Earphones are a must-have accessory if you own a couple of smart gadgets. You can use them to listen to music, talk to friends while playing multiplayer video games, and make phone or video calls. From the type of earphone to the total cost of owning a premium accessory, there are several factors one needs to consider before purchasing. Here are a few points that will help you make an informed buying decision.

Type of headphones/earphones
Many bestselling brands provide different types of earphones that include in-ear, over-the-ear, and even wireless options. Over-the-ear headphones work well with the built-in active noise-canceling feature and are suitable for outdoor use. Alternatively, earbuds are designed for use with your smart gadgets to sync up wirelessly over a stable Bluetooth connection. Know that your daily usage will determine what type works best.

Audio quality
There are many factors that determine the audio quality of any earphone/headphone or headset. For example, over-the-ear headphones come with an electrostatic driver that produces wide undistorted sound. High-end Bose and Beats headphones also offer a clear distinction between treble and bass. Even wireless earbuds and AirPods offer support for True Wireless Stereo or TWS. But mid-range and budget earphones mostly have a dynamic or balanced armature driver that may not be so great in quality. Here again, it’s the kind of sound quality you expect that will ultimately narrow down a few good options among popular brands.

Consider all key aesthetics
Before opt for earphones, earbuds, or headphones, ask yourself the following questions. What sort of built-in controls do you get with the product? Does it offer support for smart home devices like Alexa or Google Nest? It would be great if you could sync all your devices and have voice control adjust the volume and other inbuilt features on the headphones.

Some earbuds come with their limitations
Apple’s top-tier AirPods Max doesn’t support lossless audio quality, which could be a major red flag for many loyal fans. But there are many popular alternatives in the high-end segment, like the Sony WH-1000XM5. It is a cheaper alternative and supports everything that the AirPods Max misses out on in terms of hardware and software configuration.

Determine price range
It always comes down to price, doesn’t it? But having a general idea of how much earphones cost these days will help you plan for the purchase. For example, branded active noise-cancelling headphones or earbuds cost over $250.