Tech Guides – Improb https://improb.com Improb | Purveyor Of Aesthetics Thu, 27 May 2021 16:09:19 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.3 https://improb.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/Improb-Fav-125x125.png Tech Guides – Improb https://improb.com 32 32 Poor Vision, Great Sound: Best Headphones for Glasses Wearers https://improb.com/best-headphones-for-glasses-wearers/ Thu, 27 May 2021 14:00:33 +0000 https://improb.com/?p=37191 Spec Beats

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People who wear glasses on a daily basis face challenges unknown to their 20/20 brethren. One of those problems is finding a set of headphones that work well with glasses. In our experience, many headphones just aren’t up to the challenge of providing great, immersive sound without cramming the glasses’ earpieces into users’ temples. However, with a little bit of searching, wearing headphones with glasses won’t be much of an issue. With that in mind, we looked for the best headphones for glasses wearers, so you don’t have to.

We checked out headphones in all shapes and forms, but mostly ones with wide, adjustable headbands, lots of cushioning, and enough flexibility to accommodate a wide range of frame sizes. So, whether you’re nearsighted, farsighted, or just rock blue light-blocking lenses, there should be a great fit on this list for you.

The Best Headphones for Glasses Wearers

beats solo3

Beats Solo3

If you’re looking for the best headphones for glasses wearers who travel or commute a lot, the Beats Solo3 is a great option. These on-ear headphones fold down to a minuscule size, and their padded case and durable build make them easy to throw in a bag without worry. Owing to the Solo3’s wireless connectivity, they pair quickly and easily. But these bad boys also come with a cord, so when the battery dies, you can keep the tunes going.

You’ll hardly ever need it, though — with 40 hours of battery life, you can get a week’s worth of work done before you need to charge it. And with the rapid charging, you can squeeze 3 hours of playback out of a quick five-minute charge. For glasses wearers, the adjustable headband and soft leather ear cups provide a perfect fit, allowing us to wear them for hours on end without any discomfort. After a long workday with glasses on, my ears were a bit sore, but it was a small price to pay for the portability.

And the mic is clear as a bell, too. We’ve used these on video conferences and phone meetings and have never had any complaints from anyone on the receiving end.

Key Features:

The 5-minute charge provides 3 hours of playback

40 hours of battery life

Clear mic

Adjustable headband

Foldable

Available in nine colors

Pros:

Highly portable

Long battery life

Solid audio

Adjustable headband

Fast charging

Cons:

On-ear headphones not as comfortable as over-ear

Specs:

Brand: Beats

Model: Solo3

Purchase

bose quiet comfort 35 ii

Bose Quiet Comfort 35 II

Bose is a force to be reckoned with in the audiophile world, and the Quiet Comfort 35 II is a great example of why the brand is so well-regarded. One of the most comfortable headphones for glasses, the sound quality coming from these headphones is also outstanding. As well, they’re definitely one of the best choices in their price segment. The audio performance is very balanced, making Bose QC 35 II great headphones for just about any kind of music. What’s more, it remains balanced even if you crank up the volume, which is not true of many headphones on the market.

Comfort-wise, Bose QC 35 II performs equally well when worn by people with and without glasses. The headband would benefit from more padding, but it’s not a huge issue. Since the QC 35 II model connects to devices wirelessly, you don’t have to worry about tangled and damaged cables. Of course, there’s also a headphone out jack in case you want to use the traditional wired connection.

If you commute a lot, you’re probably going to love the Bose QC 35 II’s built-in noise cancellation feature. It is highly effective, canceling out even louder outside noises and allowing you to concentrate on your music. In addition, the QC 35 II model is officially Alexa-certified, which means that you can talk to Alexa when wearing these headphones. Whether you want to find out more about the weather, add bread to your shopping list, or play some smooth jazz, just say it, and Alexa will take care of it for you.

Key Features:

20 hours of wireless use per charge

Excellent sound

Collapsible

Alexa compatible

Noise-cancellation

Dual mic system

Pros:

Noise-canceling mic

Great sound

Bluetooth or NFC pairing

Cons:

Price

Specs:

Brand: Bose

Model: Quiet Comfort 35 II

Purchase

audio-technica ath-m30

Audio-Technica ATH-M30

If you’re looking for a great pair of headphones for glasses, but don’t want to spend a lot of cheddar, the Audio-Technica ATH-M30 might be a perfect fit. Audio-Technica is a well-established name in the audio world, so you can be sure that these headphones will deliver quality sound. They may not have the same quality as the company’s ATH-M50s, but at less than half the price, you won’t be disappointed.

The ATH-M30’s are full-size over-the-ear headphones under $100, which means they’ll sit comfortably on your head without adding undue pressure on your ears. This means that you can rock any kind of glasses frame with these bad boys for hours without any discomfort.

The only problem you may find with these is that they aren’t overly portable. Since they’re not as solid as the high-end headphones in Audio-Technica’s lineup, you’ll want to take some care when putting them in a bag. The long cable can also be unwieldy during workouts, and there’s no microphone for taking calls or Zoom meetings. If you’re looking for a pair of headphones for working out or meeting online, these may not be the ones for you. But if you just want a good, affordable pair of headphones for working at home, they’re a great choice.

Key Features:

40mm drivers

Collapsible

7.8 ounces

Wired

Carry bag included

Pros:

Under $100

Portable

Great sound

Comfortable

Cons:

No microphone

Fragile

Long cord

Specs:

Brand: Audio-Technica

Model: ATH-M30

Purchase

beyerdynamic dt 770 pro 80 ohm

Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro 80 Ohm

Want studio-quality sound, but don’t want to pay studio-quality prices? Then check out the Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro model. Built with audio professionals in mind, these German-made headphones are available in multiple impedance options ranging from 32 to 250 Ohm. If you’re actually an audio professional, you may want to go for the higher end of that range. But if you’re an audiophile, we recommend you stick right in the middle with the 80 Ohm option. It’s probably the most versatile entry in the lineup and will put out great sound from just about any source.

As far as comfort goes, the Beyerdynamics are a good option for people with wider and/or larger heads thanks to the extra flexible headband with lots of soft padding. They’re also full-size headphones, so you shouldn’t have any issues with your glasses while wearing them. These headphones may require some time to wear in and adjust to your head, so don’t be disappointed if you don’t get a perfect fit straight out of the box.

If you’re a commuter, the DT 770 Pro studio headphones are not the most portable headphone set imaginable. They can’t be folded, and the non-detachable cable means you need to be extra careful with it. On the bright side, the velour pads are replaceable, so you don’t have to worry too much about damaging those. That said, the Beyerdynamics really shines when being used at home or at the workplace, since we wouldn’t recommend putting them through the daily wear and tear inside a commuter bag.

Key Features:

Professional sound

Collapsible

Robust headband

Wired

Replaceable earpads

Pros:

Durable

Great sound

Comfortable

Cons:

Break-in period

They don’t fold

Long cord

Specs:

Brand: Beyerdynamic

Model: DT 770 Pro 80 Ohm

Purchase

sennheiser urbanite xl - great for glasses wearers

Sennheiser Urbanite XL

If you’ve got a big dome, point that melon at the Sennheiser Urbanite XL. Sennheiser is a German brand with over 100 years of experience in all things audio-related, so it’s pretty safe to say you’d be getting a quality piece of gear with the Urbanite XL. However, they might not be the best option if you’re into classical music or jazz, as they’re pretty bass-heavy and thus more suitable for people who want some thump to their music.

Wearing the Urbanite XL with glasses should be no problem at all, as they have a wide, adjustable headband and big, cushy earpads. Such thick padding provides a very comfortable fit for people with larger heads. Covered in durable denim, the headband can take a lot of wear and tear before something goes wrong with it. Plus, the denim headband gets style points for distinctiveness.

Since these headphones were designed for portable use, you get a nice travel pouch to protect them from scratches and physical damage, so they make great headphones for travel and commuting. The cable is detachable, and you can choose from several cable options, including cables with customized controls for iOS and Android devices.

Key Features:

Stainless steel hinges

Aluminum sliders

Deep bass

Collapsible

Smartphone controllable

Travel pouch

Detachable cable

Pros:

Great style

Durable

Customizable controls

Cons:

Bass-heavy sound

Specs:

Brand: Sennheiser

Model: Urbanite XL

Purchase

sony mdr1am2

Sony MDR1AM2

Sony is widely known for its wide array of electronics, not the least of which is its iconic PlayStation console family. However, Sony is also a strong player in the audio field, with a countless number of top-notch headphones and speakers. The MDR-1AM2 model is a great example of why Sony is well-respected among audiophiles. These headphones sound almost neutral, with a slight emphasis on the lower mids and heavy bass. This allows the MDR-1AM2 to sound warm but not distorted and makes them a great option for everyday listening as well as for hearing every nuance on your favorite vinyl.

These headphones sport padding that looks slight but is extremely cushy and may be the most comfortable model for people with glasses. The ergonomic headband design allows the weight of the headphones to be distributed evenly without creating points of pressure on your head or ears. And thanks to the 6.6-ounce weight, you may even forget that you’re wearing them.

They don’t fold, but their ear cups do rotate toward the inside of the headband for more convenient storage and transportation. Sony MDR1AM2 headphones come with a travel pouch, so you can take them with you everywhere you go without taking up a lot of space in your backpack. They’re on the pricier side of headphones, but their comfort and sound quality will make them feel like a bargain.

Key Features:

Swivel ear cups for portability

Smartphone compatible

In-line remote control cord

In-line mic

Carrying pouch

Pros:

Excellent sound

Portable

Heavyweight bass

Soft earpads

Lightweight frame

Cons:

Pricey

No wireless connection

Specs:

Brand: Sony

Model: MDR1AM2

Purchase

samson sr850 studio reference for glasses

Samson SR850 Studio Reference

If you’re stoked on all these headphones, but they’re all out of your price range, you’ll be stoked to see the Samson SR850 Studio Reference, a truly budget-friendly set of headphones, on our list. At just a fraction of what most of our previous entries cost, these budget headphones still manage to deliver good-quality audio and feel surprisingly comfortable for glasses wearers.

While the sound quality isn’t as good as what the higher-end models can offer, you’re not going to find better sound for under fifty bucks. Even so, the sound coming out of the SR850 headphones is surprisingly clear, with crisp highs and punchy lows. So, don’t expect to get the muffled, thin sound (associated with many off-brand headphones) from Samson SR850, because they’re clearly capable of more.

The SR850 model is available in several versions. It may be tempting to get the Basic or Studio ones since they’re cheaper and they actually look pretty cool, but we highly recommend the “Studio Reference” if comfort is a priority. The headband of the Studio Reference headphones is completely different than what you get with the other two models, meaning a world of difference for people wearing glasses. Thanks to the extremely wide, auto-adjustable headband, these headphones can be a good fit for just about anyone, with plenty of space to comfortably accommodate your glasses.

Key Features:

50mm drivers

Semi-open back

Deep bass

Adjustable headband

Velour cushioning

Pros:

Great price

Solid audio

Adjustable headband

Cons:

Sound not as great as higher-end options

Specs:

Brand: Samson

Model: SR850 Studio Reference

Purchase

Headphones for Glasses Wearers Buying Guide

Features to Look for in Headphones for Glasses Wearers

Size – How well a set of headphones fits you is a huge factor in how comfortable they’re going to be. For people who wear glasses, this presents a unique challenge. The headphones will have to be tight enough to provide a tight seal, but not so tight that they squash your ears and glasses frames into your head. Most headphones sport adjustable headbands so you can customize the fit to an extent. But if you have an especially large or small head, keep an eye out for an XL or XS option.

Ear Pad Material – When it comes to comfort, ear pads are a crucial component when it comes to headphones. Since they are what comes in contact with your eyeglass frames, they’re where the potential for discomfort lies. Even slight pressure can press your eyeglass frames into your temples, which can cause some pretty savage discomfort, especially during long periods of wear.

Look for especially squishy ear pads made with a softer external material like velour or soft leather. These materials will conform around your glasses’ earpieces, instead of cramming them into your temples.

Over-ear vs. On-ear Headphones – For the most part, headphones come in two different forms: over-ear headphones and on-ear headphones. (The ones that go in your ears are called earbuds). Choosing which kind depends on personal preference, but there are a few things to consider.

  • Over-ear headphones have larger cups designed to fit over the entire ear. This provides a secure seal around the ear for better sound and noise cancellation. They also eliminate any pressure points on your ears since your head is the only point of contact. This is doubly true for people who wear glasses.
  • On-ear headphones are smaller and lighter thanks to their smaller ear cups, which rest on the ears instead of over them. These headphones are generally more portable, but they can pose a problem for people with glasses since they add pressure between the ears and eyeglass frames.

Headband – A good, padded headband is ideal for comfort in general. But if you wear glasses, adjustability is a bigger factor. Some headphones have headbands that can expand and retract to allow you to customize how they fit. This is perfect for glasses wearers since you can try a few different settings with them to dial in a comfortable fit.

Glasses Frames – You’re going to be wearing your glasses a lot more often than your headphones, so a good fit with your glasses should be your priority. No matter how much music (or how many crime podcasts) you listen to, headphones are a peripheral piece of gear compared to your glasses. So, make sure your glasses are a comfortable fit, then buy a pair of headphones that works well with them.

Versatility – For office wear, things like portability are secondary to comfort. A well-fitting pair of headphones that’s comfortable enough to wear for an entire workday should be your highest priority if you’re buying a pair for the office.

If you want a more versatile pair to wear during your commute, to the gym, or for travel, you’ll need to consider a few more things. Look for a durable pair that packs down small. This way, it won’t take up a ton of space in your pack and won’t get damaged while it bounces around in your bag.

Also, a wireless connection might be ideal, so you won’t get tangled up running on a treadmill or fidgeting around in your airplane seat.

sony headphones for glasses

Headphones for Glasses Wearers FAQ

What are the best headphones for people who wear glasses?

Since people come with different-sized heads and wear a wide range of glasses types, there’s no one pair of headphones that is perfect for everyone who wears glasses. There are, however, a few things to look for if you wear glasses.

The best headphones for people with glasses should have soft ear cups, so they won’t put a lot of pressure on your eyeglass frames. Also, look for a pair with an adjustable headband so you can customize your fit.

Once you’ve found a pair that seems like a good fit, check the reviews online to get an idea of how they sound, then look for any other features you’d want, like Bluetooth connectivity.

Can people with glasses wear headphones?

People who wear glasses absolutely can wear headphones. There are plenty of great headphones for glasses wearers that are comfortable and provide great sound. For the most part, over-ear headphones are the most comfortable for glasses wearers, but there are also great glasses-friendly headphones that go on the ears as well.

How do you wear noise-canceling headphones with glasses?

You wear them just like you wear any other noise-canceling headphones. A good pair of headphones will have ear cups that are soft enough to wrap around and provide a tight seal over eyeglass frames.

Sources:

  1. The Most Common Problems You’ll Encounter as a Glasses-Wearer – Innes Eye Clinic

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Desktop Boombox: The Best Computer Soundbars in 2021 https://improb.com/best-soundbars-for-computers/ Wed, 12 May 2021 16:00:40 +0000 https://improb.com/?p=28732 This one’s for the desk jockeys.

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Soundbars made for computers are external speakers ideal for those with small workspaces or who prefer a minimalist setup. The compact sound systems easily fit under a monitor, with tidier cabling for a clutter-free office desk. They also deliver better sound quality than most built-in monitor speakers, which is great if your monitor is your primary medium for entertainment.

Many soundbars are too big for computer setups, mainly because they’re normally intended for TVs and full-fledged home entertainment systems. So, we took it upon ourselves to hunt down a few great soundbars specifically for computers (don’t thank us, you’re welcome). In so doing, we dug around the net, nerded out a lot, and shimmied through a veritable ocean of verified buyer reviews.

The result is the following list, featuring a handful of the best soundbars for computers on the modern, sound-savvy market. To the daytime desk jockeys and WFH warriors; the podcast connoisseurs, and Fortnite…rs? This one’s for you.

The Best Soundbar for Computers

taotronics bluetooth computer speaker

TaoTronics Bluetooth Computer Speaker

Featuring a minimalist frame with discreet branding, the TaoTronics Bluetooth Computer Speaker is a 16.1-inch wide soundbar under $300 that pairs nicely with monitor setups no matter their footprint. Connectivity options include Bluetooth 5.0 (intuitive!), USB 3.0 plug-in (lag-free!), and auxiliary (old school!).

The SK025 soundbar is TaoTronic’s most popular soundbar to date. And that’s saying something — the company practically sh- …makes some of the best soundbars for computers available today. According to tech nerds and customer reviewers alike, this TaoTronics bar ranks among the best budget pc speakers — subcategories notwithstanding.

