By the mechanism of action on the ear canal vacuum headphones resemble earplugs. Due to this location "earplugs" suppress extraneous noise and have good bass. But not all.
Contents:
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The best vacuum headphones
In selecting the nominees, we looked at the latest and most successful models from well-known brands specializing in audio and functional headsets. As a result, the list of the best ones includes both musical models and "talking" models - but with a wide range of features.
Simgot EM3
Hybrids with a mature sound and a good fit
The Simgot has three drivers built in: one dynamic and two armature, allowing for a balanced sound. The EM3s are oriented for use with Hi-Fi turntables.
Reasons to buy:
- Comfortable fit;
- Stylish design;
- Detachable, replaceable cable;
- Excellent package, plus a premium leather case.
The Simgot EM3 has a sensitivity of 101 dB, their impedance is 16 ohms, but the frequency range is 15-40000 Hz. This model uses a composite dynamic driver (10 mm in diameter) and 2 armature Knowles with a balanced armature.
The headphones are not used as a headset because they do not have built-in microphones or controls - only music. Sound isolation is ensured by the silicone tips, and a perfect fit is guaranteed by the comfortable earpieces. The level of comfort during prolonged wearing is also provided by the correct angle of the connector, so that the cable does not press on the ear.
The package is rich enough, which corresponds to the price segment. In addition to the headphones the user gets: a leather case and 2 sets of earpieces, affecting the final sound (3 pairs of each size). All of the earplugs in the set lock securely in your ears.
Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 2.
Great sound and great autonomy
Sennheiser Momentum TWS 2 headphones have it all: battery life, usability, and even sound. Also, after the upgrade, the model got better touch elements.
Reasons to buy:
- Suitable for listening to any genre of music;
- Low harmonic distortion;
- Support for voice assistant;
- Customizable controls;
- IPX4 moisture protection;
- Original cloth-covered case.
The Momentum True Wireless 2 vacuum headphones can filter out external noise (train, airplane, subway) without making others uncomfortably loud. Dynamic drivers that reach up to 7 mm in diameter provide accurate and balanced sound. You can enjoy both classical and electronic music.
The vacuum headphones are connected via the Smart Control app, available for Android and iOS. Google Assistant and Apple Siri assistants are easily activated - at the touch of a button. You can use the "transparent hearing" setting (specify the allowable level of external noise transmission) or use "smart pause." Command reassignment and touch control customization are also available.
This TWS runs for 7 hours on one full charge, and the battery life increases to 28 hours when charging the case. It takes 90 minutes to fully charge the headphones, and if you need it faster, just put the gadget in the case for 10 minutes and then use it for an hour and a half.
Apple AirPods Pro
TWS headphones with adaptive equalizer
A built-in processor in AirPods Pro adjusts playback frequencies by analyzing the shape of your ear and the fit of the ear buds. A built-in microphone levels out noise by forming a reverse sound wave of the same amplitude.
Reasons to buy:
- Noise cancellation is adjustable up to 200 times per second;
- There is an audio transparency mode;
- Rich sound;
- Optimal comfort during use;
- Stable connection;
- Fast charging in the case.
AirPods Pro are incredibly lightweight headphones that effectively block out external sounds. They constantly adapt to the geometry of your ear and the shape of your head, blocking out noise from the outside world. This model is the first for Apple to use silicone earpads (3 sizes). They have a vent, so there is no excess pressure in the ear canal when using the earplugs.
The new H1 chip is designed to play audio with minimal delay. There is no NFC in the headphones or case, only Bluetooth 5.0, but the connection is fast and automatic.
The device is protected against sweat and splashing by IPX4. Pressing the special sensor on the body, you can control music and make calls, as well as switch the gadget to silent or "transparent" mode - depending on the circumstances.
The wireless charging case will guarantee battery life for a day or more. If you charge the headphones in the case for just 5 minutes, that's enough time for 60 minutes of audio listening or conversation. One full charge is enough for 4.5 hours of work, and if you turn off noise reduction or "transparent" mode, you can count on a full 5 hours.
Bose Sport Earbuds
For intense sports activities
Bose Sport Earbuds vacuum headphones make music sound as if the performer is nearby. The gadget is designed for intense workouts even in wet weather.
Reasons to buy:
- Tight fit in your ears;
- Resistant to sweat and moisture;
- Easy touch control;
- Clear voice transmission during calls;
- Beautiful sound.
Bose Sport vacuum headphones have a special design of the acoustic port, as well as premium quality drivers with high efficiency. Due to this, the small speakers guarantee a powerful sound. The active equalizer is able to automatically amplify low and high frequencies, so that music, video content and voices during conversations always sound balanced, regardless of the volume.
The StayHear Max earpieces fit snugly over the ear canal. The headphones won't fall off even when you're shaking your head or jumping around very intensely. The hard plastic does not come in direct contact with the skin, only the soft silicone ear cushions. Thanks to the uniform pressure on the ear, the earplugs do not irritate particularly sensitive areas.
