Comparison Apple EarPods with Remote and Mic vs Apple iPod In-Ear Headphones with Remote and Mic

In this paragraph, first of all, the method of mount on the ears is specified; according to this parameter, modern headphones are divided into overhead, earbuds, in- ear, glasses and headbands. For on-ear models, the acoustic design (closed, semi-open, open) can also be specified here, as well as the presence of such features as a full-dimensions (over-ear) design (in the absence of this feature, such headphones are called “on-ear”, or simply on-ears), swivel earcups, auto-adjust headband, or even the mid-2021 trend, Cat Ears. And details such as a rigid headband, behind-the- ear mount, mount on the neck and the ability to fold can be combined with almost any method of placement on the ears (with a few exceptions - for example, on-ear models are not attached to the neck).

Here is a more detailed description of the different ear placement options:

- Overhead. Overhead headphones are called headphones that are located outside the auricles, covering the ear from the side (“regular” overhead models) or completely (full-sized Over-Ear - see below about them). In any case, such models are quit...e large in dimensions. This, on the one hand, simplifies the creation of headphones with advanced sound characteristics, and also allows you to apply some specific tricks without much difficulty - for example, several emitters or support for multi-channel surround sound. On the other hand, the dimensions of the "ears" complicate the transportation and use on the go. In addition, it is worth considering that most overhead models have a headband, which is why they are poorly compatible with complex hairstyles and some headdresses. Models with rigid temples and behind-the-ear fasteners do not have this disadvantage, but they also have their own specifics (see below).
On-ear headphones can have different acoustic design:

• Closed. Models with a high degree of sound insulation, protecting the user from extraneous sounds as much as possible. This design contributes to a rich sound (especially in the bass range) as well as a very powerful immersion effect, making it well suited for home use (including computer games) and noisy environments. But it is not recommended to use such “ears” on the street: complete isolation from surrounding sounds in such conditions can be unsafe. In addition, it is believed that a completely closed design slightly degrades the sound fidelity.
• Open. Headphones with a minimum level of sound isolation, allowing most of the external sounds to pass through. They are inferior to closed ones in terms of power and saturation of sound, as well as efficiency in noisy environments; in addition, the sound from such headphones is well audible to others. On the other hand, open models generally provide more authentic sound and are better suited for situations where you need to control your surroundings, such as outdoor applications.
• Semi-open. A kind of compromise between the options described above: headphones with better sound insulation than in open models, but still not up to closed “ears” in this indicator. For some users, this middle option may turn out to be more comfortable. In addition, semi-open headphones are also appreciated in professional work with sound: they retain the richness of the bass and at the same time do not create the distortion typical of a completely closed design.
• With rigid shackle. Rigid headband allows you to securely fix the ear pads on the ears. A close analogue of the rigid headband is the headband of full-dimensions headphones, but in contrast to it, the headband is worn on the back of the head, and not on the top of the head. For this reason, hard temples are made mostly without padding, from bare plastic/metal. Headphones with a rigid headband most often have a sports focus, because the headphones, located on the back of the head, will not fidget on the head even with intense running. On-ear headphones are pressed tightly against the auricles, but the speakers themselves are placed on the outside of the auditory canals.
• Cat Ear ("ears"). On-ear headphones in an interesting design - with an imitation of cat ears on the headband. Such an addition does not affect performance, however, the "ears" look unusual and can be a great addition to the bright, original style of the owner. Cat Ear headphones are especially popular among teenagers.

- Intrachannel. Tiny earphones that, when used, are inserted directly into the ear canals. For ease of wearing, rubber or silicone pads are provided, often several of these pads are included in the kit to adjust to a specific ear dimensions. This design combines compactness and advanced performance: earbuds “ears” are often comparable to overhead ones in terms of sound volume and bass saturation, and the degree of sound insulation is very high (many models can even be used as impromptu earplugs). On the other hand, complete isolation from external sounds can sometimes be a disadvantage - for example, when cycling or walking along a busy street.

- Intracanal with a rigid shackle. In-ear headphones are laid inside the auditory canals, which allows them to be fixed as securely as possible in the ear and not fall off. The presence of a rigid bow further increases the reliability of fixing the headphones. This type of headphone is well suited for sports. The rigid headband and earbuds design of the sound emitters keep the earbuds securely in place even during intense running.

