Bluetooth headphones what is it

Tired of wires? Decided that in this age it's time to get rid of them? Or just became the owner of a new smartphone without the usual headphone jack? Whatever it is, Dr.Head will tell you what to look for when choosing wireless headphones.

Guide: how to choose wireless headphones for your smartphone

Your new smartphone doesn't have the usual headphone jack? Or are you just tired of tangling and breaking cables? It's time to try wireless headphones, and in this article, we'll tell you what you should look for to stay happy with your purchase.

In this short guide, we focus on the features of wireless headphones. We also recommend checking out our material with general information on the types, kinds, and characteristics of headphones.

Dear reader! We're glad you're not intimidated by longreads and that you read our articles and leave comments. As a thank you, we'll give you a BLOG promo code that will give you a 5% discount on everything except promotional items and products of certain brands.

Wireless headphones can work using different technologies, but as a headset for your smartphone today only Bluetooth models are relevant. They do not need any additional accessories – Bluetooth-module is in any smartphone for iOS or Android.

Checklist for specifications

Bluetooth Version

The newest models support the 5.2 standard, but you can still find headphones with Bluetooth version 4.0 on sale. As the technology develops, data transfer speeds increase and power consumption decreases, but the version of the standard itself has no effect on the sound. It was announced that version 5.2 would bring LE Audio support with the new LC3 codec to replace the standard SBC codec, but this codec is still not available at this time. The important thing is that it will use the version that is supported by both the headphones and the phone.

Codecs

Similar to the Bluetooth version, it is important for the codec to work that not only the headphones but also the phone support it. The standard codec for all Bluetooth devices as of early 2022 is still SBC. It is commonly berated, but with the right implementation it can sound good. For iPhone users, only one more advanced alternative is available: AAC. Android smartphones also support AAC, but performance with this codec differs from device to device and can be worse than with SBC. But Android users have support for the aptX family of codecs, LDAC from Sony, and a number of less popular codecs with higher bitrates. However, all of them are still lossy – "with losses". Qualcomm has announced work on aptX Lossless, but it is still not clear when it will be available and in which devices.

We advise to read our detailed breakdown of this topic. And here we'll limit ourselves to a brief excerpt: "Wireless technology should not be the main factor when choosing an audio device. Don't automatically write off headphones with not the latest version of Bluetooth or with only the SBC codec – they may sound better or be more comfortable than their competitors."

Operating Time / Battery

The longer the runtime, the less often you need to remember to charge your device. A larger case accommodates larger batteries, so full-size headphones tend to have a higher battery life. At the same time, TWS headphones come with charging cases that increase their battery life. Today's models increasingly have fast and wireless charging features that increase usability.

What are they?

A Bluetooth headset for your phone is A type of accessory for mobile devices with a built-in microphone and speaker for listening to the interlocutor. The device is attached to a special clip worn on the ear, or in the form of an earmold, mono or stereo version. Some headsets are exclusively one-way, have a special shape that allows you to vary the position of the microphone, They are mainly used by those who need to communicate a lot and often on the phone.

Wireless headphones with a microphone – a kind of headset, but they can be used in addition to listen to music and other media content.

The design also varies: from full-size models with large overhead cups to miniature earmuffs with a neckband. In any case, a Bluetooth headset always has a wireless module, through which it establishes a connection with a smartphone, tablet. There are also controls in the kit, through which calls are received.

How it works

Wireless connection is quite actively used in modern mobile devices. Bluetooth headset works to receive and transmit a signal on a separate channel. An external device (smartphone, tablet, laptop) is acting as a transmitter, in which the corresponding module is installed. It performs the main role of the transceiver.

The headset has a Bluetooth receiver that picks up the radio wave. To work successfully such a device requires its own cell battery – a battery that is placed in its body itself or in a special neck strap. Unlike a phone, once the headphones are turned on, their Bluetooth module remains active for the duration of operation. In standby mode the power consumption is minimal, in the active phase of use the headset can work for a limited period of time.

