Is it time to buy headphones again? In a store, do you feel confused and don’t understand why prices for seemingly identical devices differ several times over? How to make the right choice and buy the best possible budget headphones? Of course, you can contact a consultant in the store, but everyone understands that sellers pursue their own goals.
What now, waste precious time and study technical literature? There is a solution! This article, written in clear human language, discusses all the main characteristics and also presents the best models based on your budget. Fantastic? No, see for yourself.
Principle of operation
We will not delve into the technical details; we will only briefly analyze the operating principle of the devices in question.
Sound has a wave nature, so the main element of the headphones is a sound emitter, which creates mechanical vibrations that are transmitted to the membrane and perceived by the eardrum. If sounds are transmitted through one emitter, such headphones will be called single-band, if through 2 or more - multi-band. In the latter case, each emitter is tuned to its own frequency range, resulting in higher quality sound. The signal to each cup can be transmitted either through one channel or through two or more, creating spatial sound.
Main characteristics
- Sensitivity – determines the volume of the output sound. Surely everyone has encountered the fact that at the same volume settings, some headphones produce louder sound than others. This means their sensitivity is higher. It is measured in decibels (dB).
- Power - the higher this parameter (measured in watts - W, mW), the richer the sound will be. However, more power puts a strain on the player's amplifier, so with more powerful devices the battery will drain faster. This is important to consider if you are going to listen to music outside the home, away from the mains.
- Resistance or impedance - affects the clarity of playback. Measured in ohms (ohms). Each amplifier has an optimal impedance range; for example, most portable devices are designed for impedance in the range from 16 to 32 ohms, so units of this impedance level are more suitable for smartphones. You can use headphones with a higher level, but this will drain the battery faster. Professional headphones, many of which cost several hundred dollars, have an impedance in the hundreds of ohms.
- Frequency range - the larger it is, the better quality sound you will get. The unit of measurement is hertz (Hz). The average figure is 18 Hz – 20 kHz.
- Distortion factor - measured as a percentage, the lower it is, the better. However, manufacturers rarely indicate this parameter.
Types of headphone designs
The design determines exactly how the devices will be positioned in your ear. This is a matter of convenience, habits and even lifestyle. Let's look at the main types.
- Invoices are the oldest type, one might say, a classic of the genre. Gadgets of this type are placed on the auricle and pressed against it. This creates a major disadvantage: the device puts pressure on the ears and causes discomfort when worn for a long time. You will also have to carefully choose your headdress.
- Full-size - these headphones fit tightly to the head and seem to wrap around the ears. Full-size units have the highest sound quality, they are comfortable, and high-quality materials are used in the design of the housing. Disadvantages: relatively high price, bulkiness and the need to select appropriate headgear.
- Earbuds are miniature devices that are inserted into the ear. This is the most common type today, and this is understandable: such an item is very comfortable to wear, they are inexpensive, however, the sound quality is not the best, reliable fixation is not ensured, the “pills” can fall out when moving, and extraneous noise can be heard. However, in some situations the latter is even a plus: with them you are unlikely to pass the required stop.
- Insertable (“plugs”) - these units also have a miniature size, they are located directly in the ear canal, the sound quality is higher than that of earbuds, they are better fixed and protect from external sounds. But they put a lot of stress on the hearing aid, do not allow the organs to breathe, which is especially important in the hot season, and require regular cleaning.
What else should you pay attention to?
- Acoustic design is determined by how the emitter is located in the cup: if it is hermetically closed from the outside, then this is a closed type. If there is fabric or other air-permeable material on the outside, it is open. In the latter option, the sound will be more spacious, but people around will also “enjoy” the sound. The same is true in the opposite direction: the closed type provides better protection from extraneous signals.
- Signal transmission method - wired or wireless. In the latter case, the signal travels via radio waves (Bluetooth, etc.) or using infrared radiation. Wireless headphones are more expensive than their wired counterparts in terms of sound quality.
- Plug – pay attention to which connector the playback device has, and purchase the appropriate headphones or purchase an adapter.
- The presence of a volume control on the headphones themselves will provide the ability to adjust this parameter without the participation of the main gadget.
- The material of the ear pads is the cushions directly adjacent to the ear. Various fabrics are used: both the cheapest materials and the most expensive. Comfort when using headphones directly depends on the quality of the material.
- Cable length depends on how the device is used. For example, if you plan to connect your headphones to your TV, the appropriate length of wire will ensure you are comfortable while watching movies and TV shows. A cable that is too long will cause discomfort when using devices outdoors.
