Computer Headphones Buying Guide

How to Buy Computer Headphones

A good set of quality computer headphones is the computer enthusiast's best friend.

If you choose to listen to music, play games, or watch movies at night and anytime you don't wish to disturb others, you will want to get yourself a good pair of computer headphones.

Computer headphones can also be useful for PC games that use 3D positional audio allowing you to better determine the position of whomever or whatever is sneaking up behind you.

Many sounds that you might have missed in game play while listening to speakers are perfectly audible with a good set of computer headphones.

Types of Headphones

Circumaural or closed computer headphones have pads that fit completely around the ears and prevent any sound from escaping. Closed headphones are the best when privacy, isolation (reduction of background noise), and the accurate reproduction of audio are desired. They are also great for a truly immersive gaming or movie experience.

Supra-aural or open Computer headphones that have pads that rest on top of the ears. They have an open grill on the back of the driver allowing sound to propagate away from the ear and background noise to be heard. This might be advantageous in certain situations such as in a car, walking, exercising, etc. Open headphones don't work as well if used in a noisy environment.

The advantage to open computer headphones is better audio clarity and tighter bass. One of my favorite ways to use open computer headphones is with my speakers blasting at the same time. By doing both (wearing open headphones and listening to speakers) you hear the audio cues you might miss in a game and still hear great bass and audio from your speaker system.

Remember that with this type of headphone, others can hear what you are listening to in a quiet enviroment.

Conclusion

Choose closed headphones if privacy and the good bass response are important to you.