I generally hate dealing with bluetooth headphones (extra non-replaceable batteries to die then die! Extra drain on your phone battery! Run a unique ID tracking beacon all the time! Have a fight every time you want to switch sources! Pay more for inferior sound quality!), but the difference between the no-names and the mid-tier brands is shocking.
I've used a couple cheap wireless earbuds all of which were _awful_, and some over-ear TaoTronics headphones that are bluetooth-or-wired which are pretty OK, but I decided to try going up a tier and got a pair of Anker Soundcore Space A40 earbuds on sale for a bit over $50, and their ANC is _fabulous_, their pairing only rarely does something frustrating (they'll remember two different devices, which helps), they're actually reasonably comfortable despite being a larger object supported from the ear, etc.
One thing I realized the first time I had them on a flight is that the _lack_ of a simple way to hook them to a standard 3.5mm source is limiting - it means they can't take over for as many tasks from a wired pair as they otherwise could.
On the topic of headphones for loud environments: I've had mine for several years, but Plugfones (I have their Guardian model) are also a worthy object; earbuds which are also ANSI S3.19-1974 29db NRR hearing protection. Really nice for both noisy environments and working with power tools.
A bit late to the party, but in case you track replies, I can recommend the Avantree "Audikast Plus" device. Negligible weight, it gives you Bluetooth capability for two simultaneous headphones as long as you can plug it into a 3.5mm jack. I have been carrying it in my travel bag for years (the current model looks identical but is Bluetooth 5.0 compatible) and it makes our flights and hotel trips a delight (sound experience, I meant).
> they're actually reasonably comfortable despite being a larger object supported from the ear
On that note, there seems to be an explosion of "open-ear earbuds" going on right now - just between October and November, the amount of designs on Amazon seems to have doubled. These sit on your ear instead of inside it, and are a ton more comfortable. I couldn't stand normal earbuds and have been sticking to wraparounds, but these open-ear designs work for me.
PAPPPmAc|2 years ago
I've used a couple cheap wireless earbuds all of which were _awful_, and some over-ear TaoTronics headphones that are bluetooth-or-wired which are pretty OK, but I decided to try going up a tier and got a pair of Anker Soundcore Space A40 earbuds on sale for a bit over $50, and their ANC is _fabulous_, their pairing only rarely does something frustrating (they'll remember two different devices, which helps), they're actually reasonably comfortable despite being a larger object supported from the ear, etc.
One thing I realized the first time I had them on a flight is that the _lack_ of a simple way to hook them to a standard 3.5mm source is limiting - it means they can't take over for as many tasks from a wired pair as they otherwise could.
On the topic of headphones for loud environments: I've had mine for several years, but Plugfones (I have their Guardian model) are also a worthy object; earbuds which are also ANSI S3.19-1974 29db NRR hearing protection. Really nice for both noisy environments and working with power tools.
nokya|2 years ago
Izkata|2 years ago
On that note, there seems to be an explosion of "open-ear earbuds" going on right now - just between October and November, the amount of designs on Amazon seems to have doubled. These sit on your ear instead of inside it, and are a ton more comfortable. I couldn't stand normal earbuds and have been sticking to wraparounds, but these open-ear designs work for me.
QuantumGood|2 years ago
mock-possum|2 years ago
pdn1|2 years ago