The guide to headband headphones: technologies and best models

Today we are going to talk about some specific types, headband headphones. There was a time when it was not exactly common to use them outside the home, but that has changed radically. Now, even when traveling, users use them often. We show models suitable for this purpose, because they can provide a good user experience and provide excellent sound quality. We even show you the recommended model because it does not have much weight.

In addition, the sound quality has absolutely nothing to do with the in-ear . Not to mention another factor that makes the difference: the ability to isolate the user from external noise . We are not talking about noise cancellation technologies, since models that offer good performance have a fairly high price, but about the advantage of their pads, which isolate much more than a true wireless model.

Must-Have Features

Before buying headband headphones, we consider a series of essential issues that you have to take into account before clicking ‘Buy’. Therefore, we present a series of questions to assess:

• Weight . The dimensions depend largely on the design of each of the headband headphones. It must be below 250 grams so that its use in long durations is comfortable.
• HiFi sound . It offers Hi-Fi sound, and speaks volumes about how faithful it is to the original . The higher this is, the experience you have is much better. To achieve this, both the recording that has been made and the electronic components involved in the playback must be taken into account, and this is where it is key to have Hi-Fi headphones to achieve the closest possible approximation.
• Impedance. Other details to check is that the impedance is adequate, for example 32 ohms or similar is something that ensures good quality.
• Autonomy. Another key is autonomy, the longer it is, the better. A minimum figure should be about 12 hours as this is a time that ensures that even transoceanic travel is covered.
• Playback control. If you have it, this way you avoid having to take out your smartphone to play a song or stop playback.
• Sound quality . That the frequencies are 20 – 20,000 Hz and that the diaphragms of the speakers are 30 millimeters, you can be more or less sure of getting a fairly correct definition with all kinds of content.
• Noise cancellation . The difference between a model that has a noise cancellation system and one that does not is remarkable. Until you try it, you don’t notice the difference, but once you have a device of this type, you don’t want to change it. And it is that, the feeling of immersion that you get with a device of this type, is priceless.
• Bluetooth. The fact is that, if the choice is a wireless model, the ideal is that version 4.0 or higher is offered and if aptX compatibility is included, all the better.
• Ergonomics. Something that can be known by knowing the foam finish of each of the elements that make up the Hi-Fi headphones we are talking about. In addition, it is not a bad idea at all, and it is even required, that at least one microphone be included to use them as hands-free if so decided.
• Fast charging . The “fast charge” label is very fashionable, but we must make sure that it really refers to the capacity it promises. With many different makes and models, charging standards can be very different. However, we must take as a reference something that can be considered as the starting point to consider that headband headphones have fast charging. Each manufacturer sells this concept differently, but if with 10 minutes of charging, we can achieve more than an hour of autonomy, we can say that fast charging is real.
• Usability. Once you have experience using headphones that are wireless, one thing becomes very clear. And this is that the inclusion of controls in some of the final cups of the headband includes remote controls, in this way you can manage everything, including the volume, without having to take your smartphone or tablet out of your pocket or backpack. This is basic.
• voice assistant. Although we could consider it as an extra, the truth is that it is very comfortable. In this way, we can ask the assistant for information, answer or make calls with a simple voice command and without having to manipulate the phone or the headphones at any time.
• NFC. The inclusion of this technology requires the integration of its own chip, which is the one that emits and receives the information when carrying out the pairing process. What is achieved with NFC is that simply by bringing a compatible device (for example, a smartphone or tablet) closer, it is detected and a message is sent so that the synchronization is carried out using Bluetooth. That is, you simply have to click on accept to complete everything. Simpler impossible.

Noise cancellation: fundamental aspect

First of all, what you have to check in the documentation of the device you intend to buy is the type of noise cancellation that is offered . The models that offer the so-called passive , which is the one that is executed with external elements such as the foam that covers each sound element, are the ones that offer the best quality. We also find the active one, but it is not the same. Below we explain the differences between one type of cancellation and another.

It is quite interesting that the accessory that is purchased has a button that allows you to manage the cancellation that is used, either to activate or remove it (and even to establish the power with which it acts). If this is accompanied by others that allow you to control reproductions, the ease of use achieved is high, and very positive.

passive noise cancellation

It can also be referred to as noise reduction or noise isolation. They are those headphones that use their own materials and shapes to achieve isolation from the noise of our environment. However, they do not include their own technologies in the microphone or built-in microphones that have been designed for this purpose, to eliminate noise that can interfere with the clarity when listening to music and the clarity of our calls.

Active noise cancellation

On the other hand, we have active noise cancellation or elimination, which is the one that is supported by different technologies that allow them to do exactly that, block or eliminate ambient sounds to prevent them from reaching our ears or that our voices are clear.