- Inserts. Also known colloquially as "pills". Similar to earbuds headphones, these headphones are small in dimensions and are placed in the auricle - however, not in the depth of the auditory canal, but at its very beginning, almost outside. This makes the earbuds somewhat simpler in design and cheaper, but it is more difficult to achieve rich sound and advanced acoustic characteristics in them. Such models give a rather low sound insulation, but this can be both a disadvantage and an advantage, depending on the situation. And some headphones of this type have an elongated shape, due to which they sit deeper in the ears and, in terms of their capabilities, can approach earbuds models.

Separately, it is worth noting that earbuds models and earbuds do not use headbands - the headphones are either completely separate or connected with a device such as a rigid headband or neck mount. So these headphones can be worn with almost any hairstyle or headdress without any problems.

— Inserts with a rigid headband. The earbuds are simply inserted into the passage of the auditory canal without penetrating deeply into it. This is not the most reliable way to fix the headphones, but due to the presence of a rigid headband, the earbuds gain a firm fit and a secure fit. The headphones themselves have an open sound path design, and therefore reproduce audio with a noticeable distortion of the original sound signal. But at the same time, the open acoustics scheme allows you to clearly hear what is happening in the surrounding space.

As for additional design features, they can be as follows:

- Full-dimensions Over-Ear. On-ear headphones (see above) in which each cup completely covers the ear and fits snugly to the head. The cups themselves in such models are made quite large and are equipped with characteristic soft "borders" around the perimeter of the inner side - these borders are adjacent to the head, so that the auricle is actually inside the cup. The main advantage of this design is that the headphones (with the right dimensions) practically do not touch the user's ears and do not put pressure on them - this is especially comfortable during prolonged use. In addition, it is easier to achieve high-quality sound insulation in Over-Ear models (although among them it is quite possible to find models with semi-open and even completely open acoustic design). The main disadvantage of such devices is bulkiness and inconvenience in transportation and use on the go. In addition, when wearing glasses, the Over-Ear cups usually press on the temples from the sides, which can cause discomfort.

- Auto headband adjustment. A headband that can automatically adjust to the dimensions of the user's head. Such a headband usually consists of two parts - a rigid, usually metal, base, and a soft inner part, which is adjacent directly to the head. It is the inner part that is able to stretch, and the user only needs to place the cups on the ears so that it is comfortable - and the headband itself will increase to the desired dimensions.

- Rigid bow. A shackle made of rigid material that connects both headphones and is located on the back of the head when worn; in some models it can also serve as a neck mount (see below). The advantage of such a device over the classic headband is that the bow can be used with almost any hairstyle and headgear. On the other hand, in earbuds models and earbuds (see above), this feature makes the headphones more bulky, and in over-ear models it makes sense to use it only with conventional models that are not related to full-dimensions Over Ear. Therefore, as well as for a number of other reasons, in our time the bow is not particularly popular.

- Ear mount. Attachment that allows you to fix each earpiece directly on the ear; as a rule, it has the appearance of a characteristic bow. This feature is found in all types of modern "ears", except for Over Ear (see above), and its specific meaning depends primarily on the main way the earpiece is placed on the ear. So, for earbuds models and earbuds, the behind-the-ear mount provides additional reliability of retention: the likelihood that the earpiece will fall out of the ear is reduced to almost zero due to such a retainer. In overhead "ears" this feature is much less common, and its main idea is to do without a headband or a rigid headband - in some cases, these design elements are redundant.

- Attachment to the neck. A feature that is found exclusively in wireless and combined models (see "Connection type") - and only earbuds and earbuds (see above). Both headphones in such models are connected to each other either with a regular wire with a thickened part, or with a special horseshoe-shaped hoop (a separate “ear” is connected to each end of such a hoop with a wire). In any case, when worn, such a wire or hoop is located at the back of the user's neck, which provides additional convenience: headphones removed from the ears (or dropped out) do not fall to the ground, but remain hanging on the mount. And in some models, special magnets are also provided, with which you can “stick” the headphones taken out of your ears to each other, turning the entire structure into a ring - this further reduces the risk of dropping the device.

