Which Headphones are Best for You?

Originally posted 2013-11-04 05:44:21. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

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Top 5 Best iPhone Headphones and Earphones

The iPhone might be a beautiful merging of sculpted plastic and tech wizardry, but everyone knows the free earbuds suck. Being seen wearing white earbuds is no longer cool, but more likely to attract derision. Apple may be well known for its pioneering smartphones, but when it comes to their earbuds, they really have to learn. This may change following the big bucks purchase of Beats, but for now it’s wise to shop around for the best iPhone headphones so you can get the most enjoyment when listening to music,

As always, there are plenty of headphones and earphones to choose from. So we’ve tried to narrow the list to our top 5 best iPhone headphones and earphones based on price, comfort and performance.

 

1. Atomic Floyd PowerJax + Remote

The Atomic Floyd PowerJax are the most expensive in-ear headphones on this list, but with just one look  will probably be able to see why. These are by far the most ambitiously designed in-ear headphones, like something off a sci-fi movie. In fact, I bet Tony Stark would look good with these.

The sound the Atomic Floyd PowerJax earphones deliver is also very clear, and if you want more bass in your music you simply need to equalize first with your bass booster eq in your iPhone. These earphones also have a dual noise isolation feature, so you can mask unwanted noise disruptions.

Crafted in durable metal that will last a lifetime, the Atomic Floyd PowerJax earphones  have a built in in-line mic and a remote to take calls. If you like high end design to match the sound quality, the Atomic Floyd PowerJax earphones are fully deserving of their spot in this list of the top 5 best iPhone headphones.

 

 2. RHA MA750i earphones

The MA750i shows off what RHA is all about – quality and performance. Built with premium grade materials, its gold plated 3.5mm stereo headphone plug assures you of zero corrosion and minimal signal loss. It also offers a comfortable fit that can slot snuggle perfectly in your ear. Although, because they are made of steel, the RHA MA750i earphones weight of the earphones can be somewhat heavy and the ear tips are larger than normal, so might not be the best iPhone headphones if you have small earlobes.

If you are into relaxing music, these headphones offer a smooth, defined sound. And they wont strain you even if you listen to heavy bass songs. Clarity is good and detailed. Simply put, the RHA MA750i are outstanding earphones that sound excellent and are surprisingly inexpensive for their build quality.

3. SMS Street By 50 ANC

We love the design and how fashionable the SMS Street by 50 ANC look, especially the silver ones. The Street earphones definitely have that luxurious look that also comes with rich sound quality. Very comfortable and fit perfectly with all kinds of head shapes, the earpads are made from ultra soft memory foam cushions that would not weigh you down even after prolonged use.

Mids are cleaner and bass is tighter and has an excellent response. The lower mid range is a little bit recessed which tends to make voices sound like they are a bit further away and the upper mid range to lower treble is over emphasized. But the voices are clear and smooth. In fact, a lot of reviewers say that these are audibly better than Beats by Dre.

SMS Street by 50 ANC are highly recommended if you’re looking for quality headphones for your iPhone and don’t mind spending extra cash for comfort, build quality and quality performance. These are also good for commuters and for listening to relaxing music in peace, as the world rushes by around you.

4. SoundMagic E10

A very unique all metal earphone construction, the design of the SoundMagic E10s is very stylish and it’s a perfect substitute for your iPhone’s headphones. Because it is made with metal, this earphone is built to last. It also has a very comfortable fit, the earbuds are smaller than most earbuds and the tips are very soft, so you can sleep soundly without having to worry having sore ears when you wake up in the morning.

When it comes to its sound quality, you can easily compare how good the SoundMagic E10s sound compare to Apple’s free earbuds. The soundstage is present and excellent, highs are crisp and clear. The bass is well blended and goes deeper the more you listen to it. One of Magic E10 key features is noise Isolation, which makes it more enjoyable to use when you are at the subway or any public places where there are a lot of unnecessary external noise.

At a price of $ 31.99, I think these pair of ear buds are a bargain and definitely one of the best iPhone headphones. You can compare its build and sound quality to $100 dollar range of headphones and its sound quality isn’t far behind either. The only drawback is that the SoundMagic E10s dont have a button to answer calls. So if you take a lot of calls then you might want to look elsewhere for the best iPhone headphones that have a built in mic

5. SteelSeries Flux In Ear Pro

They may not look as striking as the SteelSeroundMagic E10, but you will be amazed how comfortable they feel. The SteelSeries Flux in Ear Pros are great for playing long sessions Candycrush or Clash of Clans as they fit snuggly and won’t fall out easily. Better yet, they also do a great job of isolating outside noise.

