Different Types of Headphones: A Comprehensive Guide

In today’s world, we use headphones for many things. We listen to music, play games, or talk to friends. But there are so many kinds of headphones to choose from!

In this guide, we will explore all the different types of headphones. We will learn about headphones that fit your ears, how they look, how they connect, and the cool things they can do. Whether you love music, games, or just chatting with friends, we’ll help you find the perfect headphones for you.

Different Types of Headphones Based on How They Fit

Regular headphones have two ear cups that hold speaker drivers or transducers. These parts change audio signals into the sound you can hear.

You can sort headphones into groups based on how they’re designed, how they connect to devices, and the technology they use. But the most usual way to classify headphones is by how they fit on your head.

Over-ear headphones

Over-ear headphones are also called “circumaural headphones.” They have thicker bands on top and bigger ear cups that cover both of your ears completely. These headphones are bulkier than other types.

Pros of Over-ear Headphones:

• Comfortable to Wear: The bigger ear cups have more space for soft padding. This makes them cozy to wear for a long time.
• Better Sound Quality: Because they have more room inside, over-ear headphones often have bigger sound drivers. This means they can make sounds that are possibly better and louder. But this also depends on how well they’re designed.

Cons of Over-ear Headphones:

• Hard to Carry: These headphones take up more space because they’re bigger. They might not be the best choice if you’re often on the move.
• Can Be Expensive: While you can find cheaper over-ear headphones, the ones with bigger and better features can cost more. Making advanced technology for better sound quality is a complex and costly process.

Who Can Use Over-ear Headphones:

These headphones are good if you wear glasses. They go around your ears instead of pressing down on them, so they won’t bother the area where your glasses sit.

Over-ear headphones are mainly about feeling comfortable. The ear cups are big enough to cover your entire ear, so you can wear them for a long time. They’re also great for people with bigger ears. But because they’re bigger, they’re not the best for use while walking around.

On-ear headphones

On-ear headphones have smaller ear cups and don’t cover your ears completely. Instead, the ear cups sit on top of your ears.

Pros of On-ear Headphones:

• Easy to Carry: These headphones are smaller and lighter than over-ear headphones, making them easier to take.
• Universal: Because they’re lighter and not as bulky, they feel steadier when you wear them. This means you can use them for more activities without worrying about them falling off.

Cons of On-ear Headphones:

• Uncomfortable: On-ear headphones press on your ears, making them feel flat. This might become uncomfortable if you wear them for a long time, especially if you wear glasses.
• Sound Leaks: Unlike over-ear headphones, on-ear headphones don’t fully cover your ears. Sound can leak out, which might bother you or the people around you.
• Less Noise Isolation: If sound leaks, then outside noise can get in. So, if you want to block out noise, on-ear headphones might not be the best choice.

Who Can Use On-ear Headphones:

On-ear headphones are a good option if you want something easy to carry around and you don’t like putting earbuds inside your ears.

Open-ear headphones

Open-ear headphones are different from both over-ear and on-ear headphones. They don’t cover your ears, and they don’t have the usual headband and ear cup padding.

Instead, they have a design that goes around your neck or over your ears, with the speakers sitting on your cheek and jawbone area. These headphones have the most unique look out of the three types.

Pros of Open-ear Headphones:

• Easy to Carry: These headphones are simple to store and carry because they don’t have big ear cups or headbands.
• Comfortable to Wear: Open-ear headphones are slimmer and lighter compared to over-ear and on-ear headphones, so they’re comfortable to have on.

Cons of Open-ear Headphones:

• Sound Quality: The speakers of open-ear headphones sit a bit towards the front of your ears, near your ear canals. Because of this, you might not get the same immersive sound quality that you would with over-ear headphones, as the sound has to compete with outside noise.
• Sound Leaks: Since the speakers are exposed in open-ear headphones, people close to you can hear your music, especially if you’re listening at a high volume.

Who Can Use Open-ear Headphones:

People who travel a lot or exercise outside often will find open-ear headphones very helpful. These headphones let you stay aware of your surroundings, whether you’re jogging on a busy street or waiting for announcements at the airport.