- Possibility of folding. The earphones can be folded compactly for storage and transport. Note that this feature is indicated only for overhead models (see above) - earbuds headphones and earbuds are quite portable in themselves, there is no need to provide a special folding design for them.

- Swivel bowls. A design feature found in over-ear headphones (see above). Rotary in this case means bowls that, in the working position, can be rotated at a certain angle around the vertical axis. This allows the headphones to further adapt to the dimensions and shape of the user's head - which, in turn, increases comfort, especially when worn for a long time. On the other hand, the swivel mount somewhat complicates the design of the headphones, increases its cost and somewhat reduces reliability.

- Glasses. Headphones in the form factor of glasses. The sound of such models is transmitted either by directional speakers built into the temples, or directly to the inner ear by conduction through the bones of the skull. In addition to music, bone conduction glasses provide audibility of what is happening around.

- Headband. Headbands with built-in earphones. In a similar format, children's's models of headbands with bright prints of cartoon characters and fairy-tale characters are produced, as well as headbands for fans of a sports lifestyle. Headphones in such models are usually made removable, which allows you to wash the headband.

The length of the cable supplied with the headphones with the appropriate connectivity.

The optimal cable length depends on the planned format of the "ears". So, for pocket gadgets, 1 metre or less is often enough, for a computer it is already desirable to have a wire for 1 – 2 m, and preferably 2 – 3 m. And models with a longer cable length — 3 – 5 m or even more — are mainly designed for specific tasks, such as connecting to a TV or using in recording studios.

Recall that in some models the cable is removable (see below) and can be replaced if necessary with a longer or shorter one. Also note that there are extension cables that allow you to increase the length of the main wire; such a cable may even be included in the delivery, this point (and the length of the additional cable) is usually specified in the notes.

Impedance refers to the headphone's nominal resistance to AC current, such as an audio signal.

Other things being equal, a higher impedance reduces distortion, but requires a more powerful amplifier — otherwise the headphones simply will not be able to produce sufficient volume. Thus, the choice of resistance depends primarily on which signal source you plan to connect the "ears". So, for a portable gadget (smartphone, pocket player), an indicator of 16 ohms or less is considered optimal, 17 – 32 ohms is not bad. Higher values — 33 – 64 ohms and 65 – 96 ohms — will require quite powerful amplifiers, like those used in computers and televisions. And models with a resistance of 96 – 250 ohms and above are designed mainly for Hi-End audio equipment and professional use; for such cases, detailed recommendations for selection can be found in special sources.

The range of sound frequencies that headphones can reproduce.

The wider this range, the more fully the headphones reproduce the spectrum of sound frequencies, the lower the likelihood that too low or too high frequencies will be inaccessible. However, there are some nuances to consider here. First of all, let us remind you that the perceptual range of the human ear is on average from 16 Hz to 22 kHz, and for the complete picture it is enough for headphones to cover this range. However, modern models can significantly exceed these boundaries: in many devices the lower threshold does not exceed 15 Hz, or even 10 Hz, and the upper limit can reach 25 kHz, 30 kHz and even more. Such wide ranges in themselves do not provide practical advantages, but they usually indicate a high class of headphones, and are sometimes given only for advertising purposes.

The second important point is that a wide frequency range in itself is not a guarantee of good sound: sound quality also depends on a number of parameters, primarily the amplitude-frequency response of the headphones.

Rated headphone sensitivity. Technically, this is the volume at which they sound when a certain standard signal from the amplifier is connected to them. Thus, sensitivity is one of the parameters that determine the overall volume of the headphones: the higher it is, the louder the sound will be with the same input signal level and other things being equal. However, we must not forget that the volume level also depends on the resistance (impedance, see above); moreover, it is worth choosing “ears” for a specific device first by impedance, and only then by sensitivity. In this case, one parameter can be compensated for by another: for example, a model with high resistance and high sensitivity can work even on a relatively weak amplifier.

As for specific figures, headphones with indicators of 100 dB or less are designed mainly for use in a quiet environment (in some similar models, the sensitivity does not exceed 90 dB). For use on the street, in transport and other similar conditions, it is desirable to have more sensitive headphones — about 101 – 105 dB, or even 110 dB. And in some models, this figure can reach 116 – 120 dB. and even more.

