If there’s one thing I can’t stand, it’s having my headphones pop out or fall off of my ears right in the middle of a set. It throws everything off. I’m sure cardio fanatics, snowboarders, and anyone else who listens to headphones while doing a fitness activity is equally annoyed.
That’s why it’s so important for me to have a good set of headphones that sound awesome and stay in my ears. Below are some of the headphone models I checked out, along with what I thought of them.
Sony MDREX36V (black) – $ 23.99
Features:
- Ear bud design directs sound into ear canal for deep bass response
- 8mm EX driver fits securely and comfortably in ear canal
- In-line volume control for optimized sound control
- 3 sizes of ear buds, including small, medium and large, provide optimal comfort
- Adjustable cord for a customized fit
- Frequency response: 6 – 23kHz
- Sensitivity: 100dB/mW
- Impedance: 16 ohms
Where to buy: HERE!
First up is Sony and there timeless MDR series of headphones. This particular style is the “in-ear” buds. Since ears are all different, Sony has used the newest trend of in-ear fittings, included with these buds are three different sizes of ear cup so that you can find the best fit. The sound is near reference quality, however the volume can be low at times. This is due, in part to Sony’s desire to protect you from hearing damage, and in part to the “in-line” volume control. One word on this; in-line volume controls can be convenient for not having to touch your device, but they are also highly susceptible to wear and tear as well as damage.
Phillips SHS3701 – $ 19.99
Features:
- Over-ear design with contoured ear clips for a secure fit
- 27mm driver; neodymium magnet
- Mylar dome diaphragm and copper voice coil
- Bass beat vents allow for improved airflow, creating more crisp sound
- Asymmetrical cable ensures the cable is out of the way while wearing
- 3 sets of interchangeable caps in black, silver and pink for a customized look
- 3.5mm 24K gold-plated stereo plug
- Frequency response: 12Hz – 22kHz
- Sensitivity: 102dB
- Impedance: 32 ohms
Where to Buy: HERE!
Next in our headphone comparison is a set by Phillips, creator (with Sony) of the CD format, so these guys know digital audio. The Phillips entry is not of the in-ear variety, instead these units are small discs that press against your ear and are secured by a partial “earring” and held against your ear. The first thing you will notice is a small amount of weight, if you’re stationary this might be ok, if however, you lead an active lifestyle then the bouncing and slight rub of the earring will surely become noticeable if not slightly irritating. We expected the sound to be fuller and richer since these units are substantially larger than in-ear buds, but because they do not feed sound directly into the ear canal, much of it is lost, especially in loud environments. Another compounding failure is the low output and upended bass response.
Coosh – $ 24.99
Features:
- Impedance: 34Ohm
- Frequency response: 65Hz – 20Hz
- Sensitivity: 95dB
- Magnet Type: Neodymium (NdFeb)
- Max input: 10mW
- Max output: 125dB (peak)
- Cable type: tpe
- Cable length: 1.2M
- Jack type: available in 2.5mm or 3.5mm
Where to Buy: HERE!
Rounding our headphone comparison out is the well designed entry by Coosh. This product is targeted toward active lifestyles, and it shows. This design is not new, the units are basically ear buds. What is new, is the full circle “earring” that holds the headphone. This clever design ensures that the headphones stay in place whether you’re upside down break dancing or playing soccer. perhaps the most impressive part of these earpieces is that they use the type of magnet (Neodymium) that Sony uses for an increased performance in a small space, unlike Sony, these units have a higher sound output, making them ideal for outdoor use and in loud areas. In addition Coosh headphones are available in various colors with interchangeable earrings and most importantly available with different jack sizes for 2.5 and 3.5 mm connections.
Final Thoughts:
The Sony ear buds have awesome sound quality. Don’t sweat too much as these units go deep into the ear canal, and don’t fiddle with the volume control too much. The Phillips units sound good as long as you’re not in a loud area, and not expecting a serious low-end response. The Coosh rings are going to take a little getting used to if you’re not used to having something encompass the outside of your ear. The good news here is that they are very light weight, surprisingly sturdy and affordable.
Other Headphone Reviews:
- Earbud Headphone Comparison
- Coosh on Gadget Reviews
{ 1 comment }
I use the Phillips SHS3701 and I love them. They stay on no matter what type of exercise I am doing. The sound is great, one of the best I’ve owned. Plus they do not hurt my ears like the in ear models do, for me after a while the in ear ones start top hurt. But these are real comfortable.
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