Earphones are often used as an umbrella term to describe any audio hearing device, even interchangeably with headphones. Going detailed into their specifications will help you understand the various types available in the market. We’ll take you through:

1. On-ear

On-ear earphones are essentially headphones. They are placed over the ears and are supported by headbands. You can choose between two kinds of on-ear earphones - those pressed against your ears and others that enclose them.

The former is typically a more compact option, making them ideal for smaller-sized ears and heads, and those who prefer a lighter set to carry around. However, if you’re looking for on-ear earphones that give you a snug fit and don’t mind a heavier load, the latter will be suitable. Also known as over-ear headphones, they are designed with larger ear cups that completely encompass the ears and thicker headbands for sturdy support.

To simplify your search for on-ear earphones, simply look out for headphones, the term with which they are often marketed by brands around the world.

2. In-ear

In-ear earphones are those that fit into the ear, as opposed to headphones that cover them. There are two types of in-ear options as well - the first is inserted into the ear canal, while the other sits on the concha, which is the opening of the ear canal. Deciding between the two rests on your comfort level. Some may find stuffing earphones into the ear canal painful, so the second type works better. Others may prefer the secure fit of the former. Regardless, there are different sizes of paddings available for both, which enhance your earphone experience.

3. Wireless & wired

The definitions of wireless and wired earphones are pretty self-explanatory. Wired ones are typically connected to the audio output device that comes with an earphone jack. On the other hand, wireless options require the use of Bluetooth for the transmission of sound. They are compatible with most smartphones, tablets and laptops that allow for Bluetooth pairing between the earphone and device, which makes them excellent if you prefer more flexibility in your range of motion.

4. Active & passive noise-cancelling earphones

As its name suggests, noise-cancelling earphones are designed to block out external noise. This can be achieved in two different ways. Active ones come with microphones that pick up and eliminate unwanted sounds by electronically converting them into a waveform that our ears cannot detect. This way, you can listen to your music with absolute clarity, and if you’re on a call, focus with ease on what is being spoken on the other side. 

Today, you can find active noise-cancelling technology in many wireless earphones or wired headphones, and are a popular choice among audiophiles. Passive noise-cancelling earphones, on the other hand, are those that come with a closed-back sealed design meant to ward off external noises. They may not be very effective in reducing ambient sounds compared to the former, but they retain the quality of audio since there is no electronic processing that takes place within the earphones.

As we have covered above, earphones can refer to both in-ear and on-ear, with the latter being more specific to headphones. Earbuds are a type of in-ear earphones held by the concha ridge instead of those inserted into the ear canal. Should the terms get confusing, look out for their design.

Earbuds are typically one-size-fits-all and do not come with a cushion. Instead, they are designed with a silicone tip that is meant to offer a secure fit. It can be a challenge to find a good pair. If the size of your concha is big, the earbuds may tend to fall out easily. You can, however, consider attaching extra padding to enhance the support. For those with smaller ears, fitting the larger earbuds in may create discomfort - so the other type of in-ear earphones will be a better option. They usually come with different sizes of cushions, so you can select the right one that fits easily into your ear canal.

Is it bad to wear earbuds all the time?

Technology has advanced to provide us with convenience on the day-to-day. However, it is our responsibility to ensure they do not harm us in any way. While most earbuds, and earphones in general, are designed to be safe for use for prolonged periods of time, it is always advisable to give your ears some breathing space. Plus, ensure your earphones are cleaned before and after use to avoid the risk of ear infections that could cause discomfort to your audio experience. Clearing any wax build up in your ears on a regular basis is also important.

Is it bad to wear earbuds to sleep?

Especially while you’re travelling, tuning out from your surroundings and immersing yourself into the world of music is the best way to stay calm and catch a nap. It is also helpful for those who have insomnia and post traumatic stress disorders, and find it hard to fall asleep at night. Addressing such concerns, brands like Bose have developed sleep-friendly earbuds with comfortable ear tips to avoid any discomfort throughout the night. Together with a sleep app that provides a library of sounds to help you snooze at night, these earphones are an ideal pair if you’re looking for a solution to your sleep problems. That said, always maintain good hygiene - a set of clean earphones go a long way to protecting your ears.

Selecting the best earphones for yourself boils down to what you really need them for the most. At the same time, identify your preferences and desired comfort level. A quick overview below will be helpful.

For sports/exercise

If you love listening to music while on a jog, carrying weights at the gym or riding your mountain bike, you cannot compromise on mobility. Wireless or Bluetooth earphones, like the Bose Sports Earbuds, are incredibly suitable as you won’t have to worry about wires interfering in your movements, which could otherwise pose dangers when you’re working up a sweat. Waterproof options such as the JBL UA True Wireless Flash X is best for training or playing sports in all weather conditions.

You’d also want to ensure your earphones stay in place no matter how vigorous your movements get. Whether you choose wireless earphones that fit within your concha or into the ear canal, as long as they offer you a tight secure fit, they’ll be perfect for you.

For travelling

When you’re travelling, all you’d want to do is to enjoy your music or at least tune out any unwanted noise around you. You neither want a crying baby on the plane spoiling your sleep nor traffic sounds disturbing you as you binge-watch your drama on a long bus ride. A pair of noise-cancelling earphones, wired or wireless, will be the best option to go for. With plenty of brands offering earphones with the technology, such as the Huawei Freebuds Pro or Sony WI-C600N Wireless Noise Cancelling In-Ear Headphone, that too in different ear fit options, finding a pair won’t be a feat!

