Headphone Buying Guide

What is a Headphone?

Headphones are devices that allow people to listen to audio without disturbing people nearby. They go over the ears so sound travels into ears instead of the space around them.

Headphone Buying Guide

Difference Between Headphones & Headsets
Different Styles of Headphones
Types of Plugs
Stereo or Mono
Cleaning Headphones
Headphone Compatibility
Headphone & Headset Comparison Chart

The Difference between Headphones And Headsets

The difference between a headphone and a headset is that a headset has a microphone, and headphones do not. Both have a set of small loudspeakers designed to go onto the users ear to listen to audio. Headsets are in demand for use where voice response is required, such as with voice response software, gaming, Skype etc. Headphones without a microphone are used for listening to audio using a phone, tablet, computer, CD player, MP3 player and more. NOTE: not all headsets (with mic) will work with cell phones and tablets.

Headset

Headphone with microphone for audio and voice
Used with computers, tablets and mobile devices and applications like Skype or anywhere listening and talking

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Headphones

Headphones are for audio only, without microphone
Used with computers, tablets, mobile devices, MP3 players, CD players, cassette players, record players, etc.

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Types of Headphones

There are three basic styles of headphones: Over Ear headphone, On Ear headphone and In Ear headphone. For more frequent use by multiple users a deluxe headphone will likely be more suitable.

Over Ear Deluxe Headphones	On Ear Personal Headphones	In Ear Bud Headphones

Fully covers the ear For heavy use setting and long-term wear Ideal for grades K-12 Deluxe headphones are comfortable, yet rugged pieces of equipment that are meant to be used often for long periods of time by multiple users Shop Over Ear Headphones	Placed on the ear, it can be more or less rugged depending on brand Perfect for individual use and long term wear Ideal for grades K-12 Excellent quality and lightweight for personal and portable use Shop On-Ear Personal Headphones	Placed in the ear Less rugged than other styles Made for individual use and short term wear Ideal for grades 5-12 Shop In-Ear Buds

Types of Audio Plugs

Your choice of audio jacks, also known as plugs, audio connectors, jack plugs, or audio jack plugs, will depend on what you are plugging your headphone into. There are several types of plugs: TRRS, 3.5mm, 1/4", USB or USB-C.

¼" Plug

3.5mm (aka 1/8") Plug Headphone

DUAL – 3.5mm Headphone/Mic

TRRS – 3.5mm Headphone/Mic

USB Plug

USB-C Plug

1/4" Plug

For use with most jack boxes, cassette players, record players, musical keyboard and any unit with a 1/4" headphone jack

3.5mm Stereo Plug (aka 1/8")

For use with most: Computers, CD players, tablets, mobile devices, and any unit with a 3.5mm or 1/8" headphone jack
Audio only

DUAL - 3.5mm Headphone/Mic

For use with laptops and computers
Headphone and Mic function

TRRS - 3.5mm Headphone/Mic

For use with tablets, iPads, mobile phones and computers
TRRS plug combines the headphone and microphone function in a single plug

USB Plug

For use with computers

USB-C Plug

For use with phones, tablets, and computers

Stereo vs. Mono Headphones

Stereo headphones play back sound from two separate independent channels, a left channel and a right channel. Mono headphones can only play sound from a single channel. It is very important to determine if your audio source is stereo or mono. Using the wrong headphone will cause improper play back or could ultimately ruin your audio source. For example, when a mono headphone is plugged into a stereo source a temporary short circuit is created with one of the sound channels and extended use could result in a permanent short circuit ruining your equipment. There are some headphones on the market that are Stereo/Mono Smart and will automatically determine the type of audio signal and play it back accordingly without the worry of compatibility.

Stereo audio sources include most computers, CD players, mobile devices & tablets

Mono audio sources include most cassette players, record players, etc.

Headphone Specifications Explained

Frequency Response
Sensitivity
Impedance

The frequency response is the speed of vibration of physical materials and is measured in term of Hertz (Hz). It represents the most effective range for drivers to provide clear and uniform sound. The normal audible musical frequency among humans is 20 Hz to 20 KHz. This is considered the standard and most headphones offer this range. Earphones with wider frequency range do not necessarily provide better sound quality. Ultra-low and ultra-high frequencies are felt rather than heard.

Sensitivity is a measure of how effectively an earpiece converts an incoming electrical signal into an audible sound. This indicates how loud the headphones will be for a given electrical drive level. The sensitivity of headphones is usually between about 80 and 125 dB/mW. 80 dB is equivalent to heavy city traffic sound from 25-50 feet away, while 125 dB is close to the sound heard in a diesel engine room. Note that at 120 dB, human ear begins to feel pain rather than sensation of sound.

Impedance is the measure of opposition to the flow of current but is much more technical than this. To simplify it we will discuss it in terms of high and low impedance. Headphones are available with low or high impedance. Most headphones with low-impedance (less than 25 ohms) require little power to deliver high audio levels. Low-impedance headphones work well with weak amplification equipment such as portable music players and phones. Low-impedance headphones are more susceptible to “blow-outs” when using more powerful amplifiers. Headphones with high-impedance (25 ohms and higher) demand more power to deliver high audio levels. Thus, they are protected from overload damage and can be used with a wider range of audio equipment.

