Types of Headphones

Published: 5 Feb 2026

Headphones play an important role in daily life. Many people use them for music, study, calls, and games. Different designs serve different needs. Each style offers a unique listening experience. Learning about the types of headphones helps people choose the right option. Here is more information about the types of speakers on EC Science.

Table of Content

15 Types of Headphones
Conclusion
FAQs about Types of Headphones

15 Types of Headphones

Many boys and girls like different types of headphones. Below is a complete explanation of headphone types, features, and characteristics for beginners.

Over-Ear (Circumaural)
On-Ear (Supra-aural)
In-Ear (Earbuds/IEMs)
Closed-Back
Open-Back
Active Noise-Cancelling (ANC)
Bone Conduction
Wired Headphones
Wireless Headphones
True Wireless Earbuds
Gaming Headphones
Sports Headphones
Studio Headphones
DJ Headphones
Bluetooth Headphones

1. Over-Ear Headphones (Circumaural)

Over-ear headphones fully cover the ears. They are used for music, gaming, and studio work. Popular brands include Sony, Bose, and Sennheiser. They are made by companies like Sony Corporation and Bose Corporation. The following features and characteristics are included.

10 Features of Over-Ear Headphones

Full ear coverage
Large ear pads
High-quality sound
Comfortable for long use
Noise isolation
Wired or wireless option
Strong bass response
Durable build
Adjustable headband
Folding design for storage

10 Characteristics of Over-Ear Headphones

Heavyweight design
Immersive audio
Clear sound clarity
Good for long listening
Strong noise isolation
Professional use in studios
Large size
Expensive models available
Long-lasting comfort
Stylish appearance

2. On-Ear Headphones (Supra-aural)

On-ear headphones rest on the ears. They are used for casual music and travel. Popular brands include JBL, Beats, and Skullcandy. Made by JBL, Beats Electronics, and Skullcandy Inc. The following features and characteristics are included.

10 Features of On-Ear Headphones

Medium size
Light weight
Soft ear pads
Portable design
Wired and wireless options
Adjustable headband
Clear mid-range sound
Foldable for storage
Battery-powered for wireless models
Easy to carry

10 Characteristics of On-Ear Headphones

Rest on the ears, not cover
Moderate sound isolation
Comfortable for short use
Travel-friendly
Affordable options
Stylish designs
Clear sound for calls
Less bulky than over-ear
Lightweight
Available in many colours

3. In-Ear Headphones (Earbuds/IEMs)

In-ear headphones fit inside the ear canal. They are used for daily music, calls, and travel. Popular brands include Apple AirPods, Sony, and Samsung. Made by Apple Inc., Sony Corporation, and Samsung Electronics. The following features and characteristics are included.

10 Features of In-Ear Headphones

Small size
Fits inside the ear
Portable
Wired or wireless
Lightweight
Noise isolation
Easy storage
Quick charging for wireless
Comfortable for short use
Affordable options

10 Characteristics of In-Ear Headphones

Compact design
Easy to carry
Good for travel
Direct sound to the ear
Budget-friendly
Multiple colour options
Quick connectivity (wireless)
Can be lost easily
Short listening comfort
Commonly used with smartphones

4. Closed Back Headphones

Closed-back headphones have sealed ear cups. They are mainly used for music recording and studio work. Brands include Audio-Technica, Sony, and Sennheiser. Made by Audio Technica Co., Sony Corporation, and Sennheiser Electronics. The following features and characteristics are included.

10 Features of Closed-Back Headphones

Sealed ear cups
Noise isolation
Wired models
High-quality sound
Comfortable padding
Adjustable headband
Durable design
Strong bass output
Professional use
Studio friendly

10 Characteristics of Closed-Back Headphones

Blocks outside noise
Good for recording
Heavyweight design
Long listening comfort
Clear sound
Focused audio
Not for outdoor use
Premium models
Strong build quality
Professional look

5. Open-Back Headphones

Open-back headphones allow air and sound to pass through. They are used for home listening and studio mixing. Brands include Sennheiser, AKG, and Beyerdynamic. Made by Sennheiser, AKG Acoustics, and Beyerdynamic GmbH. The following features and characteristics are included.