At less than three inches tall, the pc soundbar fits easily under many a monitor setup. Its slightly angled design and low profile make it discreet, and its non-skid feet plant it securely. The circular control panel, comprising a power button and media controls, is located on the right side and is easy to access.

The TaoTronics SK025 packs a helluva punch in its appealing and condensed form factor, offering (alleged by many) decent sound quality at a nearly unbeatable price point.

Key Features

Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.0, 3.5-mm aux-in, USB 3.0

Sound: Deluxe 6-driver

Extras: One-button operation (pairing, music controls, call handling)

Specs

Brand: TaoTronics

Model No.: TT-SK025

Power Source: USB

Dimensions: 16.14 x 2.17 x 2.64 in

Weight: 2.2 lbs.

Purchase

Best Soundbars for Computers

JBL Bar 2.0 – All-in-One Soundbar

When shopping for quality sound systems, whether it’s headphones or Bluetooth speakers, JBL is one of the first brands you should check out. Take a look at its Bar 2.0 for seamless sound quality. It’s a sexy-sounding 80-watt speaker with a sleek and compact design featuring Bluetooth 5.0 capability as well as an HDMI input cable for theatre-quality, latency-free connectivity.

At around 24.2 inches, this puppy is on the heftier end of the spectrum. But how else do you expect to house two 40-watt speakers? JBL says the Bar 2.0 utilizes Dolby Digital for virtual surround-sound engineering and a native smart sound mode to deliver “incredible sound every time.” And per the litany of customer reviews, this soundbar’s relatively big footprint is more than justified by the symphonic boom it delivers.

Regarding sound quality, this JBL soundbar is good, with “mega-luscious bass,”…or so we’re told by one (of thousands) of seemingly satisfied customers.

For controls, the Bar 2.0 has both a set of easy-access buttons up top and a remote, which offers the usual button array plus input and channel controls.

Word of the wise: if you prefer to connect to the Bar 2.0 using a traditional 3.5-mm aux, you’ll need to invest in an aux-to-optical converter, as this model does not come with an integrated auxiliary input. That said, the multitude of input options (Bluetooth, HDMI, optical) will work with just about any pc made in the last 5 to 10 years.

Key Features

Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.0, HDMI ARC, optical

Sound: Dolby Digital virtual surround

Extras: HDMI and optical input options

Specs

Brand: JBL

Model No.: JBLBAR20AIOBLKAM

Power Source: AC

Dimensions: 24 x 5.71 x 4.92 in

Weight: 3.55 lbs.

Purchase

Best Soundbars for Computers

Razer Leviathan Soundbar and Subwoofer

Ranked for several years as some of the best computer speakers for PC gaming, the Razer Leviathan Soundbar and Ancillary Subwoofer system offers 10-meter/30-foot range Bluetooth 4.0 aptX connectivity (read: muy dynamic and hella sexy).

The gaming hardware specialist’s latest Leviathan iteration also boasts Dolby 5.1 surround-sound config with 4 “finely tuned” drivers and a 5.25-inch downward-firing, bass-dedicated subwoofer. This versatile unit works well for games, movies, and music, featuring three preset sound profiles dedicated to each.

Housed in a sleek, all-black frame with the Razer logo in the middle of the front grille, the Leviathan soundbar measures 19.7 inches wide, 3 inches tall, and 2.8 inches deep. The accompanying subwoofer is a little more cumbersome, measuring 9.5 inches tall and 9.5 inches at the square base. Thoughtfully, Razer carved out a central notch in the soundbar base for clean channeling of mouse and keyboard wires.

Featuring multiple input options — including analog and Bluetooth — PC gear pros and buyers alike report exceptional immersive sound quality.

Heads up, though: if you’re looking for RGB light effects, look elsewhere. Although a staple in many of Razer’s pc peripherals, backlights are noticeably missing from the Leviathan.

Key Features

Connectivity: Bluetooth v4.0 aptX, Optical, NFC, 3.5-mm aux

Sound: Dolby 5.1 surround

Extras: 3 Preset equalizer settings

Specs

Brand: Razer

Model No.: RZ05-01260100-R3U1

Power Source: AC

Dimensions: 19.7 x 3 x 2.8 in  [bar], 9.5 x 8.7 x 9.5 in [sub]

Weight: 4.4 lbs. [bar], 5.1 lbs. [sub]

Purchase

Best Soundbars for Computers

TaoTronics 16-Inch Gaming Speaker

For powerful sound, a small footprint, and RGB light effect options, check out TaoTronic’s gaming-specific soundbar.

One of the best budget pc gaming speakers according to the cloud, the 16-Inch Gaming Speaker soundbar boasts 360-degree sound with zero audio distortion, small but mega drivers, Bluetooth 5.0, and hardwired connectivity options. Plus three optional light modes (flow, pulse, sync).

One self-proclaimed “old-school analog kind of audiophile” stated that they swapped a busted 5.1 surround-sound system out for the compact TaoTronics Gaming Speaker. The buyer states that, while having a pc that’s fitted with a high-quality soundcard is necessary, they were impressed with the soundbar: “This is a fantastic soundbar for computer use. Overall, the dynamic range, clarity, and nuances that you get with this soundbar far surpassed my expectations.”

For more top-quality audio devices, check out our guide to the best powered speakers.

Key Features

Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.0, 3.5-mm aux-in

Sound: Dual driver

Extras: RGB light effects, compact form

Specs

Brand: TaoTronics

Model No.: TT- SK027

Power Source: AC

Dimensions: 16.5 x 3 x 3 in

Weight: 2 lbs.

Purchase

ELEGIANT Wired Computer Sound Bar

ELEGIANT Wired Computer Sound Bar

Although this soundbar from ELEGIANT lacks wireless capabilities, it offers reportedly high sound quality. In fact, customers writ large celebrate it as one of the best cheap computer speakers across multiple categories due to dual 3-watt built-in subwoofers. And — and — the wired plug-in connectivity mitigates any risk of lag common among Bluetooth-enabled alternatives.

The ELEGIANT Wired Computer Sound Bar almost comes complete with optional RGB (red, green, or blue) light settings, a microphone interface, a headphone jack, and a single dial that controls power as well as volume. And, if verified buyer reviews are any indication, this sub-$25 soundbar is one of the best computer speakers for gaming at the price point.

Key Features

Connectivity: 3.5-mm aux-in

Price Range: $

Sound: Dual driver

Extras: Optional RGB light effects, mic interface

Specs

Brand: ELEGIANT

Model No.: ELEGIANTFurmores4778

Power Source: USB

Dimensions: 16.5 x 2.4 x 2.4 in

Weight: 1.4 lbs.

Purchase

Soundbars for Computers Buying Guide & FAQ

Features to Look for in the Best Soundbars for Computers

Size/Width – A great advantage to computer soundbars is the small physical footprint and vertical space they take up. The low, horizontal form allows users to neatly situate the bar in the empty space directly under their monitor, creating a clean and linear vertical profile while opening up usable desk space.

Similarly, soundbars aren’t very deep, which means they’re less apt to jut out awkwardly from under your office monitor.

More so than other computer speaker styles, soundbars appeal to those of us that are minimalist-minded, short on horizontal space, or both.

Connectivity – Most of the best soundbars for computers available today feature at least two types of device input technologies: 3.5-mm aux-in (wired) and Bluetooth (wireless). There are a few options on the market (though usually the higher end of it), which also boast HDMI, optical, USB-C, and Wifi connectivity.

Generally speaking, a 3.5-mm wired connection will be the most reliable and experience the least amount of latency.

Bluetooth connectivity is obviously appealing for its convenience factor — you can pair a Bluetooth soundbar to numerous devices and, with most models, seamlessly switch play control from one device (like your pc) to another (like your smartphone or tablet).

Ultimately, the types of connectivity you prefer and your physical parameters should determine whether a variety of input options is important to you or not. If you have a stationary desktop and intend to use your speaker as a dedicated pc soundbar, then maybe a simple wired configuration will do the trick. If however, you intend to connect multiple devices to your soundbar, or if portability is a big factor in your selection, then absolutely look for a Bluetooth-capable soundbar.

Stereo or Surround Sound – It’s substantially easier to find soundbars offering stereo sound technology as opposed to virtual surround sound. The difference is a matter of audio compression technologies used; virtual surround output requires newer, more advanced engineering and equipment than good ol’ stereo output.

While it’s impossible to create “true” surround sound without an arrangement of several strategically placed and synchronized speakers, modern audio engineering has done a pretty pretty pretty good job of synthesizing the effect. You’ll see synthetic surround-sound systems commonly referred to as “virtual” or “virtual surround sound.”  So, no duh, that’s what you get with an independent, “surround” soundbar. It’s not uncommon for mid and high-end soundbars to come with brand-specific surround-sound technology; take “Dolby virtual,” for example.

If you’re looking for a sound experience close to cinematic, dig into the computer soundbars that offer Dolby 5.1 virtual surround sound, and keep your eye out for bars that come with (or can at least connect easily to) an accompanying subwoofer.

Best Soundbars for Computers

Best Soundbars for Computers FAQ

What is the best way to connect a soundbar?

The best way to connect a computer soundbar depends on what you’re working with. The good news is that you probably have some options, and setup for each is fairly simple.

Connecting your soundbar via a 3.5-mm aux tends to be the simplest. And since aux cables are designed specifically to carry sound (unlike many do-it-all USB cables), the sound fidelity should be pretty solid. Make sure you have a quality cable, especially if your soundbar didn’t come equipped with one. You can upgrade to any of the leading aux cables for less than $10.

That said, Bluetooth reliability is rapidly catching up to that of traditional wired connections. And the effective range for Bluetooth devices typically far outstrips that of wired alternatives. Most affordable soundbar options offer BT ranges starting at 10 meters/33 feet; some even boast 15 meters/50 feet.

Since Bluetooth is probably here to stay for a while, we recommend looking through the best soundbars for computers that offer both 3.5-mm aux and Bluetooth v4.0 or higher input.

Do I need a 2.1, 5.1, or 7.1 Setup?

That depends on your interior space, desired audio quality, and budget.

To borrow from the pros at The Home Theater DIY, “A 2.1 soundbar includes two speakers, usually a left and right channel and a subwoofer. A 5.1 soundbar includes five speakers. Usually, front left, front right, front center, surround left, surround right, and a subwoofer. You can also opt for bigger systems, like a 7.1 soundbar if your wallet can handle it.”

Expect 2.1 systems to be the run-of-the-mill varietal in today’s market.

You can score a decent 5.1 setup for under $200, although it’s likely limited to wired-only connectivity. Expenditure between $200 and $400 should secure an ample and multi-speaker 5.1 digital/virtual surround system.

7.1 setups, while sexy af, may be a little much for scenarios in which the primary input source is a computer. 7.1 arrays typically start around $600 and go up from there; they are usually found in the rare air of ample home theatres. But hey, live your dream. If all that’s missing from your Minecraft experience is a little 7.1 blast to the ears, go for it.

 

Sources

  1. How Virtual Surround Sound Works – HowStuffWorks
  2. How to Choose a Surround Sound System – HowStuffWorks

 

 

 

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The Three Best Ergonomic Rollerbar Mouse Keyboards https://improb.com/the-three-best-ergonomic-rollerbar-mouse-keyboards/ Fri, 18 Sep 2020 08:00:55 +0000 https://improb.com/?p=24240 Precision, control, and comfort.

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You spend a lot of time at your computer playing games; it is perhaps your favorite hobby and ideal way to decompress and de-stress after a long hard day at work. You might also spend a lot of time sitting at a desk for work as well, tirelessly typing away at your computer to get your work done every day. Many people do one of these two things, and as a result, many people experience fatigue in their wrists, especially if those wrists do not have any support while spending hours in front of the computer every day.

This fatigue not only slows you down when you need to work swiftly or need to get speedy results when gaming, but over time, you could experience a condition called carpal tunnel. Carpal tunnel is a common condition among people who spend a lot of time typing at their keyboards. It’s felt as a tingling or numbness in the hand due to a pinched nerve. By having the proper wrist support, you can help stave off this condition.

Ergoslider Plus+ By Fersgo: Ergonomic Roller-Bar MouseErgoslider Plus+ By Fersgo: Ergonomic Roller-Bar Mouse

Those who work at the computer all day long tend to have neck, shoulder, wrist, and arm pain from desk posture around the keyboard and mouse. Lifting the mouse and moving it from side to side on one side of the keyboard is not only inefficient, but it can cause pain as well. Breaking out of bad computer habits can be challenging, but with the Ergoslider roller-bar, it has never been simpler.

The Ergoslider Plus: Ergonomic Mouse with Precision Roller-Bar Computer Cursor Control is a revolutionary take on the traditional mouse. It keeps everything that you need right in the center of the desk along with your keyboard. Place it in front of your keyboard and enjoy its comfortable padded design as you take control of your computer in a brand new way. This mouse features a long cursor bar that makes it easy for you to reach forward a bit and navigate the computer by running your finger across the long bar. It comes with a scroll wheel and four mouse click buttons for your convenience.

The modern design of the Ergoslider Roller-bar mouse adds a nice contemporary flair to your home office desk while providing the ultimate comfort at the same time. Its effortless nature will help remove the neck and shoulder pain that you experience from using a standard mouse, all while making you more efficient at your desk.

Purchase

RollerMouse Red - Ultimate Ergonomic MouseRollerMouse Red – Ultimate Ergonomic Mouse

It’s difficult to say goodbye to your old traditional mouse that you have used for so long, even if that mouse has caused you nothing but trouble and pain. Yet the second that you rest your hands along the smooth surface of this mouse and see the ease, efficiency, and pain-free nature of the RollerMouse roller bar mouse keyboard, you’ll be left wondering why you hadn’t made the switch before.

The RollerMouse Red – Ultimate Ergonomic Mouse is an innovative mouse design that keeps your hands in the center of the desk near the keyboard at all times, making it easier for you to get your work done. It works using a roller bar that allows you to touch it at any angle and move your finger from right to left, backward, and forward without ever having to move your wrists. The RollerMouse Red – Ultimate Ergonomic Mouse features a scroll wheel in the center and eight key functions, including copy and paste, one-touch control, double click, and more.

It has an ergonomic design and keyboard risers to level the RollerMouse roller bar with your keyboard for the most ergonomic effect. Sleek and silver-toned, this durable mouse is durably made out of aluminum and comes with a detachable leatherette wrist rest.

You may also be interested in some of these most popular mechanical keyboards from our list. Take a moment to check them out.

Purchase

RollerMouse Red PLUSRollerMouse Red PLUS

Never before have you experienced such ease and simplicity when it comes to using the mouse at your computer, as you will experience with the Contour Design RollerMouse Red plus. This mouse revolutionizes how you work at your computer by keeping it in the center of your desk just below your keyboard, eliminating the constant need to reach to the right or left to use the mouse. This position helps to alleviate a lot of the neck and shoulder pain that so often happens when using a standard mouse.

The Contour Design RollerMouse Red plus is controlled by an open roller bar that makes it simple to navigate any web page, document, excel sheet, and more. This mouse features a roller bar at the top, which provides unmatched precision and has tracking technology that measures up to 2,400 DPI. On either side of this mouse, there are ergonomic wrist supports that keep you comfortable no matter how many hours you need to work.

In the center of the Contour Design RollerMouse Red plus, there are mouse buttons. These buttons offer you eight essential functions that will make you more productive and efficient than ever before. These include but are not limited to their one-touch technology, copy, paste, and double click. You can adjust the height of the Contour Design RollerMouse Red plus to fit the height of your existing keyboard for a more comfortable experience than ever before.

Here are some of the top gaming keyboards under $50 on the market you may be interested in. Be sure to check them out.

Purchase

The Importance of Having Wrist Support

Another benefit of having the proper wrist support is simply ergonomic. A wrist rest is something that is going to benefit your wrists over the long term better. These wrist rests provide just the right amount of support that you need to comfortably game for hours on end without having to stop at a crucial moment to give your wrists a bit of a massage to combat strain and fatigue. Having less fatigue in your wrists means that you will be able to game more efficiently and longer.

While it can take a little bit of time to get used to, especially if you have gamed for years without any wrist rest, it is well worth the time spent. If you feel as if a wrist rest might get in the way of your gaming ability, you can always opt for a thicker pad. A thicker pad will add plenty of stability along with a place to cushion your wrists and support them during downtime in a game. It is the next best thing, ergonomically speaking, to a full wrist support module.

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The 10 Best Wrist Blood Pressure Monitors https://improb.com/best-wrist-blood-pressure-monitors/ Fri, 07 Aug 2020 08:57:53 +0000 https://improb.com/?p=27821 Monitor your health with one of these quality monitors.

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Monitoring your blood pressure at home is one of the easiest ways to keep your body in check. It’s good to be on the safe side. If you notice a change in your blood pressure suddenly, you can get the help you need faster.