Build quality mostly exceeds that of other headsets in this top 5 list of best iPhone headphones. The cable is long so you can put your iPhones in a bag or your short’s pocket, with the flexible cable much stronger than your average earphone wire, which often break in a matter of months.

The soundstage is wide, perhaps much wider than your average headphones. The sound quality is actually pretty outstanding, and you can expect a crisp and clear sound performance, with the ability to pick out every detail of the song. Bass response is just as remarkable, which contributes to why the the Steel Series Flux Pro earphones are considered among the best mid-range IEMs in the market, which is surprising coming from a gaming company.

To summarise, the SteelSeries Flux in Ear Pros offer the right amount of sound, build, comfort quality and value for money. And with its 3 button mic for volume control, you can answer calls too. So if you’re into gaming and chatting with friends at the same time, the SteelSeries Flux Pro may be the best iPhone headphones for you.

Originally posted 2014-10-21 13:49:39. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

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The Best Headphones Under 100 Dollars in 2014 in Every Category

We’d all love to have hundreds to slap down on a pair of Ultrasone Edition 8s or Denon AH-D7100 Music Maniacs. But when your bank balance is looking bleak, you need to downgrade your aural ambitions. Thankfully, you don’t have to spend a king’s ransom to pick up a quality pair of cans. There are some decent headphones to be had for a mere double digit price tag. So to make sure you spend your modest budget well, here’s a roundup of the best headphones under 100 dollars in each category.

Best wireless headphones under 100 – Sennheiser RS120 

These wireless cans are perfect for TV watching or listening to the hifi around the home. I say around the home because the cradle has a range of up to 328ft and the signal will even punch its way through ceilings and walls. When not in use, simply perch them back on the cradle and by the magic of modern technology they will recharge.

As you’d expect of headphones bearing the Sennheiser name, the sound quality is excellent, with great bass response, a balanced transparent sound and hi-fidelity audio reproduction. Lightweight and comfy, the Sennheiser RS120’s are a steal at just shy of 100 dollars.

Alternately, if you’re happy to spend some money, I also recommend checking out Sennheiser’s RS180s for home listening audio bliss or the cans which made my list of the best bluetooth headphones money can buy.

 Best in ear headphones under 100 dollars – Bose IE2 Audio Headphones

While the brand of choice for frequent flyers with the quintessentially Bose Quiet Comfort 15s, Bose isn’t so highly ranked when listing the best in ear headphones. This could soon change (in the sub 100 dollars market anyway) with the launch of the Bose IE2 Audio Headphones. These reverse engineered (whatever that means) earbuds offer  a surprisingly smooth and natural sound thanks to Bose’s patented TriPort acoustic headphones technology. Taking advantage of its expertise in the area, these earbuds also feature sound reduction technology, ideal for commuters and exercise enthusiasts.

For the best in ear headphones under 100 dollars, look no further than the Bose IE2 audio headphones. Or check out the other earbuds that made my list of the best in ear headphones.

Best headphones under 100 dollars for runners and joggers – Plantronics BackBeat Go 2  

Ok, so you did look further. In that case you have a tough decision when looking for the best in ear headphones under 100 dollars because (at the time of writing) the popular Plantronics BackBeat Go 2 earbuds also fall within the double digit price range.

Featuring sweat proof materials (military grade, no less), these elegantly shaped earbuds also feature Bluetooth technology with a generous 14.5 hours battery life. Plenty of time for a few laps of the track, an entire day’s bike ride or to keep the music pumping for even the most committed gym bunny. In line controls also allow the wearer to take calls and skip tracks with the lightest of button presses.

So if you’re looking for quality earbuds free from the entanglement of wires, I recommend the Plantronics BackBeat Go 2 as the best headphones for runners and joggers under 100 dollars. Alternately, check out the other cans for active people in my breakdown of the best running headphones and best Bluetooth headsets.

Best headphones under 100 for making a fashion statement – SOUL by Ludacris 

Celebrities have been queing up to endorse their own eponymously named pair of cans ever since the Dr Dre Beats phenomenom kicked off. The 50 Cent SYNCs and Quincy Jones AKG Q701s are two notable examples I’ve reviewed previously. Well, not wishing to miss the party, rapper/actor Ludacris launched his own pair of chunky over ear cans just over a year ago.

While I’d personally would rather pickup some headphones by Sennheiser, AKG or Grado over celebrity endorsed cans, the SOUL by Ludacris headphones have their fans. Featuring advanced driver and circuitry, you can look forward to some heavy bass sounds, whether you’re audio tipple of choice is rap, electronic or country.

Their price slash shouldn’t denigrate the quality build and audio performance of these cans, with these now rolling in at the same price as Beats Solo HDs while offering an arguably superior sound, making SOUL by Ludacris the best headphones under 100 for fashionistas that want make a statement with their choice of headphones as much as the music they play on them.

