Buying guide for Best wireless headphones for Mom
This Mother’s Day, consider giving your parent a pair of wireless headphones to use for anything from working out to relaxing with a book. Wireless headphones come in a number of varieties for day-to-day use. Noise-canceling options work well for loud environments (or noisy families), while earbuds stay in place during intense workouts and are easy to take on the go. For listening to music or shows, over-ear headphones usually provide the best sound quality.
The price, quality, and battery life of wireless headphones can vary, but there are a wide number of models to consider to find the perfect pair to gift this Mother’s Day.
How to buy the best wireless headphones for mom
When comparing wireless headphones, consider what activities your parent likes to do while listening to music, audiobooks, or podcasts to find a model that suits their needs.
Are wireless headphones worth it?
Compared to their wired counterparts, wireless headphones are almost always more expensive. In addition, they require batteries or charging, which can be a hassle.
However, these negatives are a trade-off for easy wireless listening, even quite far from the device the headphones are connected to via Bluetooth.
If your parent has a job or hobbies that require hands-free work or lots of moving around, a pair of wireless headphones is likely well worth the extra price. They are also easier to tuck into a bag, and most models feature excellent battery life if kept fully charged.
Does your mom need a microphone for phone calls or virtual assistants?
Many wireless headphones have built-in microphones for easy, hands-free phone calls. If your parent regularly takes phone calls or uses virtual assistants while their hands are busy, this feature may be a must.
However, headphones without a microphone can still be used for phone calls if the phone is kept within microphone range.
Types of wireless headphones
- Earbuds come in two styles — earbuds that are connected to each other with a wire and truly wireless earbuds that are separate pieces. Both are convenient to use for different reasons. Earbuds connected with a wire are easier to keep track of and may be more secure during exercise, while truly wireless earbuds are generally more comfortable and portable.
- Over-ear headphones typically offer the best sound quality due to their large drivers and their ability to block out surrounding noise. They are also quite comfortable as they do not touch the ears.
- On-ear headphones offer a balance between portability and sound quality. Many on-ear models offer passive noise cancellation by creating a seal against the ear to isolate sound.
- Bone conducting headphones send vibrations through the bones near the eardrum to deliver sound. This has a few advantages: they work well for those with hearing difficulties, and they allow surrounding noise in, making them ideal for activities like biking or walking to work in a city.
Did You Know?
Earbuds may include a carrying case that doubles as a charger, effectively providing a longer battery life on the go.
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What features should wireless headphones for mom have?
Consider lifestyle when weighing the features of available models.
Noise cancelation
Music lovers or anyone in a busy home may appreciate a pair of wireless noise-canceling headphones. Some headphones offer passive noise canceling using materials to block out external noise, but high-end models feature active noise cancellation, a superior system that counters external noise but usually requires batteries to operate.
Charge time and battery life
Take note of the expected battery life and charge time for any wireless headphones you consider. Some models may even require batteries, which can become expensive over time.
Controls
Many wireless headphones have built-in controls for adjusting volume or skipping tracks. For working out, this feature is highly convenient.
Additional features of wireless headphones
Waterproof designs: If you’re shopping for a swimmer, a waterproof pair of earbuds is a must. Look for models with an IPX7 rating for complete waterproofing.
Ambient sound mode: Noise-canceling headphones may have an ambient sound mode to switch between blocking outside sounds and letting them in. This makes them well suited to anyone who needs to switch between focusing on an audiobook and listening to those nearby.
If you opt for a model that requires batteries, consider also including several rechargeable batteries with your gift.
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Tips
- Everyone’s ears are different. Take note of what wired headphones your parent uses currently and consider getting a similar design.
- The “left” and “right” labels matter. Putting headphones or earbuds on the correct way ensures that stereo songs and shows will sound as intended.
- Most wireless headphones use Bluetooth. This means they can easily connect to any smartphone or laptop with Bluetooth connectivity.
- Not all wireless headphones can operate while charging. This means they should generally be kept charged up when possible. Besides, this defeats the purpose of the whole “wireless” thing.
- Over-ear headphones don’t go well with wet hair. If your parent likes to listen to music or a podcast after a shower, on-ear headphones or earbuds are a better choice.
- Don’t forget about style. Wireless headphones come in a wide range of designs and colors.
FAQ
Q. Do wireless headphones have lower sound quality than wired headphones?
A. There is no significant delay or drop in quality with wireless headphones due to the reliability of Bluetooth connectivity.
Q. Are wireless headphones allowed on airplanes?
A. This depends on the airline and even what country you are flying to or from. In short, advise your parent to bring a spare pair of wired earbuds for air travel.
Q. How long can wireless headphones last on a single charge?
A. This depends on the model, but most wireless headphones last from four to 12 hours per charge.
Q. How long does it take to charge wireless headphones?
A. Most models reach full charge in two to five hours. Some models offer a quick-charge feature, providing hours of listening after just a few minutes of charging.
