Headphones are probably one of the most essential pieces of technology ever made. Not only do they let you enjoy your favorite music in private, they’re also useful for work and school. However, nothing lasts forever and even when you take excellent care of them, headphones can still break.
Whether you accidentally got yours tangled or they simply blew out, now’s the time to buy a new pair. But as you shop, it’s important to know what to look for in a high-quality pair of headphones.
Here’s what you should look for when buying new headphones.
The Type
Although they all perform the function, there are many types of headphones to choose from. From over-the-ears to in-ears and on-ears, it can be tough making a decision. In-ear headphones are what you see a majority of people wearing walking down the road. These are perfect for when you have to commute somewhere and want to block out noise.
On-ear headphones are similar to in-ear headphones except that they’re bigger and sometimes do not block out the sound. This means that whatever you’re listening to, others may hear it as well. Also, they might become uncomfortable when it comes to using them for long periods of time.
Over-the-ear headphones accomplish what the others do, just on a much larger scale. Not only can they be used for long periods of time without becoming uncomfortable, they have great sound quality and sound isolation. However, they tend to be large and aren’t really made for people on the move.
Understanding what type of headphones you want or need should be top priority. However, the quality of the headphones you buy aren’t dependent on the type. Instead, it depends how they’re made and by whom. Some brands of headphones are much better than others, so try to test them out before you buy them.

The Cord
Whether you go with wired or wireless headphones also needs to be considered. Wired headphones attach to your device after they are inserted into the jack. Wireless headphones connect to Bluetooth, which is basically an alternate connection for other devices.
Because they don’t require another connection nor do they need to be recharged, wired headphones can be used indefinitely. However, if the cord isn’t durable, they may break easily.
Wireless headphones don’t need a cord to function. However, wireless headphones can’t be used as much as wired ones. While newer models can last for hours, they still need to charged.
Knowing what to look for in your next pair of headphones not only ensures quality, it will also saves you money. Before making a final decision, take the time to try out a few pairs in the store, read reviews and consider how they will be used.