Arm cuff monitors are the typical choice and are known to give accurate readings. However, arm cuff monitors are not convenient for at-home use. The convenience and comfort of wrist monitors make a wearable device the preferred choice among many.

There are lots of wrist blood pressure monitors available today, which is convenient because it opens a lot of options. At the same time, with so many options available, selecting the right one can be a bit daunting.

We’ve taken a look at the best wrist blood pressure monitors available and reviewed them here to make your search a bit easier.

The Best Wrist Blood Pressure Monitor

MOCACuff Connected Blood Pressure MonitorMOCACuff Connected Blood Pressure Monitor

MOCACuff wrist monitor joins the list for its sleek, sophisticated, and classy design. This product is a great deal, with useful features at a more affordable rate than some others.

All you have to do is be still and relax, and set the monitor to start. After the reading, which also includes heart rate, a color-coded chart aligned with the American Heart Association’s categories will display. This chart will help you make more sense of your readings.

All it takes is one click to get your readings synced up with your smartphone. From there, you can organize your data and set new goals for yourself. The app will also throw in some knowledge from the experts at the American Heart Association to help you pick up new tips and habits.

The app keeps track of all your trends and allows you to look at your health from a data-oriented perspective. This data gives you a much bigger picture of what is going on with your body.

You may also be interested in these amazing fitness trackers from our list. Be sure to check them out.

Purchase

Omron 10 Series Wireless Wrist Blood Pressure MonitorOmron 10 Series Wireless Wrist Blood Pressure Monitor

This device is sleek, silent, and packs in most features of their tabletop monitor into one little compact product. The fact that this little monitor is silent is useful for those who want to take their blood pressure discreetly.

The monitor can be hooked up to a smartphone, as it is compatible with iOS and Android devices. Using a smartphone, you can track an unlimited amount of readings. Without being synced up, you can still store 200 readings.

This wrist monitor offers a two user mode, which allows two different people to observe and record their blood pressure without overwriting the other person’s data. This option is a convenient feature that prevents couples from having to buy two devices for the same purpose.

Purchase

Greater Goods Wrist Blood Pressure MonitorGreater Goods Wrist Blood Pressure Monitor

This blood pressure monitor looks more like a medical device than a fashionable nice watch. Though it doesn’t quite hit the sophisticated, futuristic look many of the wrist monitors on this list sport, it does serve its purpose well.

The monitors are designed to encourage proper measuring techniques, even when taking blood pressure in an unconventional spot. It has a built-in position correction system that corrects your arm position if it is in the wrong placement for taking blood pressure.

The Greater Goods Wrist Blood Pressure Monitor measures diastolic and systolic blood pressure and also captures the pulse. Records of past measurements will be stored for up to 60 readings and include a three-day average.

Two users can share this blood pressure monitor as well. It will record 60 readings for each person and give each user a three-day average. This makes sharing the device simple and easy.

The cuff can accommodate wrist sizes ranging from 5.3 inches to 8.5 inches. It can also detect irregular heartbeats, which is an important thing to pay attention to.

The company has a wellness app, though you can’t connect your blood pressure monitor to it. To see the trends of your progress, you will need to log in your information manually.

Purchase

LifeSource ULTRACONNECT Premium Wireless Wrist Blood Pressure MonitorLifeSource ULTRACONNECT Premium Wireless Wrist Blood Pressure Monitor

LifeSource makes a highly sophisticated, slim, wrist blood pressure monitor that works great.

This monitor allows five different users to sync up and track their blood pressure, which means you can save a lot of money buying just one and sharing it with the family. It can store up to 100 readings in the device, but if you hook it up to the app, it becomes limitless.

Measurements sync to your phone via Bluetooth, which makes monitoring your progress a breeze. You don’t need a phone or tablet to track your blood pressure, however.

The device also looks out for irregular heartbeat and will make a note of it in your measurements. It’s always good to keep an eye on any irregularities in the body.

It uses positioning technology that ensures the monitor is positioned at the best place for taking a reading. It has bodily movement sensors that will pick up if you’re moving around during the reading.

The cuffs are soft and designed to sit comfortably around your wrist. It can accommodate wrists between 5.3 and 8.5 inches.

Purchase

iProvèn Digital Automatic Blood Pressure Monitor WristiProvèn Digital Automatic Blood Pressure Monitor Wrist

While the aesthetics of this blood pressure monitor are more on the medical side than fashion, the product itself is a great choice. It can take a reading in a short time, the results are accurate, and it’s extremely affordable.

Along with systolic and diastolic blood pressure readings, the device can also take heart rate and detect an irregular heartbeat. It takes your readings and places them against the benchmarks for the American Heart Association’s guidelines so you can clearly see where you fall among the expert recommendations.

This monitor is one of the more simple devices on the market. While the monitor does not hook up to an app, it still can store your last 60 readings so you can go back and take note of the trends.

The LCD is large and easy to read, making it a great choice for someone who struggles to read off small screens.

Purchase

Omron HeartGuideOmron HeartGuide

This is one of the higher-end blood pressure monitor wristbands that packs a bunch of features into one sophisticated device. It’s a medical-grade monitor that will give you a full report on your heart health, and allow you to keep on top of it.

You can use it to set daily reminders for yourself, including goals for your activity and heart health. It will even send out reminders to help you reach those goals.

The device also keeps track of your sleeping patterns and can give you an analysis of how your sleeping patterns are affecting your heart.

Unlike many other monitors, this device does not provide a blood pressure estimate, but instead its own patented technology that imitates all the traditional ways of taking blood pressure without using sensor technology.

The band will keep track of your blood pressure fluctuations throughout the day and give you easy-to-understand data directly from your own body.

It uses an easy to read LCD and the battery typically needs to be charged two to three times per week. It can accommodate wrist sizes between 6.3 and 7.5 inches.

Purchase

Paramed Automatic Wrist Blood Pressure MonitorParamed Automatic Wrist Blood Pressure Monitor

This blood pressure monitor is a mix between the futuristic devices and the more plain, medical looking devices. It’s a practical option at an affordable price.

The cuff has a large LCD display that will pull up accurate readings in under 30 seconds. You can save up to 90 of those readings at a time to go back and compare your progress, or catch any declines quickly.

It comes with a convenient carrying case that you can take with you anywhere. To get the reading, you just have to press a single button.

The device will automatically shut off after one minute of inactivity, a useful feature for saving battery life. It will also indicate when the battery is getting low, so you don’t end up caught off guard with no monitor.

It will also pick up and record irregular heartbeats, a feature that is useful for preventing any medical issues from arising.

Purchase

Omron 7 Series Wrist Blood Pressure MonitorOmron 7 Series Wrist Blood Pressure Monitor

This device is very similar to the Omron 10 Series monitor, with slightly fewer features. If you liked what you saw with the 10 Series, but find you don’t need extra connectivity with Bluetooth, you could save a few bucks and go for the Omron 7 instead.

It’s still attractive while maintaining a silent monitor process that allows you to be as discreet as you’d like. It stores 100 readings at a time, but will not hook up to a phone to get unlimited readings. One hundred readings can still offer a lot of insight into your health, though.

The monitor will take an average of your last three readings to give a more comprehensive look at your health. Unlike the 10 Series, this monitor can only be used with one person and will not allow you to store information for two people.

Purchase

Care Touch Fully Automatic Wrist Blood Pressure Cuff MonitorCare Touch Fully Automatic Wrist Blood Pressure Cuff Monitor

This device is a classic white monitor with a deep blue, easy-to-read LCD screen. It’s simple to work with and does a great job of getting results to you fast.

The readings are ready in under a minute, and it will also take note of any irregular heartbeats. This function is especially useful if the monitor detects an irregular heartbeat and alerts you to an impending medical problem early.

It has an automatic shut off feature to save battery life and can store up to 60 previous readings at a time. Though it does not sync to any device, being able to look back at the last 60 readings is useful enough for some.

Two people can use this machine, with each person allowed 60 individual stored readings. This device is a great choice for a couple who wants to keep track of their health together.

Purchase

Slight Touch Fully Automatic Wrist Digital Blood Pressure Cuff Monitor ST-501Slight Touch Fully Automatic Wrist Digital Blood Pressure Cuff Monitor ST-501

This wrist blood pressure monitor is another great, affordable choice that is practical without offering too many fancy features.

It’s FDA-approved, so you can rest assured that your readings will be accurate. It uses an easy-to-read LCD screen and a nearly silent cuffing method that allows you to be discreet as you take your blood pressure.

Two users can share this device, making it another good choice for couples. Each person can record up to 60 readings, while getting the average of their last three readings with each use.

It will also alert you if it picks up on any irregular heartbeats, which can be an early sign for medical problems. The monitor also comes with a carrying case and batteries.

It is simple and attractive in a black and white design.

Purchase

Choosing a Wrist Blood Pressure Monitor

There are many products available, and many feel overwhelmed when trying to decide what to purchase. The most important thing is to figure out what your needs are.

If you just want to keep track of your blood pressure for medical purposes, a simple and practical monitor would be a good choice because it won’t be confusing. Automatic tracking is a nice feature, though.

If you want a more comprehensive look at your health, go for a monitor that goes above and beyond the typical taking of blood pressure. The market is full of products that will give you endless insight into your body, while also tracking and monitoring your blood pressure.

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The 12 Best Outdoor Motion Sensor Lights https://improb.com/best-outdoor-motion-sensor-lights/ Thu, 23 Jul 2020 08:12:25 +0000 https://improb.com/?p=39517 Installing good outside lighting is one of the best measures to prevent burglary.

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Home is where we feel safe and protected; keeping our homes and properties safe is a priority. We all want to come home from a long day at work and feel comfortable and secure.

Intruders look for the most vulnerable homes that allow them to move freely in the dark without being noticed. Installing good outside lighting is one of the best measures to prevent burglary. According to a study conducted in New York, outdoor lighting cuts crime by 39%. This study shows that there is a dramatically significant correlation between crimes committed during the night and outdoor lighting.

This study strongly suggests having efficient outdoor lighting is a valid defense. But which lighting system is best? There are a lot of choices. But if you also put the cost of energy consumption in mind, then motion sensor lighting proves to be a smarter and more efficient option.

Motion sensor lights help reduce and conserve energy in contrast to full-time outdoor security lights. Moreover, these lights help prevent intrusions and burglaries by startling intruders. They also come handy when you arrive home with arms full and are unable to switch the lights on with your hands.

Here are the 12 best outdoor motion sensor lights.

The Best Outdoor Motion Sensor Light

Urpower Solar LightsUrpower Solar Lights

This outdoor motion sensor light is perfect for lighting up your garden, patio, deck, backyard, driveway, or any outdoor location. Because of its heatproof and weatherproof features, it can withstand any weather and resist environmental damage.

It is solar-powered and takes around 6-8 hours to charge fully. It automatically switches off the light during the day to save energy. At night, it will turn on automatically upon sensing any motion and turns off 30 seconds after the movement stops.

It can detect motion from about ten feet and has a 120-degree detection range. It contains eight LED lights, which makes it brighter and last longer. It has a unique design that gives a modern look to your outdoor space.

Specifications:

  • Product dimensions: 4.7 x 5.7 x 8.8 inches
  • Batteries: 4 Lithium-Ion batteries (included)
  • Power source: Solar powered
  • Voltage: 3.7 volts
  • Wattage: 0.49 watts
  • Item weight: 1.35 pounds
Purchase

Aootek 120 Led Solar Outdoor Motion Sensor LightsAootek 120 Led Solar Outdoor Motion Sensor Lights

Maximize your home’s security with this amazingly bright LED solar outdoor motion sensor light. Is has 3 Modes: Security Mode, where the sensor turns the light on and off automatically, Permanent On (All Night Mode), and Smart Brightness Control Mode wherein the light stays on all night and turns brighter when motion is detected.

Its sensitive PIR motion detector senses motion up to 26 feet within a 120-degree angle. It’s high-efficient LED lights with wide-angle illumination provide ultra-bright lights and wider detection range. It is also waterproof and heatproof, built to withstand extreme weather conditions. It can be easily installed and mounted on walls without needing to install any wires or cables.

Specifications:

  • Product dimensions: 3.8 x 3.9 x 8 inches
  • Item weight: 3.2 ounces
  • Battery: 1 Lithium-Ion battery (included)
  • Power source: Solar powered
  • Voltage: 3.7 volts
  • Wattage: 3.7 watts
Purchase

Zitrads 208 LED Solar Motion Sensor Outdoor LightsZitrads 208 LED Solar Motion Sensor Outdoor Lights

This wide-angle motion sensor lights can illuminate up to 270 degrees, making your driveway, porch, or any outdoor space brighter than ever! It comes with four lighting modes. The sensor string light mode turns on automatically when people walk closer, then turns off when no motion is detected. The dim light sensor mode turns the light on automatically when someone walks closer, and once absent, it turns to dim light mode. The night mode stays on a dim light for the whole night. Lastly, the emergency light mode can give out bright steady light when the switch button is pressed for more than three seconds. This unit is ideal for scenes requiring emergency lighting. This mode can last for up to five hours.

This solar motion sensor light is waterproof and made of durable ABS material, which means it can withstand rain and other extreme weather conditions.

Specifications:

  • Product dimensions: 6.5 x 4.2 x 4.1 inches
  • Item weight: 1.1 pounds
  • Shape: Cone
  • Voltage: 3.7 volts
  • Wattage: 4.44 watts
  • Fixture Features: Shock and vibration-resistant
  • Power source: Solar powered
  • Battery: none
Purchase

Vosonx Outdoor Solar Lights with Motion Sensor SensitivityVosonx Outdoor Solar Lights with Motion Sensor Sensitivity

The Vosonx Outdoor Solar Lights with Motion Sensor Sensitivity ensures your safety at home with its amazing features and super bright light. It has a 270-degree wide-angle and two side illumination points that can light about 100 square feet. It uses solar energy, so it generates no additional operating expenses.

These lights utilize the power of the sun, charging during the day and automatically entering motion detection mode during the night. Once you pull into the driveway or enter the perimeter of your house, the path will be illuminated by 100 LEDs. It is also waterproof, heatproof, durable, and can function through adverse weather conditions.

It is easy to maintain and easy to mount to your walls. All you need to do is use a pin to turn them on for the first time, and that’s it. There is no need to change batteries, and it can last for up to 5,000 hours.

Specifications:

  • Product dimensions: 9 x 3.4 x 2.7 inches
  • Weight: 1.15 pounds
  • Battery: 1 Lithium Metal battery required (included)
  • Shape: Ladder
  • Voltage: 4.2 volts
  • Light direction: Downlight
  • Power source: Solar
  • Wattage: 4.62 watts
Purchase

KeShi LED Motion Sensor Solar Security LightsKeShi LED Motion Sensor Solar Security Lights

The Keshi LED Motion Sensor Security Lights come with 360-degree dual-head spotlights that are rotatable and more adjustable. It has a built-in PIR sensor that can detect movement as far as 26-feet away in a 120-degree range. The dim light will automatically turn to ultra-bright light for 30 seconds at night when movement is detected.

It has a built-in and rechargeable lithium battery (2200mAh), which ensures plenty of power. It can last up to 30 hours of night use and can last for over 5,000 hours.

It comes with rubber stoppers and screws for easy wall mounting. The invisible pinhole switch and waterproof design ensure that its suitable for outdoor use, even in bad weather. It is the perfect piece of security equipment for your lawn, pathways, garage, porch, or backyard.

Specifications:

  • Product dimensions: 6.2 x 4.2 x 3.6 inches
  • Item weight: 14.4 ounces
  • Battery: 1 Lithium Polymer battery required (included)
  • Shape: Square/round
  • Number of lights: 30
  • Voltage: 3.7 volts
  • Light direction: Adjustable
  • Power source: Solar Powered
  • Wattage: 3 watts
Purchase

KUFUNG 48 LED Lamps Security Motion Sensor LightsKUFUNG 48 LED Lamps Security Motion Sensor Lights

From an innovative brand of home and auto products, this outdoor motion sensor lighting system has undergone strict quality control to deliver the best possible product. This wireless security light is suitable for yards, pathways, gardens, garages, and landscapes.

It has flexible angle joints that allow you to adjust the direction of light to suit your needs. This solar light works with a highly sensitive photosensitive device that can sense moving objects within 25 feet and a 120-degree range. It also reacts quickly, making it more effective in protecting the area.

It uses polysilicon solar panels, which have 1.2-1.25 times the conversion efficiency of traditional panels. Its normal charging time is 6 hours in good sunlight.