Clip-on headphones

Clip-on headphones have thin, flat discs that hold speaker drivers and hooks that go around your ears.

Clip-on headphones resemble regular earbuds, but they’re different because they have larger drivers (13-30mm) than typical earbuds (8-15mm).

Benefits of Clip-on Headphones:

• Stable Fit: The hooks on clip-on headphones provide a very secure fit, making them feel more stable than earbuds. This means you can jog, run, and do various activities without worrying about them falling out.
• Airy Design: Since clip-on headphones only have thin discs over your ears, they allow better airflow compared to open-back and closed-back headphones.

Drawbacks of Clip-on Headphones:

• Less Noise Isolation: Clip-on headphones don’t have a closed structure like closed-back headphones. The speaker drivers are also more exposed than in open-back headphones, as they’re only covered by foam padding. This means they don’t block out noise as well.
• Durability Concerns: Many clip-on headphones have a fragile design with a thin cable connecting the two speaker discs. Plus, most of them aren’t water-resistant, so they’re not great for wet weather.

Who Should Use Clip-on Headphones:

People who need hands-free communication will find clip-on headphones very useful. If you’re often taking work calls or doing activities that require your hands, like mowing the lawn or similar tasks, these headphones can be convenient.

Clip-on headphones are well-suited for outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, and motorcycle riding, as long as the weather is good.

In-ear Monitor Earbuds (IEMs)

In-ear monitors, often called IEMs, have a longer earbud shape and usually come with single, double, or triple-flange ear tips. This design allows you to wear IEMs deep inside your ear canals and customize the fit with different-sized ear tips.

Pros of In-ear Monitors:

• Customizable Fit: IEMs typically come with three sets of different-sized silicone tips. More options mean a better chance of finding the perfect fit.
• Noise Isolation: As they sit deep in your ear canals, IEMs cover most of the canal, similar to wearing earplugs. This provides excellent noise isolation.
• Sound Quality: IEMs bring the sound very close to your eardrums. The closer the sound, the more details you can hear, potentially resulting in better sound quality.

Cons of In-ear Monitors:

• Comfort: Despite the customizable fit, some people may still find IEMs uncomfortable because they sit in a sensitive part of the ear. In some cases, silicone ear tips can cause allergies or itchiness.
• Finding the Right Fit: Achieving the perfect fit often involves trying different sizes and materials, which can be tedious. If you prefer a simpler approach, classic earbuds might be a better choice.
• Safety: Since IEMs go deep into your ears, they can be risky for your hearing, especially if you listen at high volumes. Going above 60-85 decibels with these earbuds can cause damage.
• Hygiene: IEMs can introduce dirt and debris into your ear canal. This can be concerning because the inner parts of the ear are delicate, potentially leading to infections.

Who Should Use In-ear Monitors:

In-ear monitors are excellent for people on the move, such as commuters and athletes. Singers and musicians also appreciate the sound quality they offer. If you attend concerts, you’ll likely notice performers wearing these on stage.

Lastly, if you’re a fan or creator of ASMR videos, in-ear monitors allow you to get a very close and personal experience with your audio.

Classic Earbuds

Unlike in-ear monitors (IEMs), classic earbuds have a more rounded shape designed to sit near the entrance of your ear canal. These types typically have only one dynamic driver in each earbud, unlike IEMs, which can have multiple drivers.

Pros of Classic Earbuds:

• Affordability: Classic earbuds are usually much cheaper than headphones. When comparing earbud prices to IEMs, the former is generally more budget-friendly.
• Comfort: Earbuds rest right outside your ear canal. So, you’re less likely to have comfort issues or feel ear fatigue when using them.

Cons of Classic Earbuds:

• Limited Noise Isolation: Classic earbuds don’t go deep into your ear canals or fully seal them. Because of this, there’s a higher chance that outside sound can get in or your music can leak out, especially if the ear tips don’t fit well.
• Fit: Since classic earbuds only sit at the entrance of your ear canals, they can easily become loose. Additionally, they usually don’t come with different ear tip options for a customized fit.

