Electronics · Shopping guide
How to Compare Headphones and Portable Speakers
Audio specs are easy to print and hard to compare. Focus on the features that change everyday listening: fit, noise cancelling, phone compatibility, battery and durability.
Headphones and portable speakers are discounted constantly, and many models have several near-identical versions on sale at once. Spec sheets add to the confusion: frequency ranges, driver sizes and wattage figures are hard to compare between brands and say little about how something actually sounds.
The good news is that the features that most affect your experience are easy to check. This guide covers what to compare for headphones and earbuds, then for portable speakers, and how to decide whether a discount is on the right model for you.
Choose the type before the model
- True wireless earbuds: most portable, small batteries, easy to lose. The case provides extra charges.
- Over-ear headphones: usually the best noise cancelling and battery life, and more comfortable for long sessions for many people, but bulky.
- On-ear headphones: smaller than over-ear; some people find the pressure on the ear tiring.
- Open-ear and bone-conduction: keep you aware of traffic and conversation; weaker bass and isolation.
- Wired: no battery and no pairing, but many phones no longer have a headphone jack.
What to compare on headphones and earbuds
- Fit and comfort. The most important factor, and the hardest to judge online. Check the ear tip sizes included, the weight, and whether the return policy lets you try them.
- Active noise cancelling (ANC). Varies a lot between models. If you commute or fly, it is worth paying for good ANC; if you mainly listen at home, it may not be.
- Phone compatibility and codecs. Bluetooth codecs affect sound quality and delay. iPhones use AAC; many Android phones also support codecs such as aptX or LDAC. A headphone's high-quality codec only helps if your phone supports it too.
- Battery life. Compare stated hours with ANC on, since many figures are quoted with it off. For earbuds, note both the bud and the case figures.
- Multipoint. Connects to two devices at once, such as a phone and a laptop, and switches between them. Very handy if you need it.
- Microphone quality for calls, especially outdoors.
- Water and sweat resistance. IP ratings describe it: IPX4 resists splashes and sweat; higher numbers resist more.
- Replaceable parts and software support. Replaceable ear pads and tips extend the life of over-ear headphones and earbuds. App support brings EQ and updates.
What to compare on portable speakers
- Size and where you will use it. Bigger speakers produce fuller bass and play louder without distortion; small ones travel better. Decide whether this is for a backpack, a picnic or a party.
- Battery life at realistic volume. Stated runtimes are often measured at moderate volume; loud playback drains batteries faster.
- Durability. For outdoor use, look for a high IP rating such as IP67 (dust-tight and protected against temporary immersion) and drop resistance claims.
- Pairing and stereo. Many speakers can pair with a second identical speaker for stereo, or with others from the same brand. Check compatibility before buying a second one on sale.
- Charging port and power output. USB-C is the most convenient. Some speakers can charge your phone.
- Wattage figures. Not a reliable way to compare loudness between brands; use them only within one brand's lineup.
Spotting the right discount
Audio brands often keep older generations on sale alongside newer ones, with similar names. An older model at a deep discount can be the best value, provided you know what changed. Typical differences between generations are noise cancelling quality, battery life, codec support, multipoint and microphone quality.
The current model of a pair of noise-cancelling headphones is $299, rarely discounted. The previous generation is on sale at $179. The newer model adds better call microphones, multipoint and two hours more battery.
If you rarely take calls and only use one device, the older pair is likely the better buy. If you work from home on calls all day, the $120 difference buys features you will use every day. (Prices are illustrative.)
Refurbished and open-box audio
Refurbished over-ear headphones and speakers can be good value. Be more cautious with earbuds: their batteries cannot usually be replaced, and many people prefer new for hygiene. See refurbished vs new electronics for what to check.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Choosing on driver size, frequency range or wattage figures alone.
- Paying for a high-quality codec your phone does not support.
- Comparing battery life with ANC off on one model and on for another.
- Buying a previous generation without knowing what the new one added.
- Ignoring the return policy on a product whose comfort you cannot judge online.
- Buying a second speaker on sale that cannot stereo-pair with the first.
Shopping checklist
Run through this before you buy.
- I have chosen the type: earbuds, over-ear, on-ear, open-ear or speaker.
- Fit, size and weight suit how and where I will use it.
- Noise cancelling, multipoint and microphone quality match my needs.
- Codecs, app and pairing features work with my phone.
- Battery life and IP rating are compared on equal terms.
- I know the exact model and generation, and what newer versions add.
- The return policy lets me return it if it is uncomfortable.
Put this guide to work
Compare current online deals and discounts on OfferNab. You always complete your purchase on the retailer's own site.