Choosing bluetooth headphones for a smartphone

In use, wireless headphones are much more convenient. The presence of a wire is not annoying and does not hinder freedom of movement. Bluetooth headphones allow you to lead a full and active life, because you can listen to music and at the same time go in for sports, walk around the city or park, ride a bicycle. They do not interfere with city trips in transport. They help reduce or take advantage of time on long-distance trips.

To fully satisfy your purchase, you need to choose Bluetooth headphones for your smartphone competently and thoroughly.

What are the types of headphones

Wireless headphones mean the ability to listen to music without using wires.

By type of signal reception, you can highlight the headset:

• With radio module Dect.
• Bluetooth enabled.

Headset with DECT module

Support for DECT radio standard implies the ability to connect headphones to TV equipment or music centers. In this case, the included radio transmitter module is connected by cable to the donor device (TV, personal computer, home theater). When the headphones are turned on, the signal is processed by the radio module and reproduced in the speakers of such a headset.

The advantages of this technology include:

• large radius of action (from 10 to 100 meters);
• high noise immunity.

The most important disadvantages are:

• the inability to use mobile properties outdoors;
• high power consumption, built-in battery discharges faster.

With the support of Bluetooth standard headphones, freedom of movement becomes almost limitless. The signal range reaches 100 meters, but you can be anywhere with a connected mobile device. When choosing headphones that work in this range, you should compare the characteristics of your smartphone and selectable headset. The latest version of the standard is Bluetooth 5.0. With the support of the previous version by the mobile device, data exchange will be performed with the limitations and quality of version 4.0.

What else is affected by the bluetooth version:

• Energy consumption;
• range of action;
• noise immunity;
• sound quality.

Also, headphones are divided into types of "wearing":

• internal - liners, vacuum;
• external - overhead, full-size open, closed or half-closed type.

Each of the species has its advantages and disadvantages.

“Earbuds” are often called “buttons”, such headphones are inserted into the ear canal. As an advantage, one can note a loose fit and the ability to hear the world around us, this is important when walking around the city or in conditions of heavy traffic. Of the minuses, frequent complaints can be identified that headphones of this type often fall out and do not hold well.

Bose Inserts

Vacuum earphones are already placed in the ear canal and have many other names: “gags”, “droplets”, “ear plugs” and so on. Choosing this type of headset, you can get better sound quality, due to the snug fit - higher noise immunity. But you need to pay attention to the material and elasticity of the ear pads. An error in choosing the quality of the material can subsequently cause significant discomfort during operation.

Vacuum headphones from JBL

The main disadvantage is the short time the headset works without recharging.

External headphones have the traditional size of a full-fledged headset.Fixation on the head occurs due to the presence and regulation of the rim. The main advantages of this type are a longer battery life, high-quality sound, wide tuning options.

The overhead type is more compact in size. Manufacturers pay great attention to design. The working range of sound most often corresponds to medium or low frequencies, because of this the sound quality often suffers.

JBL On-Ear Headphones

Full-size headphones completely cover the auricle, thereby achieving better sound insulation.

How to choose the right bluetooth headphones

When choosing suitable headphones, it is recommended that you first determine your needs. For what purposes do you need a headset and where you plan to use:

• for playing sports;
• for walks or trips around the city;
• at home or in the office;
• when driving a car;
• whether use is intended for communication.

For sports (aerobics, jogging, cycling, exercise in the gym), it is recommended to use internal headphones. Priority remains with the vacuum, because they are better fixed. Sports models most often have an occipital arch, moisture protection, compact size and light weight. There are also wireless bluetooth headphones for swimming with a telephone connection, which guarantee complete tightness and the ability to use in water.

Sports bluetooth earphones

Almost any type is suitable for walks or trips around the city. You can choose both internal and external. It all depends on personal preferences and requirements for such parameters as appearance and design, weight, sound quality and volume, battery life.

For home or office use, you can also stay at any form. In this case, the weight of the device and the period of operation without recharging play a much smaller role. But stylish, strict, compact and inconspicuous “in-ear” headphones are more suitable for the office; for the home, you can opt for dimensional external headphones in any color scheme.

Headphones can be used at home, in the office, on walks, on trips

For use when driving, it is optimal to choose a mono headset. This device helps you stay connected and not be distracted from driving. Unfortunately, this type of headphones will not allow you to fully listen to music. But in this case, road safety is much more important.

To make and receive calls, you should choose headphones according to one additional parameter - the presence and quality of the built-in microphone.

What to pay attention to?

