Which headphones to choose: wired or wireless

Headphones have long been a part of our lives. And if 20 years ago these were bulky devices with low sound quality, now technologies have stepped far forward, giving us compact Bluetooth headsets with wide functionality. Today we will discuss which headphones are better - wired or wireless, and compare their characteristics.

Features wired and wireless headphones

The main feature of a wireless connection is the ability to transmit sound waves not using a cable, but through an analog or digital signal. To do this, they often use a Bluetooth module, because It is supported by most smartphones and laptops. Due to the absence of wires, these headphones are more convenient and durable. You can take them with you to the training session without worrying about tangling the cable. However, they sound worse when compared with wired counterparts.
Wired headphones are less comfortable than Bluetooth devices, but have better specs and lower cost. Sound in direct transmission is not recoded and retains its original quality. Of course, the presence of a wire cannot completely eliminate distortion, but it significantly reduces it.

Technical specifications for wired and wireless headphones

When choosing wired or wireless headphones, you must have at least a general idea of ​​the technical characteristics. Sound quality depends on indicators such as frequency range, impedance, sensitivity, power and distortion percentage. Let's consider them in more detail:

frequency range

The frequency range is the frequency band that headphones can reproduce. The wider it is, the better and more detailed the sound. The standard value is from 20 to 20,000 Hz, but there are devices whose range exceeds 100,000 Hz. Often manufacturers overestimate indicators to attract buyers. When measuring, only the presence of a certain frequency is indicated, and not its volume. Therefore, it is better to focus on frequency response, if any.

Impedance

Impedance is an important indicator that affects the quality of reproduced sound and the consumption of electricity. It largely determines the compatibility of headphones with a smartphone or player. Any device has a conditionally supported range of loads. For portable equipment, headphones with an impedance of 16 to 32 ohms are suitable. Accordingly, for professional audio amplifiers, this figure will be higher.

Sensitivity

The sensitivity determines how loud the device can play music. The standard indicator for modern models is from 90 to 120 dB, but there are also quieter ones. The higher the sensitivity, the louder the sound and less load on the player (built-in amplifier). They also like to overestimate this characteristic. Usually the cheaper the headphones, the quieter they play.

Power

Headphone power is indicated in watts. It affects the quality and volume of the sound. The more watts, the faster the smartphone or player will discharge. It is better to choose devices with medium power if you do not plan to use an additional amplifier.

Distortion

Distortion is indicated as a percentage.It is influenced by many factors, including the characteristics of the built-in amplifier in the player or smartphone. The lower the percentage of distortion, the higher the playback quality. Good headphones have 1-2% distortion.

Models with the same specifications may sound different. Modern measuring devices so far cannot perceive sound in a complex way, as a person does. Therefore, before buying headphones, you must independently evaluate their quality in the store.

What are wireless headphones

Wireless headphones use three main types of communication - via Bluetooth, a radio signal and an infrared port. All of them have their advantages and disadvantages. Now in more detail:

1. Bluetooth is the most common form of wireless connection. It provides a good working range (9-10 meters) and fits all smartphones. But, despite the versatility and ease of use, it is believed that Bluetooth is the worst transmit sound. Headphones with this type of connection are suitable for everyday life or sports. They can be connected both to a smartphone, and to a laptop or TV (if the module is built-in).
2. Headphones with radio communications have high sound quality and a large working radius (up to 100 meters). But they are much more susceptible to various interference. Often come with a bulky amplifier. They will be a great solution for a home theater or TV.
3. The infrared port has a small range, but transmits a signal without delay. Headphones with this type of connection are not intended for use outside the home. Suitable for TV or PC at a short distance.

Should I buy headphones with a Bluetooth connection for home? Yes, if you want to save on a portable amplifier. The only drawback is that there may be a slight delay in the sound.

Advantages and disadvantages of headphones

It is difficult to immediately determine which headphones are better - wired or wireless. You must be guided by the characteristics and functionality. We highlighted the common advantages and disadvantages of both types:

Wireless models

Benefits:

1. Lack of wire. According to statistics, every third headphone malfunctions precisely due to damage to the plug. This does not threaten wireless models, as the cable at the entrance does not pinch or rub against clothing.
2. The convenience of use. Wireless headphones can be taken for a run or training without worrying about where to put your smartphone. They do not depend on the length of the cable and operate within a radius of 9-10 meters.
3. The increased functionality. Almost all Bluetooth headphones have voice control. Some models have a built-in pedometer or heart rate monitor.

Disadvantages:

1. Working hours. Headphones must be constantly charged. They are not powered by a smartphone, like wired devices. In addition, the battery wears out over time and requires replacement. Average operating time - from 6-8 hours.
2. Sound quality. Bluetooth headphones sound worse than wired ones.
3. Cost. The price tag for Bluetooth devices is much higher.

Wired models

Benefits:

1. High quality sound. The wire provides high fidelity sound.
2. Affordable price. Using a Bluetooth module in a design is more expensive than using a cable. Therefore, wired headphones with equal characteristics will cost less than wireless.
3. Connection stability. The transmitted signal is not interrupted, as is often the case with Bluetooth headphones.

Disadvantages:

1. Risk of damage to the wire. Some manufacturers use an L-shaped plug to extend the life of the device.
2. Not suitable for sports. The wire fetters movement and clings to clothes.

