Choosing headphones for a laptop

A laptop is a convenient invention, wherever you are, it provides you with the opportunity to listen, watch, work, read, play and chat. One minus: the sound quality in the standard speakers, as a rule, leaves much to be desired. And their use is not always acceptable. The way out is to purchase headphones for the laptop.

It would seem that everything is simple, but in practice it turns out that the devices recommended for use with a laptop may not be right for you. Why? Because the tasks and conditions for each user are different. And only you yourself can make the right choice. So that you do not miss a single detail, we have compiled a list of the most important characteristics that you need to consider when choosing. We will also review the best models of headphones for use with a laptop.

Resistance

Impedance (or impedance) is responsible for the purity of the sound, the more, the higher the playback quality. If you use the computer’s built-in sound card, select devices with a resistance of 16 - 64 Ohms. This will ensure the most clear sound and volume. Why not buy high-impedance headphones? The fact is that such models require more power, which cannot be achieved without an amplifier. Simply put, when connected to a laptop, the wide possibilities of such headphones “will not be revealed” in its entirety. Too low an impedance will result in extraneous noise.

Appointment

Now manufacturers offer headphones designed for a specific task. Here are some examples.

1. Game models that clearly convey to gamers in which direction the sound source is. This effect is achieved through a multi-channel device.
2. Sports - provide the ability to connect wirelessly, have a reliable mount, necessary for active movements.
3. DJs are always full-sized, providing comfort and good sound insulation even in the noise of club venues.

Connection method

If you plan to use headphones while in close proximity to a computer, it is best to choose headphones with a 3.5 mm jack connector. You can take it from USB, but why do you need to take an extra USB input? In laptops, such things are not scattered. If you, for example, are going to play sports with music or brighten up putting your house in order with an audiobook, you should invest in a device with a wireless connection. The average operating time without recharging is 8 hours. When buying, do not forget to pay attention to the range. But keep in mind: wireless accessories are always more expensive than wired counterparts - you have to pay extra for convenience.

With or without a microphone?

Do you use Skype or other similar means of communication? Do you play online games? If so, then a microphone is needed. Pay attention to the location: it can be on a wire or on a separate handle. It’s best to measure your headphones so that the microphone is not too close or far. Some models have the ability to adjust.

Acoustic design

According to this parameter, the headphones are divided into open and closed. In the open type, the cup is covered with a cloth or other breathable material. Closed type involves a sealed device. The latter option will provide better sound insulation and completely protect you from extraneous sounds. You won’t bother others either: closed headphones do not let sound waves out.
In terms of playback quality, the open type transmits high and medium frequencies better, and the closed ones will appeal to lovers of powerful basses. At the same time, in such devices there is a greater likelihood of the appearance of excess noise created due to the confined space of the cups.

If you spend time with a laptop in silence, without strangers, the open type is quite suitable. If there is a noisy atmosphere around you, there are curious “ears” around, or you just don’t want to bother household members with the sounds of movies, music or games, choose the closed type: it will provide comfort to you and others.

By the way, the type of acoustic design can be determined by the outside of the “ears”: there will always be holes on the body of open headphones.

Length of cable

The most common cable that comes with headphones is 1.2 m long. For use with a laptop, this is quite enough: a wire that is too long will even interfere.

Design

By design features, all headphones can be divided into 4 groups:

• overhead - the name speaks for itself, gadgets of this type are pressed directly to the ear. It is important to choose a comfortable material for ear pads (soft cushions adjacent to the body), as poor-quality finish can cause discomfort;
• full-sized - these headphones are not similar in appearance to the previous ones, but they are located in a slightly different way: as if they “hug” the auricles, they are much more comfortable in them. The headphones of this type, all other things being equal, have the highest sound quality, but they also cost more;
• The earbuds are small earbuds inserted into the auricle, the most popular type today;
• plugs or plugs - these devices are as tiny as the previous ones, but they are inserted directly into the ear canal, due to which the sound quality and sound insulation are higher than that of the earbuds. With the right size, they are perfectly fixed. The downside is that they give a large load on the hearing aid and prevent the skin from breathing, which can cause discomfort. Also, these headphones must be regularly cleaned.