Specifications:

  • Product dimensions: 9.4 x 4.8 x 2.3 inches
  • Item weight: 1.55 pounds
  • Battery: 1 Lithium Polymer battery required
  • Power source: Solar powered
  • Voltage: 3.6 volts
  • Light direction: Adjustable
  • Wattage: 5 watts
Purchase

JJC LED Security Lights Motion Sensor Flood LightJJC LED Security Lights Motion Sensor Flood Light

This amazing and sleek-looking infrared motion sensor light comes with adjustable features to fit your unique lighting needs. It has three modes that you can control through the switches. The auto mode will automatically detect movement in the darkness, the on-time mode allows manual control, and the D2D, or dusk to dawn mode, automatically turns on at night and switches off at daytime.

These lights are equipped with the most advanced motion sensor and are suitable for most homes and commercial use as well. It is waterproof and snowproof and has an anti-rust treatment to extend durability and reliability. It can produce 2000lm of brightness output and has a lifetime of up to 50,000 hours (22 years with 7 hrs/day of use). It’s a great combination of quality and value.

Specifications:

  • Product dimensions: 7.8 x 7.7 x 6.1 inches
  • Item weight: 2.1 pounds
  • Shape: round
  • Voltage: 120 volts
  • Light direction: Adjustable
  • Battery: None
  • Power source: AC
  • Wattage: 20 watts
Purchase

Nacinic Solar Motion Sensor LightNacinic Solar Motion Sensor Light

This product is a real energy and money saver. This impressively bright outdoor motion sensor light features an intelligent sensing system with three modes. The auto-sensing mode automatically detects light brightness and human motion. The second mode automatically turns a bright light on when people into a ten to 16-foot range, then will switch to dim light when no one is there. The third mode will auto turn on bright light at night and stay on for 15 seconds when someone comes close. When no one is within range, it will turn itself off.

It features an upgraded solar panel with a high light conversion rate. It is also easy to install and maintain. You don’t have to worry about having to set up any wires. As it is solar-powered, just make sure to install it in a place where it can get a lot of sunlight to recharge.

Specifications:

  • Product Dimensions: 15.6 x 14.2 x 11 cm
  • Item Weight: 1.08 pounds
  • Battery: 1 Lithium-Ion battery
  • Sensor angle: 90-270 degrees
  • Voltage: 3.7 volts
Purchase

Sonata Outdoor Motion Sensor LightSonata Outdoor Motion Sensor Light

The Sonata solar motion sensor light is suitable for lighting up your front door, backyard, driveway, deck patio, or garage. This solar light charges by day and illuminates at night for up to 12 hours when it senses motion. It is both economical and environmental.

It works in three different modes. The medium-light mode automatically turns on at night and will maintain a dim light throughout the night. The dim light sensor mode maintains a dim light throughout the night and then automatically turns to bright light when movement is detected. The sensor mode automatically switches on the light for 30 seconds when motion it detects movement.

Specifications:

  • Product dimensions: 12.4 x 4.3 x 2.3 inches
  • Item weight: 1.15 pounds
  • Battery: 1 Lithium Polymer battery required
  • Shape: Linear
  • Number of lights: 1,600
  • Voltage: 0.5 volts
  • Light direction: Downlight
  • Power Source: Solar powered
  • Wattage: 0.5 watts
Purchase

Auspice Solar Lights Outdoor Motion Sensor LightsAuspice Solar Lights Outdoor Motion Sensor Lights

Made from high-quality and premium materials, the Auspice Solar Powered Outdoor Motion Sensor Light is built to last and withstand extreme conditions. Its solar panels have an improved solar conversion rate compared to other panels, allowing them to recharge faster during the day and keep the light on for much longer during the night.

It has 34 LED lights that provide up to 450 lumens of brightness. It can detect movement within 40 feet and will automatically light up for 15 to 30 seconds. It is proven to last three times more than normal outdoor lights as it is waterproof, frost-resistant, and heat-resistant. Durable and high quality, it is a good value for the money.

Specifications:

  • Product dimensions: 158 × 105 × 48 mm
  • Item weight: 8.8 ounces
  • Battery: 1 Lithium Polymer battery required
  • Shape: Square
  • Number of lights: 34
  • Voltage: 5.5 volts
  • Light direction: Up / down light
  • Wattage: 0.50 watts
Purchase

Vosonx Wireless Light Sensor and Motion Sensor LightVosonx Wireless Light Sensor and Motion Sensor Light

The Vosonx Outdoor Security Light has a 270-degree wide-angle illumination and 40 bright LED beads that can illuminate almost 100 square feet, providing ample lighting and security for your house and outdoor areas. It automatically charges during the day and turns on at night via light-sensor and motion-sensor.

It can detect motion within a 26-foot range and can illuminate with a 120-degree angle. As soon as it detects movement, it immediately turns into High Light mode to provide you optimum security. As it is solar-powered, it is best to install this light in an area where it can receive ample direct light during the day.

Specifications:

  • Product dimensions: 5 × 4.4 × 2.4 inches
  • Item weight: 1.96 pounds
  • Number of lights: 40
  • Voltage: 5.5 volts
  • Power source: Solar powered
  • Shape: Hexagon
  • Wattage: 0.38 watts
Purchase

Home Zone ES00730V Security Motion SensorHome Zone ES00730V Security Motion Sensor

Keep your home on less of a target to burglars and more secure with this ultra-bright outdoor motion sensor light. It is equipped with full 180-degree motion detection coverage and can detect motion up to 30 feet away. It’s built to last with its durable die-cast aluminum construction and rubber sealing that protect against any outdoor condition.

Its LED lights last up to 20 years with normal use, which is a real money saver. You can also customize your outdoor lighting with adjustable settings. It has movable joints for the sensor and light heads to allow perfect positioning for ideal illumination. You can buy with confidence as this security light has gone through rigorous tests and has been certified by the CSA.

Specifications:

  • Product dimensions: 8.25 x 6.25 x 5.0 inches
  • Item weight: 2 pounds
  • Shape: Rectangular
  • Voltage: 120 volts
  • Wattage: 28 watts
  • Battery: none
Purchase

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The 10 Best Bluetooth Hat Beanies https://improb.com/best-bluetooth-hat-beanies/ Thu, 09 Jul 2020 08:06:23 +0000 https://improb.com/?p=40155 Bluetooth hat beanies are an accessory that combines style and technology.

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Why let the winter chill affect your communication style? Bluetooth beanies are the hottest new trend to beat the winter blues. With these hats, you can stay warm and listen to music while you’re out jogging, shopping, traveling, or simply enjoying the great outdoors.

Today, Bluetooth beanies are a stylish accessory that combines fashion and technology and provide all the syncing features you expect from top-quality earphones. Some feature high-quality HD stereo speakers with fantastic sound quality and extended battery life. Others have waterproof speakers and a mic, which means hands-free phone-calls and seamless listening experience while keeping your ears warm.

Winter is not the only season to wear them. You can choose a model that’s made from lightweight, breathable material to keep you looking and feeling cool. Also, be sure you pick one that is made from a washable material to maintain freshness and hygiene.

To help you decide, here is our list of the ten best Bluetooth beanies.

The Best Bluetooth Hat Beanie

Mydeal Bluetooth Beanie HatMydeal Bluetooth Beanie Hat

Whether you’re at the gym, out walking your dog, skating, or at a coffee shop, this model is a good choice. It is made from 100% soft acrylic, and you’ll love the sound amplification for listening to music.

Available in a good selection of colors and styles, this unisex 9 x 9-inch cap fits most people. Its transmission distance is about 33 feet, and you get playtime of nearly six hours. Also included in your purchase are a micro USB charge cable and an easy-to-read instruction manual.

Feel free to use it as a nice running hat, too.

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SoundBot SB210 Winter Beanie HeadsetSoundBot SB210 Winter Beanie Headset

This Bluetooth beanie can give you five hours of music streaming or seven hours of hands-free talking. It is a comfortable, soft, and well-fitting cap with a double-soft premium knit that fits all sizes because of its adjustable hook-and-loop tape and stretchable material.

This model is an excellent choice for almost all outdoor/indoor activities. It comes with stereo speakers that deliver HD digital sound, excellent bass quality, dynamic mid-range, and clear treble, providing you with a rich listening experience.

This beanie is fully washable with a patented hook-and-loop and zipper design that allows you to remove and re-install the electronics easily when necessary. There is also a one-year risk-free warranty for purchases made from authorized resellers.

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Qshel Bluetooth Beanie HatQshel Bluetooth Beanie Hat

If fashion is your priority, the Qshell Bluetooth Beanie Hat for both men and women is a good pick. Made by a company at the forefront of innovation and quality, this model is not only fashionable but functional as well.

You will surely find a design that matches your personality and style because this model is available in more than 40 different trendy color combos and patterns, with a good choice of headbands as well. For those with long hair, get the neck-wrap combo for more comfort.

Aside from its great design, this model can deliver excellent performance. It also comes with simple, easy-to-use side controls that are great when you want volume control, to change the song, or answer or make a call.

The built-in stereo speaker and mic are located on the left earpiece, so it’s a breeze to surf back and forth on your playlist. The battery gives you six hours of talk/playtime, and it takes about two-and-a-half hours to charge. Also, this beanie connects easily to smartphones, laptops, and music systems.

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ZUKN Wireless Bluetooth Knitted HatZUKN Wireless Bluetooth Knitted Hat

 

This beanie is an excellent choice when the temperature is plummeting. It is probably the coziest model on this list because it is woven from double-layered, heat-retaining, soft acrylic and polyester. Plus, it ranks high on the cuteness scale, thanks to its adorable pompom.

This model is available in four delightful styles, and it is outfitted with the latest version of Bluetooth 5.0 that gives a solid, reliable, and stable connection, plus it supports both calls and music. With a max transmission distance of 33 feet, the sound quality is a pleasure to experience.

The lithium-ion battery gives you eight hours of talk or playtime at a charging time of just one-and-a-half hours. The removable control panel helps you switch songs and adjust the volume. There’s also a convenient LED indicator light. You can easily remove the control panel when it’s wash time for your beanie.

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Highever Bluetooth BeanieHighever Bluetooth Beanie

As a sleek and attractive model, this Bluetooth beanie is an excellent gift for men and women. It has a built-in stereo speaker and mic that uses the newest 5.0 version of Bluetooth and a wireless transmission range of 33 to 65 feet, which is impressive.

This model’s simple controls are a breeze to operate whether you’re walking, jogging, working out in the gym, or practicing yoga. It is also made from a soft material that gives a snug feel, and it is 100% washable. Also, its high-quality stretchable fabric makes it an ideal hat for heads of all shapes and sizes.

This beanie has a built-in mic that allows you to have a hands-free calling experience. You’ll find the sound quality is excellent at both ends when you’re making calls. Also, all the electronics are designed to be within the beanie, so there’s no hard plastic that may chafe your ears. The manufacturer offers a one-year guarantee with a 24-hour toll-free help-desk number to call in case you need assistance or information.

You may combine it with some of the best gym shorts from our list.

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Tenergy Wireless Bluetooth Beanie HatTenergy Wireless Bluetooth Beanie Hat

This model is your beanie buddy, whether you’re snowboarding, skiing, running, or just chilling out with friends at the neighborhood coffee shop. It will not only match your style but your chosen activity as well.

With this stylish beanie, you can perform hands-free calling or listen to your favorite playlist while you’re on the go. It also features a Bluetooth V4.2 that allows seamless pairing with tablets, laptops, smartphones, and other Bluetooth enabled devices. It has a connectivity range of up to 33 feet, and its built-in lithium-ion battery delivers six hours of play/talk time with two-and-a-half hours of charging time.

Located on the rear portion of the beanie is the control panel with an LED light and three easy-to-use buttons. The control panel enables you to switch channels, pause, skip songs, and adjust the volume.

When washing, you need to remove the electronic components and headphones. Afterward, you’ll have your clean and fresh-smelling beanie back in no time because of the quick-drying fabric.

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FULLLIGHT TECH Bluetooth Beanie HatFULLLIGHT TECH Bluetooth Beanie Hat

This stylish knit beanie gives you excellent sound quality. While others in this class could go up to a max of 60-70 DB volume, the FULLLIGHT TECH Bluetooth Beanie Hat features headset speakers that can go up to 100 DB.

With this model, you can chill out with your music without feeling the chill, thanks to its cable knit material that creates a snug, warm covering for your head and ears. Moreover, this hat has one of the most stable Bluetooth chips.

The responsive control panel on the right ear allows you to control volume in the noisiest of surroundings. It also features a built-in mic, noise cancellation, and a fully rechargeable 300 mAh battery that has twice the capacity of other brands. The earpiece design is an over the ear cup for extra comfort and safety. If you need to wash the beanie, you only need to remove the headphones and throw the hat in the washer.

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Deegotech Bluetooth BeanieDeegotech Bluetooth Beanie

If you’re looking for an affordable gift, this is a great choice. This unisex winter music hat has built-in HD speakers and mic. It also features Bluetooth version 5.0 that enables seamless pairing to smartphones, and other Bluetooth enabled devices within a 33-foot range.

This Bluetooth beanie has a convenient three-button control panel that is great for a quick song switch or surfing through your playlist. This feature also allows you to take or make calls and control the volume without having to pull your phone out of your pocket.

With music being the main priority, this hat features a built-in mic and high-performance stereo speakers with noise cancellation. It also lets you enjoy between seven and ten hours of talk/playtime on a one-to-two-hour charging schedule.

Overall, this stylish hat is sturdy enough to wear while jogging, running, or hiking. You’ll find it smart, comfortable, and chic. It is also sturdy because its knitting is of excellent quality.

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Highever Bluetooth Hat for WomenHighever Bluetooth Hat for Women

This model is an excellent choice for women who find it annoying to bundle their tresses into a beanie. It can keep you warm and cozy in winter, whether you’re out running errands or exercising or simply enjoying a girls’ night out.

This beanie’s convenient yet chic ponytail design helps you show off your long and lovely hair. It also features the latest Bluetooth 5.0 version that allows quick and hassle-free pairing to your smartphone, laptop, and other devices at an incredible 65-foot range, with a mere one-and-a-half hour of charge time.

This Bluetooth beanie doesn’t let ambient noises disturb you while you’re listening to your favorite band, podcast, or audiobook. You’ll find that the sound quality is superb.

Our guide to the best wired and wireless in-ear headphones features some amazing audio devices you can go wrong with. Check them out.

Purchase

OHYGGE Bluetooth BeanieOHYGGE Bluetooth Beanie

This one-size-fits-all unisex beanie is available in cheery red, smart black, and neutral gray. It is also made from ultra-soft, insulating, stretchable acrylic fabric that can give you warmth and comfort while you’re doing the activities you love in the cold weather.

This model comes with an easy-access USB charging port that allows you to charge the device via the USB cable. You’ll also get ten hours of play or talk time, with one-and-a-half hours of charging time.

The LED flashlights with controllable brightness settings are an excellent feature for camping trips and hiking as well as for auto work because it can light up to 30 feet away. The hands-free lights are removable and rechargeable, so this works out to being much cheaper than a battery-powered flashlight. You can charge the LED light using your laptop, power bank, or car socket, and with a one to two-hour charging time, you get at least eight hours of light.

Purchase

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The 8 Best Presentation Laser Pointers https://improb.com/best-presentation-laser-pointers/ Wed, 08 Jul 2020 08:07:07 +0000 https://improb.com/?p=40156 Take command of your presentation with one of these laser pointers.

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Presentation laser pointers come in all kinds of shapes and sizes. Whether you are a professional or just starting out, this review will help you get the device that matches your presentation needs. These are the eight best presentation laser pointers.

The Best Presentation Laser Pointer

Kensington K72427AMA Expert Presentation Laser PointerKensington K72427AMA Expert Presentation Laser Pointer

The Kensington Expert K72427AMA has all the features you need for a laser pointer. It also comes with the perfect balance of price and the features that make an impact on a presentation.

The USB receiver stays connected for up to 150 feet, and it also serves as an SD card reader. You can keep your presentation on an SD card, plug it into any computer, and the Kensington Expert K72427AMA will do all the configuration for you.

We like the design of this pointer because it is comfortable, and the contours make it feel natural while in your hands. The Kensington Expert K72427AMA has backlit buttons and built-in joystick for mouse control, making it easy to navigate through your slideshow. Although it has a bit of a learning curve, these navigation features gave us better control while presenting.

The Kensington Expert K72427AMA is an excellent tool for professionals who want to make effective presentations without veering into the premium side of laser pointers.

You may also be interested in these affordable projectors under $200. Check them out and pick the right one for your presentations.

Purchase

Logitech Spotlight Presentation Digital PointerLogitech Spotlight Presentation Digital Pointer

If you are feeling a little extravagant or want to take your presentations to the next level, then the Logitech Spotlight will bring out the master presenter in you. It has a premium look with premium features, and it is the most advanced presentation pointer we have seen.

