TECH Headphones or air pods?

bev

bev

Has No Life - Lives on TB
I spend a lot of time on/in my bed, so I’m having my DH mount a TV on the wall in our bedroom for me. We just bought one today. :D I would like to be able to use it at night when DH might be sleeping so as not to disturb him.

I have the Apple air pods that I use for my iPad, but they’re only comfortable in one ear, so I don’t think I’d be happy with wireless pods like that.

Maybe I should just get some wireless headphones but would like suggestions. I can’t really justify spending $$$ for Bose headphones. Maybe $100 budget.

Amazon has a bunch of wireless kids headphones for under $50. Would they be noticably worse than “adult” headphones?

Thanks for any help!
 
Meemur

Meemur

Voice on the Prairie / FJB!
Save up and buy the Bose. Their sound is awesome and the comfort is out of this world!
 
Meemur

Meemur

Voice on the Prairie / FJB!
bw said:
Anything wireless means buying batteries or replacing the whole unit when it runs out of recharge cycles. A long extension cord and wired earphones will probably run you under $40 and last forever.
Click to expand...

And will quickly get uncomfortable. I could wear those for about 15 minutes at a time before I'd had enough. The wireless headphones were a game changer. No more wearing a leash!
 
BassMan

BassMan

Veteran Member
I'm cheap, but have a good ear. I just got this (Bluetooth), and REALLY like it: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07NM3RSRQ?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details&th=1

REALLY like it. Definitely in your price-range ($39 on sale). A bit bass-heavy, but I dial-in the EQ using Boom 3D's equalizer on my Android phone. Very comfy, light, and great battery life. Note: Just clicked on link here, and see price of $49; it was $39 when I purchased, and still is when logged-in as Amazon Prime member.

It sounds about as good as my more expensive wired headphones: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000ULAP4U/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I also have Beats Studio Buds and some lesser in-ear, but I'll take over-ear unless I need more portability. Of my in-ear, only the Studio Buds give me a good fit.

A few tips:
  • While nice, in-ear can be hard to get a good fit. Unless you get a good fit, in-ear sounds very tinny.
  • With in-ear, consider getting some replacement ear-tips to experiment with.
  • Over-ear (or on-ear) headphones are less finicky.
  • Bluetooth has some lag, so might be a little out-of-sync with lip movement (most folks don't notice).
  • Hopefully your TV has some sort of EQ and maybe "night mode". EQ adjusts bass/mid/treble, and "night mode" evens-out the volume. Movies often go from a whisper to ear-shattering: drives me nuts. I stream on my computer, and have software for EQ and night-mode (compressor/limiter): Boom 3D.
  • For Bluetooth, most TVs don't have that (but maybe new ones do?). You'll probably need a Bluetooth transmitter - not receiver - and they are finicky. A cheap one will limit sound quality. With Bluetooth, LDAC or APTx codecs are best (both transmitter and headphones need that feature), but that is rare with budget equipment.
For the price, hard-wired will be the best sounding and most fool-proof. At night, I use my hard-wired headphones (not Bluetooth), but I sit right next to the computer. Looked into wireless for TV years ago, but never liked the down-sides so only went wireless (Bluetooth) with mobile devices.
 
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Red Baron

Red Baron

Paleo-Conservative
_______________
I use both headphones or ear buds in bed depending on the device. The only downside for both options is if you fall asleep with them on. Either can be painful in the morning.

A problem I've had is losing an ear bud after falling asleep and never finding it the next morning. Dang cats . . . . .

I use these and they are surprisingly good for the money. Almost no latency (lag) between the sound and the video. They are great with music. A little "bassy" for just spoken word but most of the audio on TV and Cable is "tinny" and "thin" to start with

DD got me these for Christmas. They are working out fine.

Looks like a nice price drop right now.

