Judging the quality of headphones cannot be solely based on brand or price. It requires comprehensive verification from four dimensions: core performance testing, hardware configuration, detailed workmanship, and actual experience. The following are specific and practical judgment methods, covering the entire process from parameters to actual use:
1、 First, let's take a look at the hardware configuration: avoid the "virtual label trap" and capture key components
Hardware is the foundation of quality, and it is important to focus on the core configuration that is "not diluted with water" to avoid being misled by gimmick parameters
1. Sound unit: Look at the material instead of just the size
The sound unit determines the lower limit of sound quality, but "large size ≠ good sound quality", material and design are more critical:
Dynamic coil unit: Priority should be given to diamond plated crystal diaphragms, wool basin diaphragms, and bio fiber diaphragms, which have stronger high-frequency resolution than ordinary PET diaphragms (such as being able to hear instrument overtones clearly) and stronger low-frequency elasticity (without a "bang" feeling); If labeled as "14mm large dynamic coil" without mentioning the material, it is likely to be an ordinary cheap unit.
Dynamic Iron/Loop Iron Unit: If labeled as "Dynamic Iron" or "Loop Iron Hybrid", the number of units needs to be confirmed (such as "1 Dynamic Iron+2 Dynamic Iron"), and priority should be given to brands with clear acoustic tuning plans (such as Sony, Iron Triangle, etc.). Miscellaneous "Loop Iron Earphones" may only use low-end dynamic iron units, and the sound quality may not be as good as high-quality single dynamic coils.
2. Connection and decoding: wireless viewing Bluetooth version, wired viewing interface and compatibility
Wireless earphones: Bluetooth 5.3 or above version must be selected, with stronger anti-interference ability (difficult to disconnect in complex signal environments such as subways and shopping malls) and lower latency; Priority should be given to selecting Qualcomm QCC series, Huawei Kirin A2, and Loda 1562 series for chip solutions to avoid "miscellaneous chips" without brand logos (which are prone to disconnection and high delay); Audio decoding needs to support AAC (Apple ecosystem) or LDAC/aptX HD (Android HD transmission), and only headphones that support SBC have a low upper limit of sound quality.
Wired earphones: Type-C digital earphones need to support "high-definition audio decoding" (such as Hi Res certification). The 3.5mm wired earphones depend on the wire material (oxygen free copper wire has less transmission loss than ordinary copper wire) and whether the plug is gold-plated (reducing oxidation and extending service life).
3. Battery life and waterproofing (for wireless earphones): see "scenario labeling"
Battery life: To promote the "total battery life of 30 hours", it is necessary to confirm whether it is in the "noise reduction off" or "on" state - when the noise reduction is turned on, the battery life will be reduced by 30% -50% (such as in ear noise reduction on a single use ≥ 4 hours, and head mounted noise reduction on a single use ≥ 15 hours to be considered qualified); Supporting "fast charging" (charging in 10 minutes takes more than 2 hours) is more practical, avoiding gimmicks such as "reverse charging" (low practicality and consumes its own battery life).
Waterproof: It must have a clear IPX rating. For daily commuting, choose IPX4 (to prevent splashing rain/sweat), and for sports, choose IPX5 or above (to prevent jet water flow); Only those labeled as "life waterproof" without IPX rating are likely to have weak waterproof ability and are easily damaged by sweat.
2、 Further testing experience: parameters ≠ experience, actual experience is the core
Hardware compliance does not necessarily mean a good experience. After receiving the headphones, it is necessary to conduct targeted testing on the following key dimensions:
1. Sound Quality Test: Listening to "Triple Frequency Balance" and "Detail Restoration"
Test with familiar music (such as vocals, classical music, and pop music), with a focus on:
Low frequency: whether it is "cloudy" (such as the lack of elasticity in drumming, sticking together), high-quality headphones can dive deep and quickly at low frequencies, without a "bang" feeling;
Mid frequency: Whether the vocals are clear (such as the sound of singers breathing and the clarity of lyrics), to avoid "vocals being drowned out by instruments";
High frequency: whether it is harsh (such as whether the high notes of violin and piano are sharp), high-quality headphones are transparent and not harsh at high frequencies, and can hear the details of instrument overtones;
Sound field: Head mounted headphones should have a "sense of space" (such as being able to distinguish the position of different instruments in classical music), while in ear headphones should at least have no "stuffiness" (excessive sealing leading to muffled sound).