Bluetooth connection is similar to radio signal reception, but its working range is significantly less: from 2 to 10 m from the transmitting device. It is distinguished by higher signal quality, connection stability, resistance to interference. In addition, headsets, working on the Bluetooth protocol, are truly mobile and compact. It is worth adding that Data transfer takes place via an encrypted channel, requires pairing with the main device.

TWS-headsets . Similar to a normal Bluetooth headset, they do not have a wired connection. True Wireless Stereo (that's how the name of the technology stands) provides complete independence from cables. Even these devices are charged by placing them in a special case. It itself serves as a powerbank, and, powered by a cable, can provide up to 3-4 recharges for the headset without any wired connection, due to the already stored energy.

What comes with the headphones

Manufacturers are ready to offer models with different characteristics. The standard package to wireless headphones includes a list of necessary devices and documentation necessary for the stable operation of the device. But the original and most popular models are not designed for android.

Important. It is required to use only original chargers and additional accessories for the headphones. Unsuitable products can disable the product.

• Wireless headphones. In the case of full-size models, the products are compactly folded and securely packaged. The headset itself may be equipped with a built-in microphone.
• A protective case for proper storage of the headset. It is most often made of safe plastic. You can also find special fabric-based cases.
• The charger needed to maintain the autonomous operation of the headphones. Depending on the type of model, there are different devices for charging. Often a cable with a connector that connects to a power supply or computer via USB is used.
• Specialized documentation should be in every set. The manufacturer must provide its products with the rules of operation, as well as instructions for use. In order to preserve the warranty, the store receipt is enclosed. In the case of a breakdown, you can use a brochure with a list of service centers.
• A CD with the necessary software that may be needed when connecting to a desktop computer.
• In-canal products come with earmolds in a variety of sizes. This allows you to find the right fit for your needs.

How they charge

The wireless headphones are equipped with rechargeable batteries that need to be recharged periodically.

Warning. During charging, follow the manufacturer's advice. It is required to provide the necessary level of charge and do not allow a complete discharge in order not to damage the product.

The charging principle in all models is similar, but there are certain features. To maintain the performance of the device, you should connect the headphones with a cable to the power supply. Charging is carried out using a 220 V mains supply or low-current systems from the USB connector. Most models should be charged for no more than 3 hours. Many manufacturers use a light indication which indicates the level of charge. To decipher the signals, the manufacturers' instructions will help.

To keep the battery in working order, you need to charge it properly. It is necessary to avoid complete discharge. This can lead to a loss of battery capacity and therefore a shortening of battery life. Lack of full charge may provoke failure of the charge controller. Depending on the type of battery, it may take several cycles before the product is fully discharged. It may take several cycles. This information is indicated by the manufacturer in the documentation.

Functionality of Bluetooth headphones

So that you know exactly what wireless headphones to choose in the store, consider what they can do and how they can differ.

1. Noise cancellation: This is active and is achieved by the technical characteristics. As well as passive, which provides the design and materials of the gadget, such as silicone pads. So, in the product filter, put a tick in the "active noise cancellation system" section. You can also always consult a consultant.
2. Moisture and sweat protection. Do not forget that it will not be on the full-size.
3. Replaceable ear cushions– pads. There can be several pairs of different sizes so that everyone can find a comfortable one for themselves. This applies to in-canal cushions.
4. run time on a single charge.. It varies from four to 20+ hours.
5. Presence of microphone. It will provide good sound when talking. The criterion is important to consider when choosing a device for work or gaming.
6. Volume control. Built-in will make using the device more comfortable.
7. Support for touch control and voice commands. Also makes your job easier.
8. Frequency range. In general, a coverage of 20 to 20,000 Hz is sufficient for good sound, such is perceived by the human ear. Advanced models can be from 5 to 60,000 Hz.
9. Ability to connect a cable. Comes in handy in case the charge runs out at the most inopportune moment.
10. Weight. For overhead and full-size should be 200-300 grams, otherwise the headphones can put pressure on your head.
11. Device search function. Relevant for the in-canal type. It will help you find your headphones if you have them stashed somewhere.
12. Bluetooth version. The newer, the better the sound quality. But it has to match your device. So, if your headphones support Bluetooth 5.0 and your phone or laptop supports 4.0, then the connection will also transmit Bluetooth 4.0 quality sound.

