When it’s time to buy headphones, the choices can be overwhelming, with options in at least three different price ranges and choices with many different features and tech details. Chances are, you are buying Bluetooth because you want to get rid of the wires. Maybe you want the wider range of motion and greater freedom that comes with wireless. However, while being wireless offers many great benefits, it does come with some issues that you will want to take into consideration when choosing the best Bluetooth headphones for you.
For instance, because they are wireless, keeping the batteries charged is of critical importance. A stable connection is important for many reasons. Depending on where you plan to use your headphones, weatherproofing and noise cancellation may also be important. Of course, sound quality should never be an afterthought, and for many people, it’s the most important feature to look for in the best Bluetooth headphones.
Burly Battery Life
Because Bluetooth headphones run on rechargeable batteries, it’s important to note how long your battery will hold a charge, and this will often be determined by the type of headphones. For example, true wireless headphones often have an active or running time of anywhere from 3 to 7 hours. In contrast, over-the-ear or on-ear Bluetooth headphones usually provide more than 20 hours on a single charge. While true wireless headphones come with limited battery life compared, they also tend to be packaged with a portable charger that can add anywhere from 10 to 24 hours of battery usage. Some product descriptions will tell you how many recharges the charger holds and how often the charger itself will require recharging. Battery life may be especially important for those who hope to get a full day’s running use out of a single charge, or for those who are too busy to take the time for multiple recharges during a day, or even a week. If limiting the number of cords and chargers you have to lug around with you is important, you may wish to look for the best Bluetooth headphones with a portable charger which doubles as a charger for your phone or other devices.
Sound Stability
A stable and secure sound connectivity is an important feature to investigate in any Bluetooth headphones that you are interested in purchasing. If you plan to use your headphones while sitting still and studying, a stable connection isn’t as important as it will be if you plan to use your Bluetooth headphones while jogging, trail running, or working out. For use during vigorous activity, the best Bluetooth Headphones will keep a secure connection even through bumping, head-turning and shaking, and other actions. Bluetooth headphones with poor stability will lose connection with the device at times during movement. The best Bluetooth headphones for a more stable connection and little to zero lag time (delay between audio and visuals) are those that support Bluetooth 5.0 technology.
Avoid Weak Weather-Proofing
If you plan to use your best Bluetooth headphones in places they could get wet or splashed, such as poolside, at the beach, while jogging in the rain, during especially sweaty workouts or hot yoga sessions, then it’s important for you to look for weather or water-proofing technology in your wireless headphones. Water-proofing and weather resistance is measured by standard IP (Ingress Protection) ratings, and according to HeadphonesAddict, An IP rating indicates that a product has been tested and certified. The best Bluetooth headphones will have a rating of IPX4 or above. Wireless headphones are required to have an IP rating of a minimum of IPX4, but for those who may expose their headphones to more than a misty drizzle, the best Bluetooth headphones for their use will have a rating of IPX5 or higher. IPX7 rated headphones are the best choice for times when heavier water exposure is likely.
Superior Sound Quality
Last, but far from least, sound quality is essential when choosing the best Bluetooth Headphones. You will want to make note of details like large frequency range, flat response rather than U-curve or V-curve, unless you particularly enjoy bass. With flat response, all frequencies are equal and music is heard in much the way it was intended to by the artists. Balanced sound is similar to flat, but tweaked a little for more of a “fun” sound. It’s important to pay attention to sound descriptions that describe “bright” tones, or rich, smooth bass before deciding which works best for you. In addition, noise cancellation is also important for sound quality enjoyment and many of the best Bluetooth headphones in the higher price ranges will have noise cancellation features included to help block out distracting background noise. With the wide range of choices available, carefully reading descriptions and reviews will help you to find the best Bluetooth headphones for you.
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