Whether you spend your days making phone calls for work, enjoying a good audiobook, or listening to your favorite albums, a good pair of headphones is a must-have in 2021. With an array of options to choose from, it can feel overwhelming when trying to narrow down what works best for your needs. Get that crisp and clear reception by using these four tips to find the perfect pair of headphones.

Maximize Comfort

Headphones are not a one-size-fits-all, and they should not be treated that way. These Sony Noise Cancelling Headphones are ergonomically-designed to provide a super comfortable fit, no matter how long you wear them. As one reviewer stated, “Some days at work I’ll wear them for 9 hours without any issues. Highly recommended.”

Noise-Cancelling

There’s nothing more frustrating than trying to listen in on a call or keep up with your favorite book, only to hear all of the background noise happening around you. Noise-cancelling headphones eliminate background noise, bringing the main audio directly to the forefront – your ears. For a budget-friendly option, look into the Soundcore by Anker Life Q30. For a splurge earbud option, the Apple AirPods Pro block out extra noise for immersive sound.

Wireless Capabilities

Most headphones on the market offer wireless capabilities. These wrap-around headphones by Bose give you the convenience of in-ear buds, but with a small wire wrap around your neck that stays out of the way – perfect for active folks who exercise a lot. If you’re on calls a lot for work, you’ll definitely want to invest in a solid wireless headset with bluetooth capabilities, like these Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700.

In-Ear vs. Over-Ear vs. On-Ear

Most importantly you’ll want to determine which style of headphone you prefer best. While there are several types, the following are most popular:

• In-Ear: The most portable and popular style is the in-ear, which goes directly into your ear.

• Over-Ear: These fit on top of the head and “over” the ear to focus on sound isolation (imagine your ear being “cupped” by the headphone.

• On-Ear: As the name implies, these go over the head, and rest on top of the ears.

Listen up and follow these four tips for finding the perfect pair of headphones for you. For more lifestyle tips, visit the Olympus Woodbridge blog.