The cost of the gadget

Wireless headphones intrachannel type can be purchased at a price of 1500 rubles. And the device will support Bluetooth 5.0, have interchangeable ear cushions and work continuously up to four hours. This is quite a good option for those who just want to listen to music on the road or at the gym. These inexpensive models will not have active noise cancellation and moisture protection, and there may not be a microphone either.

In the range from 5000 to 10,000 rubles you can buy more functional in-channel or overhead models, including those with a radio channel. Among the advantages: active noise cancellation, moisture protection, microphone and a number of others.

From 10,000 rubles onwards, the functionality of the models will expand. Up to the presence of position sensors: for example, music is paused when the device is removed. The price can reach 50 000 rubles. Of course, even for permanent work with calls such a price is unlikely to be justified. This option is relevant for professional gamers, fans of the brand-manufacturer, design connoisseurs and music lovers.

If you want to make a gift to yourself or a loved one, without being limited in choice and price, you can always use the card "Halva" from Sovcombank. Go to the store now.

10 main mistakes when choosing wireless headphones

Wireless headphones today are not just an opportunity to have a good time, but rather a pressing need. That is why they come out and are sold in some crazy quantities. That is, almost everyone needs them, but how to choose them correctly, especially if there is no opportunity to physically touch them, is completely unclear. Therefore, based on my own experience, I decided to give you a small list of things to pay attention to and mistakes, which are often made by audiophiles because of ignorance or because of advertising tricks.

1. Protection from Water

The first thing that the manufacturer always offers us is a list of their main characteristics. And many are based on this, making a choice in the direction of a particular model. But I suggest to be wiser and pay attention to the information that is not on this list. Especially with regard to protection against water. One way or another we are faced with moisture. It happens during serious training, by inattention, for example, in the toilet, or by your own unwillingness to take off the headphones in the shower or in the rain. Of course, there are unscrupulous manufacturers, but if it is more or less a brand, it will be written exactly what these headphones can really do. In this case, pay attention to their degree of protection against water and think about how you plan to use them. In my experience, the degree of protection IPX5 will be enough for the vast majority of audiophiles, more is better.

2. type of headphones

Then you need to think about the type of headphones. There are many options now, and all have their advantages and disadvantages. For example, full-size headphones look great, but are completely uncomfortable for the street. Not only do they look a little ridiculous, but also that there is no place to put them. You have to additionally wear a backpack and a case, which in this day and age of mobility is completely unacceptable. But there is a big driver inside, but about that a little later. In the case of small headphones, you can choose in-canal (aka earplugs) or earmolds, and in this case the TWS option or with a wired connection of the cups to each other. Frankly speaking, there is almost no point in a corded solution today. As a rule, it is already outdated models, and therefore without modern technologies and codecs. Well, the difference between earmolds and in-canal solutions should be based on the scenarios for their use. If you're out riding a scooter, biking, rollerblading, walking in public places, or with children, it's important that you can hear what's going on around you, and earmolds are the only way to do that. But if you need to turn off the rest of the world and focus on your music or task then ear buds will do it better than earphones.

What problems can arise with headphones?

The most popular problem is the inability to connect. The most popular reason is that users simply forget to activate pairing mode and try to find the brand/model in the smartphone to no avail.

Please note: Pairing mode only works for a short time. If no connections to other devices are made, it may turn off. Always look at the light indicator, it will help you understand exactly what state the headphones are in now.

Another unpleasant thing can happen: the headphones will work quietly. We have already told you why this can happen and how to fix it yourself in our article.

Now you know how wireless headphones for the phone, TV and computer work. But we have more a few more interesting topics:

Design

Like traditional models, wireless headphones for the phone come in internal and external categories. The first category includes compact devices that fit in the ear. They are more comfortable because they don't restrict the user's movements and are great even for sports. At the same time, they often provide lower-quality sound and run out of power faster because of the smaller battery.