It is also worth noting that this parameter is relevant only for a wired connection according to the analogue standard — for example, via a 3.5 mm mini-...jack. When using digital interfaces like USB and wireless channels like Bluetooth, the sound is processed in the built-in headphone converter, and if you plan to mainly use this kind of application, you can not pay much attention to sensitivity.

The type of sound emitters installed in the headphones. The type determines the principle of operation of emitters and some features of their design.

— Dynamic. The simplest type of emitters operating on the principle of an electromagnet. Due to the combination of low cost with quite decent performance, it is also the most common, especially among entry-level and mid-range headphones. Such an emitter consists of a magnet, a coil placed in its field, and a membrane attached to the coil. When an alternating current (signal) enters the coil, it begins to vibrate, transmitting vibrations to the membrane and creating sound. From an acoustic point of view, the main advantages of dynamic radiators are a wide frequency range and good volume, the disadvantage is a relatively high probability of distortion, especially with a worn membrane.

— Reinforcing. A peculiar modification of dynamic emitters (see the relevant paragraph), used mainly in high-end in-ear headphones. The basis of the design of such a radiator is a U-shaped metal plate. One of its ends is fixed motionless, the second, movable, is located between the poles of a permanent magnet, and a coil is wound around it (closer to the crossbar), through which the signal current passes. Vibrating under the action of this current, the movable part of the plate transmits vibrations to a rigid membrane, with which it is connected by a thin need...le. This technology allows you to achieve good volume and low distortion with a very small size of the earpiece itself. The disadvantages of reinforcing radiators, in addition to high cost, are uneven frequency response and a relatively narrow frequency range. However, in expensive headphones of this type, several emitters can be provided at once, including on a hybrid basis (see relevant paragraph).

— Hybrid. Hybrid devices are usually called devices that combine dynamic and reinforcing emitters. See above for more details on these varieties; and their combination is used to combine advantages and compensate for disadvantages. Usually, in such headphones there is only one dynamic emitter, it is responsible for low frequencies, and there can be several reinforcing ones, they share the midrange and high frequencies. This allows you to achieve a more uniform frequency response than in purely armature models, but it significantly affects the price.

— Planar. The design of emitters of this type includes two powerful permanent magnets, between which there is a thin film membrane. The shape of the headphones themselves can be either round (orthodynamic emitters) or rectangular (isodynamic). According to the principle of operation, such systems are similar to dynamic ones, with the adjustment for the fact that there is no coil in the design — its role is played by the membrane itself with applied conductive tracks, to which the audio signal is fed. Due to this, distortions associated with the uneven oscillations of the membrane are practically absent; in addition, the sound as a whole is clear and reliable, and the frequency response is uniform. The main disadvantages of planar magnetic headphones are high cost, increased requirements for signal quality, and rather large dimensions. In addition, they are somewhat inferior to dynamic ones in terms of volume and overall frequency range.

— Electrostatic. Like planar-magnetic (see the relevant paragraph), such emitters are designed according to the "sandwich" principle. However, the membrane in them is located not between the magnets, but between the metal grids, and is made of a very thin metallized film. An audio signal is connected to such a system in a special way, and the membrane begins to oscillate due to attraction and repulsion from the grids, creating sound. Electrostatic drivers achieve very high sound quality, low distortion, and high fidelity, but they are bulky, complex, and expensive to use. And it's not just the high cost of the headphones themselves — their operation requires additional matching amplifiers with a voltage range of hundreds or even thousands of volts, and such devices cost a lot, and have the appropriate dimensions.

The number of emitters installed in each individual earphone. Specified only for models with more than one emitter.

The meaning of this feature depends on the type of emitters (see above). So, in hybrid models, by definition, there are several — the frequency range is distributed between them, which has a positive effect on the frequency response. For the same purpose, several reinforcing radiators can be used. And with the traditional dynamic principle of operation, due to several emitters, the effect of surround sound can also be provided (see "Sound").

Anyway, "ears" with numerous emitters, other things being equal, will be more advanced, but also more expensive.

