Gone are the days of attaching cheaply-made headphones to your MP2 player, or even discman or walkman (for those of us who remember them). Today’s headphones let music enthusiasts experience sound on a whole new level. Whether you like to listen to music on the go or in the comfort of your home, here are some features to consider when investing in a new pair of headphones.

Price

On average, the more you pay for your headphones, the higher their quality. Pricier headphones generally feature a better design and higher grade materials, which adds up to better sound quality. More expensive headphones are also usually more durable than their cheaper counterparts, making them a good long-term investment. When it comes to quality and durability, it also generally pays to invest in a brand name that you trust such as Sony or Bose.

Headphones or Earbuds

Earbuds are perfect for those with limited space, as they can easily fit even in the smallest carry bag or pocket. They are also usually cheaper than headphones. Nevertheless, those who take their music seriously and don’t mind the extra bulk should consider spending more on a pair of headphones, as they generally have better sound quality and containment. For example, gamers should opt for headphones rather than earbuds, as remaining mobile is not high on their list of priorities. Joggers and those who like wearing hats might wish to opt for behind-the-neck headphones, with a rear connecting band.

Wired or Wireless

Wireless headphones come with a Bluetooth function, which makes them a whole lot more comfortable on the go. Better still, with the recent technological advances, the sound quality of wireless headphones rivals that of wired ones—this was not always the case. Modern wireless headphones also feature better battery life, which means that you can listen to music for hours without worrying about charging them.

Sound Isolation

A good pair of headphones keeps sound in while blocking out external noise. Decent sound isolation will ensure that you don’t have to turn the volume up on your headphones every time there is a racket outside, wasting battery life. It will also ensure that those around you don’t have to put up with your music choices. Closed-back headphones, without outer vents, tend to isolate sound better than open-backed ones, so opt for those if you frequently listen to music outdoors. Meanwhile, open-back headphones, which generally produce more natural sound, are generally better for the indoors.

Noise Cancellation

Noise cancellation technology eliminates external noise to let you enjoy music without interference from passing buses or barking dogs. Active noise canceling eliminates external noise through sounds specifically tailored to cancel it out, while passive noise reduction uses insulation to minimize unwanted noise. Keep in mind that quality noise canceling headphones are likely to set you back around $200.