I'm always on the hunt for the perfect pair of headphones, and through that "process" (which makes it sound so much more formal than the truth) I have collected quite a pile of headphones, earbuds and other devices designed to get music from my iPod or lapotop into my brain.
Here's what I've discovered – there is no one perfect solution. Instead, I've found a couple favorite headsets which, together, make the (almost) perfect solution for me:
Apple In-Ear Headphones with Remote and Mic ($79)
I'm certainly not the first person to complain about the earbuds which come with my iPhone (my biggest issue is they wouldn't stay in my ear). But I liked the combination of a headset which I could use to listen to podcasts and music, as well as talk on the phone. So, upon the recommendation of some of my Facebook friends, I purchased a pair of Apple In-Ear Headphones, which come with three sets of ear cups, meaning I could select the size which worked best for me (and stayed in my ear).
I don't really use the remote function of the headset, so if I had to do it again, I might chose the JBL ROXY In-Ear Headphones with Microphone which has the same listening/speaking capability at half the cost.
iFrogz Ear Pollution Toxix ($19.99)
Sometimes, like when I'm exercising or editing our podcast, I just want a simple pair of headphones. I have a ton of "free" headphones kicking around the house, but most slip off my head and have terrible sound quality.
When I was sent two pairs of Toxix headphones to try, I actually thought they were for the kids. But after using them while on the treadmill, I came to appreciate these deceptively cute pair of headphones. They are well designed to stay on your head, even if you are bouncing around, they are tough enough to throw into my laptop case and at just under $20 I don't worry about letting the kids use them. My kids have co-opted the headsets we received, which gives me an excuse to buy a pink pair for myself.
Jabra Halo ($129)
I'll admit that I've dreamed of being able to cut the cord, and listen to my iPhone without a headset cable getting in my way (how many times have I dipped a cable into paint or caught it on something). Which is why I was so excited when we received the Jabra Halo Stereo Bluetooth headset at Manic Mommies HQ. After charging the headset, I was able to pair my iPhone to the headset and was soon listening to tunes sans wires. It was awesome.
I did have one issue with the headphones – the volume control is, well, difficult to control. Sliding your finger up and down the side of one of the ear pieces is supposed to control the volume. But I found it was very touchy and, in the end, I didn't seem to be able to control the volume much. They also cost more than I would normally pay for a pair of headphones, so I can understand how they may not be right for everyone.
How many headphones (and what kinds) do you need for your (almost) perfect solution?
