iPod and iPhone Headphones

Buying a Pair of iPod Headphones

Apple's iPod and iPod Shuffle have grown in popularity and millions of people enjoy listening to music on them. Those who own iPods often realize that the sound offered by the original earphones included in the iPod purchase seems somewhat average. To transform a somewhat decent iPod experience into an excellent one, you might need to purchase another set of headphones. Regardless of the quality of music an iPod is capable of playing, sound is essentially defined by the earphones you are using. So, which iPod earphones should you purchase anyway?

Earbuds and Canalphones

Both types of earphones are remarkably similar. Earbuds are the original type of earphone that is used most commonly with mp3 players and iPods. Canalphones basically look like earphones but have a separate silicone piece attached to the tip of each earphone. This piece is disposable and basically allows the earphone to get deeper into the ear canal. A deeper fit typically means a better fit and more sound isolation. With better sound isolation, hardly any of the music you are listening to will transmit to the outside. Additionally, very little exterior sound will be able to enter your ear canal, especially if the music is turned up several notches above average.

Clip-on’s and over-the-ear models

Clip-on’s are probably among the least popular iPod headphone sets out there. They basically resemble larger earphones that are attached to your ear with a clip-on mechanism that wraps itself around the ear's upper section. Because the earphones are larger and do not fit into the ear canal, they need to be at a high volume if you want to hear the music properly. This is particularly true when they are used outdoors. People sometimes criticize clip on earphones for being too bulky and uncomfortable.
Over-the-ear earbuds are similar in design to clip on earphones but instead fit inside the ears. They feature a minimalist design that wraps neatly around the ear.

Headband headphones and can headphones

These are the headphones that can deliver an excellent quality of sound. Headband headphones feature speakers that are similar to clip on earphones but have an over-the-head design to hold them in place. This frame is much more comfortable than the clip-on mechanism. Headband headphones have been used for several decades now and may be somewhat less popular than earbuds.


Can headphones are larger and tend to fit over the ear. The interior of each ear piece is designed with rubber and foam to provide comfortable padding and superior sound isolation/sealing. Buy these headphones if you are looking for unmatched sound quality.

Where can I buy a good set of iPod headphones?

It is important to recognize first that most headphones can be used with an iPod. As long as the headphones feature a standard sized cable jack, you can plug them into your iPod's line-in. When looking for a set of iPod headphones, spend some time looking through various offers before making any quick decisions. It is often better to spend $100 or more on a good, long-lasting headset than to purchase a cheaper model that falls apart after prolonged use.
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