Headphone reviews: FAQs
How good are the iPod's distinctive white headphones?
We tested the headphones supplied with the current iPod as well as the replacement iPod headphones available from Apple.
The headphones supplied with the iPod fared much better than the replacement set, so if you do have an iPod it's worth hanging on to your original set.
The iPod headphones were one of the better in-ear sets we've tested. They offer decent sound quality (though somewhat lacking in bass) and comfort, and these simple white headphones are lightweight too.
The replacement set we tested from iPod are plugs rather than an in-ear set, and weigh 2g less than the supplied set. Sound quality is poor, they have very weak bass and a squawking sound can be heard in the background. Our experts described sound performance rather unflatteringly as nasal, tinny and washed out.
For more on the iPod, read out reviews of the iPod Nano, iPod Touch, iPod Classic and iPod Shuffle. We've also reviewd the iPhone 3GS, which can be used as a music player as well as a mobile phone.
Which is the best wireless set of headphones?
Though wireless sets let you rid yourself of the headphone cable, sound quality of the Bluetooth sets we’ve tested simply isn’t up to scratch.
These sets had weak bass, a disturbing background noise as well as some sound distortion so we don’t recommend them.
What's the difference between Bose QuietComfort2 and QuietComfort3 headphones?
The Bose QuietComfort3 headphones are the new version of the QuietComfort2 set. We've previously tested the Quiet Comfort2, and while the QuietComfort3 don't quite match the heady heights of their predecessor, both were worthy Which? Best Buys.
The Bose QuietComfort3 headphones offer good balanced sound reproduction and the noise cancelling feature impressed our experts. It's neatly hidden away in the ear pads and works whenever the headphones are switched on.
They're easy to charge and a large set of power adaptors, including one for use on airplanes are provided.
I find plug headphones uncomfortable, but you give several of these sets a good rating for comfort, is this right?
Since the shape and size of everyone’s ears are different, if you're buying a plug or in-ear set it's worth asking if you can try them on in the shop to see if you find them comfortable.
Our ratings for fit and comfort are based on five experts trying each set of headphones, but we can’t guarantee a set will be perfect for you. You’ll have to find this out for yourself by trying them out.
Sound quality can be affected by how well plug and in ear headphones fit your auditory canal, so fit is very important. Many sets come with a variety ear pads offering you a number of options to get the best possible fit for your ears.