Ranking of the best headphones with high-quality sound in 2022

Headphones are a popular gadget with which they listen to music, hold press conferences online, play computer games. By studying the rating of the best headphones with high-quality sound in 2022, you can analyze the entire range, make the right choice in a short time.

Factors to consider when choosing:

• design (form factor);
• connection method;
• place of use;
• specifications;
• build quality;
• price.

Design

There are 5 models of headphones, which differ in size, weight, membrane diameter.

Inserts (tablets, drops, shells)

They are inserted into the auricle, have a standard shape, often fall out (not everyone is suitable for the anatomical structure). Poor transmission of low frequencies (bass). They are the most budget option, they are sold as a set with the phone. Suitable when listening to music "half ear", hearing the noise of the street.

Intracanal (plug-in, plugs, vacuum)

Inserted into the ear canal, the sound is directed to the eardrum. Good sound insulation is characteristic - no extraneous noise, high sound quality. Aperture diameter is up to 9 mm. The kit consists of rubber (silicone) pads of different sizes for convenience. Expensive options include the removal of an individual cast of the auricle, ear canal. Used by artists, singers on stage - sound without extraneous noise. It is important to maintain hearing hygiene by cleaning the earpieces often. Suitable for different phones, players.

Overhead

The ear pads fit close to the ears, but do not cover completely. Aperture diameter 15-30 mm. Suitable for the player, tablet, gamers.

Ear pads - the material of the inner side of the headphones, which is adjacent (full-size - covers) directly to the auricles. They are made of foam rubber, velor, leather, leatherette.

Full size (monitor)

Completely cover the ear. Used by professional musicians, sound engineers, recording studios, dispatchers. Aperture diameter - 30 mm. The high price, the big sizes, weight of a design is characteristic.

with bone conduction

The emitters are adjacent to the bone behind the ear, the vibrations transmit vibrations through the bone tissue immediately to the inner ear (athletes, hard of hearing). Average sound is characteristic - music, voices, environmental noise are heard.

Mounts

Intracanal and earbuds are attached with a shackle to the auricle, through the neck. Suitable for running, swimming (protection against moisture), walking. Actual for long-haired people, in the cold season (when they wear hats, caps).

Full-size, overhead - have a plastic, metal bow that covers the head from above, from the side. There are arms that can change their length (shorten or lengthen).

Emitters

There are dynamic - a magnetic coil of the speaker. Most common, cheapest.

Reinforcing - several reinforcing emitters are used for one headphone. The sound quality is improved. Used by professionals (recording audio studios).

Electrostatic, orthodynamic, isodynamic - time-tested, premium quality reproduction. The downside is poor bass sound.

Hybrid - dynamic, reinforcing one product. Characterized by high-quality and detailed sound.

Acoustic design

Open - body holes, music playback is better, but heard by others.

Closed - the body without holes, the melody is heard only by the owner.

Connection method

Headphones are connected to devices (phone, player, computer) in 2 ways - by wires, without wires.

Wired

Breakage of headphones (75-80%) is associated with damage to the cable. The length of the wire, durability, strength are important. The minimum length of the wire when operating portable equipment is 1.4-1.5 m. Special storage boxes, replaceable wires are used for careful storage. For a non-replaceable permanent cable, the thickness and type of braid are important.

The required wire length is 5-10 m when connected to TVs at home, recording studios. Connecting to a smartphone, player using a cable, plug - mini-jack 3.5 mm, jack 6.3 mm, USB. The shape of the plug is straight, L-shaped (L-shaped).

The straight plug is suitable for listening to music from smartphones that are in deep pockets. L-shaped - for tight pockets.

Hands free (free hands) - control the phone without hands (using a wire).

Wireless

They work on bluetooth, radio channel.

Bluetooth headphones are of good quality music transmission, require recharging. Range 9-10 m.

The radio channel operates at a distance of 30-40 m, it is convenient to use at home. It is possible to connect several pairs of headphones to one repeater.

Modern models of headphones and a microphone are called a headset. Additional functions - speakerphone, call answering. There are 2 types of headset:

• mono headset - one earpiece. Suitable for drivers behind the wheel (simultaneous ability to talk, hear ambient sounds);
• stereo headset - 2 headphones, microphone. Listening to audiobooks, melodies, videos.

Support bluetooth 4.0, 4.1, 5.0 version device.

The operating time of the device depends on the capacity of the battery (100-500 mA). Allocate time in standby mode (5-8 days), talk mode (18-24 hours).