Who Should Use Classic Earbuds:

Classic earbuds are a great choice for those on a budget. There are many extremely affordable models available, especially if you’re not too concerned about top-notch sound quality.

Furthermore, classic earbuds are an excellent option if you’re prone to ear infections or sensitive to sounds because they don’t sit deep inside the ear canal.

Different Types of Headphones Based on Design

While the various fit types apply specifically to headphones and earbuds, different designs are relevant to both categories. In this section, we’ll focus on the housing that holds the speaker drivers, how it impacts sound quality, and its advantages.

Here are the various headphone design types:

Closed-back Headphones

As the name suggests, closed-back headphones have their drivers fully enclosed within rigid outer shells made from materials like plastic, wood, or metal. This design is aimed at directing audio directly from the speakers into your ears with minimal or no sound leakage.

Pros of Closed-back Headphones:

• Noise Isolation: Because the drivers are enclosed within a hard shell, external noise has a hard time getting in and disrupting your listening experience.
• Sound Containment: If external noise can’t get in, your audio is less likely to escape out. This sound containment ability is why closed-back headphones are a popular choice for studio work.
• Improved Bass: The enclosed speaker housing boosts your audio because sound waves have nowhere else to go. Coupled with the proximity effect, which says that bass frequencies become louder the closer you are to an audio source (the drivers), closed-back headphones can deliver impressive bass.

Cons of Closed-back Headphones:

• Limited Ventilation: One drawback of this headphone type is that they don’t allow much air circulation. Based on user feedback, closed-back headphones often lead to sweaty ears due to the lack of ventilation.
• Soundstage: Closed-back headphones tend to emphasize bass frequencies, which can make the soundstage feel more confined or narrow to experienced listeners. This is especially true for some mid-range to low-end headphones that aren’t well-tuned. However, this might not be immediately noticeable to casual listeners.

Who Should Use Closed-back Headphones:

Closed-back headphones are ideal for recording artists. As discussed earlier, they offer minimal distraction, minimal sound leakage, and better monitoring for studio work.

People who need extra noise isolation can also benefit from closed-back headphones. This includes students, office workers, remote workers, and anyone who requires a quiet environment to focus on their tasks.

Headphones with Open-back Headphones

Open-back headphones are the opposite of closed-back headphones. They allow air to flow through the ear cups, thanks to vents in the driver housing. This feature causes sound waves to move toward and away from your ears, resulting in a broader soundstage and more natural-sounding audio.

Pros of Open-back Headphones:

• Audiophile Sound Quality: Serious music enthusiasts believe music should be allowed to breathe. This is why open-back headphones are favored, as they provide a more expansive audio quality that makes your music feel like it’s part of your surroundings rather than confined.
• Comfortable for Extended Use: Open-back headphones are suitable for long listening sessions because of the added ventilation. They are less likely to make your ears feel stuffy or sweaty.

Cons of Open-back Headphones:

• Sound Leakage: Open-back headphones can be prone to sound leakage due to their vented design. If you’re concerned about disturbing others with your music, this might not be the right choice.
• Limited Noise Isolation: The vents on open-back headphones create a more natural listening atmosphere. However, they can also allow various external sounds, potentially disrupting your listening experience.

Who Should Use Open-back Headphones:

When it comes to sound quality, open-back headphones have the upper hand, especially in the right environment.

Open-back headphones are excellent for individuals who mostly listen to music at home and seek the highest possible quality. Since they provide a flatter and more neutral response due to reduced sound reflection in the ear cups, they deliver a more natural and precise sound.

We have an article about Open-Back Vs. Closed-Back – check it out.

Also, you can read our review on good open-back headphones.

Different Types of Headphones Based on Connectivity

There are three main ways to connect your headphones to a phone or computer: with a wire, without a wire, and completely wireless.

Wired Headphones

Some headphones connect with a wire. You’ve probably seen this before – a long cord that plugs into your phone or computer. Some headphones have different plugs, like USB or a special one for iPhones.