How to choose headphones

Since the audio market is littered with various types of headphones, it can be difficult to choose the right option. Here are some tips:

1. Working hours. Wireless headphones are powered by built-in batteries. They are of two types - Li-Ion and Ni-Cd. It is better to give preference to Li-Ion batteries, asthey are lightweight and better tolerate recharging. The duration of the headphones depends on the battery capacity. It is indicated in ampere-hours (mAh or mAh). The larger the capacity, the longer the battery life.
2. Design. All headphones can be divided into three types - earbuds (vacuum), full-size and overhead. For everyday wear, it is preferable to use inserts, as they are compact and do not put pressure on the ears. For the house, full-size or overhead are suitable.
3. Sensitivity. The higher the sensitivity, the louder the sound. Most often, you can find devices with indicators from 90 to 120 dB. The volume also depends on the power of the built-in amplifier in the smartphone.
4. Impedance. Any equipment has a permissible load limit. The higher the impedance, the more powerful the amplifier should be. Do not buy high-impedance headphones for low-impact portable devices. The acceptable value is from 16 to 32 ohms.

Headphone Rating

This rating contains the best wired headphones as of 2019-2018. Comparison of models was based on reviews and overall ratings.

Sony MDR-7506

• Type of construction: full-size, dynamic
• Frequency range: 10 to 20,000 Hz
• Sensitivity Level: 106 dB
• Impedance: 63 ohms
• Membrane diameter: 40mm

Professional stereo headphones for mixing and processing sound. Of the features - gold-plated connectors, wires made of oxygen-free copper and neodymium magnets. A carrying case is included.

Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro

• Type: full-size, dynamic
• Frequency range: 5 to 35,000 Hz
• Sensitivity Level: 96 dB
• Impedance: 80 Ohm
• Power consumption: 100 mW

Sennheiser Momentum 2.0 Over-Ear

• Type: full-size, dynamic
• Frequency range: 16 to 22,000 Hz
• Sensitivity Level: 113 dB
• Resistance: 18 Ohm
• IOS support: yes

Headphones have convenient controls adapted for iOS devices.

Denon AH-MM400

• Type: overhead, dynamic
• Frequency range: 10 to 40,000 Hz
• Sensitivity Level: 96 dB
• Impedance: 32 ohms
• Maximum power: 1000 mW
• Sound Membrane Size: 40 mm

Fostex th-7

• Type of construction: full-size, dynamic
• Reproduced frequencies: from 10 to 35 000 Hz
• Sensitivity Level: 100 dB
• Resistance: 70 Ohm
• Maximum power: 100 mW
• Sound Membrane Size: 40 mm

Wireless Headphones Rating

The best wireless headphones as of 2019-2018.

Bose QuietComfort 35 II

• Construction: Full Size, Dynamic
• Noise Reduction Type: Active
• Number of microphones: 2
• Functionality: voice control, universal button
• Work time: 20 hours
• 10 yd range

Apple AirPods

• Type: liners, dynamic
• Noise Cancellation Type: Passive
• Number of microphones: 2
• Functionality: voice control, automatic pairing, quick recharge in a case, instant access to Siri, Apple W1 processor, two optical sensors, built-in accelerometer
• Work time: up to 24 hours
• 10 yd range

Marshall Major II Bluetooth

• Type: overhead, dynamic
• Frequency range: 10 to 20,000 Hz
• Sensitivity: 99dB
• Impedance: 64 ohms
• Functionality: voice control, repeat last number, answer / reset call, DSP
• Work time: from 10 hours
• 10 yd range

Samsung EO-BG950 U Flex

• Type: plug-in (vacuum), dynamic
• Functionality: voice control, universal button, microphone mute, answer / reset call, volume control
• Removable ear pads: 3 pairs
• Work time: from 10 hours
• 10 yd range

Inexpensive sports headphones with folding design. They have light indication and convenient Multipoint control.

Sony SBH24

• Type: plug-in (vacuum), dynamic
• Functionality: voice control, radio, indication
• Removable ear pads: 3 pairs
• Work time: from 6 hours
• NFC Support: Yes
• 10 yd range

Output

Despite all the advantages of wireless headphones, they still lag behind wired sound quality. Therefore, do not buy bluetooth devices for mixing and processing music. A universal solution is a hybrid headphone with a removable cable. They are more convenient and more stable transmit the signal.

Title	Sony MDR-7506	Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro	Sennheiser Momentum 2.0 Over-Ear	Denon AH-MM400	Fostex th-7	Bose QuietComfort 35 II	Apple AirPods	Marshall Major II Bluetooth	Samsung EO-BG950 U Flex	Sony SBH24
View	full size, closed	full size, closed	full size, closed	closed invoices	closed invoices	full-sized	open liners	closed invoices	plug-in (plugs)	plug-in (plugs)
Frequency Response Range	10 - 20,000 Hz	5 - 35000 Hz	16 - 22000 Hz	10 - 40,000 Hz	10 - 35000 Hz	-	-	10 - 20,000 Hz	-	20 - 20,000 Hz
Sensitivity	106 dB	96 dB	113 dB	96 dB	100 dB	-	-	99 db	-	100 dB
Impedance	63 ohm	80 ohm	18 ohm	32 ohm	70 ohm	32 ohm	-	64 ohm	-	16 ohm
Membrane diameter	40 mm	50 mm	40 mm	40 mm	40 mm	-	-	40 mm	11 mm	9.2 mm
Price	from 6900 rub.	from 11300 rub.	from 11850 rub.	from 27000 rub.	from 3550 rub.	from 19500 rub.	from 10400 rub.	from 7000 rub.	from 3450 rub.	from 2100 rub.