Of all the laser pointers we tested, the Logitech Spotlight is the only one that gave us the wow factor. It goes beyond what we thought was possible for a presentation tool. Logitech ditched the traditional laser pointer in exchange for the ability to highlight or magnify specific details on the screen. It also gave us full control during presentations. We were able to open links, play videos, and manage everything using smart gestures.

This device has a Smart Time Management feature that lets you keep track of the time spent on your presentation. You can configure the Logitech Spotlight to vibrate five minutes before your closing so that you can wrap things up, and another when your time is up.

The features of the Logitech Spotlight redefine presentation, but it comes at a fairly high price. Still, it’s worth it if you want to take your presentations and style to the next level.

Purchase

Canon PR10-G Presentation Laser PointerCanon PR10-G Presentation Laser Pointer

If you’re looking for a pointer that you can use even in bright auditoriums, then the Canon PR10-G Laser Pointer is the best that you can get. It is not the most feature-packed nor the one that gives the best value, but it has an excellent balance of interaction, usability, and reliability.

The PR10-G Presentation Laser Pointer uses a green laser light that Canon claims to be eight times more visible than traditional red lasers. We tried it for ourselves, and it is more visible, even at a distance of 100 feet from the screen and the USB receiver.

This device has an LCD for the timer, signal strength, and battery. You can also set vibration alerts at predetermined times to remind you when to start wrapping things up and start closing your presentation. We like how Canon designed the navigation controls on the PR10-G Laser Pointer, and it’s just right where the thumb rests while holding the device. Although the grip could have been better by having a bit more contour, it still feels nice to hold with just enough heft to it.

A lot of presentation laser pointers offer too many features, trying to be too many things at the same time. The Canon PR10-G, on the other hand, lets you focus on presenting by having the navigation controls right where you need them to be. It may not be the most affordable option, but it is one of the few devices that lets you get in the zone and have the best presentation every time.

For enhanced gaming experience, check out our list of the best-rated gaming projectors.

Purchase

Red Star Tec PR-820 Presentation Laser PointerRed Star Tec PR-820 Presentation Laser Pointer

As a wireless mouse and a laser pointer at the same time, the Red Star Tec PR-820 Presentation Laser Pointer will let you have full control over the laptop even from a distance of 50 feet. It has a bit of a learning curve, but once you get used to it, you will be able to interact with your presentation seamlessly.

This model can be very tricky and overwhelming to use, with 15 buttons all at your fingertips. These buttons include mouse control, volume, navigation, and action buttons. However, there is no other pointer in its price range that came close to the level of interaction that it can offer. Whatever you can do with a real mouse, you can do with the Red Star Tec PR-820.

This laser pointer is compatible with PowerPoint and Keynote, without pairing or configurations. You only need to plug the USB receiver into any regular or mini laptop, and you already have full control. The design feels natural and comfortable even during long presentations. The buttons are rubbery, similar to the ones you have on remote controls, which can be an acquired taste.

The Red Star Tec PR-820 may not have the best user experience, and it requires a bit of a learning curve. However, it is one of the few pointers that can offer full control, not only with the presentation but the whole computer as well. If you are looking for more than just a laser pointer with basic functionality, this device is worth considering.

Purchase

DinoFire (Black & Green) Presentation Laser PointerDinoFire (Black & Green) Presentation Laser Pointer

DinoFire Presentation Laser Pointer is the slimmest device on this list, about the same size as a permanent marker. Still, it is powerful enough to control your presentations from 300 feet away. Pointers should be portable, and DinoFire took it to the next level without compromising its performance in other areas.

This device is a plug-and-play laser pointer that will let you open links, control the volume, switch to different applications, page up and down, and enable full-screen mode. It can support several applications, including MS PowerPoint, Word & Excel, Google Slides, ACDSee, iWork Numbers & Pages, Keynote, and Prezi.

The bright green laser light makes it easy to highlight details on your presentation even in bright auditoriums, but it diminishes when used on LCD. It runs on a 360 mAh lithium-ion battery that takes 60 minutes to charge, and it has a battery indicator function, so you will never go to a presentation with a low battery.

If you are looking for a slim pointer that you can slip into your pocket, the DinoFire Presentation Laser Pointer is your best choice. The grip may not be preferable for some, but it is the best slim laser pointer in terms of features, connectivity, and compatibility.

Purchase

BlueBeach Presentation Laser PointerBlueBeach Presentation Laser Pointer

If you want a device that will help you deliver the message without breaking the bank, the BlueBeach Presentation Laser Pointer is the best that you can buy. It doesn’t have the fancy features that you can use for your presentation, but this is the best pointer that you can buy for less than $15.

This model uses a red laser pointer with buttons that will help you navigate through your slide. You can also do basic tasks to enhance your presentation like page up and down, darken the screen, and escape or resume. It stays connected to the receiver for up to 30 feet, but it gets sluggish. We recommend that you only use the BlueBeach Presentation Laser Pointer if you are presenting in classrooms or small group meetings.

One thing that we love about this pointer is the design. The contours are perfect. It feels natural in hand and is lightweight.

There’s nothing that makes the BlueBeach Presentation Laser Pointer stand out, but it will help you deliver outstanding presentations on a budget.

Be sure to browse our list of these reliable mini portable projectors and find the right one for your next presentation.

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Amerteer Presentation Laser PointerAmerteer Presentation Laser Pointer

The Amerteer Presentation Laser Pointer may be compact, but it offers unique design elements. This pointer is the smallest that we have tried, and it is the easiest to hold. You don’t have to worry about its grip or handle because it has an adjustable rubberized finger ring design where you slip your index finger through. This smart design implementation gave us the most natural and comfortable feel while holding a laser pointer.

This device has five buttons that are all within your thumb’s reach. These buttons will allow you to navigate through the presentation, launch or end the slideshow, open a black screen, and activate the red laser pointer. It is straightforward and feels so natural that I noticed my fingers still in the same position even after I removed this device.

This laser pointer works well even if the clicker is 100 feet away from the receiver, allowing you to engage with a large audience. It is compatible with both Windows and Mac, and it supports the most popular presentation apps.

This product is in the same category as the BlueBeach Laser Pointer but with very different design implementation. If you are looking for a budget-friendly and compact laser pointer, the Amerteer is an excellent option for you. The smart design implemented on this device will let you focus more on the presentation rather than what you have in your hands.

Purchase

Kensington K33374USB Presentation Laser PointerKensington K33374USB Presentation Laser Pointer

The Kensington K33374USB Presentation Laser Pointer is our pick for the best grip and usability. Although other pointers offer a nice grip, the contours on this pointer feel very natural. We like the surface of this pointer because it provides a bit of resistance, making it the best laser pointer for people with sweaty palms.

This device has four equally spaced buttons that protrude from the surface, making it easy to use even without looking. The Kensington K33374USB Presentation Laser Pointer has the most straightforward navigation buttons that we have seen in a laser pointer. The navigation buttons include previous/next slide, laser pointer, and start/launch slideshow. There is almost no learning curve, so you can begin presenting like a pro as soon as you start using it.

This laser pointer works on both Windows and Mac from a distance of 65 feet. The red light laser works well even when used in bright rooms, but it is not as visible on LCD. The USB receiver delivers 2.4GHz of wireless connection, but it is quite bulky. Although it has dedicated storage inside the device, we still prefer a smaller USB receiver.

There is no other laser pointer that is more straightforward and as comfortable as the Kensington K33374USB. It is very reliable and never lost its connection throughout the entire two-hour test that we did. These attributes make it the best laser pointer for first-time users.

For more amazing equipment like this, be sure to check out our guide to the top projector mounts.

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The 15 Best Wired and Wireless In-ear Headphones https://improb.com/best-wired-and-wireless-in-ear-headphones/ Mon, 06 Jul 2020 12:47:04 +0000 https://improb.com/?p=40526 This is a crowded product category, but we set you straight.

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The best wired and wireless in-ear headphones or earphones are difficult to pick out among a sea of products. You’ll end up spending a lot of time narrowing down your choices to the very best ones. But fortunately, you have this product guide to give you a head start. Below are some of the best earphones currently out on the market, including wired earphones, wireless neckband earphones, and truly wireless earphones.

Table of Contents

Top Picks

The Best Wired and Wireless In-ear Headphones

Sony WF-1000XM3Best Truly Wireless Earphones: Sony WF-1000XM3

The Sony WF-1000XM3 are some of the best and most popular truly wireless earphones on the market, and that reputation is well earned. They are noise-canceling earphones with good sound quality, decent battery life, convenient touch controls, and good app support. They are more suitable for many people than the similarly priced Apple AirPods Pro and the cheaper Samsung Galaxy Buds, with no feature restrictions regardless of smartphone OS. You can get them for around $230, with the option to choose between a more discreet black model and a classier silver model.

While they are not as imposing as the Audeze iSine 20, the WF-1000XM3 are a bit bulky for a pair of truly wireless earphones, sticking out from your ears. But they are lightweight and comfortable to wear, with multiple silicone and foam ear tips to choose from. They stay securely in your ears despite lacking stability fins and ear hooks. Their overall build quality feels premium, but they are not as water-resistant as sports earphones.

Carrying the WF-1000XM3 for everyday use is not going to be a problem. They are extremely portable and will easily fit into your shirt pocket. And since they are cable-free – not counting the charging cable – you don’t have to deal with tangled cables. Their charging case, which holds additional charges, is also compact and portable, making it easy to slip into small pockets. The case looks just as premium as the earphones themselves and connects using a USB-C cable.

For controls, the WF-1000XM3 feature a touch surface on each unit that is responsive and easy to use and doesn’t cause you to push the earphones further in your ear canals, which is uncomfortable. With the touch controls, you can activate your voice assistant and manage your calls and music. You can quickly switch to attention mode by covering the left unit’s touch surface. When attention mode is engaged, the volume drops, and the active noise cancellation (ANC) is disabled, allowing you to listen to your surroundings or talk to someone without taking the earphones off your ears.

The WF-1000XM3 are some of the best-sounding truly wireless earphones and will surprise many with their overall sound quality. You can modify their sound using the Sony companion app, which allows for a good amount of customization and is one of the best headphone apps out there. Their integrated mic is also decent, but it’s not suitable for phone calls in a very noisy environment.

And speaking of which, the WF-1000XM3 are good at blocking out ambient noise with their passive in-ear seal and ANC, making them suitable for commute, travel, and office use. If you can get a tight seal with any of the included ear tips, they are very effective at blocking ambient noise in airports, public transport, and busy offices. Their sound leakage is also low at higher volumes, preventing your loud music from bleeding out too much and disturbing nearby people.

With their six-hour battery life per charge, the WF-1000XM3 last longer than many other truly wireless earphones. They will easily last through shorter flights and typical commutes, but for longer flights and road trips and regular work shifts, their single-charge battery life is not going to be enough. Fortunately, their charging case, as mentioned, holds additional charges. You get three additional charges in the case, which translates to a total battery life of 24 hours.

Overall, the WF-1000XM3 are excellent wireless earphones that easily stand out among a sea of contenders. They are versatile earphones suitable for everyday use, with their premium build quality, good audio reproduction, six-hour battery per charge, good noise isolation, and customizability being some of their most notable aspects. They work well with both Android and iOS devices and support NFC technology for faster pairing.

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Sony WI-1000XBest Neckband Earphones: Sony WI-1000X

If you prefer wireless earphones with longer battery life than truly wireless earphones, check out the Sony WI-1000X. They are wireless neckband headphones that are suitable for commuting, travel, and office use, featuring ANC for better noise isolation in noisy environments. They sell for around $300 and are available in black and gold, with the latter being the more premium-looking model.

The WI-1000X are better-built than the more popular Bose QuietControl 30 and have a sleek neckband with smart cable management. Their audio cables extend from each side of the neckband and are not too long. The neckband itself is sturdy and durable and has a clean look, with minimal branding and discreet buttons for controls. There are different sizes of ear tips included in the box, allowing you to choose ear tips that offer the best comfort and seal.

Compact and lightweight, the WI-1000X are comfortable to wear, but they are not as comfortable for long listening sessions as the QuietControl 30. They are easy to carry for everyday use and don’t stand out too much when worn around your neck. For easy access, you can simply wear them around your neck when not in use instead of putting them back into their travel pouch.

Unlike some behind-the-neck earphones that include an in-line remote, the controls are on the neckband itself, with each side featuring at least one button. You can use the controls for call and music management and for switching between ANC and ambient mode. The control scheme is simple, effective, and easy to use, with the buttons offering decent feedback.

In addition to the pouch, charging cable, and multiple ear tips, the package includes an airplane adapter and an audio cable. Both accessories are not normally included with neckband headphones, especially the latter. With their audio cable, the WI-1000X stand out as some of the few neckband headphones that can be used in wired mode. The audio cable ends with a regular 3.5 mm analog plug for universal compatibility with most mobile devices.

The WI-1000X is a pair of good-sounding neckband headphones with a balanced treble and mid-range and a punchy bass that makes them suitable for bass-heavy music. You can modify the sound using the Sony companion app, which offers presets and a graphic equalizer. Like the Sony WF-1000XM3, they support NFC for faster pairing and have a decent integrated mic for phone calls.

Compatible with both Android and iOS devices, the WI-1000X are good earphones for commuting, travel, and office use. Their noise isolation with ANC is one of the best among neckband headphones, blocking a good amount of background noise such as the sound of airplane and bus engines and office chatter. And with their low sound leakage, you can increase the music volume to further mask ambient noise without worrying about the audio bleeding out too much.

With their 10-hour battery in wireless mode with ANC enabled, the WI-1000X are more suitable for long listening sessions than truly wireless earphones. Their battery life per charge increases up to 13 hours when in wireless mode with ANC disabled and up to 14 hours when in wired mode with ANC enabled. They also charge fast – though not as fast as some wireless headphones – providing 70 minutes of playback after 15 minutes of charging.

All in all, the WI-1000X are some of the best wireless earphones on the market. Their build quality and sound quality are both good. They are suitable for all-around casual use, with their portable design, long battery life, and ANC making them especially suitable for commuting and travel. However, they are not the most affordable earphones – their $300 price easily stands out among wireless earphones regardless of form factor.

Purchase

Audeze iSine 20Best Earphones for Audiophiles: Audeze iSine 20

The Audeze iSine 20 are unique among the products in this guide, not only in sound profile but also in structure and aesthetic. They are semi-open headphones with planar magnetic drivers, a technology normally seen in over-ear headphones. They stand out as some of the best-sounding earphones on the market and are recommended for audiophiles and headphone enthusiasts, but their usage is limited due to their semi-open design.

A pair of wired earphones, the iSine 20 have an unusual look that you’ll either love or hate. They are larger and bulkier than regular earphones, featuring hexagonal housings with webbed backplates that might remind Star Wars fans of TIE fighters. Their overall build quality is good and feels durable, with a mix of plastic and metal parts in the construction.

While they are bigger than most earphones, the iSine 20 are still lightweight, with the pair weighing around 0.71 ounces or roughly 20 grams without the audio cable. They are comfortable to wear for long hours – they are supremely breathable and don’t enter your ear canals too deeply. There are multiple ear tips included in the box, along with ear hooks. Unlike with some sports earphones with optional ear hooks, you’ll need to use the ear hooks for stability and support; without them, you are unlikely to get a very secure fit with these Audeze earphones.

The iSine 20, like other earphones, are compact and easy to carry if you want to use them at the office or while traveling, but they are not as portable as truly wireless earphones. They include a nylon travel case and a standard 3.5 mm audio cable, with the option to get the Cipher Lightning cable featuring a built-in digital-to-analog converter (DAC), mic, and controls for iOS devices. Unfortunately, the travel case is not as good as a hard case and will not provide strong protection against water spills.

Excluding professional in-ear monitors, you’d be hard-pressed to find better-sounding under-$1,000 wired earphones than the iSine 20 – their overall sound quality is terrific, with deep bass, detailed mid-range, and smooth treble. Their soundstage is wide, which is particularly notable for earphones, while their distortion is minimal even at high volume. They are suitable for different music genres, but you’ll need the Cipher Lightning cable for the best sound quality when connected to an iOS device.

With the Cipher Lightning cable, you can customize the sound using the Audeze iOS app. The app has two presets and a 10-band equalizer that allows for real-time sound customization. Without the Cipher Lightning cable, the iSine 20 still sound decent and are still better than many regular earphones. But for the best results, you have to either connect them to iOS devices using the unique Cipher Lightning cable or make use of alternative solutions when connecting them to non-iOS devices.

As mentioned in the product introduction, the iSine 20 have limited usage due to their design. They are best used for listening to music in a quiet environment, at home or otherwise. Their noise isolation is poor, making them unsuitable in crowded or noisy places. And their sound leakage is quite high, which can be a problem in some situations – like when listening to loud music during flights.