Pros of Wired Headphones:

• Sounds Really Good: Wired headphones make music sound great because they don’t change it.
• Not Too Expensive: Lots of wired headphones are affordable.
• No Waiting: You don’t have to wait for them to charge because they don’t need batteries.
• Works for Games: If you like playing video games, wired headphones are excellent because they don’t make the game slow.

Cons of Wired Headphones:

• Strings Attached: The long cord can get tangled or caught on things.
• Can’t Move Too Far: You can’t go very far from your phone or computer because you’re connected by the wire.
• Only Fits Some Things: Some phones and computers don’t have the right plug for wired headphones.

Who Should Use Wired Headphones:

If you want music to sound amazing or you play a lot of games, wired headphones are perfect. They’re also good if you want headphones that are easy to use and don’t cost too much.

Now you know how some headphones connect with wires. Next, we’ll talk about headphones without wires.

Wireless Headphones

Wireless headphones and earbuds connect to your devices without using regular wires. They use radio waves, infrared, or Bluetooth to do this. Unlike wired headphones, they don’t have a plug.

But wait, even though they’re called “wireless,” some wireless earbuds, like the Beats Flex, still have a little wire that connects the two earbuds together. What makes them “wireless” is that they don’t need a wire to connect to your device.

Pros of Wireless Headphones:

• Easy to carry: Wireless headphones are small and easy to put in your pocket or a small bag. You can also get a special case to carry them on your ID badge, bag, or belt.
• Convenient: Once you connect your wireless headphones to your device for the first time, it’s easy to use them. You don’t have to untangle any wires or hide cables when you go for a run. Just put them in your ears, and they connect quickly.

Cons of Wireless Headphones:

• Delay: Because wireless headphones use radio waves to send sound, there can be a delay. You can fix this delay, but if you don’t like it, wired headphones might be better.
• Sound quality: Wireless headphones use Bluetooth to send sound, and that can make the sound a bit worse. Most people won’t notice, but if you have really good hearing, you might.
• Battery and charging: Wireless headphones need to be charged often because their batteries run out. If you don’t want to stop listening, get wireless headphones that charge quickly.

Who Should Use Wireless Headphones

Wireless headphones are best for people who want to move around freely and aren’t too picky about sound quality. If you like to exercise indoors or outdoors, wireless headphones are a good choice. Even if you’re just doing regular chores at home, wireless headphones can be useful.

True Wireless Earbuds (TWS)

True wireless earbuds are two separate earpieces that connect using a special network called a piconet. In this network, one earpiece acts like a bridge between your audio source and the other earpiece. This allows all three parts to work together without any wires.

As the name suggests, these earbuds are completely wireless. Unlike wireless earbuds, which have wires connecting the earpieces, true wireless earbuds have no wires between them. They usually come with a special case that not only stores them but also charges them up.

Pros of True Wireless Earbuds:

• Easy to carry: True wireless earbuds are very small and fit comfortably in your ears. They don’t have any wires hanging around, so you can take them anywhere and move freely.
• Compatibility: Many devices have Bluetooth, so it’s easy to find devices that can connect to true wireless earbuds. This is much simpler than buying adapters to use regular wired headphones with phones that don’t have a headphone jack.
• Quick and simple charging: When you put the earbuds in their case, they automatically charge up. This is easy and means you don’t have to carry extra chargers and cables.

Cons of True Wireless Earbuds:

• Easy to lose: Because true wireless earbuds are very small, they can be easy to misplace. You might lose them because you forget them somewhere or because they don’t fit snugly in your ears and fall out.
• Costly to replace: If you lose one earbud, you usually have to buy a whole new set. Most warranties don’t cover lost earbuds, so it can be expensive to replace them.

Also, if you ever wonder if wireless headphones can cause headaches, you can read our article.

Who Should Use True Wireless Earbuds:

True wireless earbuds are great for athletes, commuters, frequent travelers, and anyone who’s always on the move. They work well because they’re easy to use and work with many devices. Plus, their small size and quick charging make them excellent for people on the go. Just be careful not to lose them!