Bluetooth profiles are distinguished (support by phone, headphones):

• A2DP - high-quality stereo sound for music, video;
• AVRCP - smartphone control;
• AptX - an additional feature of high-quality sound, for music lovers;
• Headset - phone control (volume control, answering calls).

Place of use

Before buying headphones, you need to decide which device, for what purposes they will be used.

For a smartphone, player - in-ear, plug-in models are suitable.

For home, office - full-size, overhead models. Open acoustic design - if there is no one nearby, "closed ears" - if employees, family members are nearby.

For running, sports - overhead headphones. When choosing, take into account the method of attachment, pressure on the auricles, material.

For streaming (Twitch, YouTube), games (gaming) - full-size (monitor) models, convenient for use for a long time. Pay attention when choosing:

• microphone (built-in, removable);
• surround sound emulation (DSP) - imitation of the environment;
• wired (restricted movements), wireless (needs recharging, heavy).

Specifications

The manufacturer indicates the characteristics on the boxes, instructions for use.

frequency range

A person perceives sounds of 15-20.000 Hz. Range values ​​less than 15 Hz, above 22.000 Hz are not available to the average listener, but will suit the music lover, the musician. In headphones, the width of the frequency range depends on the diameter of the membrane. Standard models reproduce low, high frequencies.

Sensitivity (volume)

Determines the volume of oscillations, measured in decibels (db), norm: 20-130 dB. Depends on the material of the magnetic core. The highest volume of small models is determined by neodymium magnets. Headphones with a weak magnet and a small membrane diameter have a sensitivity of 70-110 dB.

Resistance (impedance)

Shows the resistance of the speaker coil (active, reactive). It is measured in ohms (Ohm). The volume when listening, power consumption depends on the value of the resistance. Distinguish gadgets low-, high-resistance. Portable low-impedance headphones (smartphones, players) with a resistance of 16-32 ohms, high-impedance - more than 55-65 ohms. Impedance for monitor headphones 80-100 ohms is low, 250-300 ohms is high.

A low resistance value means increased distortion, a high resistance value means economical power consumption. For vacuum, plug-in models, a value of 16-32 ohms is sufficient. For stationary listening - 100 ohms.

Headphones	Frequency range, Hz	Resistance, Ohm	Sensitivity, dB	Weight, g
Plug-in	100-16.000	15-30	70-100	4,8-31,5
vacuum	18-20.000	16-32	95-110	3,6-32,5
Overhead	18-20.000	16-32	80-115	40-100
Monitor	16-22.000	18-150	90-120	150-300

Additional characteristics:

• The maximum input power is the highest power value. For different models - 1-5.000 mW. Compare with the output power of the device.
• The coefficient of non-linear distortion (THD) - shows the accuracy of reproduction. Optimal values ​​for high, medium frequencies - 0.5-1%, low (bass up to 200 Hz) - 5-10%.
• Amplitude-frequency response (AFC) - a graphical change in volume from the frequency of the signal. It is worth paying attention when buying models of medium, high cost.

The effect of headphones on hearing

Hearing aid (external, middle and inner ear), the perception of different sound waves is individual for each person.Humans are able to distinguish sounds in the range of 16-20.000 Hz. When whispering, a sound of 15-20 dB is captured, a normal conversation - 30-35 dB. Discomfort will be brought by sound waves of 60-65 dB (scream). According to research by otolaryngologists, waves greater than 90 dB are dangerous for human hearing.

Why are headphones dangerous?

• it is difficult to control the sound level (115-130 dB leads to irreversible damage);
• an increased amount of earwax is produced;
• lead to injuries - in models of a closed acoustic type, street noises (signals of cars, trains) are not heard.

How to reduce the load:

• do not increase the volume of music more than 60%;
• use overhead models for long-term use;
• take breaks - listen to silence, manifestations of the forest, the sea;
• use in-ear, plug-in models for 2-3 hours per day, no more than 60 minutes at a time.

Tips for choosing quality models

When buying, you need to consider the following factors:

• what device will be used by the headphones - smartphone, computer, TV, player;
• for what purposes (listening to music, audio books, movies, online games);
• headset - mobile, stationary;
• ease of use - weight, tightness;
• manufacturer, build quality;
• price (budget, Hi-End - high class);
• listening "live", evaluate the individual sound quality.

