Headphones Archives - Page 2 of 5

Worktunes Connect+AM/FM Battery Options Tested: Battery Life, Recharging, and Installation

Published on November 11, 2021 by Helmut

The Worktunes Connect+AM/FM (aka Worktunes Wireless) do not come with a built-in battery, so you get to choose (and replace) your battery depending on how much you use the headset. Many other headsets have a built-in rechargeable battery. This is convenient, but when the battery doesn’t hold a charge anymore or malfunctions in other ways, …

Wearing Noise Cancelling Headphones Over Earplugs: How Effective Is This?

Published on October 16, 2021 by Helmut

How effective is wearing noise cancelling headphones over earplugs?

In this post, I am reporting on my noise reduction test results for two top active noise cancelling headphones (ANC headphones) when worn over foam earplugs. If you are bothered by environmental noise but your headphones (or earplugs) alone don’t block enough noise, this post is for you. I often wear noise cancelling headphones together …

Active Noise Cancelling vs Noise Isolating Headphones [Tested]

Published on September 13, 2021 by Helmut

In this post I am reporting on my performance tests comparing noise cancelling headphones, over-ear noise isolating headphones, and in-ear noise isolating earphones. Apart from noise reduction charts, I have also included tips based on my experience to help you decide which headphone type is right for your use case. Let’s get right to it. …

Etymotic ER2XR Review: Great Noise Isolation and Good Bass

Published on August 31, 2021 by Helmut

Etymotic ER2XR Noise Isolating Earphones Review

The Etymotic Research ER2XR earphones are excellent at reducing noise, and they can drive a good beat. I am getting 30+ decibels noise reduction with these virtually across the whole tested frequency range. A while ago, I tested the Etymotic MK5 Isolator, neutral sounding budget earphones with great noise isolation. I like the MK5 but …

Etymotic Mk5 Review: Great Noise Isolation on a Budget

Published on May 6, 2021 by Helmut

Etymotic MK5 review and noise isolation test

Do you want earphones with excellent noise isolation and save some coin? The Etymotic MK5 in-ears don’t have active noise cancellation, but chances are you won’t miss it with these earphones, if you don’t mind deep-insertion ear tips. I am sitting on my balcony listening to some coffeehouse music: basically piano and acoustic guitar to …

AGPTEK Sleep Earbuds Review (Isolation and Durability Tips)

Published on April 17, 2021 by Helmut

AGPTEK sleep earbuds are wired micro earphones with interchangeable ear tips. They are so small that I can insert them almost completely in my ear, allowing me to sleep comfortably on the side without ear pressure. Also, the sound of the earbuds doesn’t change when I hit the pillow. Apart from sleeping, these are also …

ISOtunes XTRA 2.0 vs Plugfones Liberate 2.0

Published on March 27, 2021 by Helmut

I have recently tested both the XTRA 2.0 and Liberate 2.0 Bluetooth earplug headphones and posted detailed reviews. In this post, I am contrasting their main strengths and weaknesses to help you decide between the two. For more information and tips & tricks for the XTRA 2.0 and Liberate 2.0, here are links to the …

Plugfones Liberate 2.0 Review: Earplugs with Bluetooth

Published on March 22, 2021 by Helmut

A couple of months ago, I tested the wired Plugfones Guardian: I liked their nice balanced sound. I also found out that the silicone tips fit my ear while the foam tips were too small. Many users like silicone tips for their ease of use and durability, so I decided to also test the Bluetooth …

ISOtunes XTRA 2.0 Earplug Headphones Review (plus Tweaks)

Published on March 8, 2021 by Helmut

Recently I tested a pair of basic wired ISOtunes and was impressed by their noise isolation and selection of ear tips. The ISOtunes XTRA 2.0 (NRR 27) are the wireless upgrade: they have Bluetooth 5, a rugged design and a high dust-and-water resistance rating (IP67), and they can be connected to two devices at the …

Noise Cancelling Headphones vs Earplugs: Who is Boss?

Published on February 22, 2021 by Helmut

Against low-frequency noise, active noise cancelling headphones (ANC headphones) reign, but against everything else, foam earplugs are more effective. That’s what I used to think, having used both for years now. But ANC headphones and ANC earbuds have become better and better, so I wondered, “Is this still true?” Besides, maximum noise reduction and isolation …