Different Types of Headphones Based on Technology

Now, let’s talk about different types of headphones based on their technology features. This category focuses on special functions that can electronically reduce background noise, enhance voice pickup, or change how you hear sound.

Noise-Canceling Headphones

Noise-canceling headphones use advanced technology to reduce unwanted background noise. They typically have multiple microphones that listen to the sounds around you.

Here’s how they work: These headphones analyze the noise and create a sound that’s the opposite of it. When this new sound is mixed with the original sound, they cancel each other out, making the noise less noticeable. You can learn more in this article.

You might not easily recognize noise-canceling headphones just by looking at them because the technology is inside the headphones. So, you should check the product description or packaging to be sure.

Pros of Noise-Canceling Headphones:

• Protects your hearing: Since noise-canceling headphones actively block out background noise, you don’t need to turn up the volume as high. This can help protect your ears and keep your hearing safe.
• Boosts concentration: Noise-canceling headphones are useful beyond just listening to music. Even without any audio playing, they can reduce background noise, making it easier to focus on tasks.
• Reduces stress from noise: If you live in a noisy area or a loud household, too much noise can be stressful. Noise-canceling headphones can be a real lifesaver, especially if you’re sensitive to noise.

Cons of Noise-Canceling Headphones:

• Cost: Noise cancellation technology is impressive but can be expensive. High-end noise-canceling headphones that offer the best noise reduction tend to come with a high price tag. However, there are more affordable options available if you’re on a budget, though they might not cancel noise as effectively.
• Battery drain: Noise-canceling headphones use more battery power than regular headphones. Even if you’re not listening to music or using them in wired mode, the noise-canceling feature can still drain your battery.
• Sound quality: Some types of noise cancellation can affect the quality of the audio you hear. For example, headphones with certain noise-canceling methods may pick up slight background noise and alter the bass frequencies, which not everyone may like.

If you are curious if noise-cancelling technology is bad for your ears, you can read this.

Who Should Use Noise-Canceling Headphones:

If you need help concentrating, noise-canceling headphones are a good choice. They can also reduce stress caused by noise, making them suitable for both adults and children with sensitive hearing.

Frequent travelers, especially those on planes with loud engines, will benefit from noise-canceling headphones, as they excel at reducing low-frequency noise like jet engines.

Bone Conduction Headphones

Unlike regular headphones that use air to deliver sound to your ears through ear canals, bone conduction headphones work differently. They send audio vibrations directly to your inner ear using the bones in your cheek and jaw.

Appearance-wise, you can easily spot bone conduction headphones. They don’t have the usual headband and ear cups. Instead, they have a band that goes around your neck and two pads that sit over your cheek and jawbone.

Pros of Bone Conduction Headphones:

• Increased awareness: Bone conduction headphones have an “open-ear” design. They rest beside your ears rather than covering them, so you can still hear your surroundings clearly.
• Comfortable fit: Since your ears remain uncovered, you get better ventilation. This means you can wear them for longer without your ears getting sweaty or uncomfortable.
• Hearing aid: Bone conduction technology is helpful for people with conductive hearing loss, which affects the outer and middle ear. These headphones bypass those parts and can work as effective hearing aids for those who need them.

Cons of Bone Conduction Headphones:

• Sound quality: Bone conduction headphones can’t reproduce the full range of audio frequencies with the same precision as regular headphones. Also, they don’t block out external noise, so the sound quality is not as good as closed-back headphones.
• Vibrations: The vibrations used in bone conduction headphones can cause mild headaches or discomfort, especially if you’re sensitive to these sensations. Using them for extended periods might become bothersome.

Who Should Use Bone Conduction Headphones?

People with hearing issues, specifically conductive hearing loss, can benefit the most from bone conduction headphones. These headphones won’t help with inner ear problems or sensorineural hearing loss.

On the other hand, bone conduction headphones are excellent for outdoor sports enthusiasts. They are typically durable and water-resistant, making them ideal for activities where you need to stay connected to your surroundings. Their open-ear design also works well for team sports or activities that require communication.

