Headphones are getting better and better every year, with better sound quality, longer battery life, and greater design and comfort being some of the recent trends in the industry. It can be difficult to decide what you need in your next pair of headphones, but this guide will help you choose which ones are best suited to your needs and lifestyle. We’ll go over 7 things you should consider before buying new headphones, including how much you’re willing to spend, how often you’ll use them, what type of music you listen to most often, and more!
1) Why do you need new headphones?
If you’re buying new headphones, there’s probably a reason. Maybe your old ones broke or don’t work with your device. Perhaps you want something a little better than what you currently have. Or maybe your current earbuds aren’t working for you and you need over-ear headphones or noise-canceling cans. Whatever your reasons, be sure you know exactly why you’re making an investment into a new pair of cans before dropping cash on them. It might not be as simple as because I can!
2) How much are you willing to spend on new headphones?
The first thing you need to consider when buying new headphones is how much you are willing to spend. Pricing for all varieties of headphones can vary greatly, with higher end models often costing hundreds or even thousands of dollars. Conversely, low-end models can be purchased for as little as $10 or $20. Decide ahead of time how much you are willing and able to spend on a new pair of headphones before you start shopping around for specific models and brands.
3) What features should the new headphones have?
The most important features you should be looking at when buying new headphones are sound quality, comfort and durability. The first thing you will notice when listening to music with a pair of sub-par headphones is that they don’t have good bass response. This makes them feel cheap as well as limits your ability to hear distinct notes within a song. In terms of comfort, look for large, padded earpieces that won’t hurt your ears if you wear them for hours on end. Finally, make sure that whatever pair you get feels sturdy enough so it can survive accidental drops or even years of daily use. Once these issues are taken care of, feel free to explore color options and other nonessential features like wireless connectivity and extra accessories (for example: carrying cases).
4) Where can you find the best deals on new headphones?
Online stores are your best bet when it comes to saving money on new headphones. Shipping costs are often negligible, and big-box retailers will typically beat any price you can find online. The only downside is that you might have a hard time finding exactly what you’re looking for—most of us don’t know exactly what we want until we see it in person—but most major brands offer color options, so you shouldn’t have too much trouble matching your expectations with reality.
5) Are there alternatives that might suit your needs better than new headphones?
Sometimes, we go out of our way to purchase new headphones only because we don’t have a pair, or perhaps our current pair is broken and there are no replacements available. Rather than run out and buy a new set as soon as possible, ask yourself whether there are any alternatives that might meet your needs just as well for less money. You can typically find reasonably priced used electronics on sites like Craigslist, eBay, and Amazon’s Marketplace. If you prefer a newer product with more features, you may want to rent before you buy; try companies like Rent-A-Center or Uber Rental.
6) Should you buy Bluetooth or wired headphones?
Wired headphones are a bit less convenient, but on average offer higher quality audio. They’re also usually cheaper than Bluetooth headphones. Wireless models may be more comfortable for some people, however, and they can sometimes be easier to find in stores. If you’re looking for quality sound and don’t mind wires, wired models are probably your best bet. For convenience and overall usability, however, Bluetooth cans win out.
7) Other things to consider when buying new headphones.
While it’s fun and exciting to buy new headphones, that excitement quickly fades when you realize that great headphones aren’t cheap. In fact, many of us don’t realize just how much we paid for a quality set of headphones until they either break or get lost in an airport. A lot goes into choosing your next pair of cans—or even earbuds—and that makes sense. You’re putting something on your ears (or head) almost every day, so what should go into finding that next pair? Here are some things to consider: These tips can help make your selection process easier. And if all else fails, these tips will help ensure that you won’t end up with crappy ‘phones!
With a little bit of research and pre-purchase evaluation, you can find top quality headphones at fantastic prices. It's worth it!
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