The gadget has a capacitive touch interface instead of buttons. You won't have to worry about the rain in the street - the device has IPX4 protection (you won't be spattered but you won't be able to dive in).
The battery life of the device allows you to listen to music for 5 hours. Quickly recharge the headphones in a quarter of an hour - this will be enough for 120 minutes of work. The battery can be charged using USB-C or wireless Qi-stand.
Sony WF-1000XM3
With digital noise cancellation
Sony's vacuum headphones have a sleek, minimalist design, complemented by a state-of-the-art case. The model features intuitive touch control settings and great sound.
Reasons to buy:
- Adaptive sound control;
- Long battery life;
- Ergonomic Tri-hold structure;
- Optimized antenna design;
- Tiny but powerful speaker.
The Sony WF-1000XM3 headphones allow you to fully immerse yourself in music thanks to an HD processor that actively suppresses noise. It is energy efficient and at the same time qualitatively filters out most external sounds at almost all frequencies. The gadget is equipped with a speaker (6 mm diameter), which provides clear, volumetric and deep sound.
An improved antenna device maintains a stable connection. It is comfortable to watch dynamic videos in these headphones due to low signal latency. If noise cancellation is enabled, fully charged Sony will work up to 6 hours. You can also charge them three times in the case and extend listening for up to 24 hours.
The designers designed these headphones so that they contact three areas in the ear. This makes for a comfortable and secure fit. The rubberized surface allows the earplugs to fit snugly in the ear canal, minimizing the chance of them accidentally falling out. Comes in 3 sizes of standard Triple Comfort earpieces and 4 sizes of elongated silicone rubber hybrids.
Jabra Elite Active 75t
The perfect fit.
Jabra Elite Active comes with silicone EarGels. They also include a special anti-slip layer to keep the headphones in your ear even during workouts.
Reasons to buy:
- Active Noise Cancellation (ANC);
- Fine-tuning via Jabra Sound app;
- Create a personalized hearing profile;
- Voice Assistant;
- Reduces ambient noise when talking;
- High level of water resistance.
Jabra Elite Active has 4 built-in microphones and a proprietary noise cancellation system that can be customized the first time you turn it on. Such a device will perfectly cope with the functions of a headset even in a noisy place. The voice will be clear during a conversation. Also, the device has the HearThrough function - it allows you to hear the sounds around you without removing the headphones.
The Vacuums have asymmetrical push-button controls and at the same time have a high protection class - IP57. Audio is transmitted via Bluetooth 5.0. The gadget's batteries are designed for 7.5 hours of battery life if you turn off active noise cancellation. With the charging case, the autonomy can be extended up to 24 hours.
The developers of Jabra's design claim that they conducted serious research beforehand, involving people from various countries. As a result, they were able to find a shape that sits perfectly in almost any ear. Many customers reported no discomfort while wearing them, even after six hours of continuous use. The soft gel ear cushions also contribute to a comfortable and secure fit.
Samsung Galaxy Buds+
Headphones with two-way speakers
Vacuum headphones Galaxy Buds+ help you enjoy the sounds of studio-quality songs. This model is ergonomically shaped and has a good set of ear pieces, so it provides a very comfortable fit.
Reasons to buy:
- Fast charging feature;
- 3 levels of sonic transparency;
- Multipoint;
- Very high autonomy;
- Compatible with a wide range of mobile devices.
Galaxy Buds+ do not have active noise cancellation, but if you choose the right size ear cushions, the gadget will not only hold firmly in your ears, but also be able to isolate from extraneous noise. Each speaker, consisting of a tweeter and a woofer, produces clean highs and strong bass, producing a really nice sound for TWS.
All 3 microphones (2 external and 1 internal) work very smoothly and effectively block out extraneous noise, ensuring comfortable communication during a phone call. You can control the gadget from your smartphone or from the touch pads on the housings.
Buds+ lets you listen to music for up to 11 hours on a single full charge and that time doubles when you use the case. After a 3-minute charge, the headphones can last another 60 minutes. The device supports Qi-compatible wireless charging.
FiiO FD1
"Expensive" sound in a budget wrapper
The wired model of vacuum headphones guarantees a lively and detailed sound. The device has a dynamic radiator with beryllium sputtering.
Reasons to buy:
- Good appearance and ergonomics;
- Comfortable fit;
- Stylistically and genre versatile;
- Rich package.
FiiO's dynamic ear driver delivers a frequency range from 10 Hz to 40 kHz. The sound is enhanced by a special sound pressure relief system. The transducer design is carefully engineered to deliver more power, resulting in an energetic and rich bass.
Visually, the headphones are very attractive. Their housings are made of transparent plastic, the faceplates come with a holographic pattern. The size of the headphone housing is a bit large, but quite lightweight. Thanks to the normal soundhole and ergonomic shape, they fit well in the ear and do not cause discomfort. Also, the earplugs provide sufficient noise isolation.
The set comes with a storage case, rubber ear pads (6 pairs) and one pair of foam ear cushions. The cable is twisted, made of monocrystalline, refined copper. It is thick, strong enough yet flexible. The cord is detachable and up to 1.2 m long.
Anker Soundcore Liberty Air 2 Pro
Stylish design and directional noise reduction
The Liberty Air 2 Pro allows you to choose special modes (transport, outdoor, indoor) that eliminate the most disturbing noise. The headphones themselves provide very balanced sound.
Reasons to buy:
- Nice design of the headphones and case;
- Powerful noise suppression;
- Quality sound;
- Comfort throughout the day of use;
- Convenient control.
The headphones feature PureNote driver technology, which provides an increase in bass and widens the frequency bandwidth. The drivers are coated with 10 toughened nanolayers for amazing sound clarity. And the intelligent HearID feature analyzes the user's hearing and adjusts the optimal sound settings for them.
The model is equipped with 6 digital microphones with noise reduction, which ensures that the voice is isolated from external sounds and transmitted with high clarity. Connection to your smartphone and other devices is via Bluetooth 5.0.
The Liberty Air 2 Pro case deserves a special mention. It looks like it was picked up on a pebble beach. The cover slides up. The headphones themselves look just as stylish and don't copy any popular brands. The set comes with 9 pairs of earmolds, made of very soft silicone.
The playback time, depending on volume, can be about 7 hours. If you use the charging case, it will increase to 26 hours. A full charge via USB-C or Qi wireless charger takes 2 hours. A quick 15-minute charge guarantees 3 hours of listening time.
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Criteria for choosing vacuum headphones
When choosing vacuum headphones, you need to evaluate the indicators that affect comfort (the material of the ear cushions, the shape of the cable, the assembly and materials used), as well as key technical characteristics.
Type of ear cushions
The earpieces in vacuum headphones are very important. The comfort of using the device depends on them. For their manufacture they are most often used:
- Porous foam, which easily adapts to the size and features of the auditory canal. The softer the earpieces, the more comfortable. But this material wears out rather quickly.
- Standard silicone ear cushions. They are quite elastic and provide good sound insulation. These ear cushions vary in shape and diameter. If they are firm enough, they can cause discomfort when wearing them for a long time. But silicone ear pads are durable and easy to clean.
The set of headphones is usually supplemented by several ear pads of different shapes (from "keg" to "herringbone") and sizes. Some custom ear cushions can be made from other materials.
Cable
With wired vacuum headphones, you need to pay attention to the cord that connects the speakers to the sound source. It is important that it be long enough, strong enough, and moderately flexible.
When choosing between a round cable and a flat cable, it is better to give preference to the latter, because it does not get tangled, can be easily twisted if necessary, and practically does not slip on clothes.
Build Quality
The body of the headphones should be made of quality plastic, with no cracks or burrs. Premium models may use other, more expensive, but lighter materials.
Driver design
In modern headphones, two types of drivers are installed:
- Dynamic - the most common and relatively inexpensive (if it is not the own development of some serious company). By themselves they are not notable for high acoustic capabilities, but with the use of specific materials and the introduction of various improvements, give a beautiful live sound.
- Armature speakers are distinguished by a complex design that increases the quality of playback, but for some people their sound may sound unemotional and uninteresting.
Some models successfully combine both types of speakers to create really great-sounding hybrids.
Resistance
Since earplug headphones are most often used with smartphones, it is advisable to use a headset with low impedance to the incoming signal.
An electrical impedance of up to 25 ohms requires less energy for quality sound. Higher impedance has an impact on sound volume, while lower impedance leads to distortion of sound waves.
FAQ
How can I make vacuum headphones safer for my ears?
It is generally assumed that vacuum headphones are quite harmful to the hearing organs. But this is objectively confirmed only when you use them for a long time and at a high volume.
The same is done when the listening is disturbed by extraneous noise, and the quality of the recording is such that it is impossible to understand the speaker's speech. In order not to increase the volume, you should choose models with good noise isolation, and ideally - with ANC. And connect to a quality sound source.
How to insert the vacuum headphones correctly?
You shouldn't push the headphones deep into your ear canal right away. Much depends on the material and type of earpads, but you should not feel any pain when using them. It is advisable to insert the earphone up to the "first stop" - when the surrounding sounds are muffled, but there is no discomfort yet. When the earplugs fit properly, you should not get a feeling of vacuum, ringing or other discomfort in your ears.
What is warming up the headphones and should you do it?
When vacuum headphones first come out of the box, they don't yet play as well as they should. Warming up" of the headphones refers to the process of changing the sound during the first 100-200 hours of operation of the device. This can happen by itself, as long as the owner listens to whatever he or she wants. Special tracks are also used for warming up.
Here the general principle of mechanism development works. Modern dynamic headphones have thin membranes that especially need such manipulation.
The need for warm-up is due to the fact that the membranes are made of a rather rigid material. Immediately after purchase, they are not developed, so the sound can come out dry and stiff.
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