10 Features of Open-Back Headphones

Open ear cups
Airflow design
Wide sound stage
High-fidelity sound
Comfortable padding
Adjustable headband
Wired connection
Light weight
Natural sound quality
Durable build

10 Characteristics of Open-Back Headphones

Sound leaks outside
Best for quiet spaces
Spacious audio
Comfortable for long use
Not suitable for travel
Professional listening
High-quality material
Detailed sound clarity
Lightweight
Premium appearance

6. Active Noise-Cancelling (ANC)

ANC headphones reduce outside noise automatically. They are used for travel, office, and study. Popular brands include Bose, Sony, and Apple. Made by Bose Corporation, Sony Corporation, and Apple Inc. The following features and characteristics are included.

10 Features of Active Noise-Cancelling

Active noise cancellation
Wireless options
Comfortable ear pads
Long battery life
Touch controls
Foldable design
High-quality sound
Adjustable headband
Charging case (wireless models)
Travel-friendly

10 Characteristics of Active Noise-Cancelling

Blocks outside noise
Clear music experience
Lightweight design
Premium materials
Long listening hours
Expensive models
Easy to carry
Stylish design
Battery-powered
Professional for travel

7. Bone Conduction Headphones

Bone conduction headphones send sound through the bones. They are used for running, cycling, and outdoor activities. Brands include AfterShokz and Vidonn. Made by AfterShokz Inc. and Vidonn Technology. The following features and characteristics are included.

10 Features of Bone Conduction Headphones

Open ear design
Lightweight
Sweat-resistant
Wireless connectivity
Comfortable fit
Safe for hearing
Durable frame
Good for sports
Adjustable headband
Long battery life

10 Characteristics of Bone Conduction Headphones

Allows ambient sound
Safe for outdoor use
Comfortable during exercise
Lightweight design
Long-lasting battery
Wireless connection
Clear sound via bone conduction
Sport-friendly
Durable materials
Easy to wear

8. Wired Headphones

Wired headphones connect with a cable. They are used for music, calls, and gaming. Brands include Sony, Audio-Technica, and JBL. Made by Sony Corporation, Audio-Technica, and JBL. The following features and characteristics are included.

10 Features of Wired Headphones

Cable connection
Plug-and-play
No battery needed
Clear sound
Comfortable padding
Durable cord
Lightweight
High-fidelity audio
Affordable
Long-lasting

10 Characteristics of Wired Headphones

Reliable sound
No charging needed
Simple design
Compatible with many devices
Heavy bass
Portable
Easy storage
Long cable options
Durable
Everyday use

9. Wireless Headphones

Wireless headphones connect via Bluetooth. They are used for music, study, and calls. Brands include Sony, Bose, and JBL. Made by Sony Corporation, Bose Corporation, and JBL. The following features and characteristics are included.

10 Features of Wireless Headphones

Bluetooth connectivity
No wires
Comfortable ear pads
Foldable design
Long battery life
Touch controls
Lightweight
Portable
Clear audio
Easy pairing

10 Characteristics of Wireless Headphones

Freedom of movement
Easy to carry
Stylish design
Rechargeable battery
Wireless convenience
Travel-friendly
Multi-device support
Durable
Comfortable for long use
Expensive models

10. True Wireless Earbuds

True wireless earbuds have no wires at all. They are used for travel, workouts, and calls. Brands include Apple AirPods, Samsung Galaxy Buds, and Sony WF series. Made by Apple Inc., Samsung Electronics, and Sony Corporation. The following features and characteristics are included.

10 Features of True Wireless Earbuds

Fully wireless
Charging case
Touch controls
Lightweight
Portable
Sweat-resistant
Good battery life
Quick pairing
Comfortable fit
Clear sound

10 Characteristics of True Wireless Earbuds

Pocket-friendly
Small and compact
Wireless freedom
Easy to use
Good for workouts
Durable
Stylish design
Clear audio
Travel-friendly
Can be lost easily

11. Gaming Headphones

Gaming headphones have a built-in mic and surround sound. They are used for gaming and online calls. Brands include Logitech, Razer, and SteelSeries. Made by Logitech, Razer Inc., and SteelSeries. The following features and characteristics are included.

