How Do Wireless Headphones Work? The Tech Behind The Magic!
There's a lot of tech built into wireless headphones. But how do wireless headphones work? We'll show the differences so you can choose yours.
Have you ever wondered how your wireless headphones work?
You're not the only one! A lot of people are still unsure of how these headphones work. Do they transmit sound through the air? Or do they use Bluetooth to communicate with a device? In this article, we will discuss the technology behind wireless headphones and how they work!
Once you know how they work, you'll be able to pick out the best pair for you. We'll also give you a few tips on how to get the most out of your wireless earphones!
Read on to learn everything you need to know about wireless headphones!
What Are The Main Different Design Types Of Headphones?
Before we talk about wireless headphone magic, let's get back to basics. Knowing the design of headphones is important in understanding how they work. Most headphone types are made in wired and wireless versions.
Closed Ear Headphones
This design covers or seals your ear from the outside world. The result is an immersive experience that significantly reduces ambient noise. They provide the best noise isolation but can be bulky.
This type of headphone is popular with professional DJs and studio engineers because it allows them to focus on the music.
Open Ear Headphones
Also called Open Back Headphones, this design rests on top of your outer ear and does not go inside or seal off your ear canal. They are generally lighter and more comfortable than closed ear headphones. The trade-off is that they don't provide as much noise isolation. As a result, open ear headphones are not ideal for use in noisy environments.
This type of headphone is popular with people who want to be aware of their surroundings, like runners or cyclists.
Over-Ear Headphones
This type of headphone goes over your ears and has a headband that rests on top of your head. They are also known as full-size headphones.
Over-ear headphones are typically the heaviest type of headphone but they provide the best sound quality. They also tend to be more comfortable than other types of headphones because they distribute the weight evenly.
On-Ear Headphones
This type of headphone sits on top of your ear but doesn't seal it off. They are not as good at noise isolation, but they're much lighter and more comfortable to wear for long periods.
This type of headphone is popular with casual listeners who want a balance of comfort and sound quality.
Earbuds
Earbuds fit snugly inside your ear canal. They're the most portable type of headphone and are popular with people who are always on the go. They're not as good at noise isolation, but newer models are starting to improve in this area.
Bone Conduction Headphones
This type of headphone doesn't go in or on your ear at all! Instead, they sit in front of your ear and use vibrations to send sound waves directly to your cochlea. This design is popular with people who need to be aware of their surroundings, like runners or cyclists. They're also a good option for people with hearing impairments.
So How Do Wireless Headphones Work?
Wireless headphones use radio frequencies to communicate with a device, such as a phone or MP player. The headphones convert the incoming audio signal into a radio signal and then back to an audio signal when it reaches the headphones.
Wireless headphones use three main types of technology: Bluetooth, Radio Frequency (RF) and Infrared. There are different processes connecting wireless headphones to digital data sound sources.
Bluetooth Headphones
Bluetooth headphones are the most common type of wireless headset. They use a short-range wireless connection that allows you to listen to music without being tethered to a device. Bluetooth headphones typically have a range of about 30 feet.
RF Headphones
RF headphones use a radio frequency signal to communicate with a device. They have a longer range than Bluetooth headphones and can typically work up to about 100 feet. However, RF headphones require a receiver that is connected to the audio source.
Infrared Headphones
Infrared headphones use an infrared signal to communicate with a device. They have a shorter range than RF headphones, but don't require a receiver. Infrared headphones typically have a range of about 30 feet.
What Is Bluetooth And How Do Bluetooth Headphones Work?
Bluetooth technology acts as a short range (up to 30 feet) private digital radio between devices. The connection is encrypted and is under the user's complete control, and no one else's.
To connect wireless headphones via Bluetooth, a process called 'pairing' is used. Pairing is initiated at one device such as a smartphone. For a connection to be established, the phone is set to be 'discoverable' by other unpaired devices.
Once your headphones detect the phone, it will send a pairing request. This will usually show up on the phone as a numeric code that must be verified and accepted. When that's done, the phone and headphones are paired and the phone can begin transmitting audio signals to the headphones. Time to rock and roll!
How Do RF Headphones Work And How Are They Different From Bluetooth Headphones?
RF headphones are different from Bluetooth headphones in a few ways. First, they use radio frequencies to communicate with digital audio devices instead of Bluetooth. Second, they typically have a much longer range than a Bluetooth headphone signal - up to 100 feet.
RF headphones also require a receiver that is connected to the audio source. The receiver picks up the radio waves and converts it back into an audio signal. The headphones then amplify the signal and send it to the ear cups.
RF headphones typically have better sound quality than Bluetooth headphones because the audio signal is not compressed when it is transmitted. Bluetooth headphones and Bluetooth speakers use a compression algorithm that can reduce the quality of the sound.
So, if you're looking for the best sound quality, RF headphones are the way to go. But, if you're looking for convenience and portability, Bluetooth headphones are probably a better option.
What Are Infrared (IR) Headphones And How Do They Work?
