Headphones

In order to find exactly the right pair of headphones, buyers should first know what they are going to be using them for - after all, there is an endless range of headphones out there that are designed for very specific applications. Luckily, Thomann's Headphones department has a selection of more than 1,000 products from this category, so customers are sure to find exactly the right ones to suit their needs.

Expert advice to find the right headphones

Those who want to take a deeper dive into the world of headphones can find extensive and detailed information in Thomann's online guide to headphones. And of course, the specialists from Thomann's Headphones department will be happy to provide help and assistance. You can contact them by telephone on +49 (0)9546-9223-33 or by e-mail at headphones@thomann.de. Should a pair of headphones turn out not to have been the right choice after all, Thomann offers a 30-Day Money-Back Guar­an­tee to ensure an easy and unbureaucratic return. What is more, Thomann also offers a 3-year warranty to make sure that its customers can enjoy their headphones for years to come, even if a defect should occur.

What types of headphones are there?

The Thomann store contains a wide selection of wireless headphones, which covers both Bluetooth and True Wireless models, many of them equipped with noise-cancelling technology. In-ear headphones for on-stage use and for private music enjoyment are also available, as are additional headphone types optimised for sport and even TV, and of course special headphones for children are available too. DJs have their own very specific requirements when it comes to headphones, as of course do drummers. And let us not forget headphone/microphone combinations, otherwise known as "headsets", which incorporate a microphone on an adjustable arm and are used, for example, in intercom applications. It also goes without saying that there are many all-round headphone models too, which are designed to capably cover several different applications.

Overview of the different headphone types

• Studio headphones|For signal monitoring in recording and mixing applications
• HiFi headphones|For listening to music, whether in one place or on the go
• Bluetooth headphones|Wireless headphones in a range of different designs
• True Wireless headphones|Earbuds/in-ears without cables and without interconnecting wires
• Noise-cancelling headphones|Headphones that automatically suppress outside noise, used for listening to music on the go
• In-ear headphones|Compact, wired headphones for use on stage, in the studio, and for listening to music
• TV headphones|Wireless headphones for watching television
• Sport headphones|In-ears with secure retention and sweat-resistant materials
• Headphones for children|Smaller-sized headphones with volume limitation
• DJ headphones|Headphones with a high level of sound insulation, usually with one earcup that can be swivelled outwards
• Drummer headphones|Headphones with a particularly high level of sound insulation
• Headphone/microphone combinations|Headphones with a connected microphone, e.g. for reporters
• Intercom headphone/microphone combinations|Headphones with a connected microphone, e.g. for use in purely intercom applications

How do headphones differ in terms of design?

A differentiation can be made in terms of how headphones are worn.

• Over-ear headphones (also known as "circumaural" headphones) are the classic design and feature two earcups and a headband. Advantage: Comfortable.
• On-ear headphones (also known as "supra-aural" headphones) feature smaller earcups, which sit on the ears rather than completely covering them. Advantage: Compact.
• In-ear headphones (also known as "earphones" or "earbuds") are inserted into the opening of the ear canal. Advantage: Very compact.

What other differences are there between headphones?

Ambient sound insulation and the elimination of noise interference play an important role: Closed-back headphones let in only a small amount of sound from the outside (and vice-versa); open-back headphones on the other hand let significantly more sound pass each way. The latter type are frequently more comfortable to wear over extended periods of time and also offer a few advantages in terms of sound. When it comes to larger headphone designs, buyers should consider whether they are foldable or whether they will require a lot of space during transport. The question of what accessories are included is also an important one.

And of course, there are also both wired and wireless headphones:

Should I buy wired or wireless headphones?

The question of whether users need headphones with a cable or whether wireless headphones would be better is a very common one - and one to which there is no single "correct" answer. There are several things to consider when comparing wireless vs. wired.

Wireless headphones:

• Convenience: High
• Only function with a certain number of sources
• Available quality: Can be very high, depending on the technology
• Additional functions: These are often numerous
• Operating life: Medium, since batteries are often not replaceable

Wired headphones

• Convenience: Cables can sometimes become a nuisance
• Can be operated with virtually any source
• Available quality: Maximum levels of quality possible
• Additional functions: Normally few or none at all
• Operating life: Long to very long

What must be considered when buying wireless headphones?

Users who opt for wireless headphones can choose between Bluetooth headphones, which are joined together by a headband or a cable, and True Wireless headphones - a prime example of which are the Apple Air Pods. Wireless headphones employ different transmission technologies, of which the so-called "aptX HD" technology is among the best.

What accessories are available for headphones?

First of all, separate headphone amplifiers are available, which almost inevitably sound better than the headphone amps with which devices come equipped. Many of these also come with special features - or simply have a large number of outputs for studio use. Replacement ear cushions and earpieces are available in different designs, as are a wide variety of cables and adapters. There are also numerous accessories available for storing headphones, including cases, carrying pouches, and headphone stands - all of which can be found at Thomann.

Who are the most important headphone manufacturers?

When the term "headphones" is mentioned, many people immediately think of brands like Sennheiser, Beyerdynamic, and AKG, and the likes of Shure, Audio-Technica, Ultrasone, Audeze, and Yamaha are also among the most well-known manufacturers. Numerous brands offer affordable entry-level headphones as well as sophisticated high-end models, and plenty of budget-friendly solutions are available from Thomann's in-house brand the t.bone as well as from Superlux and Behringer.