What price can you buy good headphones for?
There are three price segments among wired headphones
- Inexpensive - up to $50. In this category there is either good sound or nice appearance. All at once – this is not about budget headphones. They will last a couple of years, but will not particularly please the owner.
- The average cost is from 50 to 300 $. This category is further divided into two: $50-150 and $150-300. Headphones from the first are suitable for an unassuming music lover, while those from the second are suitable for a more picky listener. Headphones with this price tag are made from higher quality materials and have a long service life.
- Expensive - from $300 to infinity. Such models are often unreasonably overpriced, mainly due to the well-known brand. Headphones from this price segment are characterized by excellent sound, ease of use and a pleasing design.
Top best headphones under 300 rubles
Remax RM-515
pros
- “soft” sound;
- Beautiful design;
- replaceable ear pads (3 tips included);
- have a microphone.
Minuses
- quiet bass;
- thin cable;
- inconvenient volume control.
From 299 ₽
Dialog ES-F57
pros
- 3 sizes of nozzles included;
- flexible, reliable cable;
- good sound insulation;
- multifunctional control button;
- have a microphone.
Minuses
- low sound quality.
From 180 ₽
Philips SHE1350
pros
- reliable L-shaped plug fastening.
Minuses
- poor sound insulation;
- low sound quality;
- short cable.
From 170 ₽
Note: More suitable for listening to audiobooks.
SmartBuy WOW
pros
- there is a function to start/end a conversation;
- wide selection of colors;
- price-quality ratio;
- have a microphone.
Minuses
- thin cable.
From 141 ₽
Rating of the best headphones under 500 rubles
Sony MDR-EX15LP
pros
- the presence of three replaceable ear pads;
- surround sound.
Minuses
- rattling when listening to high notes;
- poor sound insulation;
- the movement of the wire when walking is transmitted to the speaker.
From 500 ₽
HARPER HV-303
pros
- there is an attachment - the occipital arch;
- interesting design;
- good sound quality;
- have a microphone.
Minuses
- the wire is connected to one cup.
From 415 ₽
Note: Designed for sports use.
Philips SBCHL145
pros
- comfortable;
- good build quality.
Minuses
- no volume control;
- faint sound;
- The ear pads wear out quickly, there are no spare ones included.
From 440 ₽
Note: More suitable for home use due to quiet sound.
Panasonic RP-HS46
pros
- lightness and compactness;
- there is a mount;
- good sound quality.
Minuses
- poor sound insulation;
- thin cable.
From 410 ₽
Panasonic RP-HJE125
pros
- good sound insulation;
- price-quality ratio;
- comfortable.
Minuses
- unreliable design;
- poor sound insulation.
From 340 ₽
Bottom line
The best headphones according to the test results
The best headphones in the test based on the totality of their qualities:
- Creative EP 630
- Panasonic-HP-HJE120
- Philips SHE 3590
Worst headphones according to test results
The worst headphones in the test based on the totality of their qualities were:
- Watson KH-3121
- Maxell Ear Bud Plugz
- GAL MP 10
Having tested cheap vacuum headphones, we realized that this conclusion suggests itself. Those headphones that are intended for sale in a wide network really compete with each other and provide the best quality. Those models that are intended only for hypermarkets, there, first of all, attention is paid to packaging, and sound quality is a residual principle. According to the test results, the most successful models were Creative EP 630, Panasonic-HP-HJE120 and Philips SHE 3590. Author:
01/21/2013
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Rating of the best headphones under 1000 rubles
Philips SHP2500
pros
- high-quality reproduction;
- convenient temple adjuster;
- The kit includes an adapter for a TV.
Minuses
- not very good sound insulation;
- An amplifier is required to fully develop the sound.
From 990 ₽
Note: the power is higher than that of analogues - 500 mW, this model has proven itself excellent among gamers.
SVEN AP-940MV
pros
- soft ear pads and headband;
- “surround” sound;
- good sound insulation;
- Includes 2 connectors - for use with a mobile phone and for connecting to a TV;
- have a microphone.
Minuses
- unreliable design, requires careful handling.
From 775 ₽
Perfeo PF-BTF
pros
- can be used via Bluetooth, range is up to 10 m;
- have a microphone;
- good battery;
- There is a folding mechanism - convenient to carry.
Minuses
- average sound quality;
- inconvenient folding mechanism;
- microphone is of average quality.