1712630061185.png

 
Red Baron

Red Baron

Paleo-Conservative
_______________
BassMan said:
I'm cheap, but have a good ear. I just got this (Bluetooth), and REALLY like it: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07NM3RSRQ?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details&th=1

REALLY like it. Definitely in your price-range ($39 on sale). A bit bass-heavy, but I dial-in the EQ using Boom 3D's equalizer on my Android phone. Very comfy, light, and great battery life. Note: Just clicked on link here, and see price of $49; it was $39 when I purchased, and still is when logged-in as Amazon Prime member.

It sounds about as good as my more expensive wired headphones: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000ULAP4U/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I also have Beats Studio Buds and some lesser in-ear, but I'll take over-ear unless I need more portability. Of my in-ear, only the Studio Buds give me a good fit.

A few tips:
  • While nice, in-ear can be hard to get a good fit. Unless you get a good fit, in-ear sounds very tinny.
  • With in-ear, consider getting some replacement ear-tips to experiment with.
  • Over-ear (or on-ear) headphones are less finicky.
  • Bluetooth has some lag, so might be a little out-of-sync with lip movement (most folks don't notice).
  • Hopefully your TV has some sort of EQ and maybe "night mode". EQ adjusts bass/mid/treble, and "night mode" evens-out the volume. Movies often go from a whisper to ear-shattering: drives me nuts. I stream on my computer, and have software for EQ and night-mode (compressor/limiter): Boom 3D.
Click to expand...
I didn't see your post when I started composing mine but you pretty much nailed it.

Thanks for posting the great advice!
 
Tex88

Tex88

Veteran Member
Work: Jabra Evolve2 65 for the 37 hr battery life, the comfort, and the flip up to mute boom mic, and they can be connected to several devices simultaneously.

Home: AirPods Pro because the cats would bite thru the cables, and they sound nicer.
 
BassMan

BassMan

Veteran Member
Red Baron said:
I use both headphones or ear buds in bed depending on the device. The only downside for both options is if you fall asleep with them on. Either can be painful in the morning.

A problem I've had is losing an ear bud after falling asleep and never finding it the next morning. Dang cats . . . . .

I use these and they are surprisingly good for the money. Almost no latency (lag) between the sound and the video. They are great with music. A little "bassy" for just spoken word but most of the audio on TV and Cable is "tinny" and "thin" to start with

DD got me these for Christmas. They are working out fine.

Looks like a nice price drop right now.

View attachment 469306

Click to expand...
Almost got those a few months back, but I'm an "over ear" kinda' guy.

BTW, thanks for the kudos above... ;)
 
Kathy in FL

Kathy in FL

Administrator
_______________
I have a pair of AirPods that are okay for walking but my ear canals can be sensitive to ”buds”. The Bose headphones are really good but are a pain if I have my hair up which I generally do due to its length. Try several so you can see which ones fit the shape of your head best.
 
WildDaisy

WildDaisy

God has a plan, Trust it!
As a full time streamer, I spend at least 10 hours a day with headphones. Hubby and I both use Hyperx Cloud Revolvers. The headphones are so fluffy and comfortable, I forget I have them on. They come in earbud, and regular headphones, both wired and wireless.

Hubby is sponsored by them, so he has an affiliate link for them.

hyperx.com

HyperX | High Quality Gaming Gear

HyperX is a brand committed to making sure every gamer feels they are included. No matter who you are, or what you play, WE'RE ALL GAMERS.
hyperx.com hyperx.com
 
Tex88

Tex88

Veteran Member
Kathy in FL said:
I have a pair of AirPods that are okay for walking but my ear canals can be sensitive to ”buds”. The Bose headphones are really good but are a pain if I have my hair up which I generally do due to its length. Try several so you can see which ones fit the shape of your head best.
Click to expand...
I replaced the silicone tips of my AirPod Pros with memory foam tips. Much better seal and a LOT more comfortable. Brand is called “comply”.
 
mikeho78

mikeho78

Contributing Member
A constant irritation of mine is that whenever I have something in or on both of my ears to listen, that seems to be the time that everyone in my family suddenly needs to speak to me. Pause/unpause, take em out/put em back in, repeat.
I was overjoyed to learn about bone-conducting headphones that send the sound through the bone near your ear (leaving your ear-hole open still.) The sound is perfect and you hear everything like with normal headphones and you still have the use of your ears and can hear things around you.
The shokz brand are what I have, but can be expensive (worth it in my opinion). But there are other brands out there likely just as good if you take the time to research.
shokz.com