Infrared headphones use a form of energy known as infrared to communicate with the audio source. They have a shorter range than RF headphones, but don't require a receiver. Infrared headphones typically have a range of about 30 feet which is about the same as Bluetooth headphones.
The audio source sends out an infrared signal that is picked up by the headphones. The signal is then converted into an audio signal and sent to the ear cups.
One advantage to IR Headphones is that they're not susceptible to interference from other electronic devices like RF headphones can be. And they don't require pairing like Bluetooth headphones do, nor is there any audio compression like Bluetooth.
But the biggest drawback to Infrared headphones is that they only work in a line of sight with the audio source. So, if you're moving around a lot or if there are obstacles between you and the audio source, the signal can be interrupted which can cause sound dropouts.
Despite this limitation, Infrared headphones can work quite well in some situations, such as watching movies on a TV where the user isn't moving very much (no line of sight issues) or listening to music sitting still in a comfortable chair.
What Are The Most Important Things To Know About Using Wireless Headphones?
Battery life is an important factor when choosing a pair of wireless headphones to buy. More battery life is always welcome, but the headphones with the best battery life are often more expensive than their cheaper counterparts.
Wireless headphones often have some unique features that wired headphones may not have. Especially wireless Bluetooth headphones paired with an app from the manufacturer, these apps can allow EQ settings control, noise reduction, and personalized settings for different users of the same pair of headphones.
In addition to features on smartphone apps, many Bluetooth headphones have built-in controls on the headphones themselves. Volume, track, mute, and microphone controls are often included. Some are even compatible with voice assistants like Siri. Even some game systems like the Nintendo Switch can pair Bluetooth headphones.
You Get What You Pay For, Usually
It stands to reason that more expensive headphones offer higher quality audio, better battery life, better comfort, and more special features. Headphones from top brands such as Sony, Sennheiser, AKG, Audio-Technica, and Beats usually command top dollar.
Despite this, there are many different lesser known brands that still offer good headphones for their price points. Brands like Jabra, Skullcandy, Treblab, and Srhythm make some great cans for their price.
What About Wired Headphones?
Despite the popularity of wireless headphones, wired headphones are still the most common type of headphone. They use a standard audio jack to connect to your devices. The sound quality is generally good, but it can be affected by the quality of the wire and audio jack.
Wired headphones are popular because they're affordable and easy to find. You can also find a wide variety of styles in just about every style listed above, including wired earbuds.
Advantages Of Wired Headphones
One notable advantage that wired headphones will always have over wireless is there's no need to keep their batteries charged. Because there AREN'T any batteries. Wired headphones are supplied power by the device they're plugged into.
Another advantage is there's no loss of signal nor pairing issues with wired headphones. No need to worry about separating too far away from your sound source with wired headphones and having the digital audio signal fade or cut out.
On the other hand, you still are directly wired to your source. If you're listening through a smartphone that's no problem, just carry the phone with you. But if you're enjoying music on a house stereo, you'll have to stay close to it. Get a comfy chair nearby.
Smartphones and Headphone Jacks
Beginning in 2017 with the Apple iPhone 7, many smartphones today do not have a standard 3.5mm headphone jack to accommodate wired headphones. It is rumored that Apple did this to make room for other technology within the iPhone, but it also forced their customers to use headphones that require a Lightning connector or to buy wireless headphones.
Other companies followed suit and removed the headphone jack from their phones as well, like Google, Motorola, and HTC. Now it's more common for a phone to NOT have a headphone jack.
If you have one of these newer phones and want to use wired headphones, the only option is to use a headphone jack dongle that plugs into the phone's lightning or USB port.
Or, take the plunge and get a great set of wireless headphones.
The Last Word
There's plenty of room for headphones of all types, both wired and wireless, open ear and closed ear, and so on. Every listener has different preferences. Just like everyone's ears are different, so too are headphones.
Always remember that buying a piece of technology is always a tradeoff. For example, while wireless headphones have a lot of advantages in portability and convenience, there is a tradeoff of always having to keep them charged and keeping them paired with your sound source, whether through Bluetooth technology, Radio Frequencies, or Infrared energy.
On the other hand, wired headphones are an old technology that is reliable and still works well, but they will never have the capabilities of a Bluetooth headset. Plus, fewer and fewer audio devices (looking at you, smartphones) are easily compatible with wired headphones without a dongle retrofit.
Technology is great when it doesn't get in the way. But it's important to choose the right technical solutions for your need. When it comes to wired and wireless headphones, sometimes simpler is better. Or not. You'll have to decide what's best for you and your ears.
Related Articles About Headphones
Now that you've learned how wireless headphones work and the differences between them and wired headphones, check out some of our articles below to learn about some great headphone options (both wired and wireless) in a variety of styles.
The Best Earbuds For Small Ears
The Best Earbuds For Motorcycle
The Best Over Ear Headphones For Working Out
Check out these reviews and treat yourself to your music, only better. We've reviewed a lot of great headphones of all types. Your ears will thank you!