When choosing a bluetooth headphone to connect to the phone, you should pay attention to the availability of support for some functions and technical features:

• AptX is one of the latest digital technologies for better sound processing and transmission. To do this, aptX audio codec must be supported by both headphones and a smartphone.
• Multipoint - the ability to simultaneously connect to two or more devices. Headphones in this case are switched to the gadget that is in the active state.
• NFC is a technology for quickly pairing and synchronizing headphones with a smartphone with a simple touch.
• Type of device control - push-button or touch. There can be no definite recommendation on this parameter. Button control is traditional and more familiar. You need to get used to touch control. Choosing this or that type, it is worth considering whether the device will be used, for example, in the winter period or at low temperatures. Under these conditions, the sensor may malfunction or not respond to touch.
• Autonomy of work. The trend of 2018 was an increase in operating time - for full-fledged headphones, this parameter is 20 hours or more, for internal 8 hours or more on a single charge.
• Comfort. A key parameter when choosing headphones is the lack of discomfort. After all, whatever the innovative solution, whatever the sound quality would provide, if after 1-2 hours of use there is fatigue or other negative feelings, all the advantages fade.
• Durability.Modern manufacturers use various materials: steel, wood, plastic of different quality. It is better to give preference to high-quality durable plastic, metal, leather. Particular attention should be paid to the material of the ear pads.
• Price. A famous brand is more expensive. Sometimes manufacturers of lesser-known brands also offer decent quality.
• Sound insulation - due to the design or the function of active noise reduction. Passive sound insulation is achieved due to the tight fit of the ear cups or ear pads. Active noise canceling involves using a microphone to detect and block noise.

According to technical parameters:

• Sound quality or range supported. Some models produce only high, mid or low frequencies. A person is able to perceive sounds in the range of 20-20 000 Hz. To get the best quality sound, it is better to choose headphones that work on the entire frequency range.
• Headset sensitivity - it is recommended to choose from 95 dB or higher if you need a louder sound. Keep in mind that listening at maximum volume can lead to hearing loss.
• Impedance - The overall sound quality and volume. For mobile use, 16 to 32 ohms are more suitable.

Most popular manufacturers

Beats, Marshall, Sony, Bose, Sennheiser are leaders with a long history. Headphones of these manufacturers at all times are popular among music lovers and connoisseurs of quality sound. The reputation of professionals was achieved not only due to the quality of materials or products, but also the availability of our own developments in the field of sound and the release of a large number of products for professional musicians, studio recordings, etc.

Among the well-known companies should be noted Sven, Jbl. The main product line corresponds to the middle price segment, but the quality is often not inferior or not significantly inferior to the products of manufacturers of the above-mentioned group.

Among the little-known manufacturers can be noted Bluedio, which produces decent competing solutions at lower prices. Bluedio Vinyl Premium is a prime example.

2018 Wireless Headphone Rating

Sony WH-1000XM2

Unique Features of Sony WH-1000XM2

Bluetooth headphones for lovers of all musical styles with deep and surround sound.

Advantages: The use of Sony's own developments provide “smart” noise reduction. The device automatically recognizes the type of occupation by the owner. If this is a walk around the city, the gadget will not allow you to miss the sound of a signaling car. When waiting for a flight at the airport or train station, you can be sure that an important message through the speaker will be heard. Offline time has reached 30 hours, a full charge takes just 4 hours. The weight of the headphones is only 275 g. Personal noise reduction mode, taking into account atmospheric pressure.

Disadvantages: a relatively high cost from 18,500 to 27,900 rubles, if it can be attributed to its disadvantages for very high quality.

Brief characteristics:

• Supported Range: 4 - 40,000 Hz
• Sensitivity: 103 dB
• Functions: active noise reduction, Bluetooth 4.1, AptX, AptX HD, NFC.
• Options: cable, case / case.

Bose QuietComfort 35 II

Bose QuietComfort 35 II

High sound quality with active noise isolation.

Advantages: very high-quality durable plastic, comfortable ear pads, balanced and deep sound, high-capacity battery - all this will allow you to enjoy music for up to 20 hours. The ability to quickly charge extends the headphones for another 2.5 hours with the expectation of only 15 minutes. Google Assistant is invoked with a single button. The Bose Connect utility allows you to control noise isolation.

Disadvantages: lack of support for AptX.

Price: from 25 990 to 27 990 rubles.

Brief characteristics

• Functions: NFC, Multipoint
• Features: cable included, LED indication
• Weight: 310g

Plantronics BackBeat PRO 2

Plantronics BackBeat PRO 2

Headset with surround and versatile sound. Very comfortable ear cushions, deep and bass sound, the ability to work 20-24 hours on a single charge.

