Earbuds Headphones

Compared to full-sized headphones, earbuds are smaller and easier to carry around in your pocket. They are also more comfortable for extended wear since they do not have cups that press down on the ears. While they have small sound drivers, some in-ear headphones deliver high-quality audio comparable to bigger models. You can find a wide selection of these lightweight headphones at Staples® so you can listen to your tunes on the go.

Choose From Different Styles of Earbuds
In-ear headphones are available in different designs. In addition to regular models made of two buds joined by an audio cable, there are also around-ear and collar models. Around-ear units have plastic guides that clip them in place. Each guide slips over an ear and anchors the buds across the back of the ear. Choose a pair of around-ear headphones if you are looking for earphones to wear while running or working out. Collar headphones can also keep buds in place while walking or running. These have ergonomic neckbands that house the audio cables for the buds.

Besides physical design, you can also classify in-ear headphones by connectivity. While wired earphones are more popular, wireless models offer certain clear benefits. Most wireless headphones use Bluetooth® for audio streaming and have built-in batteries to power them. Bluetooth earbuds provide wireless freedom by reducing cable clutter. They are ideal as sports headphones since there are no cables to get in the way of moving arms or exercise equipment. Users can also keep their smartphones and portable media players close without having to hold them while listening with Bluetooth headphones.

Key Features to Consider When Comparing Earbuds
Features to look for when shopping for in-ear headphones include comfort, fit, passive sound isolation, and sound quality. A good pair of earphones balances comfort and fit. Its buds have to be the right size to minimize discomfort and stay locked in ear canals. To make them comfortable, manufacturers use soft gel, foam pads, and canal tips and may also provide different sizes of buds with their earphones. Soft around-ear guides and wing tips prevent buds from falling out while also making them comfortable to wear.

A pair of in-ear headphones that fits snugly in the ear canals will block out most ambient noise. This passive noise reduction is important to enjoying your music without having to raise the volume too high. For excellent sound quality, look for earphones with multiple well-tuned drivers that deliver pristine acoustics even at high volume.

Are There Noise Cancelling Earbuds?
Yes. There are in-ear headphones with active noise-cancelling features. Unlike passive sound isolation, these earphones pick up outside noise and then generate equal but opposite sound signals to counteract ambient noise. The result is a deeper sound isolation than what you get from headphones that only rely on making tight seals in ear canals.

Should You Get Sweat-Resistant Earbuds?
Pick a pair of sweat-resistant in-ear headphones if you intend to take your earphones to the gym or out on runs. Moisture resistance is an important feature to look for in sports headphones as it extends their life.

Do All Earbuds Have In-Line Remotes?
No. Models with in-line controls usually have built-in microphones. This means you can answer calls with such earphones and also control volume and music playback from the in-line remotes.