Buying headphones is a difficult job. Even after researching a lot of information in advance, you can never be sure that the new headphones will not in fact cause any complaints. Portal makeuseof.com speakThings you should check first when buying new headphones.
Check that the headphones fit comfortably on your head
When you put on a new pair of headphones, don't let the initial feeling of comfort fool you. Take time to adjust the headband to your fit and check that the earpads fit your head properly. Ideally, leave them on long enough—longer than it takes you to actually remove them.
If we are talking about earbuds, try on all tip sizes and make sure you get the right one. Perform a built-in soundproofing test via your smartphone; Like over-ear headphones, the ear cushions should fit snugly in the ear canal and not cause discomfort when worn for long periods of time.
Check the microphone
Sooner or later you'll probably have to make a call with your headphones on. If you're shopping for a new pair of home computers, virtual meetings and conferences may be a regular occurrence. So, it makes sense to test the quality and performance of the microphone. Try recording your voice and listen to how it sounds: this will give you an idea of how your interlocutor will hear it. Then try calling someone and ask the other person about the sound quality.
Discharge the battery
Before buying headphones, you must have checked information about their battery life. But what many people don't know is that manufacturers often test the autonomy of headphones under very specific conditions – and then use the resulting numbers for marketing. They may differ from reality for most users.
In other words, if you're not careful, you could end up paying for a product that doesn't last as long as advertised on a single charge. Test battery life: use headphones at different volume levels, in different noise reduction modes. If you don't want to spend a week on such a test, then just record how much charge the headphones consume per hour.
Check noise cancellation
Sound isolation is key to immersive music. Unless you use open-back headphones, your new pair of headphones will use some form of passive sound isolation. It prevents sound leakage and isolates outside noise by securely attaching to the head or ear canal. Earphone. Devices that support active noise cancellation also use special firmware to broadcast frequencies that help cancel out outside noise.
If immersion and soundproofing are important to you, be sure to check that the active noise canceling feature is working properly. For example, put the headphones in a noisy place and see if they effectively isolate outside noise. Also, don't forget to check the transparency mode: will you be able to be distracted by the outside world if needed or will you have to take off your headphones every time you answer a question from a random passerby?
Make sure you are satisfied with the sound quality
Usually, people buy headphones to listen to music, so sound quality is the most important factor. Even if you know what makes “good” or “bad” sound, its quality is still subjective. Find a library of audio samples and see how your headphones handle them. And of course, listen to your favorite music, albums or podcasts. It doesn't matter what the experts think about your new headphones – what matters is whether you like the way they sound.