Headsets

Headsets look quite similar to regular headphones, but the key difference is that they have a microphone attached to one of the earpieces.

The microphone on headsets is usually positioned closer to your mouth, which makes them excellent for clear voice communication. You’ll often find headsets in places where communication is vital, such as call centers and offices. They’re also essential for gamers, especially those who play online games or participate in e-sports.

Pros of Headsets:

• Affordability: Many high-quality gaming headsets are available at a lower price range, typically between $100 and $350. This makes them more budget-friendly compared to premium headphones, which can cost between $600 and $1000. For example, you can find the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro, one of the top gaming headsets, for less than $350.
• Better Microphone: Headsets can have more advanced microphones because they have extra space to work with. They often come with features like noise cancellation, and enhancing voice clarity. This is especially useful for clear communication in work or gaming environments.
• Immersive Sound: Gaming headsets often include technologies like Dolby Atmos, DTS Headphone: X, and THX Spatial Audio to provide an immersive sound experience. Some headsets even use multiple drivers to enhance the audio, delivering more depth and detail.

Cons of Headsets:

• Build Quality: To include additional features like noise-canceling microphones, surround sound tech, or active noise cancellation, some headsets compromise on build quality. Cheaper headsets, in particular, may have flimsy plastic designs.
• Connectivity Options: Headsets come in both wired and wireless options, but the available connectivity options can vary. Some headsets only have a 3.5mm plug, while others come with USB adapters. Some wireless gaming headsets require separate dongles for use with specific platforms, like Xbox or PlayStation, which can be inconvenient.

Who Should Use Headsets:

People who frequently take calls for work and need their hands free will benefit from using headsets. Hardcore gamers who enjoy team-centric games, shooters, or MMORPGs will also find headsets invaluable for easy communication with other players.

Air Tube Headphones

Air tube headphones may appear like regular wired earbuds, but they have a unique design aimed at reducing exposure to electromagnetic field (EMF) radiation.

Here’s how they work: They have a 3.5mm plug that connects to your audio source. The sound travels through traditional metal wires until it reaches metal hubs, which contain external speakers. From there, the audio travels through two hollow plastic tubes and exits the silicone earbuds as harmless sound waves that you can hear.

Pros of Air Tube Headphones:

• EMF Radiation Reduction: If you’re particularly concerned about EMF radiation exposure, air tube headphones offer a safer alternative to regular headphones.

Cons of Air Tube Headphones:

• Price: Air tube headphones tend to be more expensive, ranging from $25 to $80, compared to standard earbuds. They can even be pricier than Apple EarPods, which cost around $16.99. Some models come with in-line microphones and controls, but they may seem impractical for users looking for additional features.
• Build Quality: Air tube headphones are not the most durable option, as round, hollow wires can easily become tangled or torn. Some brands may not cover broken wires caused by misuse or neglect in their warranties, requiring you to purchase a new pair if they get damaged.
• Sound Quality: Because sound waves have to travel a longer path before reaching your ears, you can expect some loss in audio quality. Listening to a tiny speaker through a small plastic tube may result in audio that lacks the same clarity you get from conventional earbuds and headphones.

Who Should Use Air Tube Headphones:

Air tube headphones primarily appeal to individuals looking to limit their exposure to EMF radiation for health reasons. If this is a significant concern for you and you’re not overly particular about audio quality, air tube headphones can be a suitable option to consider.

Conclusion

Whether you’re looking for headphones that fit just right, match your style, connect effortlessly, or offer the latest tech, there’s a pair out there waiting for you. Your choice depends on your preferences, needs, and how you plan to use them.

We hope this guide has helped you understand the different kinds of headphones and how to choose the ones that are perfect for you. With this knowledge, you can make a smart decision and make your listening and gaming experiences even better.

Daryl Levy

I’m thrilled to be able to share my passion for music with others through this audio blog, and I can’t wait to connect with fellow music lovers from all around the world. Let’s rock on!