Earbuds and In-Ear Headphones On Sale
How to Find the Best Earbuds & In-Ear Headphones on Sale
When you want a pair of earbuds for working out or so you can listen to podcasts during a long commute on the train, you can shop for earbuds on sale and save more than you thought possible.
What's the difference between earbuds and in-ear headphones?
If you listen to a lot of audio throughout the day, earbuds and in-ear headphones can help make your listening experience more enjoyable—whether you're listening to your favourite album or engaged in a long conference call.
One common question in the portable audio world is what the difference between earbuds and in-ear headphones is. The answer to that can vary by brand.
In principle, an earbud is one-size-fits-all and rests outside of your ear canal. That means that they'll let in more ambient noise, but often also means that, unfortunately, they can't produce the same richness in bass.
Earphones or in-ear headphones, on the other hand, extend into your ear canal. They typically have silicone tips for better sound isolation, and come with different sizes of tips so that you can achieve the most comfortable, secure fit possible for your ears.
However, in practice, the difference between shopping for basic earbuds versus in-ear headphones is based more on marketing than product design. Check the product description in the specific model that you're interested, and let your initial browse be guided by photos of the product. If the product has silicone tips on the end of each earbud or headphone, they'll likely offer a more immersive audio experience.
What different types of earbuds are there?
In the world of earbuds, there are a myriad of choices to select from. There's also a fair amount of overlap between each category, so when selecting a new pair of earbuds or in-ear headphones, make sure to select for the features you want the most—even if the earbuds are on sale.
From wireless earbuds (which don't connect to your device with a wire but are connected with each other with a wire) to truly wireless earbuds (which are fully wireless), the scope of most ear buds is vast. Select for options such as shape, tap responsiveness, sound isolation, and charging design.
Why should you choose, or not choose, sound-isolating in-ear headphones?
Sound isolating or noise cancelling in-ear headphones are a popular choice on the market. Designed with silicone tips for a secure fit that extends into the ear canal, they give the user the ability to hear their audio more clearly at lower volumes, which may help preserve ear health over time as a result.
Noise-cancelling headphones are great for environments with a lot of background noise or distractions. They're a popular choice for travel and are often offered with a charging case that's ideal to take on long flights. However, non-sound-isolating headphones or earbuds are more suitable for situations in which you might need to hear environmental noises, such as a walk along a busy street or playtime at home with young children.
At the end of the day, the best earbuds for you are the ones that work for your lifestyle, regardless of how many features they have to offer.