External headphones are larger, they fit over the ears and are fixed with a hoop. Consequently, they are less comfortable, but win in terms of battery life. The sound quality of external headphones is usually better.

Battery life

One of the most important characteristics when choosing wireless headphones is the time that they can be used without recharging. Therefore, before buying, pay attention to the number of hours of battery life indicated by the manufacturer or the store.

Taking all of the above into account, external headphones connected via Bluetooth of the latest versions work longer than others. On average, they can withstand about 12-20 hours of battery life.

Microphone

If you are going to not only listen to music, but also communicate with the headphones via cellular or the Internet, they must have a microphone. If you want to control what sounds will go into it, buy headphones with a moveable microphone. That way it can be moved to the side when necessary.

Protect from outside noise

To ensure that extraneous noise doesn't spoil the experience with headphones, choose a model with improved sound isolation. Vacuum-type in-ear headphones and external closed-ear headphones tightly seal the ear canal, so they are the best protection against outside sounds.

Audio Parameters

Let's take a look at the main physical characteristics that affect sound.

Frequency range Determines how much of the sound spectrum a pair of headphones can reproduce. The human ear recognizes sounds between 20 and 20,000 Hz. Choose wireless headphones for your phone that fully encompass these frames, then they will reproduce all the sounds available to your ear.

The sensitivity of the headphones – is their volume. To keep the headphones from being too quiet, choose models with a sensitivity of 95 dB or more. But don't forget that listening to music at too high a volume causes permanent hearing loss.

Resistance (impedance) affects overall sound quality and volume. For most portable devices, headphones with an impedance of 16 to 32 ohms will be optimal. For home equipment, headphones with higher impedance are better suited.

Battery life/battery life

At first sight it seems obvious – the longer the battery life the less you need to remember to charge the device and the less the chance that you suddenly find yourself without the sound you hoped for.

Of course, a higher capacity battery can be placed in larger models. Thus, full-size wireless headphones today can boast a runtime of up to 100 hours without recharging, while wireless in-ear headphones will last up to 10 hours on average. In the case of the TWS models, the runtime can be as little as 3-6 hours. However, there are a couple of nuances that are worth paying attention to:

• Full-size and over-the-ear headphones often come with a cable with which they can be used as regular wired headphones if the battery runs out.
• True Wireless headphones come with special cases that are used not only for storage, but also for recharging. That is, you will always have a Power Bank for headphones. In different models from the case you can get another 2-4 full charging. Thus, they can work for dozens of hours, but with small pauses to recharge in the case.

Additional features / what else to look for

• Headset. The vast majority of wireless headphones have the ability to answer calls, but the quality of communication may vary depending on the location and number of microphones and additional technology (noise cancellation).
• Active Noise Cancellation System. Through external microphones drowns out ambient noise, allowing you to listen to music at a lower volume in noisy environments. In addition, there is also a reverse mode ("transparent"), which allows external sound to pass through, turning the headphones from closed to open (can be useful when training in the city, when riding a bicycle, etc.). Active "noise modulation" – it is modern and convenient, but for its work will have to pay for the battery, which "lasts" a few hours less.
• Controls. Can be touch, push-button or combined – pay attention to its convenience and the functions available for control.
• A smartphone app with control and customization options.
• Support for voice assistants / voice control (using Google Assistant, Siri or Alexa).
• Quick connection to the source. One-touch connection is possible when both the headphones and the device support NFC technology. Users of Apple products received similar functionality from headphones with the Apple W1 chip – currently, it is found only in their new models.
• Sweat/moisture protection – common in sports models, but increasingly common in regular models as well. It is specified in the IPXX format. Read our in-depth article on the subject: "IP dust and moisture protection grades: a detailed guide".
• Built-in memory / MP3 player – Occasionally found in both full-size models and compact sports models (e.g. waterproof headphone-players for swimming).

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