For work

With the increasing popularity of remote working, owning a pair of earphones becomes necessary. Not only do you want to ensure that you’re always available for a teleconference with your colleagues or clients, but also enjoy top quality and clear audio input and output wherever you are. A pair of noise-cancelling earphones with a powerful microphone will be perfect for this, but be sure to go for those with longer battery life too so they last you even through the busiest week. You’d be able to find a suitable option from top-tier brands like Jabra and Sony.

For leisure

For those looking for a simple pair to watch movies in private at home or catch up with the latest tunes when out and about, be sure to opt for earphones with basic functionalities - good quality sound, as well as easy pause and play functions. Users with iPhones will find the Apple earphones suitable, and likewise for Samsung and Huawei smartphone owners. However, if your handset does not come with an audio jack, going for a pair of Bluetooth earphones will be ideal.

Now that we have covered the different types of earphones and their various purposes, here are some features you can consider to streamline your search.

Frequency response

Most consumer earphones and earbuds are designed to produce audio quality that is sweetened so that they sound better to the listener. This is achieved with a ‘smile’ equaliser curve where the lows and highs are boosted. Such options are suitable for the everyday listener, whether they use them while exercising or for calls at work. However, if you’re looking for a pair for music recording and mixing, opt for those with a flat frequency response so that you can compare the sound quality of different audio files and set more precise equaliser levels.

Audio controls

From skipping tracks to answering phone calls, it is easier to have such audio controls within reach instead of reaching out to your playback device each time you need to make an adjustment. To deliver greater intuitiveness in user experience, wired earphones come with easy controls attached to their cables. Users of wireless alternatives can do the same by pressing the buttons attached to their heads of their earphones or earbuds, or tapping on in-built fingerprint sensors.

Cables

If you’re going for wired earphones, be sure you’re comfortable with the length of the cable - choose the one that offers you enough room for mobility. Shorter lengths may be prone to being stretched, ultimately causing damage to the cable. Also, consider the shape of the plug - L-shaped ones suit those who often have their earphones plugged into their laptops or desktops, or playback devices with audio jacks located at the side. Alternatively, the I-shaped option will be perfect for users who want a more comfortable fit when they place their devices in their pockets.

Protection

When carrying your earphones or earbuds around, you’d want to make sure they are well-protected. While a soft pouch may seem easier to pack, a hard case would be able to protect them from unintended damage caused by sharp items in your bag or unexpected falls.

Now that you have narrowed down the type of earphones you prefer and their ideal purposes, it’s now time to decide on the best brand to go for. There are plenty in the market, with each brand providing various models, from the budget range to the top-tier varieties. These options may give you a good head start.

For the budget user

If you want to purchase good quality earphones but don’t want to break the bank, budget options from Nakamichi, Marley, Beats and Philips are great options to consider. They are available in both wired and wireless.

For the mid-range user

Brands like Nakamichi and Beats also offer mid-range models with additional features such as longer battery life, noise-cancelling capabilities, sweat resistance, and a better quality of audio output. Consider earphones and earbuds from Marshall, JBL and Huawei too.

For the top-tier user

Audiophiles are sure to head for the top-quality range, so brands like Shure and Bose are the perfect fit. With enhanced resolution of sound, robust noise-cancelling technology, unrivalled comfort and durability, an investment in a top-tier model of such calibre is always worth every cent.

It is always essential to maintain any new electronics purchase. These tips will help you lengthen the lifespan of your fresh pair of earphones.

• If you own wired earphones, you’d want to avoid any damage to the cable. Instead of crunching them up and chucking them into your bag, wind them around a few fingers to create a natural coil and store them in a handy pouch. This way, the cable does not get entangled with other items in your bag that would otherwise cause cuts to the cable. Avoid wadding the cable too as this may create kinks and lead to breakage points within the cord and insulation itself.
• When removing your wired headphones from a device, always pull the plug from the jack. Pulling from the cable may cause it to tear and permanently sever the connection. 
• Wipe your earphones clean and dry, especially after a sweaty workout session as moisture may cause erosions and stains. You may use an alcohol sanitiser when doing so.
• Clear any ear wax build-up as this could lead to poor performance of your earphones. While a cleaning tool makes the task most productive, a cotton tip is a wonderful alternative.
• Replace the earpads if they have become difficult to clean, or when they have worn out. Having a few spares at hand is always ideal.

Do you already have a brand of earphones or earbuds in mind that you are keen to purchase? Or perhaps, you’re still browsing through the options available out there? Why not explore our collection of earphones online and make a purchase at tax-absorbed prices?

Offering wired and wireless earphones and earbuds at varied price points from leading brands like Sony, Jabra, JBL, Nakamichi and more, you’d be able to find a suitable option from our catalogue.

If you’re travelling, you can place your order online and collect your package from any of our collection points across Singapore Changi Airport, or opt for delivery to a local address. Non-travellers can also enjoy tax-absorbed shopping on iShopChangi and get the best deals even without flying.

Simply cart out with a minimum spend of $59 and provide us with a local address for free delivery.

Plus, with new deals dropped every week, you can get the best bang of your buck when you choose to shop with us - keep your eyes peeled for our latest promotions online and never miss a fantastic offer on iShopChangi!

Beyond our earphones and earbuds, you can shop for a range of audio equipment in Singapore through our online store, from wireless headphones to Bluetooth speakers. Browse and shop away!