The design is often considered primarily when talking about headphones. We brought it to the end, because for laptop computers, in principle, any type is suitable. But if you often carry a laptop with you, you should think about miniature options - inserts or plugs. If you are a lover of overhead or full-sized devices, look for models with a folding mechanism. If you do not plan to carry headphones with you, choose any design based on your preferences.

Rating of the best headphones for use with a laptop

Sony MDR-XB510AS

• Construction: plug-in, closed
• Range: 4-24000 Hz
• Impedance: 56 Ohm
• Sensitivity: 106 dB

Note: these headphones are protected against moisture, so they can be washed safely under the tap. Given that the design is “plugs” that need regular cleaning, this is very convenient. The headphones are equipped with a standard 1.2 m cable and a 3.5 mm jack. Users praise the device for a deep and clear sound, but some complain that the sound lacks a little bass.

Panasonic RP-HT161

• Construction: Full Size, Closed
• Range: 10-27000 Hz.
• Impedance: 32 ohms
• Sensitivity: 98 dB

Note: users highly appreciate the reliability of this model, with daily use it will last for many years. The ear pads are trimmed with faux leather, which can cause your ears to sweat during prolonged listening. Despite the closed version of the acoustic design, sound insulation in these headphones is not the best. The headphones are equipped with a 2 m cable and a 3.5 mm jack.The presented sample is a worthy unit for its price category and definitely deserves attention. The maximum power of the device is 1000 mW.

Philips SHS4700

• Construction: overhead, open
• Range: 12-24000 Hz
• Impedance: 24 ohms
• Sensitivity: 104 dB

Note: this model is designed for sports, but due to the small maximum power - 100 mW - it can be used perfectly with a laptop, as it will not draw battery energy. The headphones are open, so the sound insulation is poor. Asymmetric wire and standard 3.5 mm jack.

Razer Hammerhead Pro V2

• Construction: Plug-in
• Range: 20-20000 Hz
• Impedance: 32 ohms
• Sensitivity: 102 dB

Note: this model will provide you with a complete immersion in what is happening on your monitor, whether it's an exciting game or an exciting movie. When listening to music, each note will be clearly audible. Consumers acknowledge that the high price of the device in this case is fully consistent with the quality. The headphones are equipped with a 3.5 mm jack and a cable slightly longer than the standard 1.3 m.

Genius HS-M430

• Construction: Overhead
• Range: 150-20000 Hz
• Impedance: 32 ohms
• Sensitivity: 105 dB.

Note: this model can easily get around its “brothers” in terms of price in terms of playback quality - even the bass sounds clear, which budget options can not always boast of. Quality materials retain their original appearance for a long time, do not scratch, do not peel off. The connector is 3.5 mm. Cable - 1.2 m.

Summary

Once again, we list what parameters you need to pay attention to:

• resistance;
• acoustic design;
• connection method;
• connector and cable;
• design;
• the presence of a microphone.

Now you have all the information that every laptop owner needs to make the right choice of headphones. If you are still at a loss - pay attention to one of the presented models, probably some of them will be the best for you. Good luck choosing!

Title	Sony MDR-XB510AS	Panasonic RP-HT161	Philips SHS4700	Razer Hammerhead Pro V2	Genius HS-M430
Frequency Response Range	4 - 24000 Hz	10 - 27000 Hz	12 - 24000 Hz	20 - 20,000 Hz	150 - 20,000 Hz
Sensitivity	106 dB	98 dB	104 dB	102 dB	105 dB
Impedance	56 ohm	32 ohm	24 ohm	32 ohm	32 ohm
The weight	9 g	130 g	35 g	19.6 g	150 g
Membrane diameter	12 mm	30 mm	32 mm	10 mm	40 mm
Price	from 1450 rub.	from 500 rub.	from 950 rub.	from 6000 rub.	from 530 rub.