 Best headphones under 100 for gamers – Logitech Wireless Gaming Headset 

When you found yourself fighting off hordes of incoming Halo enemies, about to score a screamer in Fifa or in the middle of a bank job in Grand Theft Auto, you need to ensure your headphones offer the lag free performance you can depend on. Marketing clichés aside, the Logitech Wireless Gaming headsets are a reassuringly chunky pair of cans, with a bold looking and rotatable boom mic and charging rack.

What’s more, their size isn’t all for appearances, with them offering lag free performance (in other words, there’s no delay between other gamers hearing what you say) and immersive (is there any other kind?) 7.1 surround sound. They also pack in three programmable buttons for quickly activating options in your chat client, such as turning on your favourite music morphing your voice.

With gamers as competitive over their screen’s inches as their PC’s RAM, you can plug in their USB radio and sit up to 40 feet away if you’re lucky enough to be playing on a cinema sized screen. With their solid build and reliable audio performance, I recommend the Logitech Wireless Gaming Headset as the best headphones under 100 for online warriors.

Best Noise Cancelling Headphones under 100 dollars – JVC Hanc250

If buying a pair of Bose Quiet Comfort 15s is going to make your credit card cry, take a look at the JVC Hanc250s instead. Available for less than half the price, these noise cancelling headphones offer up to 85 percent noise reduction. This is achieved through the headphones’ external mics which monitor the external noise and then adjust the frequency you hear to block it out.

With a battery life of 50 hours, you needn’t worry about them dying on you in the middle of a flight, and they feature natural sound insulating qualities should you forget to recharge them in the previous month.

Weighing a mere 5.3 ounces, the JVC Hanc250 are exceptionally light for a pair of noise cancelling headphones. What’s more, they fold flat for snugly stowing away in a travel bag or backpack. This is yet another reason why these are the best noise cancelling headphones under 100 dollars.

Along with the Quiet Comfort 15s, check out my roundup of the best noise cancelling headphones.

Best Headphones under 100 for Bass Heads – Skullcandy Aviator 2.0

Beats by Dre aren’t the only big dog in the yard when it comes to pumping out bass. Skullcandy has been quietly chomping up a large slice of the market for bass heavy cans. Following a recent price drop, its standout headphones, the Aviators, can now be picked up for a few cents less than one hundred bucks.

The Skullcandy Aviator 2.0 headphones were born from a pairing between the popular headphones brand and Jay Z’s Roc Nation.  As you’d expect, they offer the rather aggressive sounding ‘Attacking Bass’, deemed to be punchy and powerful, with warm, smooth vocals to boot.

Sophisticated and stylish, these will add to the street swagger of anyone wearing them (according to Skullcandy, anyway). So I’m happy to deem these as the best headphones under 100 for bass heads.

Best DJ Headphones under 100 – Audio Technica ATH-M40fs Pro

The Audio Technica ATH-M40fs Pros are arguably the best sounding headphones under 100 dollars on this list. Younger brother to the Audio Technica ATH-M50s, these headphones offer extended flat response and precision sound for monitor mixing. This coupled with the ability to swivel the earpads 180 degrees and replace its cables, drivers and pads makes it a popular pair of DJ headphones.

Audiophiles will also be sated by the Audio Technica ATH-M40fs’ 40mm diameter drivers, neodymium magnets and CCAW voice coils. What all this tech wizardy amounts to is a premium pair of headphones suitable for professional use, whether sound checking in the studio or beat matching in the clubs.

Audio Technica has been manufacturing headphones since 1962, making them as deserving of the headphones buyers’ respect as Sennheiser, Grado and AKG. And now you can get hold of a pair of Audio Technica ATH-M40fs Pros without breaking the bank, making them worthy of the title of best DJ headphones under 100 dollars.

If these don’t float your boat, and you’re willing to spend the extra cash, check out my rundown of the best DJ headphones to choose from.

So that’s my rundown of the best headphones under 100 dollars in 2014 in every category. Agree or disagree? Let me know in the comments.

 

Originally posted 2013-12-18 14:19:46. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

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Top 5 Best Bluetooth Headsets of 2014

Wireless Bluetooth headsets have really taken off this year in popularity. This has been driven by the number of quality yet miniature sized Bluetooth headsets on the market that will sync with your phone or tablet. This frees you to take calls on the go quickly and have your hands free when walking around or performing other tasks.

