spacious soundstage, making them popular among audiophiles and music producers.
They are one of the best choices for studio engineers and are also excellent for virtual reality gamers because they give a very natural sound.
These offer superior airflow preventing the buildup of sweat when you use them for longer periods of time. You also experience low sound distortion even at high volume.
Their only downside is the lack of heavy bass.
10. Closed-Back Headphones
On the other end of the spectrum, closed-back headphones feature sealed ear cups that prevent sound from escaping or entering the headphones. This design creates a more immersive and isolated listening experience. They are ideal for personal listening sessions, recording studios, or any situation where you want to minimize sound leakage.
Although you get the combination of excellent sound with sustainable design, duration of use may be limited because of airflow and sweat buildup.
11. Semi-Open Headphones
Semi-open headphones strike a balance between the isolation of closed-back headphones and the openness of open-back headphones. They provide a more natural sound reproduction while still offering some degree of sound isolation. Semi-open headphones are worth considering if you desire a blend of immersive audio and ambient sound awareness. They are the sweet spot.
12. Bluetooth Earphones with Mic.
These bluetooth earphones offer a single ear design and an extended structured mic, designed for calls and conversations. Nowadays, most quality headsets and earphones come with their mics which adds to the functionality of their overall design.
These designs are quite bigger than the regular ear bud design. Their main function are for communication, so they may not sound their best when used for music.
They are quite stable as they hook up the corner of the ears firmly. So they can handle motion very well.
13. Waterproof Headphones
For those with an active lifestyle or who enjoy listening to music while swimming or engaging in water sports, waterproof headphones are a game-changer.
Buyers should, however, remember to take into consideration if the headphones they are purchasing are indeed waterproof, or if they are merely water-resistant.
The latter, while also good for physical activity, is often only splash proof, and often does not withstand heavy currents or being completely submerged under water.
Types of Wireless Headphones Technology.
1. Bluetooth. We all know what bluetooth tech is. Most of our devices and phones have this feature which we make use of on a daily bases for transfer of files and other info.
2. Radio waves. Similar to bluetooth but better in terms of range, as it can still function with over a 100 feets apart. That pretty much the difference.
3. Infrared. Some headphones work using infrared waves, also known as optical waves.
Optical waves are wave frequencies that require a clear line of sight from the sender to the receiver phones, like your TV and remote controls.
Here distance, obstructions and gap matter. The operating distance should not be more than 7 meters, and there should be no obstruction between both devices or connection is lost. ( For bluetooth max distance this is small and almost non-existent).
Headphones vs Earbuds: What's the Difference?
Now that we have explored the various types of headphones, let's compare them to earbuds. While both serve the purpose of delivering audio directly to your ears, there are some key differences to consider when comparing earbuds vs headphones.
Headphones, particularly over-ear and on-ear variants, provide a more immersive and encompassing listening experience. They often offer better sound quality and a wider soundstage, making them suitable for critical listening and audio enthusiasts. Headphones also tend to provide superior noise isolation, blocking out external sounds more effectively.
On the other hand, earbuds are compact, lightweight, and highly portable. They are convenient for everyday use, whether it's commuting, exercising, or simply enjoying music on the go. Earbuds are less obtrusive and allow you to maintain awareness of your surroundings. While they may not match the audio fidelity of headphones, advancements in technology have led to significant improvements in earbud sound quality.
Choosing the Best Headphones for Your Needs
With so many options available, choosing the best headphones for your needs can be a daunting task. Here are a few factors to consider:
1. Wireless or Wired: Decide whether you prefer the freedom of wireless headphones or the reliability of wired connectivity. Online Gadgets stores offer both wireless and wired options to suit your preference. Read about the benefits of wireless earbuds and headphones to learn more.
2. Sound Quality: Look for headphones that offer a balanced sound signature, clear and detailed audio reproduction, and good bass response. Brands like Oraimo and Samsung offers range of headphones that provides excellent sound quality across different models, ensuring a captivating listening experience.
3. Comfort: Consider the design and ergonomics of the headphones. Look for adjustable headbands, cushioned ear cups, and lightweight construction. Headphones that prioritizes both style and comfort, allow you to enjoy extended listening sessions without discomfort.
4. Noise-Canceling: If you frequently find yourself in noisy environments or desire immersive audio, consider headphones with active noise-canceling (ANC) technology. What is ANC? It’s a technology used by headphones and earphones to reduce unwanted ambient noise by creating an opposite sound wave to cancel out the external sound waves.
5. Sustainability: If environmental consciousness is important to you, opt for headphones from brands that prioritize sustainability. A brands commitment to eco-friendly materials and practices makes them a great choice for conscious consumers.
6. Warranty: A great-sounding and long-lasting pair of headphones doesn’t come cheap, so you’ll definitely want to protect your investment with a warranty. There are popular stores to that offer products with the intent that each are free of defects in manufacturing and workmanship. Also make sure to buy from reliable stores and test it out before you take it away.
What are the things to look out for when searching for a good Headphone(headset).
1. Size and fit. Always make sure that when picking an headphone, always make sure there is a needed allowance and the cups sufficiently sit on your ears. Never force the fit, that will be detrimental in the long run.
2. Clamping Force. Make sure the clamping force of the headphones are perfect and to your liking. If fit is loose they can fall off easily, if fit is too tight its a pain. For new headsets give it sometime and see if you are comfortable with the level of force. If not don't force it to prevent damage.
3. Mobility of earcups. Flexible earcups typically helps in the fit of your earphones. They offer the best for comfort and convenience.
4. Padding. How thick and soft are the ear pads speaks volumes of longterm usability and user comfort. Quality pads create a comfortable sitting for your ears anytime you use your headset.
Drivers - what are they and which is the best.
There are various types of available drivers that are employed in the audio delivery systems of headphones. The major ones are listed below.
Dynamic drivers. They are physically moving audio driver systems. They offer very realistic sound and good quality bass. They are easily disturbed due to their dynamic nature.
Planar magnetic drivers. These drivers offer good quality and very detailed sounds, but they lack that rumbling bass of dynamic drivers. And they need an amp for them to function properly.
Electrostatic drivers. Wonderful but fragile. When matched special amps, these drivers offer good sounds. However, they require good care. Elements like dust can alter the quality of the output, causing distortions in sound quality.
Balanced armature drivers. Deliver very detailed audio but lack sufficient bass and can appear dry. They are mostly used for inear headphones.
Bone conduction drivers. They are found in bone conduction headphones. And are used for transmit the sound waves through the cheek bones. The best they can do is equivalent to the best a bone conduction headphone can produce in terms of sound quality.
Finding Your Perfect Sound.
The world of headphones indeed offers a wide array of options to cater to different needs and preferences. From over-ear headphones to earbuds, wireless to noise-canceling, many brands offer wide range of sustainable headphones combining exceptional sound quality, sustainability, and style.
Whether you're an audiophile seeking immersive sound, a fitness enthusiast in need of portable audio, or a conscious consumer supporting eco-friendly brands, there is a perfect headphone for you.
Explore the different types, consider your priorities, and embark on a journey of audio excellence.
Just remember, the right headphones can transform your music listening experience, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the power of sound. Choose wisely, and let the rhythm guide you on your musical adventures.
So, here goes my ulitimate guide on headphones and earphones. I hope you learned a lot. Bye for now.