Shokz Bone Conduction Headphone - Shokz

Discover the innovative audio world of Shokz, designed for open-ear listening. Shop bone conduction headphones OpenRun Pro, OpenFit, and more. Perfect for sports, and work.
shokz.com shokz.com
 
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phloydius

phloydius

Veteran Member
BassMan said:
I'm cheap, but have a good ear. I just got this (Bluetooth), and REALLY like it: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07NM3RSRQ?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details&th=1
Click to expand...

I can't speak to this specific product, but as far as the brand Anker, I can.

I have become a huge fan of the Anker brand. I have some earbuds, chargers, charging cables, usb batteries, and flash lights. Some of them I've been buying since at least before 2017.

Generally the products are better than other brands that are priced even twice as high. Some of the cell phone charging cables I have were bought before 2017 and still work today. The warranty they have is longer than most other brands (and varies from device to device). The few times I've had an issue, the warranty was honored with no mess no fuss. They asked a few question, asked me to send a picture of the item & the receipt (Amazon), and then sent a replacement free of charge.
 
Anti-Liberal

Anti-Liberal

Veteran Member
phloydius said:
I can't speak to this specific product, but as far as the brand Anker, I can.

I have become a huge fan of the Anker brand. I have some earbuds, chargers, charging cables, usb batteries, and flash lights. Some of them I've been buying since at least before 2017.

Generally the products are better than other brands that are priced even twice as high. Some of the cell phone charging cables I have were bought before 2017 and still work today. The warranty they have is longer than most other brands (and varies from device to device). The few times I've had an issue, the warranty was honored with no mess no fuss. They asked a few question, asked me to send a picture of the item & the receipt (Amazon), and then sent a replacement free of charge.
Click to expand...
I have the Soundcore Life Q35's
 
Red Baron

Red Baron

Paleo-Conservative
_______________
phloydius said:
I can't speak to this specific product, but as far as the brand Anker, I can.

I have become a huge fan of the Anker brand. I have some earbuds, chargers, charging cables, usb batteries, and flash lights. Some of them I've been buying since at least before 2017.

Generally the products are better than other brands that are priced even twice as high. Some of the cell phone charging cables I have were bought before 2017 and still work today. The warranty they have is longer than most other brands (and varies from device to device). The few times I've had an issue, the warranty was honored with no mess no fuss. They asked a few question, asked me to send a picture of the item & the receipt (Amazon), and then sent a replacement free of charge.
Click to expand...
Anker is an outstanding brand!

I have their battery banks, chargers and all my USB cables are from Anker.

Highly recommended!
 
Red Baron

Red Baron

Paleo-Conservative
_______________
Since we are kinda on the topic,

I would -highly- recommend -everyone- use ear buds or headphones when participating on the TB2K Weekend Dance Party.

Your enjoyment of music will vastly improve with a very modest investment as witnessed on this thread.
 
Tex88

Tex88

Veteran Member
mikeho78 said:
The sound is perfect and you hear everything like with normal headphones and you still have the use of your ears and can hear things around you.
Click to expand...
AirPods Pro have transparency mode. You can switch between noise canceling and still hearing what’s going on around you. Pro 2 have an automatic, adaptive version of this.
 
Kathy in FL

Kathy in FL

Administrator
_______________
Tex88 said:
I replaced the silicone tips of my AirPod Pros with memory foam tips. Much better seal and a LOT more comfortable. Brand is called “comply”.
Click to expand...

I’m going to look for them. Hopefully they are on amazon. I was born with completely “round” ear drums instead of the normal “oval.” That, my APD, and narrow ear canals make finding ear buds that are comfortable, yet provide adequate sound, a challenge.
 