Advantages: Built-in active noise isolation.The function to automatically pause playback or resume playback is simple when removing or putting on the headphones. Very convenient button control. The presence of two microphones.

Disadvantages: none.

Price: from 12 950 to 18 990 rubles.

Brief characteristics

• Supported Range: 20 - 20,000 Hz
• Sensitivity: 93 dB
• Impedance: 32 ohms
• Functions: DSP, Multipoint, NFC, AptX
• Differences: Compatible with iPhone

Marshall Major 2 Bluetooth

Marshall Major 2 Bluetooth

A very decent choice with high-quality bass sound on a small budget.

Advantages: Juicy sound for fans of rock, funk, blues. Availability of aptX support. In the manufacture of high-quality materials used: leather, plastic and metal. The capacious battery provides work for 24-31 hours.

Disadvantages: possible fatigue after wearing more than 3 hours.

Price: from 5 590 to 12 900 rubles.

Brief characteristics

• Supported Range: 10 - 20,000 Hz
• Sensitivity: 99dB
• Impedance: 64 ohms
• Functions: AptX, compatibility with iPhone, DSP, Multipoint.

MEElectronics Air-Fi Matrix3 AF68

MEElectronics Air-Fi Matrix3 AF68

The ideal solution at a price-quality ratio from a manufacturer from China.

Advantages: Good sound balance for all musical styles. At a low price there is support for aptX technology. Quality materials. Light weight (199 grams), almost invisible when used. The built-in battery provides 24 hours of operation.

Cons: none.

Price: 7,200 rubles.

Brief characteristics

• Supported Range: 20 - 20,000 Hz
• Sensitivity: 96dB
• Impedance: 32 ohms
• Support: Bluetooth 4.0, AptX
• Operating mode: 24 hours, waiting for 1000 hours, a full charge in 2 hours

Bluedio Vinyl Premium

Chic headphones from Bluedio

Elegant sound from the Chinese manufacturer for very modest money for similar quality.

Advantages: Wide sound settings for any personal requirements or music style. A lot of eco-leather and metal. Comfortable ear pads allow you to enjoy music for more than 3 hours. It is completed with a cable with / without microphone; adapter to the PC and other "goodies."

Disadvantages: none.

Price: from 4,520 rubles.

Brief characteristics:

• Features: Compatible with iPhone
• Supported range: 15 - 25000 Hz
• Sensitivity: 116 dB
• Impedance: 16 ohms
• Bluetooth Version: 4.1
• Continuous work: 20 hours
• Support: Multipoint, DSP

Nokia BH-503

Nokia BH-503

Good stereo sound with a very small budget

Advantages: high-quality balanced sound to any music. Assembly from Nokia using strong and durable materials. Built-in battery provides up to 10 hours of operation.

Disadvantages: poor sound insulation, both from the owner and to others.

Price: 1,500 rubles.

Brief characteristics:

• Features: LED Indication
• Bluetooth Version: 2.0
• Standby time: 210 hours, charging: 1.25 hours
• Package Contents: Headset, AC Charger, Case

Sony MDR-XB950N1

Sony MDR-XB950N1

Good bass sound with the ability to customize to your individual wishes.

Advantages: support aptX, good sensitivity microphone, comfortable for long wearing ear pads, active noise reduction function.

Disadvantages: the materials used are quite fragile.

Price: from 11 990 to 14 990 rubles.

Brief characteristics:

• Supported Range: 20 - 20,000 Hz
• Weight: 290g
• Autonomy: 22 hours, charging time 7 hours
• Features: folding design, LED indication, NFC, cable for connection and case included.

AKG K 845BT

AKG K 845BT

Headset made of quality materials with surround sound for any musical style.

Advantages: comfortable ear pads, folding design, low weight.

Disadvantages: operating time without recharging is only 8 hours.

Price: from 11 850 to 16 940 rubles.

Brief characteristics:

• Supported range: 20 - 20,000 Hz
• Impedance: 32 ohms
• Sensitivity: 102 dB
• Features: NFC
• Bluetooth Version: 3.0

LG HBS-500

LG HBS-500

Vacuum headphones with good sound quality, but with a slight edge towards the bass. For daily use and sports.

Advantages: Budget option, comfortable wearing and the presence of an occipital arch, uninterrupted operation up to 9 hours.

Disadvantages: meager button control (1 button), range up to 5 meters.

Price: 3 698 rubles.

Brief characteristics:

• Bluetooth Version: 4.1
• Standby time: 500 hours, charging: 2 hours
• Features: Multipoint support.

If you competently and carefully approach the choice of wireless headphones, then you can become the owner of a device that will satisfy the sound quality of the most demanding music lovers and ensure comfortable use for the whole day.