Among the equipment, it is worth highlighting silicone and polyurethane tips, relevant for in-ear headphones, additional fixation nozzles and behind-the- ear arms for better attachment in the ear, interchangeable ear pads, additional cable, dongle, aircraft adapter, case / case and docking station. There are also other accessories. More details about them:

- Silicone tips. Replaceable silicone tips used in in-ear headphones. Usually, several nozzles of different sizes are supplied in the kit, which allows you to adjust the headphones to a specific user. The practical advantages of silicone are softness, durability, general convenience and at the same time low cost.

- Polyurethane nozzles. Replacement tips for in-ear headphones made of foamed polyurethane. This material is somewhat more expensive than silicone, it requires regular cleaning and has a shorter service life - including due to deformation as it wears. On the other hand, polyurethane is ideal in terms of acoustics; it is these tips that are considered the best choice for lovers of in-ear “ears” with high-quality sound.

- Ear hooks. Removable devic...es designed to additionally secure each earpiece to the ear. Note that such devices should not be confused with behind-the-ear mounts (see above). The main difference is that the arms are used exclusively in some models of in-ear headphones and earbuds as an additional option. In other words, you can wear such headphones without a bow, while the behind-the-ear mount is usually made non-removable and, in principle, you can’t do without it.

— Nozzles of additional fixation. Auxiliary caps for a tighter fit of the in-ear headphones. They are used to provide better fixation of headphones during sports or provide additional volume to users with a large auricle.

- Replaceable ear pads. Comes with interchangeable ear tips. In general, the ear pads are the part with which the headphones come into contact with the listener's ears. In full-size and on-ear headphones, they are soft pads on the inside of the cups.

— Case (case) / cover. Covers are usually called soft rag bags, they protect the "ears" mainly from pollution and take up a minimum of space. Cases are made of hard materials, they are a little more bulky, but they protect well from shock, pressure and contact with sharp objects. In any case, the complete case or case is optimally suited for the headphones and is more convenient than an impromptu protective casing.

- Charging case. Case - a case made of hard material - simultaneously playing the role of a charger. This feature is very popular on true wireless models (see "Cable Type"). The charging case usually has its own battery and the headphones are already charged from this battery; this design provides additional convenience in several moments at once. Firstly, the case, in fact, also performs the function of a power bank - an autonomous power source; the capacity of such a “power bank” may be different, but it is usually enough for several full charges of the “ears” (for more details, see “Capacity of the case”). Secondly, the ability to charge the headphones directly in the case reduces the risk of losing them. Thirdly, the charging procedure itself is quite convenient - just connect the cable to the case.

- Dock station. Stationary stand with the possibility of placing headphones and contacts for charging them. Also, docking stations are often used to transfer the sound track to headphones - they are connected directly to the sound source via a wire, and the sound is transmitted to the ears wirelessly within a certain radius of action.

— Clip for carrying. A clip designed to fasten the wire to a pocket, collar, lapel of clothing, etc. It provides additional convenience: thanks to the clip, the wire does not hang out, the likelihood of touching it with careless movement or catching on the surrounding object is reduced.

- Additional cable. An additional cable provided in addition to the main one may have different features and specializations. So, complete cables can vary in length, connector type, wire type, additional equipment (microphone, volume control), etc. These details should be specified separately in each case. Here, we note that almost all headphones with this configuration have a detachable cable (it makes sense to supplement a non-detachable wire with an extension cable, and it is considered a separate accessory - see below).

- Extension. A type of additional cable designed solely to increase the overall length of the wire. Due to the extension cord, you can adjust the headphones to the specifics of the situation: for example, “build up” the cable if you need to switch from a laptop to a TV or a stationary audio system.

— Airplane adapter. Dedicated headphone adapter for use with modern airliner entertainment systems. In such systems, a special way of connecting headphones is used - through two 3.5 mm jacks (and we are talking about classic "ears", without a microphone). Models with a traditional single 3.5 mm plug can only be connected to this output through an adapter; such adapters may initially be included in the delivery.

- Windproof microphone. Devices in the form of a foam rubber or "shaggy" lining on the headphone microphone capsule. Cut off unnecessary ambient noise and minimize the effect of direct exposure to air currents on the microphone, which can cause interference in speech transmission.

— Dongle. The dongle is used to simplify the organization of connecting wireless headphones to other devices. In fact, this is a radio transmitter (less often a Bluetooth transmitter) that non-contactly broadcasts sound to headphones from a connected device.

This list is not exhaustive and may include other optional items.