When it comes to audio peripherals, the three basic choices are headphones (over-ear), earphones (in-ear), and speakers. Headphones Headphones are traditionally known as wearable audio devices with a pair of speaker drivers on either side, worn over the ears. Headphones have two pairs of form factors -- on-ear or over-ear and open-back or closed-back. On-ear headphones are the kind where the earcups just rest directly over your ears. Over-ear headphones have the cups completely cover your ears. Closed-back headphones can keep sound in, while open-back headphones let sound leak out. Since open-back headphones allow sound to leak out, it prevents certain lower frequencies from building up like they would in closed-back headphones. Simultaneously, open-back headphones are often the go-to choice of many audiophiles as they can listen to music exactly how the artist intended it to sound. Read more in our articles including "Which is Better: Headphones, Earphones, or Speakers?" and "Apple headphones track sweat, heart rate, and activity?".
When it comes to audio peripherals, the three basic choices are headphones (over-ear), earphones (in-ear), and speakers. Headphones Headphones are traditionally known as wearable audio devices with a pair of speaker drivers on either side, worn over the ears.
Headphones have two pairs of form factors -- on-ear or over-ear and open-back or closed-back. On-ear headphones are the kind where the earcups just rest directly over your ears. Over-ear headphones have the cups completely cover your ears.
Our coverage of headphones comparison includes: "Which is Better: Headphones, Earphones, or Speakers?"; "Apple headphones track sweat, heart rate, and activity?"; "How much storage are you getting from your smartphone?". Each article provides unique insights and information.