How to Choose the Perfect Bluetooth Headphones

Your Guide to buying the best Bluetooth headphones

Overview

Bluetooth headphones offer a great way to enjoy your music, podcasts, and other audio content without being tethered by wires. When looking for the perfect pair of Bluetooth headphones, there are a few key things to consider. This guide will provide an overview of the types of Bluetooth headphones available, the features to look for, and how to choose the best pair for your needs. We’ll also provide tips on how to care for and maintain your headphones to keep them working for years to come.

Key features

  1. Range: The range of a set of headphones will determine how far away from your Bluetooth device you can be and still have the audio come through clearly.
  2. Battery life: Look for headphones with a long battery life so you can listen for as long as you need without having to worry about charging.
  3. Noise cancellation: Look for headphones that offer passive noise cancellation, which will help block out background noise.
  4. Comfort: Make sure the headphones fit comfortably so you can wear them for a long period of time without feeling discomfort.
  5. Sound quality: Look for headphones that produce high quality sound with clarity and good bass response.
  6. Water resistance: Look for headphones that are water-resistant, if you plan to use them outdoors in wet conditions.
  7. Durability: Look for headphones with a durable build so they can last for many years.
  8. Price: Consider your budget when shopping for headphones, as different models have different prices.

See the most popular Bluetooth headphones on Amazon

Important considerations

Pros

  • Wireless: Bluetooth headphones allow for greater freedom of movement, as there is no need to be tied down by a cable to a device.
  • Wide Compatibility: Bluetooth headphones can connect to any device with Bluetooth capabilities, including phones, laptops, computers, and tablets.
  • Portable: The small, lightweight design of Bluetooth headphones makes them easy to take with you on the go.
  • Good Battery Life: Many Bluetooth headphones offer up to 10 hours of playback time, with some offering even more.
  • Noise Cancellation: Many Bluetooth headphones come with noise-cancelling technology, helping to reduce background noise and provide a more immersive listening experience.
  • Multi-Point Connectivity: Bluetooth headphones allow you to connect to multiple devices, allowing you to easily switch between them.

Cons

  • Higher Cost: Bluetooth headphones tend to cost more than their wired counterparts.
  • Latency: Bluetooth audio can suffer from latency issues which can be noticeable in the form of an audio and video lag when watching movies.
  • Audio Quality: The sound quality of Bluetooth headphones is generally not as good as wired headphones due to sound compression.
  • Battery Life: Battery life can be an issue as some Bluetooth headphones may only last for a few hours before needing to be recharged.
  • Distance: Bluetooth signals can degrade over longer distances and may result in audio dropouts if the headphones are not kept within an acceptable range.
  • Interference: Bluetooth signals can be interfered with other devices, such as other Bluetooth headphones or phones. This can result in audio dropouts or poor sound quality.

Best alternatives

  1. Wired headphones - Traditional type of headphones that plug into the audio source using a wire.
  2. RF Headphones - Headphones that use radio frequencies to transmit audio signals.
  3. AirPods - Apple's wireless earbuds that connect to an iPhone, iPad, or Mac via Bluetooth.
  4. Noise Cancelling Headphones - Headphones that reduce ambient noise by actively playing soundwaves to block outside noise.

Related tools, supplies, and accessories

  • Noise-canceling headphones - headphones that reduce ambient noise to create a more immersive audio experience.
  • Charging cable - a USB charging cable typically used to power Bluetooth headphones.
  • Rechargeable batteries - batteries that can be used to power Bluetooth headphones.
  • Carrying case - a protective case used to store and transport Bluetooth headphones.
  • Microphone - an audio input device used to record voice or other audio.
  • Bluetooth adapter - a device used to connect Bluetooth headphones to a non-Bluetooth enabled device.

Common questions

  1. What are the benefits of Bluetooth headphones?
    Bluetooth headphones provide a wireless, hassle-free connection to audio devices, making them ideal for on-the-go listening. They often feature long battery life and are available in a range of styles, from in-ear to over-ear.
  2. Are Bluetooth headphones good for phone calls?
    Yes, Bluetooth headphones are ideal for phone calls, as many models are equipped with noise-canceling microphones that allow for crystal clear audio and conversations.
  3. What should I look for when buying Bluetooth headphones?
    When buying Bluetooth headphones, look for features such as range, battery life, sound quality, style, and comfort. Additionally, you should check to see if the headphones are compatible with your device before making a purchase.
  4. Do Bluetooth headphones have a range limit?
    Yes, Bluetooth headphones have a range limit, usually between 30 and 100 feet. This is dependent on the device and can vary depending on external factors, such as walls and other obstacles.
  5. How long do Bluetooth headphones last on a single charge?
    The battery life of Bluetooth headphones varies depending on the model and usage but can typically last up to 8 hours on a single charge.

Trivia

An interesting fact about Bluetooth headphones is that they were originally developed by Swedish company Ericsson in 1994, before Bluetooth had even been invented! The headphones were only able to connect to phones that were within a 10-meter radius, making them far less versatile than modern Bluetooth headphones. This early version was actually called the Ericsson Mobile Headset and it's credited as one of the first wireless headsets. Source

Disclaimer: This buying guide was not created by humans, and it is possible that some of it's content is inaccurate or incomplete. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this buying guide. Additionally, the images on this page were generated by AI and may not accurately represent the product that is being discussed. We have tried to convey useful information, but it is our subjective opinion and should not be taken as complete or factual.