Ranking of the best headphones with high-quality sound in 2022

Popular models of shells, plugs can be chosen in branded stores, online stores. Many buyers order new items from aliexpress (aliexpress), where low prices, a large assortment of Chinese manufacturers. High-quality models, according to buyers, should have Bluetooth, a microphone.

10th place Xiaomi AirDots Pro

Plug-in (vacuum), white. Weight: 11.6 g.Supports A2DP, AVRCP, Hands free, Headset, AAC codecs. Charging - 1 hour. Works 3.5 hours (10 hours - case). Communication at a distance of 10 m. Functions of voice dialing, volume control.

• water protection;
• emitter - neodymium magnets;
• interchangeable nozzles 3 pairs.

• not identified.

9th place Apple AirPods 2 (with charging case) MV7N2

Inserts in white. Works constantly - 5 hours (standby - 24 hours). There are 2 microphones. Supports A2DP, AVRCP, Hands free, Headset profiles. You can connect two pairs of AirPods.

• Lightning cable;
• audio sharing feature.

• high price.

8th place Panasonic RP-HF410

Overhead, many color schemes, fastening - bow on the head. Membrane diameter — 30 mm. Weight - 130 g. Supports A2DP, AVRCP, Hands free, Headset profiles. Operates at a distance of 10 m. Voice dialing, volume control.

• folding design;
• Neodymium magnets;
• different colors;
• price.

• no low volume.

7th place Samsung Galaxy Buds

Plugs (plug-in) white, yellow, gray and black. Support A2DP, AVRCP, Hands free, Headset. Battery capacity - 58 mAh. Works constantly - 6 hours (20 hours - standby mode).

• automatic pairing;
• sets of silicone tips (3 pairs);
• water protection;
• wireless charging case.

• price.

6th place Honor AM66 Sport Pro

Inserts in gray or red. Bluetooth, microphone. Weight - 25 g, diameter - 13 mm. Support for A2DP, AVRCP, Hands free, Headset profiles, AAC codecs. Battery capacity - 120 mAh. Works without interruption - 18 hours. Charges 1.1 hours.

• batteries - Li-Pol;
• lace;
• silicone tips (6 pairs).

• not identified.

5th place JBL TUNE 120 TWS

Plug-in (vacuum, plugs) 6 colors. Bluetooth, microphone. Weight - 73 g. Membrane diameter - 5.8 mm. Charging - 2 hours. They work for 4 hours (12 hours - from the battery of the case). Battery power 85 mAh. Li-ion battery.

• micro USB cable;
• sets of liners (3 pairs);
• fits iPhone.

• the weight.

4th place Samsung Galaxy Buds+

Vacuum, 3 colors (white, blue, black). Supports A2DP, AVRCP, Hands free, Headset. Battery 85 mAh. It works without interruption for 11 hours (from the battery of the case - 22 hours). There is a wireless charging function.

• suitable iPhone;
• fast charging (3 minutes = 1 hour playback);
• color selection.

• price.

3rd place OnePlus Bullets Wireless 2

Plug-in. Bluetooth, microphone. 3 drivers. Works without interruption - 14 hours. There is a volume control, voice dialing. Supports aptX, aptX HD.

• fits iPhone;
• reinforcing + dynamic;
• neck strap, interchangeable ear pads
• fast charging (10 min. - 10 hours of work)

• flat, tight buttons.

2nd place JBL T450BT

Overhead, closed. White, blue or black. Weight - 320 g, diameter - 32 mm. Attached with a bow (head, back of the head). Supports A2DP, AVRCP, Hands free, Headset. Works constantly - 11 hours. The battery capacity is 170 mAh, it takes 2 hours to charge. There is a volume control, an answer and end call function.

• micro USB cable;
• folding design;
• price.

• the weight.

1st place Xiaomi Redmi AirDots (Mi True Wireless Earbuds Basic)

Plug-in, dynamic radiator. 10m range. Supports A2DP, AVRCP, Hands free, Headset. The battery capacity is 40 mAh, it takes 1.5 hours to charge. It works constantly for 4 hours (from the case battery - 12 hours). There is voice dialing, automatic pairing.

• water protection;
• suitable iPhone;
• silicone tips (3 pairs);
• protection against accidental clicks;
• price.

• not identified.

Conclusion

Knowing the functional features, selection criteria, it is easy to choose headphones for any device for various purposes. Particular attention should be paid to the build quality, the influence of models on the hearing of adults and children, so that your favorite pastime brings pleasure and does not harm your health.