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93 active deals515,352 commentsAll Headphones discounts and offers overview - May 2024
Move to the Music with the Right Pair of Headphones from hotukdeals
Headphones are output devices that take electrical inputs from computers, sound systems, or phones and convert them into audio output for our listening pleasure. And they do it in a way that allows us to listen alone without disturbing anyone and create an intimate, high-quality listening experience.
Headphones come in a wide variety of forms each with its own special features, pros and cons. These include models with noise cancellation, wireless headphones for freedom from cords, and gaming headsets that deliver the high impact sound and features needed to enjoy today's sophisticated games.
Whether over-ear headphones, on-ear headphones, or in-ear headphones, here's your guide to choosing the best type that packs an awesome sound while oozing style and comfort, as well as where to find the best headphones deals. So read on to find out more.
Where to Find Headphone Reviews
Which headphones are the best is very much a personal choice. But, when you are planning on investing a couple of hundred pounds in a pair of headphones you will want to be sure that you are making a good purchase. One way to do this is by visiting actual audio stores and speaking to an expert as well as trying out different headphones. If this isn't possible, then reading some trusted reviews can point you in the right direction. ExpertReviews talks you through the latest headphones on the market as well as giving a useful guide on how to choose the best pair for you while Wired is a good site for all things electronic. It produces good articles that cover headphones for every budget. Another trusted and always up-to-date site is TechRadar. It has very good reviews of wireless headphones.
What to Look for When Buying Headphones
The best way to choose a new pair of headphones is to combine a little online research with visiting a high-street audio store and trying out a few pairs. If you are going to be wearing your earphones for any length of time or want them for an active activity such as running or cycling, then comfort as well as function should be a major consideration. Some features to consider are:
- Type of Headphone
In-ear and earbuds fit snugly into your outer ear canal and often have rubber or silicone tips for a secure and comfortable fit. They are great for listening to music on the go and many have good sound quality. It is not a good idea, however, to wear them for hours at a stretch. On-ear headphonesrest lightly on your ears but don't cover them entirely. They can become uncomfortable if worn for long periods and don't offer very good sound isolation. Over-ear cover your ears entirely and are attached to a headband. For comfort and best sound quality, these are the headphones to choose. On the downside, they are bigger, heavier and definitely more noticeable.
- Noise Cancelling Headphones
If you want to enjoy your music or film in total peace then noise cancelling headphones cut out the world around you. They are also ideal when travelling long distances by train or plane as you can switch off and relax without being disturbed by other passengers. Noise-cancelling headphones contain a microphone that detects sounds and sends an opposing waveform to your ear which cancels out the sound. It is probably best not to wear these when running or cycling on roads.
- Wireless or Wired Headphones
A simple choice, do you want your earphones to have a visible cord or not? Wireless headphones are very portable and look cool but the wireless technology needs to be good enough to do the job. Wireless technology works on either radio-frequency or Bluetooth. The downside of wires is their annoying ability to tangle themselves up. Rubber-coated cords are particularly prone to tangling.
- Bluetooth Headphones
Bluetooth has a typical range of around 30m and Bluetooth headphones are typically designed to link up with your smartphone. Range or battery issues can affect the quality of sound with Bluetooth headphones but they are less likely to suffer interference than radio-frequency models.
- Drivers
It is the drivers in headphones that generate the sound. A driver is generally made up of a magnet, voice coil and diaphragm. It is not a huge deciding factor, but generally speaking, headphones with larger drivers deliver a better sound quality.
- Sensitivity
If you like your music loud, then sensitivity is important. Most headphones have an adequate sensitivity of 110dB/mW or more. (Remember - music that is too loud played directly into your ear can permanently damage your hearing.)
- Impedance
This is the frequency range that a headphone can produce. Bass sounds are at the lower end of the range with treble sounds at the upper limit. Most headphones support a frequency response range of 20Hz to 20000Hz. If you like more bass with your sounds, go for the widest range you can find.
- Frequency Response
This is the frequency range that a headphone can produce. Bass sounds are at the lower end of the range with treble sounds at the upper limit. Most headphones support a frequency response range of 20Hz to 20000Hz. If you like more bass with your sounds, go for the widest range you can find.
- Comfort and Aesthetics
This is where been able to try on some headphones is a good idea. Are they comfortable? Do your ears quickly heat up? Does the band give you a headache? Do the earbuds stay in comfortably or do they continually fall out? If you are going to wear headphones a lot then comfort is essential. Also, do you want to make a style statement in bold red or glittering gold headphones or is your fashion look a little more muted?
