The perfect product for you

Headphone Buying Guide Cheat Sheet

If you’re only going to read one thing, read this.

Here are the most important things to ask yourself and know when choosing your next pair of headphones, in bitesize form.

How will you be using them? Are you looking for headphones that don’t fall off when you jog? Or headphones that block out the world on a crowded plane? The point: how you plan to use your headphones should influence which type you buy. And there are several types.

What type of headphones do you want? On-ear headphones rest on your ears, while over-ear headphones cover your entire ear. And though in-ear headphones aren’t best for pristine audio quality, you can do jumping-jacks in them – and they won’t fall out.

Do you want wired or wireless? Wired = a perfect full-strength signal, always, but you remain tethered to your device (your phone, mp3 player, TV, etc.). Wireless = you’re free to move around, even dance with wild abandon to your favorite song, but sometimes the signal isn’t 100%. (Though most wireless headphones do come with a wire, so you get the best of both worlds.)

Do you want closed or open? Closed as in closed-back, meaning no holes to the outside world (everything is sealed). Open, as in open-back, with holes and/or perforations to the outside world. Close your eyes, and the former ensures you remain in your own world, with nothing but the music. The latter lets your music out, creating a more natural listening experience (similar to a regular stereo).

Choose a trusted brand. We have a rep for testing and vetting brands — we put them all through the wringer.

Buy your new headphones from an authorized dealer. And get the manufacturer's warranty, service, and support. (In our case, guaranteed support even long after the sale.)