Comparison Table
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Last update on 2023-03-21 / Affiliate links / Images, Product Titles, and Product Highlights from Amazon Product Advertising API
Bluetooth vs. Wired
Bluetooth has made a variety of things easier, including listening to music with headphones. Wireless headphones, on the other hand, are not for everyone. You must maintain them charged so that they do not die in the middle of your workday, allowing the loudmouth in the cubicle next to you to invade your space. However, the simplicity of not having to deal with wires may mean sacrificing sound quality. You also have to consider the lifespan of their batteries, because once they're gone, they're gone. Wired headphones provide better sound quality, but they come with a cable that must be kept out of the way and handled with care so it doesn't fray or break before its time. You can get the best of both worlds, which is a set of headphones with a detachable wire. You may not be able to find this option until you purchase a pair of professional-grade headphones.
Comfort and Flexibility
What good are a good pair of headphones if they're uncomfortable to wear? You won't be wearing them for hours on ends like recording artists and DJs, but if they're made of hard, inflexible plastic with poor padding, you won't want to use them, and they'll be a waste of money and space. Regardless of whether you choose over-ear or on-ear headphones, the ear cups should feature thick cushioning that can conform to your ears' natural shape. If you're shopping for earbuds or in-ear phones, opt for a pair that includes different sizes of soft, flexible ear tips, or buy some separately. Another factor to consider is the headband's flexibility. You want a pair that fits snugly on your head but not so tightly that they cause a headache. You might also want to look for a set with swivel ear cups so you can further "customize" the way your headphones fit.
Durability
You don't have to forgo durability just because you're buying headphones for under $200. They're still an investment, and replacing them will cost money, especially if you use them frequently. It may be difficult to test the longevity of headphones you haven't purchased yet, but each of the sets on our list has great durability.
Sound Quality
If you're an audiophile, the sound quality of any headphones you buy is important to you. Even if you're not, headphones with poor sound quality become irritating after a while. Tiny vocals, piercing treble, staticky mid-range tones, and feeble bass are just some of the elements that grate after a while. While you may not require or even desire a pair of headphones that accentuate bass or have the flat quality required for mixing, you still require outstanding sound quality. Otherwise, listening to your music is a chore.
When you're on a budget, finding the perfect pair of headphones is difficult at best. You should consider several factors before purchasing a pair, including how long they will endure.
Be careful!