10 Features of Gaming Headphones

Built-in microphone
Surround sound
Comfortable padding
Adjustable headband
Wired or wireless
Clear voice chat
Durable build
LED lighting (optional)
Noise isolation
Strong bass

10 Characteristics of Gaming Headphones

Large ear cups
Immersive audio
Comfortable for long gaming
Stylish design
Good voice clarity
Heavyweight
Adjustable fit
Professional gaming use
Durable materials
Multi-platform compatible

12. Sports Headphones

Sports headphones are made for workouts and running. They are sweat-resistant and secure. Brands include Jabra, Beats, and AfterShokz. Made by Jabra, Beats Electronics, and AfterShokz. The following features and characteristics are included.

10 Features of Sports Headphones

Sweat-resistant
Secure fit
Lightweight
Wireless options
Long battery life
Comfortable ear hooks
Portable
Durable design
Good sound quality
Fast charging

10 Characteristics of Sports Headphones

Sport-friendly
Safe for outdoor use
Lightweight
Compact
Long-lasting battery
Comfortable for movement
Clear audio
Durable build
Easy to wear
Stylish design

13. Studio Headphones

Studio headphones are for music recording and editing. They give precise sound. Brands include Audio-Technica, Beyerdynamic, and Sony. Made by Audio-Technica, Beyerdynamic GmbH, and Sony Corporation. The following features and characteristics are included.

10 Features of Studio Headphones

High-fidelity audio
Closed or open-back
Comfortable padding
Long listening comfort
Accurate sound
Wired connection
Adjustable headband
Durable design
Lightweight
Professional use

10 Characteristics of Studio Headphones

Precise sound
Clear highs and lows
Good for mixing
Professional-grade materials
Comfortable for long use
Heavy duty
Studio oriented
Neutral sound profile
High-quality build
Long lasting

14. DJ Headphones

DJ headphones are for live music and DJing. They are strong and durable. Brands include Pioneer, Sennheiser, and Sony. Made by Pioneer DJ, Sennheiser, and Sony Corporation. The following features and characteristics are included.

10 Features of DJ Headphones

Swivel ear cups
Strong bass
Noise isolation
Comfortable padding
Durable build
Wired connection
Adjustable headband
Foldable for travel
High-volume handling
Lightweight

10 Characteristics of DJ Headphones

Large ear cups
Professional DJ use
Heavy bass
Long-lasting comfort
Travel-friendly
Durable materials
Stylish design
Clear sound
Good for mixing
Strong build

15. Bluetooth Headphones

Bluetooth headphones connect to devices wirelessly. They are used for music, calls, and study. Brands include Sony, JBL, and Bose. Made by Sony Corporation, JBL, and Bose Corporation.

10 Features of Bluetooth Headphones

Bluetooth connectivity
Wireless design
Comfortable ear pads
Foldable for storage
Rechargeable battery
Long battery life
Portable
Clear sound
Touch controls
Lightweight

10 Characteristics of Bluetooth Headphones

Wireless freedom
Easy pairing
Travel-friendly
Stylish design
Comfortable fit
Durable materials
Multi-device support
Long-lasting
Professional look
Convenient use

Conclusion

There are many types of headphones. Each type is made for a specific purpose. Some are for music, some for gaming, and some for sports. Brands like Sony, Bose, JBL, and Apple make popular headphones. They are used by students, professionals, and travellers. Features like comfort, sound quality, and wireless support make them useful. Characteristics like size, weight, and noise control help people choose the right one. Knowing the types of headphones helps everyone select the best fit for their needs.

FAQs about Types of Headphones

Many people wonder about the different types of headphones. Here are FAQs to help everyone pick the best headphones.

What is Headphones?

Headphones are devices that let a person listen to sound privately. They are made to cover or fit inside the ears. Some are wired, and some are wireless.

What is 3 Types of Headphones?

There are many headphones, but three common types are: