10 different types of headphones explained

The world of headphones has evolved, offering a wide variety of specialised options to match your listening style – whether it’s immersive silence for quiet enjoyment or crystal-clear sound for audiophiles. From noise-canceling headphones to workout headphones, there’s simply a perfect pair waiting to be discovered for every kind of listener. 

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But with so many choices, navigating the different types of headphones can be overwhelming. To help you find your ideal pair and understand the different options available, this guide will explain the 10 different types of headphones.

10 different types of headphones

Headphones and earphones come in different shapes and sizes. Depending on your requirements and how you want to use them, here are 10 different types of headphones:

1. Over-ear headphones (Circumaural)

2. On-ear headphones (Supra-aural)

3. Earbuds

4. In-ear monitors (IEM)

5. Wireless headphones

6. Noise-canceling headphones

7. Bone conduction headphones

8. Closed-back headphones

9. Open-back headphones

10. Waterproof headphones

1. Over-ear headphones (Circumaural)

These headphones completely surround your ears, typically offering a perfect balance of best sound quality and noise isolation. However, they can also be bulky, make ears sweaty if you wear them for long periods, and may not be ideal for active lifestyles due to their size. Additionally, some circumaural headphones are open-back, designed for a more natural listening experience but with less noise isolation.

2. On-ear headphones (Supra-aural)

These headphones rest on top of your ears, rather than surrounding them. While less effective at noise isolation than over-ear headphones, they are typically lighter, more portable, and better suited for active lifestyles. However, comfort can be an issue during extended use due to the pressure on the ears, and sound leakage can also be a concern in quiet environments.

3. Earbuds

These lightweight earphones are inserted directly into the ear canal, offering a comfortable and secure fit. Earbuds are highly portable and convenient, making them perfect for active and on-the-go lifestyles. However, due to their placement, they may not provide a secure fit for everyone and offer minimal to no noise isolation. Also, some people find their hard plastic shells discomforting in the ear.

4. In-ear monitors (IEM)

In-ear monitors are similar to earbuds but create a tighter seal due to their silicone or foam tips that enter the ear canals. They often deliver higher-fidelity sound due to their advanced driver technology. Popular with musicians, audio engineers, and anyone prioritising excellent audio quality on the go, IEMs can come in universal or custom-fit options.

5. Wireless headphones

Wireless headphones connect to your smartphone or audio source using Bluetooth or other wireless technologies, offering greater freedom of movement compared to wired headphones.

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However, sound quality can be affected by factors like the wireless technology used, distance from the source, and audio codecs, potentially leading to lower fidelity in some cases.

6. Noise-canceling headphones

As the name suggests, noise-canceling headphones take advantage of Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) technology to reduce unwanted background noise. This technology creates sound waves that effectively block external noise, making them ideal for travel, blocking out distractions in noisy environments, or enhancing focus while working.

7. Bone conduction headphones

Bone conduction headphones transmit sound waves to your inner ear by vibrating the bones around your temple, bypassing the eardrum and ear canal entirely. This unique design makes them a suitable option for people with conductive hearing loss, who may have trouble with traditional earbuds fitting comfortably in their ears, or for those who prefer to stay aware of their surroundings while listening to audio.

8. Closed-back headphones

Closed-back headphones completely enclose the ears with a sealed-back design. This design effectively blocks out ambient noise, making them ideal for listening to music in noisy environments. Additionally, closed-back headphones minimise sound leakage from your headphones to your surroundings, which is helpful in situations where you don’t want to disturb others around you.

9. Open-back headphones

Unlike closed-back headphones, which create a sealed environment for immersive listening, open-back headphones feature a design that allows ambient noise to enter. This creates a wider, more natural listening experience, similar to listening to speakers in a room. However, they leak sound and are not ideal for noisy environments or if you don’t want to disturb others. Additionally, open-back headphones may not deliver the same level of bass as closed-back models, but they often offer a much broader soundstage.

10. Waterproof headphones

Swimmers and athletes will appreciate waterproof headphones. Designed to resist sweat and water damage (unlike regular headphones), they’re ideal for an active lifestyle. These headphones will stay put and offer a snug fit during workouts, runs in the rain, or any outdoor activity where you might encounter splashes. Check the IP rating of the headphones (e.g. IPX4 for sweat resistance or IPX8 for submersion) to ensure they can handle your specific needs.

In summary, there’s a headphone type for everyone, whether you want to block out noise, enjoy clear sound, or stay active. Despite the plethora of options, understanding the nuances between over-the-ear, on-the-ear, earbuds, and specialised models like noise-canceling or waterproof headphones can help you find the perfect pair for your needs and lifestyle.