2. Connection stability (wireless earphones): simulated daily scenario testing
Close range test: Within 1 meter of the phone and headphones, switch apps, watch videos, and make WeChat calls while playing music to observe for any "lag or disconnection". High quality headphones should be smooth throughout the entire process;
Interference scenario test: When playing music for 10-15 minutes in subways, shopping malls (WiFi/Bluetooth signal intensive areas), or passing through elevators (metal obstruction), if the connection is frequently disconnected (more than 2 times), it indicates poor anti-interference ability;
Delay test: Use headphones to watch videos or play games (such as shooting games), observe whether the "picture and sound are synchronized" - high-quality headphones have a delay of ≤ 60ms (almost imperceptible to the human ear), and if the delay is too high, "mouth shape mismatch" and "gunshot lag" may occur.
3. Comfort test: No obvious discomfort after long-term wearing
In ear style: After wearing for 1 hour, there is no swelling or itching in the ear canal (if there is, it indicates that the earplug size is not suitable or the material is too hard), gently shake the head (simulating walking), and the headphones are not loose or falling off;
Half in ear style: After wearing, there is no pressure on the skin of the outer ear (especially in the ear canal position), and the headphones do not slide out when lowered, without the need for frequent adjustments;
Head wearing style: After wearing for 2 hours, there are no obvious pressure marks or soreness on the top of the head or temples (even distribution of pressure on the headband). The ear cushions fit the face but are not stuffy (protein skin ear cushions are more breathable than PU skin). When wearing glasses, the ear cushions can avoid the legs of the glasses (no squeezing pain).
4. Noise reduction effect (for noise cancelling headphones): tested in different scenarios
Passive noise reduction (in ear/closed head mounted): After wearing, listen to external environmental sounds (such as air conditioning or speech). High quality headphones should be able to isolate more than 60% of mid to low frequency noise (such as significantly reduced air conditioning buzzing);
Active noise reduction: After turning on noise reduction, test in noisy environments (such as streets, offices) - medium to high frequency noise (such as speech) should be reduced by 30% -50%, low-frequency noise (such as subway roar) should be reduced by more than 70%, and there should be no obvious "ear pressure sensation" (the pressure sensation when the noise reduction module is working, poor quality headphones have strong ear pressure sensation, and are prone to dizziness).
3、 Detail craftsmanship: quality from the perspective of "small details"
Detail craftsmanship directly reflects quality control, and high-quality headphones are more rigorous in details:
1. Appearance and Material: No obvious flaws, delicate touch
Shell: No burrs or gaps (especially at the connection between the earphone body and the earplug/ear stem), no "abnormal noise" when pressed on the shell (poor quality earphone plastic shell is prone to loosening, and there is a creaking sound when pressed);
Wire (wired headphones): The wire is soft and tough, not easy to knot, and the interface is reinforced to avoid frequent bending and breakage of the wire;
Ear pads (head mounted): The ear pad sponge rebounds quickly (returns to its original state within 1-2 seconds after pressing), the protein skin/mesh has no odor or wrinkles, and the edges are sewn neatly (without jumpers or thread ends).
2. Functional reliability: No key/touch lag, no functional faults
Touch/button: The touch area of the wireless earphones (such as switching songs and adjusting volume) responds sensitively without "accidental touch" or "stuttering"; The feedback of the wired earphone's remote control button is clear, without any "inability to press" or "no response after pressing";
Auxiliary functions: Active noise reduction switching, transparency mode, call noise reduction, etc. There is no "noise" when turned on/off (such as a "pop" noise when switching noise reduction), and call noise reduction can clearly transmit human voice in noisy environments (such as roadside) (the other party cannot hear obvious background noise).
4、 Long term use verification: durability and after-sales service
Short term experience cannot fully expose quality issues, long-term use should pay attention to:
1. Durability: No quick aging of vulnerable parts
Wireless earphones: The charging case interface is not loose (stable contact during charging), and the earphone battery life is not significantly reduced (after 3 months of use, the single battery life does not decrease by more than 10%);
Wired earphones: The plug has no oxidation (the metal part remains shiny), and the wire has no peeling or breakage (especially at the interface);
Headphones: the head beam elasticity does not decrease (it can still fit the head circumference without loosening after long-term use), and the earmuffs do not crack or peel off (protein skin earmuffs should not age significantly after 1-2 years of normal use).
2. After sales guarantee: perfect brand after-sales system
High quality brands usually provide more reliable after-sales service (such as 1-year warranty, 7-day no reason return and exchange). If there are quality problems with the headphones (such as disconnection or noise reduction failure), they can be repaired or replaced in a timely manner; Avoid buying "white brand headphones" without branding or after-sales service, as they may not be able to protect your rights in case of problems.
Website QR Code