- Price and Budget
Finally, like everything in the electronics world, headphones come in a wide variety of prices. If your headphones are for your daily commute and stand a chance of getting mislaid, then don't break the bank with your choice. If your main hobby is relaxing with your vast vinyl collection, then invest in the best pair of headphones you can afford.
A Comparison of Three Best-Selling headphones
There is no shortage of choice when it comes to brands producing headphones but we have taken a look at three models of Bose, Sony and Beats headphones.
Bose Quiet Comfort 35 II | Sony WF-1000XM3 | Beats Solo3 Wireless | |
Type | Over-Ear Headphones | In-Ear Headphones | On-Ear Headphones |
Materials | Glass-filled nylon, corrosion-resistant stainless steel, synthetic protein leather | Aluminium and elastomer, silicone ear tip | Soft-matte plastic |
Bluetooth | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Noise Cancelling | Yes | Yes | No |
Power Source | Rechargeable lithium-ion battery, USB charging cable | Rechargeable lithium-ion battery, USB charging cable | Rechargeable lithium-ion battery, USB charging cable |
Battery Life | Up to 20 hours | Up to 5 hours (earbuds), up to 24 hours (case) | Up to 40 hours |
Extra Features | Bose Connect app, foldable design, carry case, microphone, audio cable | Sony App, small charging case, microphone, smart assistant | Fast Fuel Tech, LED fuel gauge, on-ear controls, microphone |
Weight | 240g | 8.5g each | 215 g |
Colours | Black, midnight blue, silver, rose-gold, customisable | Black, silver | Club navy, club white, club red, club yellow, black, rose gold, satin silver, satin gold, Product RED |
How to Stop Headphone Tangling
You are in a rush to get to work or to get home and yet again, you've thrown your headphones into your bag or stuffed them into your pocket and now they are a tangled mess. This is a particular problem with in-ear headphones with wires that link to your mobile device. So, how can you stop this happening?
Hold both earbuds firmly in the palm of one hand.
Use your free hand to wrap the wire firmly around the four fingers of the hand holding the earbuds. Leave a little excess cord.
Remove the headphones and hold the wrapped bundle firmly between the thumb and index finger.
Wrap the excess cord around the bundle and push the last couple of centimetres through the loop you have created.
Pop in your bag or pocket or, even better, into a neat little carrying case.
Headphones Accessories
A range of accessories is available for your headphones. These mainly fall into two categories - enhancing your listening experience or protecting your headphones and include:
FAQs About Headphones
Depending on how you plan to use your headphones, you might need to know how waterproof they are. Headphones are usually classified as sweat-resistant, sweatproof, water-resistant or waterproof. The higher their IP rating the more waterproof they are. For example, if they are rated as IP64 they can withstand splashes of water for up to 10 minutes. If, on the other hand, their rating is IP68 they can be submerged in one metre of water for up to 30 minutes. Headphones, unfortunately, are not really designed for swimming!
Headphones themselves cannot damage your ears but listening to loud music or gaming sounds for long periods can damage your hearing. The risk is greater with in-ear headphones as when the sound source is actually in your ear canal, the volume is increased by the equivalent of up to 9 decibels. Try to keep the volume of your music or gaming at a reasonable level and take frequent breaks.
While this is a matter of personal preference, most runners prefer to use in-ear headphones as they are small, lightweight and don't get in the way when running. If you are running near traffic, remember to switch off the noise-cancelling function so you remain aware of any dangers around you.
The first headphones were invented by Nathanial Baldwin in 1910. He developed the idea from the earpieces of telephone receivers and made the first ones in his kitchen. He went on to sell his design to the United States Navy.
How to Shop for Cheap Headphones.
You'll find quality headphones from manufacturers like AKG, Beats, Beyerdynamic, Bose, Sennheiser, JBL, or Sony at keen prices at all the major online vendors including Amazon, Currys PC World, eBay, and Argos. If you’re waiting for the best time of year to buy your new pair of headphones, here’s a secret: it’s probably around Black Friday (at the end of November) and Christmas, although several manufacturers of electronic goods offer sales on headphones throughout the year.
Headphones Offers at hotukdeals
Make sure you are getting the best listening experience possible by visiting hotukdeals. We've done the hard work by collecting a range of headphones offers together on one page. All you have to do, is sit back and chill with your favourite sounds.