The iSine 20 are not as versatile as the other top picks in this guide. But if you want the best-sounding wired earphones purely for enjoying music at home, they are the best option. They sound phenomenal with minimal distortion and are comfortable to wear for long hours. If you are going to connect them to an iOS device, we highly recommend getting the Cipher Lightning cable as well.

Purchase

Jaybird Tarah ProBest Earphones for Sports: Jaybird Tarah Pro

The Jaybird Tarah Pro are the best earphones for all-around sports use. They are ruggedly built wireless earphones with stability fins and a long-lasting battery. You can get them for $160, with Jaybird offering a few dual-color options. While they are some of the more expensive sports earphones, their versatility makes up for it; they are recommended for athletes and fitness enthusiasts and are suitable for both light workouts and rigorous training.

Like the Sony WI-1000X, the Tarah Pro are wireless earphones that need to be worn around your neck, but instead of a solid neckband, they have a more flexible behind-the-neck cable with an in-line remote for controls. Their overall build quality is good – they have a durable braided cable and boast an IPX7 rating for water resistance. They can be worn either over or under your ears due to their rotating earpieces, with their stability fins making for a more secure fit, which is important during intense workouts with lots of head movement.

However, their stability fins are integrated into the ear tips, preventing you from combining different ear tip and stability fin sizes for the most comfortable fit for your ears. There are three different sizes of ear tips included with the earphones, along with a travel pouch, a shirt clip, and the proprietary charging cradle. Take good care of the charging cradle: It is not easy to replace and is more expensive than regular USB charging cables.

Although they are not as portable as truly wireless earphones, the Tarah Pro are easy to carry for daily workouts. They are lightweight and compact and will easily fit into small pockets, with their travel pouch protecting them from scratches. You can simply wear them around your neck when not in use – their magnetic earpieces allow for effective cable management and keep the earphones secure around your neck while walking.

The Tarah Pro have a simple and efficient in-line remote that includes a mic and the usual three-button control scheme seen in most headphones. Well-spaced and responsive, the control buttons allow for call and music management, volume control, and voice assistant activation. The in-line remote is easily accessible and doesn’t get in the way during workouts, with the buttons providing good feedback. You can also enable power-saving mode by simply snapping the magnetic earpieces together.

Customizable using the Jaybird companion app, the Tarah Pro are decent-sounding wireless earphones with an excellent wireless range and a hassle-free Bluetooth pairing process, but they don’t support NFC technology. They can last up to 14 hours on a single charge, which is one of the best marks for sports-oriented earphones with a behind-the-neck form factor. They charge fast as well, providing two hours of playback after five minutes of charge time.

With their good passive noise isolation, the Tarah Pro will allow you to train in peace and stay focused on your routine in a crowded gym. They are not on the same level as actual noise-canceling headphones regarding overall noise isolation performance. But they block a good amount of ambient chatter, making them suitable for office use. Their sound leakage is also minimal even at high volume, which is another plus when using them as office earphones.

If you are in the market for the best sports earphones, look no further than the Tarah Pro. They are suitable for all-around sports use, with their 14-hour battery making them useful for ultra-running and long training sessions over multiple days. They are durable and well-protected against sweat and stay securely in your ears during rigorous workouts, thanks to their stability fins. Their sound quality and app support are both decent, while their passive noise isolation is good.

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Tin Audio T2Best Wired Earphones Under $50: Tin Audio T2

The Tin Audio T2 are budget earphones that look like premium earphones due to their excellent build quality and sound better than many earphones selling for twice the price. We recommend them for audiophiles who are looking for affordable headphones that not only sound good but are also easy to carry for everyday use. While they lack an in-line remote, they are decent wired earphones for all-around usage, increasing their overall value.

A pair of closed-back earphones, the T2 are better-built than most earphones in the same price range, featuring metal earpieces and a braided audio cable. The default foam ear tips are bright blue for a clean, modern look. The white audio cable is detachable and has gold-plated MMCX connectors on one end and a 3.5 mm analog plug on the other end. With the red and blue rings around the cable slots, you can easily identify the left and right earpieces.

While their packaging might come off as a bit shoddy, the T2 are premium-looking earphones that feel sturdy and durable. Their overall build quality is excellent even without considering their price. You can easily replace the detachable audio cable when it becomes damaged, extending the lifespan of the earphones – which can’t be said for many other wired earphones regardless of brand or price range.

The T2 are comfortable to wear due to their breathable and secure in-ear fit. But they are not as comfy for long listening sessions as headphones with over-ear and earbud designs, which are generally more comfortable. They are best worn with the audio cable positioned over your ears for better support and stability, especially when using them while running or jogging. There are multiple ear tip options in the box, allowing you to choose the best fit for your ears.

Unsurprisingly for budget earphones under $50, the T2 lack accessories. Aside from the default foam ear tips and additional ear tips, there are no other accessories included in the box. You won’t find a shirt clip, an airplane adapter, or a travel case in the package. The exclusion of a carrying case is the most notable, as there are cheaper and similarly priced headphones that include at least a soft pouch for storage.

Capable of cleanly reproducing vocals and lead instruments, the T2 are some of the best-sounding wired headphones under $50. Their overall audio reproduction is good and will sound consistent among different users when the foam ear tips are used. Their bass is powerful but not too emphasized, while their mid-range is balanced. They are suitable for most music genres and will satisfy most people with their sound profile.

As mentioned above, the T2 are decent earphones for all-around usage. They are good for listening to music at home and are decent for running or jogging. They are suitable for office use, with their passive in-ear seal blocking a good amount of ambient noise like chatter. While they are not very good at blocking the sound of airplane and bus engines, their minimal sound leakage allows you to increase the music volume to mask background noise during travel and commute without disturbing other people with your loud music.

On the whole, the T2 are fantastic budget earphones, offering good value for the money. Their sound quality and build quality are some of the best in this price range, while their passive noise isolation is decent. If you are shopping for portable audiophile headphones that are significantly more affordable than the Audeze iSine 20, check out these Tin Audio in-ear headphones.

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Anker SoundCore Spirit X (2019)Best Wireless Earphones Under $50: Anker SoundCore Spirit X (2019)

Selling for just around $30, the 2019 Anker SoundCore Spirit X are the best budget wireless earphones for all-around use. They are designed specifically for sports, but like the Jaybird Tarah Pro, they are also decent earphones for casual everyday use. Compared to the older Spirit X model, they have a better IP rating and boast a longer battery life per charge.

The 2019 Spirit X look identical to the previous model. They are wireless in-ear headphones featuring a behind-the-neck cable design with ear hooks and stability fins. Unlike some sports earphones, they don’t come in flashier or sportier colors, but their all-black color scheme makes for a more low-profile look that some may prefer. Their overall build quality is decent for budget earphones, with their impressive IP68 rating, meaning they are well-protected against both water and dust.

With their breathable design and flexible ear hooks, the 2019 Spirit X are comfortable to wear for long hours. The ear hooks and stability fins allow for a more secure fit, which is especially important for rigorous workouts with lots of head movement. You can easily adjust the length and tightness of the cable using the small cable management clip.

Like the more popular Beats Powerbeats3, the 2019 Spirit X are slightly bulkier than other sports earphones due to their ear hooks. Nonetheless, they are still very compact, lightweight, and easy to carry not only for daily workouts but also for casual everyday use. The box includes a travel case for storage, along with multiple ear tip and stability fin options and a shirt clip.

For controls, the 2019 Spirit X have a simple in-line remote with three well-spaced and responsive buttons and a built-in mic for phone calls. The buttons don’t feel mushy or too stiff and provide good tactile feedback. With the in-line remote, you can easily control the volume and manage your calls and music, whether the cable is tight or loose – a tightened cable pushes the remote toward the back of your neck, while a loosened cable has the remote closer to your mouth.

The 2019 Spirit X are decent-sounding budget earphones with a deep, thumpy bass that makes them suitable for bass-heavy music genres. Although they are not as good-sounding as the similarly budget-friendly Tin Audio T2, their overall sound quality will satisfy most people. They can connect with multiple devices at the same time and allow you to easily switch between sources if you prefer to play music and take phone calls using two different devices.

On the other hand, the 2019 Spirit X are not as customizable as the Tarah Pro and other sports-oriented wireless earphones from Jaybird. Like most other cheap headphones, they lack a dedicated companion app for modifying the sound and other aspects of the earphones. Their passive noise isolation is also not as good as that of other in-ear headphones, but it’s decent enough for office use. However, since their sound leakage is low even at high volume, you can increase the music volume to mask ambient noise without worrying about the audio bleeding out too much.

Among the wireless earphones in this guide, the 2019 Spirit X have the best battery life. They can run up to an incredible 18 hours per charge. That’s one of the best marks among similarly designed wireless earphones and beats the already impressive 14-hour battery of the Tarah Pro. With their 18-hour battery life, you’ll still have enough battery for ten hours of use after using them throughout a typical work shift.

Overall, the 2019 Spirit X are excellent budget earphones and are some of the best wired and wireless in-ear headphones on the market. Their breathable design, ear hooks, stability fins, and IP68 rating all make them ideal earphones for sports. Meanwhile, their portability, user-friendly controls, convenient wireless connectivity, and 18-hour battery are all beneficial for casual everyday use. If the Tarah Pro are way out of your budget, check out these cheap headphones instead.

Ad for more amazing products like this, check out our guide to the best closed-back headphones.

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More Options

The market is full of many other good in-ear headphones. The nine products below – which include audiophile earphones and noise-canceling earphones – are some of the most notable ones.

1More Triple Driver Earphones (E1001)1More Triple Driver Earphones (E1001)

The 1More Triple Driver Earphones are some of the best-sounding earphones under $100. They are wired earphones that are suitable for everyday use, with their sturdy and durable build making them more resistant to wear and tear than earphones mostly made of plastic. Their earpieces are made of metal and feature angled ear tips for better ergonomics, while their long audio cable is thick and includes an in-line remote. Multiple foam and silicone ear tips are included in the box, along with a travel case.

In addition to the three-button control scheme for call and music management, the in-line remote has a built-in mic. The mic is good and allows for clear phone calls, but not in a very noisy environment. And speaking of noisy places, these headphones under $500 also have decent passive noise isolation and are suitable for blocking out ambient noise in the office.

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Samsung Galaxy BudsSamsung Galaxy Buds

Featuring user-friendly touch controls, the Samsung Galaxy Buds are truly wireless headphones with a breathable and comfortable in-ear fit. They have a discreet, low-profile look with none of those stems extending out from the earpieces like the Apple AirPods. Their six-hour battery life per charge is one of the better marks among truly wireless earphones. The included charging case holds another seven hours of battery, bringing the total battery life to 13 hours.

The Galaxy Buds are suitable for casual everyday use, with their decent passive noise isolation and minimal sound leakage making them good headphones for office. They are some of the best-sounding in the truly wireless category, and their integrated mic is decent as well. While they are not as water-resistant as some of the best sports headphones, they are suitable for running due to their breathable and secure in-ear fit.

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Amazon Echo BudsAmazon Echo Buds

Selling for less than $150, the Amazon Echo Buds are some of the most affordable noise-canceling truly wireless earphones. You can even get them for less than $100 during a sale, making them much more accessible for most people than premium products like the Sony WF-1000XM3 and the Apple AirPods Pro. They are all-around earphones that are suitable for different usages, with their good noise isolation – with or without ANC enabled – allowing you to listen to your music in peace at the office and while commuting or traveling.

Capable of running up to five hours on a single charge, the Echo Buds are IPX4-rated headphones under $200 with a comfortable fit for long listening sessions. Their stability fins allow them to stay securely in your ears, which is important when using them for running and working out. They come with a compact and lightweight charging case that holds additional charges to increase the total battery life.

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Jabra Elite Active 65tJabra Elite Active 65t

The Jabra Elite Active 65t are truly wireless earphones that are suitable for all-around use. They are good headphones for travel, commuting, sports, and office use. Although their design is practically identical to the regular Elite 65t, their matte finish makes for a more premium look, and their IP56 rating means they are better protected against water and sweat. They are some of the better-sounding truly wireless earphones on the market and can last up to five hours per charge.

Compared to the Samsung Galaxy Buds and Amazon Echo Buds, the Elite Active 65t are a bit bulkier and more noticeable in your ears. Nonetheless, they are comfortable to wear – especially if you can find a perfect fit with the included ear tip options – and stay securely in your ears. With their tight in-ear seal, they provide good passive noise isolation, which is beneficial for commuting and office use.

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Apple AirPods ProApple AirPods Pro

A pair of truly wireless earphones, the Apple AirPods Pro are some of the most popular earphones on the market. Unlike the regular AirPods, they are closed-back earphones featuring ANC technology for significantly better noise isolation. They are some of the best noise-canceling earphones currently out and are ideal for commuting, traveling, and office use. Their secure fit and breathable form factor also make them suitable for running and working out.

The AirPods Pro are IPX4-rated earphones with three pairs of silicone ear tips to choose from. Their build quality feels premium. That’s also true for their extremely compact and lightweight charging case, which supports wireless charging and holds additional charges. While serious audiophiles won’t be impressed by these Apple earphones, they are surprisingly decent-sounding and are suitable for most music genres. On the other hand, their app support is limited, and their battery life per charge is only four-and-a-half hours with ANC enabled, and the volume set to 50 percent.

You may also be interested in some of these top neckband headphones from our list. Check them out.

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Beats Powerbeats ProBeats Powerbeats Pro

Of the truly wireless earphones in this guide, the Beats Powerbeats Pro are the best for sports. They are designed specifically for athletes, fitness enthusiasts, and gym rats, featuring flexible ear hooks for a more secure and stable fit. They are lightweight, breathable, and comfortable to wear for long training sessions. Composed of a multi-purpose button and a volume rocker, the control scheme on each unit is user-friendly and allows for easy call and music management.

While the Powerbeats Pro are not as ruggedly built as other sports headphones – they are only rated IPX4 for water resistance – their build quality is good. Their wireless range is excellent, while their integrated mic is decent for phone calls. Their nine-hour battery life per charge is one of the best among truly wireless earphones, making them suitable for extended hours at the gym.

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Etymotic Research ER4XREtymotic Research ER4XR

The Etymotic Research ER4XR are earphones recommended for music lovers. They are some of the best-sounding wired earphones under $500 and will impress both audiophiles and professionals. Their overall build quality is great and feels high-end; their aluminum housings and braided audio cable are both durable. The audio cable ends with a 3.5 mm analog plug and is detachable, allowing for easy replacement when damaged.

Whether you are using silicone or foam ear tips, the ER4XR provide excellent passive noise isolation and are even better than many noise-canceling headphones. They are good at blocking ambient noise in places like airports, public transport, and busy offices. But they are not as comfortable to use for long listening sessions as other earphones – mainly because their ear tips enter your ear canals deeper than that of most other earphones. In addition to the multiple ear tip options, a travel case, a shirt clip, and a stereo jack adapter are included in the box.

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Shure SE535Shure SE535

Part of the Shure SE Series, the SE535 are some of the best headphones for audiophiles. They are wired earphones selling for around $500. While their high price is hard to swallow, their sound quality and build quality make up for it. They are great-sounding earphones that are suitable for most music genres, including reggae, hip hop, death metal, and punk rock. Their overall build quality feels high-end and durable.

The SE535 are worn over the ears for better support and stability and feature a detachable audio cable that terminates with a 3.5 mm analog plug for universal compatibility. They have angled ear tips, with multiple ear tip sizes to choose from. A compact case and a stereo jack adapter are also included in the box. With their tight in-ear seal, these Shure earphones provide good passive noise isolation, which makes them suitable for listening to music in moderately noisy environments.

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Ultimate Ears Reference RemasteredUltimate Ears Reference Remastered

If you can spend around a grand on the best wired and wireless in-ear headphones, check out the Ultimate Ears Reference Remastered (UERR). They are custom in-ear monitors that are ideal for serious audiophiles and professional studio use. Ultimate Ears offers a variety of color and material options for the earpieces – including the option to remove the company logo. You can even customize each unit separately.

The UERR are some of the best and most neutral-sounding custom in-ear monitors under $1,000, which makes them ideal for critical listening and studio use. Their passive noise isolation is also good, allowing them to block a good amount of ambient noise in busy or crowded places. While there are better-built custom in-ear monitors, their overall build quality is good – their audio cable is sweatproof and easily replaceable when damaged, while their earpiece housings are sturdy.

