Cost aside, how and where you plan on using your headphones will have a huge impact on determining the right headphone or earphone for you.
Where will you use your headphone? At home, on-the-go, in the car, on a plane, at the gym? These are just a few examples where you'll spot people plugging into their favorite recordings, games, performances and broadcasts. Once you have determined how you'll use your headphones, scan our chart and select the type of headphone that is right for you.
Knowing what kind of headphone you need is a great start then just click on the appropriate headphone category that fit your needs, and we’ll let an expert in this field ( HeadRoom ) tell you as much as they know (without boring you silly) about the various models of that type, and how to pick a real good one.
| Ear Bud
 Small earphones that nest in your outer ear. Eliminate the headband for ultra-lightweight comfort. Great for workouts, or any time that traveling light is critical, earbuds are one of the most popular types of headphones. From ten bucks to about one hundred. The earphones that came with your iPod fall in this category.
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| In Ear Monitor
 Tiny, expensive headphones that seal in your ear canal. Expensive is the operative term and yea - great sound. Found in recording studios and used by your favorite recording artist on tour.
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| Clip On - streetwise
 Hittin' the streets with your favorite recordings brings a whole new set of issues. Mainly looks. Streetwise headphones eliminate the conventional headband that goes over the head. Streetwise headphones may have a behind-the-head headband, or a clip that fits around the ear. Either way, they travel light and don't interfere with your hair or hat.
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| Portable Headphones
 The opposite of full size headphones, portable headphones are compact and lightweight. But lightweight doesn't mean they're light on sound. Many portable headphones feature elements that deliver impressive sound reproduction just like their full size big brothers. These can be folded (usually come in carrying case) with smaller flat pads that rest on your earlobes.
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| Full Size Headphones
 Full Size headphones are just that...full size. They tend to be larger and used in a single place. And whether that place is your home, office or studio, these headphones are generally required to deliver impressive sound performance and isolation. Since earpieces are larger cups with pads that go around your ear and they weigh more it is important to try these on for size - they can be uncomfortable after long use.
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| Wireless Headphones
 Wireless headphones eliminate the cord altogether. They can require a transmitter that must be connected to your source. Wireless headphones are available in different technological platforms. Including: Radio Frequency (RF) - transmits an RF signal through walls and ceilings. Infrared (IR) - transmits an IR signal within line sight of transmitter (much like your TV remote).
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| Sealed & Noise Canceling
 Noise cancellation headphones reduce surrounding, or ambient noise. There are two types of noise cancellation; active and passive. Active noise cancellation uses a powered circuit and miniature microphones to create "anti-wave" that cancels the noise at the ear. Passive noise cancellation uses the mechanical design and fit of the headphone to eliminate the ambient noise. Teh ear monitors use this approach.
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| Head Sets
 For when you need to talk back. Used mainly with cell phones or in offices.
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