From 656 ₽
Note: A2DP, Hands free profiles are supported.
SVEN SEB-26BK
pros
- the kit includes a case;
- 3 sets of ear pads of different diameters;
- price-quality ratio;
- Microphone with adapter available.
Minuses
- no volume control;
- not very good playback quality;
- poor sound insulation.
From 520 ₽
Sony MDR-ZX310
pros
- folding design;
- light and compact;
- high-quality assembly.
Minuses
- average playback quality;
- average level of sound insulation.
From 990 ₽
Note: ear pad material is artificial leather.
Samsung HS-1300
These are simple and compact in-ear headphones equipped with a microphone. The Korean manufacturer offers an affordable solution for not too demanding users who need a basic sound level.
The best headset under 500 rubles is equipped with good dynamic drivers with an impedance of 32 Ohms, due to which the sound is high-quality and quite loud. It will be so even when used in conjunction with a budget phone with a low power audio frequency amplification output stage.
A wide dynamic range combined with thoughtful ergonomics allows you to enjoy listening to your favorite songs. Electronic and hip-hop music sounds especially good. The cable has a remote control with a microphone and volume switches.
There are five color options for users to choose from, and the reliable cable reaches a length of 120 centimeters. A standard 3.5 mm jack is used to connect to a smartphone.
Rating of the best headphones under 2000 rubles
Sony MDR-XB50AP
pros
- excellent sound;
- good sound insulation;
- case and 4 pairs of replaceable ear pads included.
Minuses
- simple design;
- thin wire;
- There is no volume button.
From 1484 ₽
Philips SHL4600
pros
- convenient lightweight folding design;
- balanced sound;
- interesting design.
Minuses
- no volume control;
- thin wire;
- Bass is a little weak.
From 1000 ₽
Sennheiser CX 300-II
pros
- surround, atmospheric sound;
- quality materials;
- excellent sound insulation;
- There are 3 pairs of replaceable ear pads available.
Minuses
- very soft wires;
- no volume control.
From 1250 ₽
Note: these headphones have an asymmetrical wire; for some, such wires cause inconvenience.
JBL T110BT
pros
- can be used via Bluetooth, operating time - up to 6 hours;
- microUSB cable, neck lanyard, replaceable ear pads included;
- There is a light indicator for battery charging.
Minuses
- "flat" sound.
From 1476 ₽
Note: A2DP, AVRCP, Hands free, Headset profiles are supported.
Fischer Audio FA 768
Quite famous headphones, contrasted on forums not only with the Sennheiser CX300/400, but also with the IE 4. For some, the external similarity gives rise to the assumption that the sound will be similar.
The similarity ends with the shape of the headphones. The headphone wire is smooth, without a lock after the fork. The plug is made at 45 degrees. The set includes ear pads of three types of sizes. There is no tactile point to determine the left channel, the cambrics are a bit hard.
Sound-wise, it's a direct competitor to the Panasonic, with similarly bright highs. The bass level is sufficient. The scene is somewhat worse, lacking legibility and detail. Headphones can be classified as sibilative. RAA Report:
Test of technical characteristics of Fischer Audio FA 768
Overall sound rating - 3. Workmanship and equipment - 3.
Top best headphones under 3000 rubles
Sony MDR-ZX660AP
pros
- high sound quality;
- reliable L-shaped plug;
- rotating design;
- have a microphone.
Minuses
- average sound insulation.
From 2489 ₽
Note: Maximum power is 1000 mW.
Audio-Technica ATH-M20x
pros
- high sound quality;
- good sound insulation;
- long durable wire;
- The kit includes a 6.3 mm adapter.
Minuses
- hard, putting a lot of pressure on the head;
- inconvenient to carry due to the long wire and static design;
- The wires between the cups are not hidden inside, but pass outside.
From 2989 ₽
Note: Maximum power is 700 mW.
Sony MDR-ZX220BT
pros
- can be used via Bluetooth, operating time - up to 8 hours;
- NFC support;
- long durable wire;
- give a high volume level;
- have a microphone;
- USB charging cable included.
Minuses
- wire missing;
- do not work while charging;
- "flat" sound.
From 2200 ₽
Philips SHE 3590
Headphones whose appearance cannot be attributed to a certain price category. The quality of workmanship is at a high level. Like most, there is no tactile point on the left channel and a wire lock after the fork.
The equipment is standard, including three pairs of interchangeable nozzles of different sizes.