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The 15 Best Studio Headphones https://improb.com/best-studio-headphones/ Tue, 23 Jun 2020 09:06:23 +0000 https://improb.com/?p=41275 There are plenty of headphones that are decent for studio use, whether it’s for recording tracks or sound mixing and mastering. You’ll need to be thorough with your research to filter out winners from the losers, and that could take weeks. If you don’t have the time or patience to evaluate the numerous options on […]

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There are plenty of headphones that are decent for studio use, whether it’s for recording tracks or sound mixing and mastering. You’ll need to be thorough with your research to filter out winners from the losers, and that could take weeks. If you don’t have the time or patience to evaluate the numerous options on the market – and believe us, there are dozens of them – then this product guide is for you.

In this product guide, you’ll find the top options currently available, with many of them coming from companies known for their professional audio equipment. The products included are separated into two sections: headphones best used for recording tracks and headphones that are ideal for sound mixing and mastering. All products are over-the-ear headphones.

Headphones for Sound Mixing and Mastering

Not all headphones are suitable for sound mixing and mastering in the studio. For those tasks, you’ll want headphones with a neutral sound profile for better accuracy. Open-back headphones fit the bill since they are generally more natural-sounding than closed-back headphones. Their more accurate audio reproduction allows you to analyze the audio better and discern flaws. In addition, their more breathable open design is beneficial for particularly long hours in the studio.

Open-back headphones are not suitable for all-around studio use, though. They are not recommended for recording due to their high sound leakage – the sound leaking out from them will be picked up by your sensitive mic, affecting the recording. The products below are the best headphones for sound mixing and mastering. A couple of semi-open headphones, whose enclosures are not fully open, are also included.

Sennheiser HD 800 SSennheiser HD 800 S

If you can spend more than $1,000 on a pair of headphones, check out the Sennheiser HD 800 S, which usually retails for around $1,700. They are wired over-ear headphones featuring massive ear cups with open backplates. They are some of the best and most neutral-sounding headphones on the market, which makes them suitable for sound mixing. They sound clear and extremely detailed, with a spacious soundstage.

The HD 800 S are premium headphones that are sturdy and durable, though their overall build quality might disappoint those who are expecting an all-metal construction. While their bulky design will suggest otherwise, they are not too heavy, which makes them less fatiguing on the head during long studio sessions. Their ear cups are well-padded and breathable while their headband is flexible, easily adjusting to large heads. The headband clamp is not too tight, adding to the overall comfort level of the headphones.

With their bulky design being an obvious indicator, the HD 800 S headphones are not meant to be portable and are not recommended for professionals who frequently travel. In addition to their physical size, they don’t fold into a more compact format to take up less space in your bag. They don’t include a case (only a soft pouch), which is disappointing for headphones selling for more than a grand.

There are two audio cables included in the box: one terminating in a 6.3 mm plug and one ending in a 4.4 mm plug, with Sennheiser also offering an optional cable with an XLR4 plug. None of the cables is coiled, but both of them are quite long, measuring roughly 10 feet. While the detachable cables add to the overall durability of the headphones, you can’t easily replace them with third-party cables. Thankfully, the audio cables are quite durable and will last a long time when given proper care.

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HiFiMan AnandaHiFiMan Ananda

Although not exactly advertised for professional studio use, the HiFiMan Ananda headphones are suitable for critical listening. Like the Sennheiser HD 800 S, they have a very neutral sound profile, which is beneficial for sound mixing and mastering. They can reproduce vocals and instruments with excellent clarity and detail and boast a wide soundstage. They are easy to drive, which is one of their biggest selling points, and are suitable for both studio use and simply enjoying music at home.

The Ananda are over-ear headphones with an open-back design, featuring nice-looking backplates with horizontal metal grilles. Unlike the Sennheiser dynamic headphones, they are equipped with planar magnetic drivers, which make for a heavier build. They include multiple audio cables that connect to both ear cups and have a transparent coating. Their dual headband design is composed of a sturdy metal headband and a leather strap that feels comfortable on the head.

With their spacious ear cups and soft cushions, the Ananda headphones are comfortable to wear for long hours in the studio, but they are not as breathable as other open-back headphones. Their tight fit is mitigated by their thick earpads, which are asymmetrical for better ergonomics. They stay securely on the head, allowing you to move around the studio from one audio equipment to another without worrying about them sliding off your head.

Aside from the stock audio cables, the Ananda headphones include a 6.3 mm plug adapter for interfacing with your studio equipment. But that’s it for the accessories. There is no travel case or soft pouch included, which is quite disappointing for premium headphones selling for around $700, even if they are not meant to be portable and are best used at home or in the studio.

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Audeze LCD-1Audeze LCD-1

The Audeze LCD-1 headphones are excellent planar magnetic headphones and are some of the more affordable Audeze headphones on the market. They are wired headphones with an over-ear fit and open-back ear cups. With their neutral sound, they are designed for critical listening both in the studio and at home. They sound clear and detailed and will sound consistent among different users, but their soundstage is not as wide and spacious as that of the Sennheiser HD 800 S and the HiFiMan Ananda.

The LCD-1 headphones have a more casual look, with their all-black color scheme making for a more discreet profile. Their build quality is good, with their metal-and-plastic construction appearing sturdy and durable and leather-coated memory foam earpads adding to comfort. While their ear cups are a bit smaller than that of other over-ear headphones, they will easily fit on most ear sizes. They are comfortable to wear due to their lightweight frame and soft earpads, making them suitable for long hours in the studio.

Of the headphones in this section, the LCD-1 headphones are the most portable and most suitable for professionals who sometimes need to do their work on the road. They can be folded into a more compact format – which is one of their main selling points – and include a travel case. Their foldable design allows them to take up less space in your bag while their case protects them from minor physical damage.

The default audio cable is detachable, allowing for easy replacement when damaged. It connects to both ear cups and ends in a 3.5 mm analog plug. Like the headphones themselves, the stock cable is durable and doesn’t feel cheap. There is only one audio cable included in the box, along with a 6.3 mm plug adapter, which is a common accessory among professional and audiophile headphones.

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AKG K702AKG K702

The AKG K702 are terrific headphones for sound mixing and mastering in the studio, with their neutral sound allowing for accurate analysis and critical listening. They sound clear and detailed and have a spacious soundstage, but their bass is a bit lacking. They will allow you to pick out faults in the recording – which is a good thing for studio use but undesirable for some people when simply enjoying music at home.

A pair of over-ear headphones with open-back ear cups, the K702 are bulky headphones with a retro aesthetic that some might find clunky. They will look at home in a studio environment. Unlike the similarly designed K701, their audio cable is detachable, allowing you to easily replace it, which adds to their overall durability. The default audio cable connects to the left ear cup and terminates with a 3.5 mm analog plug, with AKG also including a 6.3 mm plug adapter in the box.

For long hours in the studio, the K702 headphones are comfortable to wear. They are lightweight – though their bulky design and large, circular ear cups may suggest otherwise – and don’t feel too tight. Their leather strap feels good on the head while their headband is flexible and adjusts easily to large heads. If, however, you have a small head, you might find the headphones too cumbersome and unstable on your head.

Compared to the Audeze LCD-1, the K702 headphones are less portable, especially considering their larger ear cups. They don’t fold into a more compact form, not to mention they lack a travel case or soft pouch for better portability. Depending on your workflow or preferences, their mediocre portability is either a bad thing or a total non-issue. If you prefer studio headphones that are easier to take with you for on-the-go work and for simply listening to music while traveling, there are better options out there, like these headphones for travel and commute.

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Sennheiser HD 600Sennheiser HD 600

The Sennheiser HD 600 are some of the most popular headphones among both headphone enthusiasts and professionals. They are open-back headphones with an over-ear fit and a detachable audio cable connecting to both ear cups and terminating in a 3.5 mm plug. A 6.3 mm plug adapter is also provided, but that’s about it for the accessories. You can get these headphones for around $300, making them much more affordable than the previously mentioned HD 800 S.

However, compared to the more premium HD 800 S, the HD 600 headphones have less impressive construction, with their headband feeling less durable. Their build quality is still solid, though; their ear cups, which include metal grilles, are sturdy while their earpads are soft and thick. Their large, oval ear cups can easily fit around most ear sizes and are decently breathable, but they don’t fold into the frame for better portability.

While their well-padded ear cups and headband and lightweight frame allow for better comfort, the HD 600 headphones are not the most comfortable for long hours in the studio. The biggest culprit is their very tight clamp, which makes them more fatiguing on the head. But on the bright side, their tight clamp adds to their stability, preventing the headphones from sliding off your head easily when you are moving around the studio.

Regarding audio reproduction, the HD 600 headphones are excellent. They are some of the best-sounding open-back headphones under $500. They sound transparent and detailed, with a flat mid-range, a balanced treble, and a spacious soundstage. They can cleanly reproduce vocals and instruments and have minimal distortion. While their build quality and comfort level are not the best, they are superb for sound mixing and mastering in the studio due to their neutral sound profile.

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Beyerdynamic DT 880 ProBeyerdynamic DT 880 Pro

The Beyerdynamic DT 880 Pro are over-ear headphones with semi-open enclosures. They have a more neutral sound profile than both the DT 770 Pro and the DT 990 Pro, which makes them more suitable for sound mixing and mastering. While they are more expensive than those two headphones, normally selling for around $250, their price regularly drops to below $200.

Like their open-back and closed-back counterparts, the DT 880 Pro headphones have a utilitarian design, featuring circular ear cups and a metal headband. Their build quality is good and better than some headphones selling for a higher price. Their padded headband is sturdy and flexible while their ear cups feel durable and include metal grilles composed of tiny holes. For comparison, the open-back DT 990 Pro headphones have plastic grilles. The non-detachable, coiled audio cable connects to the left ear cup. It ends with a 3.5 mm plug, with the included 6.3 mm plug adapter allowing for secure connectivity with studio equipment.

Although they are a bit tight on the head, especially out of the box, the DT 880 Pro semi-open headphones are comfortable to wear for long hours. They are more breathable than the DT 770 Pro headphones due to their semi-open backplates and can easily accommodate most ear sizes. Their earpads are coated with velour material, which feels more luxurious than synthetic leather. You can easily replace the earpads when they get damaged or worn out after repeated use.

With their neutral sound profile, the DT 880 Pro headphones are suitable for critical listening. They can accurately reproduce vocals and instruments, boasting flat and near-perfect mid-range performance, and have a spacious soundstage. They sound clear and detailed, even at low volume levels, and will impress both professionals and audiophiles. Their sound isolation is not much better than that of the DT 990 Pro headphones, though; their noise isolation is poor while their sound leakage is high, which makes them unsuitable for recording tracks.

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Philips SHP9500Philips SHP9500

The Philips SHP9500 are some of the best and most popular headphones under $100. Their sound quality is excellent, while their build quality is decent for the price. They sound neutral and balanced and have a good soundstage. They are recommended for those who don’t want to break the bank for a pair of studio headphones and simply want relatively budget-friendly headphones that are comfortable to use for long hours.

The SHP9500 headphones are a pair of over-ear models with open enclosures and a low-profile black color scheme. They have large ear cups with distinct left and right markers on the grilles and include a detachable audio cable terminating in a 3.5 mm analog plug, with a 6.3 mm plug adapter also provided. Their metal-reinforced headband is flexible and sturdy and has markers for the adjustment, which is convenient.

The SHP9500 are some of the most comfortable headphones to wear for long continuous listening sessions, making them perfect for long hours in the studio. They are lightweight despite their bulky design and don’t feel tight on the head. Their open-back design makes them more breathable while their roomy, well-padded ear cups easily accommodate large ears. On the other hand, the material covering the earpads feels a bit cheap and not as soft on the skin as velour and leather.

Unlike some budget headphones under $100, the SHP9500 headphones have few accessories. In fact, the only other item included in the box (aside from the audio cable) is the plug adapter. There is no soft pouch or carry case included to protect the headphones from minor physical damage like scratches. But that’s easy enough to swallow for many people, considering the headphones already bring a lot of value for the money.

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Superlux HD 681Superlux HD 681

If the Philips SHP9500 headphones are still not within your budget, check out the Superlux HD 681 headphones instead. They are semi-open headphones selling for just around $30, which makes them the most affordable product in this entire guide. They are some of the best-sounding headphones under $50, with their neutral sound profile making them suitable for sound mixing. Their bass and mid-range are both accurate while their soundstage is good for semi-open headphones, but their treble can be piercing in some tracks.

The HD 681 are over-ear headphones with a mediocre plastic build that doesn’t feel durable, which isn’t surprising considering their price. They are large and bulky headphones that are not meant to be portable, especially with their non-folding design. They look bland and unappealing, with the red accents on the ear cups not helping them stand out, which is either good or bad, depending on your preferences. They have a dual headband design with an artificial leather strap below the headband arc and include a non-detachable audio cable terminating in a 3.5 mm analog plug. A 6.3 mm screw-on adapter is also included, along with a soft pouch.

While their build quality is unimpressive, the HD 681 headphones are comfortable to wear for long hours, partly due to their lightweight plastic construction. They have large, circular ear cups that will fit around most ear sizes, and they don’t feel too tight. They are decently breathable, but their earpads are subpar and are better off replaced with different ones.

Like the Beyerdynamic DT 880 Pro, the HD 681 headphones are not much better at sound isolation than fully open headphones. They will hardly block any background noise and have high sound leakage even with the volume set to moderate levels. This leakage makes them unsuitable for recording tracks as well as other usages aside from sound mixing in the studio and listening to music at home.

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Headphones for Recording

Recording in the studio requires a different type of headphones. Open headphones are ill-suited for the job due to their practically non-existent sound isolation. If you use open or semi-open headphones for monitoring your recording, their sound leakage will be picked up by the mic. Closed-back headphones are more suitable for recording, with their sealed ear cups allowing for lower sound leakage. They will still leak sound, especially at high volume, but compared to open-back and semi-open headphones, they are better at sound isolation to keep the audio from being picked up by the mic.

On the other hand, closed-back headphones are less breathable than open-back headphones, which makes them a bit less comfortable for prolonged continuous use. And while some products are at least decent for critical listening, closed-back headphones are generally not recommended for sound mixing and mastering – their sound profiles are less natural-sounding compared to that of open-back headphones.

Shure SRH1540Shure SRH1540

The Shure SRH1540 are premium headphones that sound good and are comfortable to wear for long recording sessions in the studio. Their sound is close to neutral while their sound isolation is decent, with low sound leakage unless the volume is cranked up. Their build quality is good and feels durable, with their non-folding design translating to fewer moving parts that are vulnerable to wear and tear.

A pair of wired headphones, the SRH1540 are bulky models featuring a metal headband with ample padding coated in synthetic leather. They have metal yokes and large ear cups with outer shells made of carbon fiber. Their soft earpads are covered with perforated material that feels nice on the skin. The audio cable is detachable and connects to both ear cups, which makes it easy to replace when damaged, and terminates in a 3.5 mm analog plug that can be connected to the provided 6.3 mm plug adapter.

Although they are not as flexible as other headphones, with no option to rotate the ear cups to a flat position, the SRH1540 headphones are comfortable to wear for long hours. They are lightweight and have a secure fit without being too tight on the head. Their earpads are spacious and should have no problem accommodating large ears. While they are not as breathable as fully open headphones, they are not fatiguing to wear continuously for long hours, making them suitable for long recording sessions.

For accessories, the SRH1540 headphones include a hard case, an extra pair of earpads, an extra audio cable, and the aforementioned plug adapter. The extra earpads and audio cable allow for easy parts replacement while the hard case is useful for those who travel frequently and also want to use the headphones for travel due to the passive sound isolation they provide.

You may also be interested in these best noise-canceling wireless earbuds and in-ear headphones from our list. Check them out.

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Beyerdynamic DT 770 ProBeyerdynamic DT 770 Pro

The Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro headphones are a wired, over-ear model explicitly designed for studio use. But while they are advertised for sound mixing, they are better used for recording. Their sound profile has an emphasized bass and treble and a recessed mid-range. They are not as neutral-sounding as the open DT 990 Pro and the semi-open DT 880 Pro. They are still some of the best-sounding closed-back headphones under $200, though, boasting excellent bass performance and a fairly decent soundstage.

Like their open and semi-open counterparts, the DT 770 Pro are some of the best-built headphones in their price range. They are sturdy and durable, and their external parts are easily replaceable, which adds to their longevity. They have an adequately padded, metal headband and circular ear cups with velour-coated cushions and plastic outer shells. Their non-detachable audio cable is coiled, allowing for more movement freedom in the studio. The default cable connects to the left ear cup and ends in a 3.5 mm analog plug, with a 6.3 mm plug adapter also provided.

Lightweight and well-padded, the DT 770 Pro headphones are comfortable to wear. Their earpads are soft and feel luxurious while their large ear cups are glasses-friendly and should easily fit around most ear sizes. Unfortunately, their tight fit and less breathable design make them more fatiguing to use for particularly long recording sessions in the studio. On the bright side, their tight clamp allows for a more secure and stable fit, preventing them from sliding off your head.