Headphone Compatibility

Selecting the headphone that is compatible with you audio device will be based on the stereo/mono compatibility and they plug type. The headphone style, ear cushions, type of cord, etc will not be a factor with compatibility

Device (Applicable to most)	Stereo/Mono	Type of Plug
Tablet, Mobile Devices, Computers (With single headphone/mic plug)	Stereo	TRRS
Computer (check compatibility of operating system to headphone)	Stereo	USB or 1/8" (3.5mm) or TRRS (depending on mic jack)
iPad/Tablet	Stereo	1/8" (3.5mm) or TRRS (depending on jack)
Phone/Mobile Device	Stereo	1/8" (3.5mm), TRRS or USB-C (depending on jack)
CD Player/Stereo	Stereo	1/8" (3.5mm)
TV	Stereo	1/8" (3.5mm)
Record Player	Mono	1/4"
Cassette Player	Mono	1/4"

*Please be sure to check your device before making selections. Information above is based on general standards.

Check to see if device has stereo or mono output and check to see the size/type of the audio jack; 10/4" 1/8:(3.5) or USB.

Headset Comparison Chart

Model	Deluxe Headsets									Personal Headsets
Model	Trios	Trios Plus	HA5USBSM	HA-66M	HA-66USBSM	HA7M	SC-AMV	SCG-AMV	M2USB & M2USBC	TriosAir	TriosAir Plus	M1USB & M1USBC	HA2M	HA2USBSM	MS2-AMV	MS2G-AMV
Style	Deluxe Over-Ear	Deluxe Over-Ear	Deluxe Over-Ear	Deluxe Over-Ear	Deluxe Over-Ear	Deluxe Over-Ear	Deluxe Over-Ear	Deluxe Over-Ear	Deluxe Over-Ear	Personal On-Ear	Personal On-Ear	Personal On-Ear	Personal On-Ear	Personal On-Ear	Personal On-Ear	Personal On-Ear
Plug Types	TRRS & Dual 3.5mm Plugs (Audio & Mic)	TRRS, Dual 3.5mm Plugs (Audio & Mic) & USB Plug	USB Plug	Dual 3.5mm Plugs (Stereo & Mic)	USB Plug	Dual 3.5mm Plugs (Stereo & Mic)	3.5mm TRRS	3.5mm TRRS	USB Plug (M2USB) or USBC Plug (M2USBC)	TRRS and Dual 3.5mm (Audio & Mic)	TRRS, Dual 3.5mm Plugs (Audio & Mic) & USB Plug	USB Plug (M1USB) or USBC Plug (M1USBC)	Dual 3.5mm Plugs (Audio & Mic)	USB Plug	3.5mm TRRS	3.5mm TRRS
Microphone	Gooseneck	Gooseneck	Gooseneck	Gooseneck	Gooseneck	Gooseneck	In-Line	Gooseneck	Gooseneck	Gooseneck	Gooseneck	In-Line	Gooseneck	Gooseneck	In-Line	Gooseneck
Adjustable	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Headband	Padded	Padded	Plastic	Plastic	Plastic	Plastic	Padded	Padded	Padded	Padded	Padded	Plastic	Plastic	Plastic	Plastic	Plastic
Ear Cushions	Leatherette	Leatherette	Leatherette	Vinyl	Vinyl	Leatherette	Leatherette	Leatherette	Leatherette	Leatherette	Leatherette	Leatherette	Foam	Foam	Leatherette	Foam
Color	Black	Black/Silver	Gray	Beige	Beige	Gray	Blue	Blue	Black	Black/White	Black/Teal	Black/Silver	Gray	Gray	Blue	Blue
Volume Control	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	—	Yes	Yes	—
Storage Bag	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Cord Length	5'	5'	5'	5'	5'	5'	4'	4’	5'	5'	5'	5'	5'	5'	4'	4’
Cord Type	Dura-Cord*	Dura-Cord*	Dura-Cord*	Dura-Cord*	Dura-Cord*	Dura-Cord*	Dura-Cord*	Dura-Cord*	Dura-Cord*	Dura-Cord*	Dura-Cord*	Dura-Cord*	Dura-Cord*	Dura-Cord*	Dura-Cord*	Dura-Cord*
Noise-Reducing	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	—	—	—	—	—	—	—
Refresh Kit	*	*	5077	5082	5082	5077	5077	5077	*	*	*	*	5076	5076	5076	5076
Sanitary Covers	HygenX45	HygenX45	HygenX45	HygenX45	HygenX45	HygenX45	HygenX45	HygenX45	HygenX45	HygenX25	HygenX25	HygenX25	HygenX25	HygenX25	HygenX25	HygenX25

