If you have ever had an iPod or iPhone, then you would understand how important it is for you to get a new pair of the best iPod headphones. In terms of performance, the supplied Apple headphones just don’t cut it. Sure, it lets you listen to the music on your Apple device, but it is so basic that it does nothing in terms of enhancing your overall listening experience. They work, but they just don’t work too well.
For this reason, it would make sense to invest in a pair of high quality headphones that are designed to work with the iPod and give you the clarity and depth of sound that you deserve. But how do you know which pair of headphones to buy? With all the different manufacturers competing for your attention, finding the right pair can sometimes be difficult. This is especially true if you don’t know what qualities you should be looking for.
Key Characteristics of the Best iPod Headphones
iPod Headphones come in different shapes and sizes. They go from those bulky, studio type headphones to those tiny little ear buds that most athletes and fitness buffs prefer to use while running or working out at the gym. Ultimately, the decision on which type of headphones to get depends on your personal preference.
Compatibility - It might come as a surprise to you, but not all headphones were designed to work with the iPod. Some of the older headphones, especially those that have an inline mic and volume controls, simply don’t work on all Apple devices. While most of the newer headphones available today are almost guaranteed to work with your iPod, it doesn’t hurt to have them tested before leaving the store. Or if you bought them online, make sure that you are aware of the online vendor’s return policy, just in case you need to send your new headphones back.
Sound Quality - Whichever type of headphones you decide to go for, one of the first things that you will want to find out is whether they sound good or not. Sound quality is different for each type of headphones, and the higher you go on the cost spectrum, the better the sound quality usually is. This isn’t always the case, though, as you might soon learn that there are plenty of budget-friendly headphones out there that deliver outstanding sound quality. If you want to get the most out of your iPod, find a pair of headphones that enhance the audio output from your portable music player.
Design and Comfort - Some headphones just built to fit more comfortably than others. A slight difference in the design or the materials used during construction can mean all the difference. Find a pair of headphones for your iPod that feel light on the ears, and can be worn comfortably over long periods of time. If you plan on listening to the music on your iPod while running, lifting weights at the gym, or doing laps in the pool, you will also need your best iPod headphones to be resistant to sweat and water. Moisture and electronics? Not a really good combination.
Durability - Of course, when you find a pair of headphones that sound great and feel comfortable on the ears, you will want to keep using them for a long, long time. The headphones that you choose should have a strong and sturdy build that can at least withstand normal wear and tear. If you live a very active lifestyle, you will want your headphones to be rugged enough to keep up with you.
Equipped with the company’s proprietary Dual Noise Sensor Technology, the Sony MDR10RNCIP makes for a great choice for the audiophile in you that wants more music and less noise in your life. It keeps all of the ambient noises out while its 40mm deliver superb audio quality as well as precise sound reproduction, making sure that you get the best listening experience from your iPod. The MDR10RNCIP is designed to be easy on the ears, literally, with its padded, swiveling ear cups and retractable headband making it comfortable to wear even for long periods of time. Unlike other noise cancelling headphones, the MDR10RNCIP features an active listening that eliminates up to 99% of all ambient noise. The Dual Noise Sensor runs on a AAA battery, but automatically switches to passive listening mode should the battery run out so that you don’t miss a beat. The MDR10RNCIP also comes with a detachable 1.2 meter audio cable that is fitted with an inline mic and remote for hands-free calling. Between its great features and $250 price tag, the MDR10RNCIP is not the most budget-friendly pair of the best iPod headphones out there, but its excellent sound quality, comfort, and noise reduction ratio still makes it a great buy.
For the iPod owner and audiophile on a budget, the SonicPro Port ATH-CKM300i from Audio-Technica is a great choice if you want to take your tunes with you anywhere you go. Compact, light, and extremely portable, the in-ear SonicPro Port ATH-CKM300i proves that great things sometimes come in small packages. Its uniquely shaped ear tips seal out noise, and its large 10.7mm drivers provide clear audio and a considerably powerful bass. It is also fitted with an inline mic and remote that lets you play or pause your music, adjust the volume, and even take calls without having to pull your iPod or iPhone out from inside your pocket. The audio is clear even during phone calls, thanks to its condenser microphone. Retailing for just a little over $30, the SonicPro Port ATH-CKM300i is indeed one of the best iPhone and best iPod headphones on the market today.
If you enjoy taking your iPod or your iPhone with you during your morning run, you need a pair of headphones, like the Bose SoundSport, that can keep up with your active lifestyle. Built with a rugged and durable design that is highly resistant to both sweat and water thanks to a hydrophobic coating. This coating not only repels moisture; it is also conducive to sound reproduction. The Bose SoundSport offers a level of comfort that is not seen in other in-ear headphones in its class. It comes with StayHear tips that stay in place even during long runs or strenuous exercise. Sound quality on the Bose SoundSport is superb, staying true to the audio equipment company’s commitment to excellence. The superb audio quality is even evident when taking phone calls using the inline mic and remote. At $120 a pair the Bose SoundSport is not the most inexpensive pair of in-ear headphones out there, but the tonally balanced audio and the comfortable design makes it worth trying them out for yourself.
When you talk about headphones that give you the most bang for your hard-earned buck, the Qy7 from Soundpeats definitely qualifies. Available for less than $30, the Qy7 delivers great audio, intelligent design, and intuitive controls all for a price that only a few other wireless Bluetooth headphones are even remotely capable of competing with. It is ideal for jogging or cycling because of its multi-point Bluetooth connectivity, which allows you to listen to your tunes or take phone calls on one channel and navigate with your GPS device on another. The Qy7 is resistant to sweat and water, and can last for up to 6 hrs of normal use on a single charge. It is also well-designed, with the adjustable ear buds allowing for a tight yet comfortable fit that keeps ambient noise at a minimum. The Qy7 offers crisp and clear audio whether you’re listening to music or talking to someone on the phone. It is compatible with your iPod or your iPhone, and is arguably one of the best Bluetooth headphones in its price range.
Designed to be compatible with your Apple devices, the Sennheiser HD 218i gives you the outstanding audio quality of full-sized professional studio headphones in a smaller and more portable supra-aural design. The HD 218i is a semi-collapsible pair of the best iPod headphones that deliver high quality bass response, which is something that other products in its price range are incapable of doing. The cushioned on-ear design makes for a highly comfortable fit, and it sleek, lightweight form makes it ideal for listening on the go. It comes with an inline mic and remote for your iPhone, allowing you to take calls hands-free. Retailing for around $50, the HD 218i is definitely one of the best and most cost-efficient iPod and iPhone headphones available today.