Regarding sound isolation, the DT 770 Pro headphones are decent. Their noise isolation performance should be good enough for studio use, and they don’t leak too much at moderate volume. If you want to use them for content production while in a non-studio environment, their decent sound isolation will allow you to work in peace without disturbing nearby people.

Purchase

Audio-Technica ATH-M50xAudio-Technica ATH-M50x

Available in three colors, the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x are some of the most popular headphones on the market. They are versatile over-ear headphones that are suitable for both studio use and DJ-ing, with their rotating ear cups allowing for easy one-ear monitoring. Their sound quality is good, with a clear and detailed mid-range and a deep bass, while their mostly plastic build is sturdy and durable. Their sound leakage is also low, with their sealed ear cups doing a better job at keeping the audio from leaking out compared with the Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro headphones.

The ATH-M50x headphones are lightweight due to their mostly plastic build and are comfortable to wear. They have a metal-reinforced headband and oval ear cups with adequate padding. Their ear cups can fully rotate and swivel to a flat position while their headband is flexible and doesn’t creak alarmingly when adjusted. Their earpads are not as soft and comfortable for long listening sessions as that of the DT 770 Pro, though.

Of the best studio headphones in this guide, the ATH-M50x headphones are some of the most portable. They collapse into a compact format, with both ear cups folding neatly under the headband. And as mentioned, their ear cups can swivel into a flat position. Both features allow the headphones to take up less space when stored in your bag. A soft pouch is included for basic protection against physical damage.

The ATH-M50x headphones are generous on the accessory front. In addition to the soft pouch, they include three audio cables and a 6.3 mm plug adapter. One of the audio cables is a coiled cable that can stretch up to around ten feet. The other two audio cables are straight cables of different lengths. All three cables lack an in-line remote for controls – a common omission among professional headphones.

Our guide to the top sports headphones offers some cool options for workout enthusiasts. Check them out.

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AKG K371AKG K371

If you are limited to a $150 budget, the AKG K371 are another pair of headphones that are worth considering. While they are inferior to the similarly priced Audio-Technica ATH-M50x in many areas, their sound leakage is lower. Among the closed-back headphones in this section, they are the best at preventing the audio from leaking out. Their sound profile is on the neutral side, with an accurate mid-range and bass. Their reproduction of vocals and instruments is clear, detailed, and balanced, but their soundstage is mediocre.

The K371 are over-ear headphones featuring a sleek, modern design with a discreet matte black color scheme that looks pleasing. Their mostly plastic build is decent, with their detachable audio cable also adding to their overall durability. Their oval ear cups are large and have soft cushions covered with artificial leather. They are comfortable to wear, but their earpads are a bit shallow and will not be the most comfortable option for those with large ears.

Like the ATH-M50x, the K371 can be folded into a more compact form, making them more portable and easier to carry for travel. Their ear cups fold neatly into the headband, allowing them to take up less space in your bag. However, the folding design adds more moving parts that are vulnerable to wear and tear. A soft pouch is also provided as a storage for the headphones, but it’s not as good as a hard case and will not provide protection against physical impact.

For accessories, the K371 headphones include a 6.3 mm plug adapter – an accessory commonly included with both professional and audiophile headphones – along with three audio cables. The three audio cables include a coiled cable, a long straight cable, and a short straight cable, with all of them terminating in a 3.5 mm analog plug.

If you need a reliable pair of headphones for office use, be sure to check out our comprehensive guide to the best ones on the market.

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Sennheiser HD 280 ProSennheiser HD 280 Pro

Selling for just around $100, the Sennheiser HD 280 Pro are relatively budget-friendly headphones designed for professional use. Their build quality is decent for the price while their sound quality is good. Their sound profile is transparent, with an accurate mid-range, a deep bass, and a balanced and clear treble. While they are not the best for sound mixing, they are suitable for recording tracks in the studio, especially considering their low sound leakage.

The HD 280 Pro are wired over-ear headphones with a bland aesthetic, which is either good or bad depending on your taste. Their overall design is practical. While they are mostly plastic, their build quality is decent, with both the ear cups and headband appearing durable. The default audio cable is non-detachable and terminates in a 3.5 mm analog plug, with a 6.3 mm adapter also provided. The single-sided cable is coiled and can stretch up to around ten feet, which is beneficial for studio use.

Although the HD 280 Pro headphones are lightweight and have well-padded ear cups that easily accommodate large ears, their comfort level is only decent at best. Their headband has a very tight clamp, especially out of the box, which makes them uncomfortable to use continuously for more than an hour. Their thick earpads help lessen the discomfort of the tight clamp, but not by much. If long studio sessions are the norm for you, then these Sennheiser headphones are not recommended.

Considering their bulky frame and lack of a travel case, the HD 280 Pro are not the most portable studio headphones. But due to their foldable design, they are easier to pack for travel than most full-sized over-ear headphones. They will take up less space in your bag, but you need to put them in a case or pouch to protect them from scratches and minor water spills.

For more excellent audio devices, check out our reviews of the most sought-after neckband headphones.

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Sony MDR-7506Sony MDR-7506

The Sony MDR-7506 are popular headphones for professional use. They are over-ear headphones that sound good and are decently built, with their foldable design making them more portable and easier to pack for travel. You can get them for less than $100. While other products offer more value in this price range, they are still a reliable option, especially if portability is an essential factor for you.

Like other professional headphones, the MDR-7506 have a boring but practical design that will not look out of place in the studio. They have large, oval ear cups that will fit around most ear sizes and feature a metal-reinforced headband coated in synthetic leather. Terminating in a gold-plated 3.5 mm analog plug, their coiled audio cable can extend up to around ten feet and is non-detachable, which is disappointing but hardly a deal-breaker. A 6.3 mm plug adapter is included in the box, along with a soft pouch for storage.

With their lightweight frame and well-padded ear cups, the MDR-7506 headphones are comfortable to wear for long recording sessions. Their wide headband has a considerably looser clamp compared to that of the Sennheiser HD 280 Pro headphones, which makes them less fatiguing on the head. On the other hand, the material covering the earpads feels cheap and looks delicate.

Easy to drive, the MDR-7506 are good-sounding headphones, but there are better-sounding headphones in the same price range. Their bass is powerful but not too emphasized while their mid-range is clear and balanced. Their sound isolation is also decent, which is especially beneficial when recording in the studio. Their sound leakage is low even at high volume levels, while their noise isolation performance is adequate for a studio setting.

If you are looking for more portable and breathable options, be sure to browse our list of the best-rated on-ear headphones.

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Audio-Technica ATH-M20xAudio-Technica ATH-M20x

If you are looking for budget headphones for recording, check out the Audio-Technica ATH-M20x, which sell for around $50. Compared to the more expensive ATH-M50x headphones, they are less portable and have fewer accessories. Their build quality is also cheaper, as expected from a low-end product, but on the other hand, their sound quality is good for the price while their sound leakage is low.

The ATH-M20x are over-ear headphones that look similar to the higher-end ATH-M50x headphones, with oval ear cups and a metal-reinforced headband. Their build is primarily plastic, but both the ear cups and the headband appear decently durable. They have rotating ear cups that allow for easy one-ear monitoring and include a non-detachable, single-sided straight cable terminating in a 3.5 mm plug. While their earpads are not the best, they are comfortable and don’t feel too tight on the head.

Unlike the ATH-M50x, the ATH-M20x headphones don’t collapse into a more compact format, making them less portable and more cumbersome to carry from place to place. Their ear cups don’t swivel into a flat position, and they lack any form of container. Their mediocre portability is not going to be an issue for most people, though.

As mentioned, the ATH-M20x headphones have fewer accessories than the ATH-M50x headphones. This isn’t surprising for budget headphones. The only accessory included in the box is the usual 6.3 mm plug adapter. There are no additional cables included, forcing you to look into other solutions if the stock audio cable is not to your liking.

You may also like some of these impressive quality laptop headphones from our list. Check them out.

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The 10 Best Microphones for Gaming https://improb.com/best-microphones-for-gaming/ Fri, 19 Jun 2020 13:17:16 +0000 https://improb.com/?p=40779 No great gaming set-up is truly complete without the addition of a top-quality microphone.

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These days, no great gaming set-up is truly complete without the addition of a top-quality microphone.

Since the dawn of online play and now, thanks to the rise of streaming services like YouTube and Twitch, gamers are constantly looking to find the best quality microphones they can to enhance their gaming experience.

With such a wide array of different microphones on the market, all of which have their own unique selling points, knowing which one to choose can be difficult. We have narrowed that list down to 10 of the best microphones for gaming that are available right now.

The Best Microphone for Gaming

HyperX QuadcastHyperX Quadcast

When it comes to great USB microphones for streaming and gaming, the HyperX Quadcast stands head and shoulders above the competition.

The microphone has a unique set-up. It has a three-diaphragm design, which allows for four polar patterns. The microphone is also incredibly useful for use away from gaming and provides a crisp and clear sound that does an excellent job of blocking out any background noises.

On top of this, the microphone also looks the part. It has a bright red light behind the mic that lights up when the microphone is in use and looks excellent. It also produces an incredibly clear vocal, which can be perfect for communicating with friends or playing against foes on your console. This feature also makes it an excellent microphone for recording voiceovers or for live-streaming on Twitch or YouTube.

Another reason why should be adding the Hyper X Quadcast to your wish list is the built-in shock mount that comes with it. Shock mounts are normally a fairly expensive piece of equipment, so having one custom-built into your microphone makes this an absolute bargain. The HyperX Quadcast tends to be priced at around $130-$140, and while this may seem a little steep, it is definitely worth every cent.

Purchase

Blue Yeti XBlue Yeti X

When it comes to producing consistently brilliant gaming microphones, Blue is one of the most trusted companies on the market.

The Blue Yeti X is arguably their finest piece of equipment yet. Not only does it produce an incredibly clear and high-quality sound, but it also comes with several useful features. One of its most practical features is a series of LED lights that are on a panel at the front of the microphone. These lights will indicate your volume level for you, which is incredibly useful if you are recording or streaming something.

Another unique selling point for the Blue Yeti X is the software that comes with it. The software allows you to customize your voice and edit recordings, which can be incredibly useful. It will also allow you to put a filter over your voice, which can make streaming or playing online even more fun.

Be sure to add some of the best gaming monitors to your setup for an enhanced experience.

Purchase

Rode NT USBRode NT USB

For those who are looking for a microphone that is going to make you look professional while streaming or playing online, then look no further than the Rode NT USB.

The Rode NT USB is an incredibly smart-looking piece of equipment that borrows its look from the classic studio and radio microphones. It doesn’t just look the part though; it sounds great as well. The microphone produces a high-quality sound, and it also comes with its very own free pop shield, which looks great and is another useful way of saving some cash.

The Rode NT USB is an excellent choice for those who are looking to get a high-quality sound and aesthetic without having to pay high-quality prices.

For more excellent devices for gamers, check out these insane gaming PCs under $500.

Purchase

Razer Seiren XRazer Seiren X

The Razer Seiren X is the perfect microphone for those gamers who need to be on the move regularly and who need a portable and light microphone to make their traveling easier.

The Razer Seiren X may not look like much, but that is kind of the whole point. It is designed so that it can be carried around easily and so that it won’t take up too much room on your gaming desk. It is half the size of the original Seiren Mic, but it still packs the same kind of punch.

It does an excellent job of recording sound and is incredibly clear for the most part. It may occasionally pick up some background noise, but this is a small price to pay for the convenience of it.

The Razer Seiren X is also one of the most practical and adaptable microphones on the market and can be used for other things such as podcast recording or voiceover recording while you are on the go. It is used by some of the top gaming streamers on Twitch and YouTube and is excellent value for money at a little over $100.

Purchase

AntLion ModMicAntLion ModMic

For some gamers, having a standing mic on your desk is just simply not an option. This is where attachable mics come in incredibly useful. Attachable mics are actually preferred by many gamers as they are portable and don’t take up any room; they are also easy to take with you if you want to go over to a friend’s place to play or a studio to record.

While there is a wide range of excellent attachable mics available, there are few that can compete with the AntLion ModMic in terms of quality and price.

The AntLion ModMic attaches to the side of your headphones with a magnet, and the sound quality is considerably better than any other headphone-based mics you will find. This is because most of these would prioritize the sound of the headphones over the mic, whereas this removes that possibility.

The sole purpose of the AntLion ModMic is to be an excellent quality microphone, and it delivers on that front. It will also work with any gaming headset, and it is very easy to carry around with you, making it one of the best microphones on the market for casual gamers.

Purchase

Blue Yeti NanoBlue Yeti Nano

The Blue Yeti Nano is one of the most practical and most reliable standing microphones in the business. One of the reasons for its enduring popularity is that it is one of the easiest microphones to use on the market.

The microphone has an awesome retro aesthetic that manages to look both trendy and professional at the same time. It has a great stand that allows you to adjust the microphone to whichever angle you desire without ever running into any problems.

This microphone was basically designed for streamers. It’s easy to use controls mean that you won’t get distracted while you are streaming or playing online, and its lightweight features mean that it can also be taken from one place to another if needs must. It also comes in a variety of different colors. You can also use it with some of the Blue software, which, as we have seen with the Blue Yeti X, can help make this one of the most unique microphone experiences available.

This may not have quite as many features as the bigger Blue Yeti X, but it is still an excellent piece of equipment that offers great value for money and delivers a consistently high quality of audio.

You may also be interested in some of the best-rated gaming projectors from our list. Check them out.

Purchase

Audio-Technica AT2020USB+Audio-Technica AT2020USB+

If you are after some really high-quality audio and performance from your microphone, then the Audio-Technica AT2020USB+ is going to be the kind of microphone you are going to want to get your hands on.

Audio-Technica is one of the most well-respected names in the audio industry. Their products all bring a guarantee of quality with them, and this is definitely the case with the Audio-Technica AT2020USB+.

Not only is the  Audio-Technica AT2020USB+ going to make you look incredibly professional, but it also produces an exceptionally high quality of sound. The audio is perfect for lone voice recordings, making this the ideal microphone to use if you are planning on using a streaming service or recording yourself playing your games.

It also does an excellent job of canceling out other noise and, as such, can also be excellent for playing games online and taking part in big group chats.

For optimal gaming displays, check out our selection of the top gaming TVs.

Purchase

Samson G-Track ProSamson G-Track Pro

Finding good audio equipment can be a pricey endeavor and that’s why the Samson G-Track Pro is one of the hottest microphones available on the market right now. The microphone typically costs around $100 and delivers the kind of quality that you would expect from something much higher on the price scale.

It’s a professional-looking microphone that is incredibly lightweight and also very easy to use. The microphone has very straight forward controls that are on the front of the microphone itself, and it also has a side-address condenser mic with multiple polar patterns, which makes it excellent for multi-purposes.

This one is especially great for those who enjoy recording voice-overs over recorded gameplay as it has brilliant noise canceling and solo-voice recording capabilities.

For more must-have devices for gamers, be sure to browse our guide to these reliable gaming mouses.

Purchase

Beyerdynamic FOXBeyerdynamic FOX

The Beyerdynamic FOX may be a microphone that is designed for recording songs, but that doesn’t mean it can’t make an excellent gaming companion as well. Fox is always a company you can rely on to deliver high-quality audio goods, and the Beyerdynamic is one of their best all-rounders yet.

The mic, despite its incredible technical prowess, is incredibly easy to set up and is a simple case of just plugging in your USB and recording. The microphone offers users a hi-res 96KHz/24-bit recording quality, which is pretty much unheard of in the world of standing USB microphones.

These features mean that this is an excellent microphone for recording Youtube gaming videos or for using live on Twitch. If all of that isn’t enough, the microphone also tends to retail at around $100, which is incredible value for such a powerful piece of recording equipment.

Gamers will also love some of these high-quality mechanical keyboards. Be sure to pick the right one for your setup.

Purchase

Rode NT1-A BundleRode NT1-A Bundle

While there is no denying that USB microphones are excellent pieces of equipment, especially for gaming, there is little doubt that they cannot compete with the sheer excellence of an actual studio microphone.

The Rode NT1-A Bundle could provide you with the perfect alternative to a USB microphone if you are wanting to add a little bit of extra quality to your gaming experience. The microphone is of incredibly high quality, and if you are the kind of person who is very serious about your streaming and gaming, then this could be an option you might consider.

The Rode NT1-A Bundle is going to cost you a little bit more than your normal USB microphone, and you are also likely going to need to purchase some accessories to really get the best out of it, but if you are the kind of person who wants a really professional set-up and sound, then this could be the one for you.

Take a moment to check out our reviews of the best gaming laptops under $700 for more cool equipment for gamers.

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