Model	Specialty Headsets
Model	Favoritz™	Flex-PhonesXL™ FLEX2 and FLEX2BK	TPro™ Series TP1-USB	TPro™ Series TP1-TRRS	Mach™ Series M1USB and M1USBC	Mach™ Series M2USB and M2USBC
Style	Medium Over-Ear	Personal On-Ear	Deluxe Over-Ear	Deluxe Over-Ear	Personal On-Ear	Deluxe Over-Ear
Plug Type	3.5mm TRRS	3.5mm Stereo	USB Plug	TRRS with 120° Jack	USB Plug	USB Plug
Microphone	In-Line	In-Line	Ambidextrous, Steel-Reinforced Gooseneck	Ambidextrous, Steel-Reinforced Gooseneck	Omnidirectional Steel-Reinforced Gooseneck	Omnidirectional Steel-Reinforced Gooseneck
Adjustable	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Headband	Padded	EVA Foam	Padded	Padded	Plastic	Padded
Ear Cushions	Leatherette	Leatherette	Leatherette	Leatherette	Leatherette	Leatherette
Color	Gray, Blue or Black	Blue (FLEX2) or Black (FLEX2BK)	Blue/Black	Blue/Black	Black and Silver	Black
Volume Control	—	In-Line	On Ear Cup	On Ear Cup	In-Line	On Ear Cup
Storage Bag	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Cord Length	5'	5'	5'	5'	5'	5'
Cord Type	Dura-Cord*	Dura-Cord*	Dura-Cord*	Dura-Cord*	Dura-Cord*	Dura-Cord*
Noise-Reducing	Yes	Yes	Yes, Noise Cancelling	Yes, Noise Cancelling	Yes, Noise Isolating	Yes, Noise Isolating
Refresh Kit	*	*	*	*	*	*
Sanitary Covers	HygenX25	HygenX25	HygenX45	HygenX45	HygenX25	HygenX45

Headphone Comparison Chart

Model	Deluxe Headphones			Personal Headphones
Model	SC-7V	HA7	KIDS-SC7V	HA-1A	HA2	HA2V	HA2USB	MS2L	MS2LV	KIDS-HA2	Primo™
Style	Deluxe Over-Ear	Deluxe Over-Ear	Deluxe Over-Ear	Personal On-Ear	Personal On-Ear	Personal On-Ear	Personal On-Ear	Personal On-Ear	Personal On-Ear	Personal On-Ear	Personal On-Ear
Plug Types	3.5mm Stereo	3.5mm Stereo	3.5mm Stereo	3.5mm Stereo	3.5mm Stereo	3.5mm Stereo	USB Plug	3.5mm Stereo	3.5mm Stereo	3.5mm Stereo	3.5mm Stereo
Microphone	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—
Adjustable	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Headband	Plastic	Plastic	Padded	Wire	Plastic	Plastic	Plastic	Plastic	Plastic	Plastic	Plastic
Ear Cushions	Leatherette	Leatherette	Leatherette	Foam	Foam	Foam	Foam	Leatherette	Leatherette	Foam	Leatherette
Color	Gray	Gray	Blue	Gray	Gray	Gray	Gray	Gray	Gray	Blue	Blue, Red or Black
Volume Control	Yes	—	Yes	—	—	Yes	Yes	—	Yes	—	—
Storage Bag	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Cord Length	5'	5'	5'	5'	5'	5'	5'	5'	5'	5'	5’
Cord Type	Dura-Cord*	Dura-Cord*	Dura-Cord*	Dura-Cord*	Dura-Cord*	Dura-Cord*	Dura-Cord*	Dura-Cord*	Dura-Cord*	Dura-Cord*	Dura-Cord*
Noise-Reducing	Yes	Yes	Yes	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—
Refresh Kit	5077	5077	5077	5076	5076	5079	5079	5079	5079	5076	*
Sanitary Covers	HygenX45	HygenX45	HygenX45	HygenX25	HygenX25	HygenX25	HygenX25	HygenX25	HygenX25	HygenX25	HygenX25

The audio signals on all headphones and headsets are stereo.

Model	Specialty Headphones
Model	Flex-PhonesXL™ FLEX1 and FLEX1BK	Flex-Phones™	Flex-Phones™ Wireless FLEXW1 & FLEXW1BK	NCHBC1
Style	Personal On-Ear	Personal On-Ear	Personal On-Ear	Deluxe Over-Ear
Plug Type	3.5mm Stereo	3.5mm Stereo	3.5mm Stereo	3.5mm Stereo
Microphone	—	—	—	—
Adjustable	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Headband	EVA Foam	EVA Foam	EVA Foam	Padded
Ear Cushions	Leatherette	Leatherette	Leatherette	Leatherette
Color	Blue (Flex1) or Black (Flex1BK)	Red, Blue, Black, Green or Purple	Blue or Black	Black
Volume Control	—	—	—	—
Storage Bag	Yes	Yes	Yes	Case Included
Cord Length	5'	4'	—	5'
Cord Type	Dura-Cord*	Dura-Cord*	Dura-Cord*	Dura-Cord*
Noise-Reducing	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Refresh Kit	*	*	*	*
Sanitary Covers	HygenX25	HygenX25	HygenX25	HygenX45

Headphone Buying Guide

What is a Headphone?