The sound of the headphones emphasizes the upper bass and has an emphasis in the high frequencies. High frequencies can be described as good for this class of headphones. Scene intelligibility is good. RAA Report:
Test of technical characteristics of Philips SHE 3590
Overall sound rating - 4. Workmanship and equipment - 4.
Rating of the best headphones under 5000 rubles
Pioneer SE-MJ553BT
pros
- work via Bluetooth, operating time up to 15 hours, range - up to 10 m;
- high-quality reproduction;
- multifunctional control (Multipoint);
- have a microphone.
Minuses
- there is no wire, there is no possibility of a wired connection;
- do not work while charging.
From 3590 ₽
Samsung EO-BG950 U Flex
pros
- work via Bluetooth, operating time up to 10 hours;
- multifunctional control (Multipoint);
- folding;
- 3 pairs of replaceable ear pads and USB cable included;
- have a microphone.
Minuses
- weak sound;
- low level of sound insulation.
From 3450 ₽
Note: A2DP, AVRCP, Hands free profiles are supported.
Beats EP On-Ear
pros
- excellent sound and noise insulation;
- multifunctional management;
- reliable;
- have a microphone;
- case included.
Minuses
- no replacement cable.
From 4999 ₽
Plantronics BackBeat FIT
pros
- work via Bluetooth, range up to 10 m;
- comfortable, hold well;
- convenient control;
- have a microphone.
Minuses
- low sound quality.
From 4990 ₽
Note: A2DP, AVRCP, Hands free, Headset profiles are supported.
Razer Hammerhead v2
pros
- high sound quality;
- good sound insulation;
- have a microphone;
- PC adapter included.
Minuses
- not found.
From 4890 ₽
Marshall Major II
pros
- rich sound;
- compact;
- removable cable, there is protection against bending of the wire;
- have a microphone.
Minuses
- tight headband;
- look cheap.
From 3870 ₽
Top best headphones under 6,000 rubles
Pioneer HDJ-700
pros
- clear sound;
- swivel cups;
- 2 cables included: 1.2 m (twisted), 1 m (straight);
- 6.3 mm adapter included.
Minuses
- not found.
From 5800 ₽
Audio-Technica ATH-M40x
pros
- excellent sound and noise insulation;
- high quality materials;
- 2 cables included: 1.2 - 3 m (twisted), 3 m (straight);
- 6.3mm adapter and storage case included.
Minuses
- relatively heavy weight.
From 5670 ₽
Sony MDR-XB950AP
pros
- excellent sound and noise insulation;
- reliable and convenient;
- have a microphone.
Minuses
- just one button on the control panel;
- thin cable.
From 5000 ₽
Marshall Mode EQ
pros
- high-quality sound;
- Beautiful design;
- convenient control;
- have a microphone;
- 4 pairs of ear pads included.
Minuses
- hard wires.
From 5000 ₽
Angry Birds
The Angry Birds headphones are one of the largest headphones in the test, which is caused more by the large area for the picture with the bird than by the sound characteristics.
The dark green headphone wire gives a strong association with the wire from a Christmas tree garland. There were no complaints about the quality of workmanship.
The sound of the headphones is comfortable, the highs are not accentuated. Mid frequencies are slightly dominant. The detail of the headphones is at an average level. RAA Report:
Angry Birds Technical Performance Test
Overall sound rating: 3.5. Workmanship and equipment – 4.
A couple of important tips
An important point: if possible, be sure to try on the headphones, it is advisable to stay in them for some time to understand whether the design suits you, and also do a test - listen to music.
If your budget is limited, setting your priorities correctly will help you make the right choice. Think about the conditions in which you will most often use headphones and what is most important to you. Maybe you only plan to watch movies at home, in which case you can neglect good noise insulation, but for complete comfort you need a wireless connection. Of course, headphones for 300 or 500 rubles will not have the same quality and set of functions as devices in the price range from 1000 to 1500 rubles and above, but there is plenty to choose from.
We wish you successful shopping, let our review become a reliable assistant and guide in the vast world of technology.
Creative EP 600
The headphone model is made well, the only remark can be made only about the cable, it is not elastic. The cable is smooth, which minimizes microphone effects.
There is no tactile point for the left channel, and there is no cable lock.
The headphones emphasize high frequencies, the overall sound can be described as ringing and cold. The headphones have practically no sibilance. Scene detail and legibility are at a good level. The level of low frequencies is at an average level. RAA Report:
Creative EP 600 technical performance test
Overall sound rating: 3.5. Workmanship and equipment – 4.
