Why Music Headphones and TV headphones Are Not the Same Device

Advancements in audio technology has done a great deal in diversifying choices of audio consumption for the masses. From massive stadium systems to portable devices, innovation has been at an all time high for the past decade or so. In light with this topic, let’s take two niche audio solutions and see what sets one apart from the other.

Music Headphones

As the name suggests, these headphones are aimed at a music-centered listening experience. For average users who want a reliable daily driver, a wired or wireless model may suffice, while the power user or audiophile will certainly settle for high-end wired units that pull no punches in terms of specs and performance.

Proper driver implementation, noise cancellation, and ergonomics all contribute to a positive listening experience. Balanced lows, mids, and highs are crucial factors to consider as well, as these bring out subtle dimensions and fuller details of our favorite tracks to the surface. Imbalanced levels can either result in really bright, muddy, or flat sound quality, impairing the experience altogether.

As a general rule of thumb for music headphones, sound quality is king. This is why the endless struggle of wired vs. wireless models has been plaguing consumers for years. To clear things up, nothing beats wired quality to date, boasting up to 2,354 kbps of audio data running down the line, while Bluetooth variants average at around 768 kbps. Factor in signal latency and the risk of interference, you know where we’re heading.

This isn’t the “be-all, end-all” for audio quality, though, as construction and component quality still plays an important factor, especially at certain price points. Battery life is another make-or-break aspect as well, depending on your desired application.

TV Headphones

TV headphones, on the other hand, focus on a more general entertainment standpoint. Reasons to get a pair include isolated listening, gaming, and hearing loss applications, and most come in wireless configurations for extra convenience.

While sound quality isn’t really that much far off when compared to their musical counterparts, TV headphones often have modes that enhance/exaggerate one level or more(Surround sound, Bass boost), giving you a more cinematic audio experience in the comfort of your own home.

The most common offerings are RF and Bluetooth TV headphones, with these wireless technologies offering the best performance for a home theater setting. Oftentimes, these wireless headphones connect to your TV with adapters that plug into the audio outputs of your TV set, allowing for a faster connection process, bypassing the need for pairing after the one-time setup, and can also allow the simultaneous use of multiple headphones at once.

With its wireless technology, comes the battery life factor. Luckily, most TV headphones have bulky battery packs to augment the need for constant recharging, allowing you to go on a binge-watching spree without disrupting the whole experience.

Conclusion

Just like the continuous development of digital audio in this age, various niches have opened up to serve the specific listening needs of consumers. While music and TV headphones aren’t entirely different from one another, both variants have been designed with special features to fit their specific purposes, and provide a pleasurable listening experience altogether.