Buying guide for best Anker headphones
Whether you want to enjoy your favorite music, podcasts, movies, or TV shows on the go, you need a durable set of headphones to discreetly deliver the audio. If you’re looking for quality and a reasonable price in one product, you can’t go wrong with Anker headphones.
Instead of bulky over-the-ear headphones, Anker offers various in-ear models that are lightweight and easy to wear whether you’re working out or relaxing. If you don’t want a cord getting in your way, the brand offers both wired and wireless headphones too. Some models also resist water and sweat, so they won’t be damaged by rain or strenuous workouts. Best of all, Anker headphones provide excellent sound quality and handy features found on more expensive models.
But Anker offers lots of headphone models, so choosing the right one can be difficult. With our buying guide, you have all the facts you need to find the best Anker headphones for your mobile device. If you want to start shopping right away, our specific product recommendations above can simplify the process.
Key considerations
In-ear headphones
While there are several different types of headphones, Anker makes in-ear headphones exclusively.
Fit: The headphones consist of small earbuds that fit inside the ear, just outside the ear canal. Rubber tips help provide the best fit for your ear size. Because of their positioning in the ear, the headphones create a seal that effectively blocks ambient noises for crisp, clear media sound.
Size: In-ear headphones are smaller than over- or on-ear headphones, which makes them highly portable and perfect for tossing in a bag or pocket. They’re also lightweight, so many people find them more comfortable to wear than bulkier headphones. That makes them an ideal option to wear during workouts.
Style: Anker offers a couple different styles of in-ear headphones. Some are simple earbuds that stay in place because of the snug fit. You can also find models with ear hooks that help hold the headphones in place to keep them from falling out while you’re running, biking, or working out. Anker also has a few pairs of headphones with a band that goes around the back of the neck to keep the earbuds in place. The band is usually adjustable to give you the best fit for even the most vigorous activities.
Wired vs. wireless
Anker headphones are available in both wired and wireless models.
Wired Anker headphones connect to your smartphone, tablet, MP3 player, or other device via a wire that plugs into a headphone jack. These don’t require a battery, so you never have to worry about running out of power in the middle of a workout or during your commute.
Wireless Anker headphones don’t require a wire to connect to your audio device. Instead, they use Bluetooth technology to communicate with your smartphone or other device. The lack of a wire is especially helpful during workouts and other intense activities because you don’t have to worry about accidentally snagging the cable and pulling the headphones loose. These headphones use a rechargeable battery, which you’ll have to keep charged.
While wireless Anker headphones don’t require a wire to plug into your device, in some models the earbuds are connected to one another by a wire or cable. If you don’t want to deal with any wires at all, opt for true wireless headphones from Anker, which consist of an earbud for each ear with no wire connecting them. True wireless models also use a rechargeable battery for power, so keeping them charged is crucial.
Anker true wireless headphones come with a charging case that can help extend their battery life for up to 100 hours.
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Features
Noise cancellation
Some Anker headphones offer noise-cancelling technology that blocks out ambient noises so you can hear your music, podcast, or other audio more easily. These models have a microphone that detects the noise around you and produces sounds to cancel it out.
You can also find some Anker headphones that don’t have a noise-cancelling feature but are designed to isolate and dampen noise, so outside sounds don’t interfere with your enjoyment of the audio.
Built-in microphone
If you plan to use your Anker headphones with your smartphone, you might want to choose a model with a built-in microphone. It allows you to easily take calls while wearing your headphones for added convenience.
Controls
To make the headphones more user-friendly, some models have the controls on the cord or on the earbuds themselves. You can usually adjust the volume or skip songs on a playlist just by pressing a button. Some models also allow you to pick up or disconnect phone calls too.
Extra ear tips
The majority of Anker headphones come with rubber ear tips in multiple sizes. That enables you to find the best fit for your ears so the headphones are comfortable and stay in place while you’re wearing them. Some headphones include ear tips in two sizes, but others come with as many as four.
Bluetooth
Anker wireless headphones all use Bluetooth technology to wirelessly connect to your smartphone or other device. Check that any device you plan to use with the headphones is Bluetooth capable to ensure that you can make a connection.
Battery
Anker wireless headphones operate on rechargeable batteries, so you want to choose a model with a long enough battery life for your needs. High-end models can run for 10 hours on a single charge, which means you can get through your workout and go back and forth from work without running out of power. Lower-power models generally provide about 3.5 hours of battery life, which is a good option if you only want headphones to wear for workouts.
Water-resistant/waterproof
If you’re going to use your Anker headphones for workouts and other intense activities, choose a water-resistant or waterproof pair. These headphones resist sweat, so they work flawlessly even during a serious workout. You can wear them in the rain without risking any damage to the earbuds.
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The ear hooks on Anker headphones are made of flexible materials that increase comfort and stability.
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Anker headphone prices
Anker headphones vary in price based on type and features. Most models cost between $13 and $170.
Inexpensive: The most affordable Anker headphones are wired models. They usually have a built-in microphone and control buttons on the cord, but they don't have many other special features. You’ll pay between $13 and $25 for these headphones.
Mid-range: These Anker headphones are typically wireless models that have a wire between the individual earbuds. They have a built-in microphone and control buttons on the cord, and they’re usually waterproof and may offer noise-cancelling technology too. You’ll pay between $25 and $60 for these headphones.
Expensive: The most expensive Anker headphones are true wireless models. These are sweatproof and have a built-in microphone and control buttons on the earbuds. They typically offer a battery life of at least 3.5 hours, though some provide up to 12 hours. You’ll usually pay between $50 and $170 for these headphones.
Most Anker wireless headphones offer an effortless connection with your Bluetooth-enabled device. In most cases, you can simply use your device’s Bluetooth menu to connect the headphones.
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Tips
- Choose the right headphones for vigorous activity. If you’re using your headphones for running, biking, or other workouts, opt for an Anker model with ear hooks or a neckband to keep the headphones in place no matter how hard you push.
- Position the earbuds correctly. You’ll get the best sound quality from your Anker headphones if you place the earbuds in each ear so they create a seal over the ear canal. Set the ear tip in your ear and gently tug on the outer ear to get the tip firmly into place.
- Place each bud in the correct ear. Anker headphones are typically labeled with an L for the earbud that should be placed in the left ear and an R for the earbud that’s meant for the right ear. Make sure to place the buds accordingly or they could feel uncomfortable and may not stay in place.
FAQ
Q. How should I clean my Anker headphones?
A. It depends on the model, so consult the instructions that come with the headphones you purchase. In general, you can use a dry, soft cloth or a brush with soft bristles to gently wipe away any debris or residue on the headphones and wire. For wireless headphones, you can use a toothpick wrapped in a soft cloth and dampened with alcohol to clean the contact pins.
Q. What’s the lifespan of Anker headphones?
A. It depends on the model you choose and how well you take care of them. Wireless models usually last up to five years before the rechargeable battery starts to have issues holding a charge. If properly cared for, wired models can last several years.
Q. Do Anker headphones come with warranty protection?
A. Anker offers 12 or 18 months of warranty protection for their headphones, depending on the model. The warranty covers problems that arise from issues with the materials or workmanship. Anker also offers a 30-day money-back guarantee for undamaged headphones.