Dennis Olson

Dennis Olson

Chief Curmudgeon
_______________
I’m a huge fan of Sennheiser audio equipment. Look into them. Better than Bose IMO, but not as expensive unless you go with their absolute top-of-the-line units.
 
packyderms_wife

packyderms_wife

Neither here nor there.
Great thread. For video editing it was recommended to go with corded earphones cause there can be a drop with wireless that may not be noticed until after one is done editing. For regular sounds I used Audio-Technica and for video where I want a richer bass sound I use 99 Neo Mezze head set.

I don't like ear buds and have "audio" issues ever since I was hit by lightning. (yes those are affiliate links).
 
packyderms_wife

packyderms_wife

Neither here nor there.
bethshaya said:
As a full time streamer, I spend at least 10 hours a day with headphones. Hubby and I both use Hyperx Cloud Revolvers. The headphones are so fluffy and comfortable, I forget I have them on. They come in earbud, and regular headphones, both wired and wireless.

Hubby is sponsored by them, so he has an affiliate link for them.

hyperx.com

HyperX | High Quality Gaming Gear

HyperX is a brand committed to making sure every gamer feels they are included. No matter who you are, or what you play, WE'RE ALL GAMERS.
hyperx.com hyperx.com
Click to expand...

What are you streaming, PM me if you don't want the public to know.
 
John Green

John Green

Veteran Member
I have Raycon. Sound great and a very good fit. They stay in my ears while walking in the park every day.
Dennis is correct on Sennheiser being very good. I have family and friends in the music business. Just about all of them use Sennheiser equipment.
 
lostinaz

lostinaz

Senior Member
Go to a Best Buy (they have a demo with several models) and try bone conduction headphones. They dont cover your ear canal but they work wonderfully.
 
Codeno

Codeno

Veteran Member
I needed something for the gym, and bought a pair of TOZO A-3 earbuds for about $25.00. Great for the gym, good value for the money, and not expensive enough to worry about if/when they fall out doing a particular lift or exercise.

For home use, I would go with high end headphones, for that old school quality, sound and comfort. Being a musician, I've always looked to Bose first, but I agree with Dennis about Sennheiser where bang for the buck is concerned.
 
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Tex88

Tex88

Veteran Member
Sennheiser was near enough the gold standard for professional audio equipment for decades but they recently-ish sold off their consumer products division so … read reviews before spending the medium bucks.
 
Toosh

Toosh

Veteran Member
If laying in bed I don't like the cord - it always gets wrapped around something. Go cordless.

I like ear buds but there is a higher incidence of ear infections if you don't clean them occasionally. Don't be sharing them.
 
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BassMan

BassMan

Veteran Member
Kathy in FL said:
I’m going to look for them. Hopefully they are on amazon. I was born with completely “round” ear drums instead of the normal “oval.” That, my APD, and narrow ear canals make finding ear buds that are comfortable, yet provide adequate sound, a challenge.
Click to expand...

Comply sounds familiar, but I ended-up with these: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07RZS7KWG/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Kind-of my go-to for memory-foam, but sometimes (Beats Studio Buds) silicone works best for me. With the Studio Buds, only the OEM silicone ear-tips fit well enough to give me good bass.

I have found that the recharging-cases for ear-buds can be limiting. Sometimes, with new ear-tips, there is not enough room in the case to close the lid with larger ear-tips.

Reminder that ear-tips come in different sizes where they attach to the ear-buds (not in your ear). Technically there are different sizes, but in practice I never found it mattered. The link I provide above says it fits 4.5mm to 6.3mm.
 
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AlfaMan

AlfaMan

Has No Life - Lives on TB
I have a set of nice JBL ear buds, but after a while they hurt my ears. I prefer headphones, these are pricey but WELL worth it.
https://electronics.sony.com/audio/headphones/headband/p/wh1000xm4-b

These are noise cancelling as well as sounding like a symphony sitting on top of your head. And they're comfortable for using hour after hour. Battery life (they're rechargeable) is around 30 hours or so. They're adjustable to the nth degree and you can still talk and hear people while using them. There's no "50 controls to do one function" either. Simple to use. They're bluetooth connectable, and using them with a smart TV is no problem. They connect easily.
 
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