Noise Cancelling Earbuds or Headsets - Which Should You Choose?
Chances are, if you're new to the world of active noise cancelling audio equipment, I'm sure you'll be confused between noise cancelling earbuds or headphones. I don't mean in terms of form factor. I'm sure you know how "different" they can look. But rather, on the functionality between the noise cancelling earbuds and the headphones. Why makes one better than another so much so that you get one over the other?
Noise Cancelling Earbuds Are In-The-Ear Headphones
Yes, noise cancelling earbuds are actually in-the-ear headphones. Basically in the realm of noise cancelling headphones, there are mainly 3 different terms used to describe the form factors of headphones : around-the-ear, on-the-ear and in-the-ear.
Around-the-ear headsets uses 2 oval shaped, large and heavily padded oval ear cups that completely cover your ear. The materials used are further dampens loud external noises that cannot be totally eradicated using active noise cancelling technology.
Because of this, around the ear phones are tend to be better choices as compared to noise cancelling ear buds or on-the-ear headphones if you're looking for something that's great in cancelling noise. However, as they tend to be larger and bulkier, they may not necessary be popular choices. Especially with the ladies or the more fashion conscientious, who are afraid of messing up their hair. Ha ha!
That's why noise cancelling ear buds, or in-the-ear headphones come into the picture. They're portable and less cumblesome. However, as such noise cancelling earbuds rest within your ear canal, people may find them uncomfortable. Especially after wearing them for long periods of time. And because of the lack of materials on the outset to block out external noises, their noise cancelling capability is slightly compromised.
A cross between the two is the on-the-ear phones. Their oval ear cups are positioned directly on the ears and provide a good balance of asethetics, portability and good noise cancellation. Because of their smaller ear cups, they're also much comfortable for sleeping as compared to the larger headsets.
So which should you choose? An around-the-ear, on-the-ear headset or noise cancelling earbuds? In my opinion, that's largely dependent on how you weight the importance of criteria such as noise cancelling capability, portability, aesthetics or comfort.
Regardless of which, do remember to check out some discount noise cancelling earbuds in our store before you leave!