In this rundown of the top 5 best Bluetooth headsets in 2014 we look at their sound quality, performance, comfort and ease of use:

 1. Plantronics Voyager Legend Bluetooth Headset

If you are a fan of Voyager Pro+ and Voyager Pro HD’s then you will surely love the new Plantronics Voyager Legend. These offer the same superior sound quality of most Bluetooth headsets but a much improved smart sensor technology and upgraded Bluetooth 3.0. This translates to less sound loss, which can be a problem with wireless headsets, and improved sound quality when listening to music or taking calls.

The Legend is smaller than the previous Pantronics Voyager headset, which makes it lighter and more comfortable to wear. It has an excellent pairing sensor that lets you automatically get connected to your iPhone the moment you power up the Voyager Legend. You can hear the other line very clearly and the transmissions on the microphone is very lucid.

I think the best feature of the Plantronics Voyager Legend is the mute button which allows you to shut off the background noise when someone else is talking quickly with a click of the button on the headset instead of struggling to find the mute option on your phone. It also charges only with a magnetic charging connector which is a downside for some people who likes the mini usb port types. But overall it’s the best Bluetooth headset in 2014 in terms of sound quality, voice controls and comfort.

2. Jawbone Era Bluetooth Headset

Jawbone has manufactured a range of great headphones in the past but, in my opinion, they always fall slightly behind Plantronics headsets in terms of comfort and sound quality. But the introduction of the new Jawbone Era has got a lot of people excited. This is because the Jawbone Era is the only Bluetooth headset equipped with military-grade NoiseAssassin 3.0, the latest version of Jawbone’s first noise and wind cancelling technology.

Jawbone Era is probably the smallest Bluetooth headset in the market today that can offer such  outstanding call quality. The Bluetooth headset is very light and fits perfectly and comfortably with the Jabra ear gel inserts. You can control it by tapping on a multifunction command button, which allow you to answer/end a call, switch calls, redial and kick-start your music player.

I like how the tiny Jawbone Era is designed, that you can conceal it under your hair or your beanie which makes it less awkward to wear on the street or any public places. A fun feature of the Jawbone Era Bluetooth Headset is that you can configure it to speak to you in a range of custom voices, such as Bombshell, gruff Mobster, Ace and Arcade. Definitely a good choice for people whose constant line of communication is through their Bluetooth headset.

3. Jabra Supreme UC MS

With the Jabra Supreme UC Bluetooth headset you will never have an excuse for missing a Skye call again. With its Nano Bluetooth USB adapter you can easily connect it to your PC or laptop for internet calls. You can simultaneously connect any 2 devices of your choice or any Bluetooth devices.

Jabra Supreme UC is the first Bluetooth mono headset that offers great sound quality paired with Active Noise Cancellation technology. It also has a voice control app that allows the user to answer or ignore calls by simply using voice commands. You also get vocal updates on caller ID, battery level and connection status.

The Jabra Supreme comes with a zip up case that you can carry them in your pocket or snugly in your backpack. So if you’re looking for an all around communication Bluetooth headset that can be an excellent pair with your mobile device as well as a subtle headset for your Skype calls on your laptop then the Jabra Supreme UCs may be the best Bluetooth headsets in 2014 for you.

 4. BlueAnt Q2 Smart Bluetooth Headset

If you are looking for a slim and slender looking Bluetooth headset with a cutting edge noise cancellation technology then BlueAnt Q2 Smart Bluetooth Headset are worth a look. Now, you must be wondering what makes it Smart? It doesn’t literally mean boosting your IQ level but they are smart enough in responding to voice commands.

You can operate the BlueAnt Q2 Bluetooth headset entirely hands-free via voice commands, making it a good option if you are frequently taking calls while in your car. What makes it more ideal for in-car use is that it perfectly works well with Vingo SafeReader app where you let your BlackBerry and Android phones receive and hear emails and also text messages via TTS. You can also pair it up with 2 devices at the same time.

With amazingly good voice quality and superior performance, the BlueAnt Q2 are one of the best Bluetooth Headsets out there in 2014.

5. Jawbone Icon HD + The Nerd (Denim)

 Jawbone Icon HD + The Nerd aims to become one headset for everything. Through ICON HD it allows you to connect to a variety of devices. If you also wants to talk hands-free and/ privately steam audio from your smartphone or tablet this may be the perfect match for you. The NERD offers a simple plug and play solution to wireless audio to any Bluetooth or USB-equipped device.

The best features that I love with The Icon HD is its fabulous call/voice quality, it is very user friendly, very stylish design, a voice announcement will tell you how much battery life is left and who is calling. I think this is very essential for professionals that are always on the go. You can take your call from your ipad/laptop anywhere without any hassle. These are also very stylish in design, so if making a fashion statement is important for you, then these may be the best Bluetooth headset in 2014 for you.

Originally posted 2014-09-11 19:05:53. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

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