In this case, the microphones themselves are able to listen to the ambient noise frequencies to electronically generate exactly opposite sound frequencies. When both waves collide with each other, the noise is automatically removed.

HiFi models

Sound fidelity at its best. That’s why we bring you a couple of models with lossless Hi-Fi sound to enjoy top-of-the-range sound.

Srhythm NC75 Pro

Another model that is wireless and, in this case, its autonomy reaches a spectacular 40 hours . Compatible with aptX, it has something that makes it special and striking: it includes active noise cancellation, so nothing from the outside will bother you with these Hi-Fi headphones on. Its 40-millimeter drivers ensure good definition.

Avantree Audition Pro

Little or nothing is missing from this model to be a more than good solution for all types of users. It includes an NFC chip so that synchronization with devices such as smartphones is very simple, and the autonomy it allows when using Bluetooth reaches 40 hours. Its audio delay is very low, since it is a maximum of 40 milliseconds.

Bluetooth but with 3.5mm jack (wired)

And the cable is not dead. The 3.5mm jack is still very common in all kinds of current models, as manufacturers continue to make devices and tablets with this type of connection. So let’s also see some of these models:

Jabra Elite 85h

The Jabra Elite 85h are wireless Over-Ear headphones that have an active noise cancellation system to prevent any noise from around us from spoiling a high-quality sound experience and a long-lasting battery, up to 41 hours of autonomy. They have built-in microphones to be able to use them in hands-free mode, they are resistant to water and dust and have a 3.5 mm Jack.

Steel Series Arctis 7

In this case, it is a headband type headset specially designed for video games. They offer a 2.4G connection for solid, lossless wireless sound with very, very low latency and no interference. They have a Discord-certified ClearCast microphone that provides a very clear voice and noise cancellation system. A completely surround sound that we can enjoy for 24 hours , which is the autonomy offered by this model and that have a 3.5 mm mini Jack connector.

with fast charge

Little to say about fast charging . If you are one of those who are usually in a hurry and forget to charge the headphones in time, in just a few minutes we will have many hours of autonomy. Two models designed for you:

Sony WHCH710NL

We are facing headphones of great quality and comfort . The Sony WH-CH710N also have Noise Canceling with dual noise sensor technology and ambient sound mode. Its battery promises up to 35 hours of listening on a single charge, while 10 minutes of fast charging gives you 60 minutes of playback.

Panasonic RP-HD605NE-T

A beast of headphones like the Panasonic RP-HD605NE-T could not lack fast charging either. In addition to that, they offer high quality audio thanks to the 40mm HD drive unit and an anti-vibration design that reproduces the sound in Hig-Res Audio. It also supports high-quality LDAC/aptX HD Bluetooth format.

with noise cancellation

We have already explained to you a few lines above everything about noise cancellation. Now we offer you two of the most valued models with this innovative and functional technology .

SonyWH-XB900N

In this case we find a decaffeinated version of the previous model. Be careful, these Sony headphones sound scandalous and have a simply perfect noise cancellation system. But, in this case we find a unit that offers 30 hours of autonomy, the main difference with its older brother.

Sennheiser Momentum 3

The German manufacturer is another of the sound firms whose solutions offer quality on a par with the most premium solutions. And, these Sennheiser Momentum 3 will not disappoint you at all. Your weapons? Support for Alexa and Google Assistant, a really complete application to control any parameter, as well as an excellent noise cancellation system.

with NFC

These headphones have their own chip to send and receive information for faster pairing. We bring you two models with specific buttons for it.

JVC HA-S90BN

Finished in black plastic and with advanced connectivity options, where Bluetooth is obviously not lacking, its autonomy mark is excellent: 35 hours. With a correct weight for a model with NFC, the opinion of those who have bought these headphones is quite good.

Srhythm NC35

A most complete model that, among other things, includes a USB type C port to enjoy a fast charge that is appreciated when traveling. It includes Mega Bass bass enhancement technology and has something that is not very common for its price: ANC noise cancellation.

The recommendation of Topes de Gama

At this point, we’ve seen a wide selection of technologies in these headphones, as well as models. So, a priori, opting for one is not an easy task. If you are looking for our recommendation, we are going to give it to you: which model would we stay with in Topes de Gama?

In our opinion, the most complete model that we could take home is the Sony WH-XB900N . Headphones with a scandalous quality, completely Bluetooth and wireless that will offer us up to 30 hours of autonomy (the few that exceed 20-24 hours). It is also very contained in price and a cancellation system, as we have already told you, simply perfect.