If you’re in the market for a new pair of headphones, take time to learn about the different styles and features available to consumers. The following tips will help you read technical specifications and pick the best model for your needs.

Design
Headphones typically come as in-ear, on-ear or over-ear. The first are highly portable earbuds, the most convenient for travel. On-ear and over-ear headphones are the traditional style you’re familiar with. Keep in mind: Over-ear headphones are larger since they typically sit on your skull and are cupped over the ear, giving listeners better sound and a more comfortable fit. On-ears are slightly more portable but can get uncomfortable after a long session.

Wires
The most common feature people look for is Bluetooth. Many headphone models have wireless counterparts, but keep in mind the extra power you’ll need. Bluetooth will use more battery from your smartphone, and your headphones will also need their own power source since your phone is not driving them. If you’re an audiophile, be sure to check specifications on the headphone’s converters and drivers. Wired phones are getting their analog signal from your smartphone’s headphone jack, typically built with high-quality, digital-to-analog converters, whereas wireless headphones do it on their own since they’re receiving a digital signal.

Features
Remote controls are convenient for commuters who need access to playback buttons and calling without taking the phone out of their pockets. For cinephiles, surround-sound headphones are becoming more available to the average consumer. Gaming headphones also have surround sound, though most travelers don’t want a giant microphone sticking out from the side. Travelers will be most interested in noise-canceling technology, allowing them to enjoy music without the sound of jet engines.

Tech
On the back of the packaging, you’ll find a series of numbers that explain how the headphones will sound. Look for the frequency range, which will look like 20–20,000 Hz. A lower first number and higher second number mean it has a wider frequency range, giving you deeper bass and more accurate treble. If your headphones are mainly for travel, make sure they have a low impedance, meaning it takes less power to drive them. Some high-end models are designed for home and studio use, so they have a high impedance and aren’t practical for listening on the road. The sensitivity refers to how efficient the headphone converts an electrical signal into sound — the higher the number, the better.

— Akhil Kalepu, Digital Coordinator and Technology Columnist