Comparison Google Pixel Buds A-Series vs Samsung Galaxy Buds2

This parameter is indicated only for specialized models that are not related to “ears” for general use. Nowadays, in headphones you can find the following specialization options: gaming, for active sports, office, monitor(aka studio), for DJs, for sleep. Here is a more detailed description of these varieties:

- Gaming. Headphones designed primarily for use in games - primarily with PCs and laptops (a separate type is available for consoles, see below for details). Externally they stand out primarily due to their design - usually quite bright and aggressive. Most of these models have an overhead design, most often in a full-size “Over Ear” format (see “Design”) - this provides maximum immersion into the gaming. There are other design options, but much less common. An almost mandatory part is a microphone - for voice communication in online games. In addition, most multi-channel models fall into this category (see “Sound”) - such sound is most important for games.

— For active sports. Headphones good for sports. Such devices must, firstly, have additional fixation in the ears or on the head so as not to change their position during active movements; secondly, don’t be afraid of sweat (and ideally, ra...in, snow and other precipitation). With rare exceptions, headphones for active sports do not have a wire that could create inconvenience when moving. Sports headphones include earbuds models, earbuds, and some on-ear headphones. The key character traits they share are a secure fit and at least some degree of IP water resistance (see "Ingress Protection (IP)").

- Office. Office headphones are designed for consultants, support operators and other employees who constantly have to deal with voice communications over the phone or the Internet. Accordingly, one of the main features in such models is the presence of a microphone. Also among office headphones, models for one ear are very popular (see “Sound - mono”), which allow you to hear both the interlocutor on the line and the surrounding environment at the same time. Many “ears” for this purpose use a USB connection (see “Connection”) - in the expectation that inexpensive office computers may not have specialized audio outputs at all. In this case, a small control panel for working with IP telephony can be provided directly on the USB plug; it allows, in particular, to accept and reject calls. There are also wireless models (usually with a connection via a radio channel, less often via Bluetooth), as well as specialized solutions connected to telephone sets using specific connectors.

— Monitor (studio). Headphones designed for use in professional sound recording and when setting up audio equipment. They are made only wired. However, the key feature of such models is different: they have the most even frequency response, which gives almost the same sound volume in all frequency bands, and a wide operating range, often exceeding the limits of frequencies audible to humans. Thanks to this, headphones for this purpose are able to clearly identify all the flaws in the sound signal - including nuances that are not noticeable on traditional “ears”; Such capabilities are indispensable in professional work with sound. On the other hand, for the same reason, there is no point in using monitor models for everyday listening to music: they not only reveal various shortcomings of the recording, but also give the sound a specific coloring that is unusual and even unpleasant for the average user.

- For DJ. Headphones originally intended for use by professional DJs when mixing tracks. In many ways they are similar to the monitor ones described above - in particular, they have a very smooth frequency response, providing the most reliable sound, and a wide frequency range. In addition, DJ headphones are usually made in a closed acoustic design and generally have high quality sound insulation, which allows you to maintain good audibility even in quite noisy environments.

- For sleep. Miniature headphones of a special anatomical shape, which allows you to calmly fall asleep lying on your side without discomfort in the ear. To reduce ambient noise levels, they are usually designed with passive noise reduction. These headphones can be used both for listening to music and for broadcasting white noise, nature sounds or waves. Advanced models also monitor sleep quality, and the alarm function turns on a wake-up melody at the appointed time. Such headphones are often called electronic earplugs.

The specific connection interface provided in the headphones. At the same time, some models may provide several options at once - these are either combined devices (see "Type of connection"), or wired headphones equipped with additional adapters or replaceable cables, or wireless devices connected via a radio channel or infrared port (in the latter case the characteristics additionally specify the method of connecting the complete adapter).

- micro-Jack (2.5 mm). A wired connector similar to the popular 3.5mm mini-Jack (see below), but smaller. Equipment with such a connection is rare - mostly these are miniature devices, where there is simply no room for a 3.5 mm jack. Accordingly, this interface has not received distribution among headphones either: it is almost never found in its pure form, models with such a plug are usually supplemented with an adapter or cable for mini-Jack.

- mini-Jack(3.5 mm). Perhaps the most popular modern type of audio connector; if a device has a headphone output, it is most likely a 3.5 mm jack. Accordingly, most headphones with a wired connection use this type of connector. It is worth noting that headphones with a microphone designed for such a connection are equipped with a special plug for a combined headphone + microphone audio jack (such connectors are popular in portable gadgets and laptops). But with a socket designed only for “ears” without a microphone, such a plug may not work...correctly. An alternative would be headphones equipped with two separate mini-jack plugs; see below for more details on this option.

- mini-Jack (2 x 3.5 mm). Models with two 3.5 mm mini-jack plugs. This option is guaranteed to mean that we are not talking about classic headphones, but about a headset with a microphone: one plug is used for headphones, the second for a microphone. Such models are convenient when used with equipment that has separate 3.5 mm jacks for “ears” and a microphone - for example, for a PC.

- Pentaconn (4.4 mm). It is a 5-pin balanced output. Pentaconn uses a larger than the mini-Jack plug, its size is 4.4 mm, it is stronger and more reliable than the 3.5 mm connection. The Pentaconn's balanced connection makes it possible to handle higher power audio signals. Thanks to this connection, it is possible to transmit a signal over a fairly long distance. Accordingly, such a connector is relevant for headphones of the highest category.

- Jack (6.35 mm). The largest type of Jack type audio connector found in modern technology. Outputs of this type are found mainly in stationary audio equipment - they are too bulky for portable devices, it is easier to use a 3.5 mm mini-jack there. At the same time, a 6.35 mm jack is considered to be a more suitable interface for professional and audiophile-class equipment: it provides a more reliable connection, greater contact density and, accordingly, less likelihood of interference. Therefore, although relatively few headphones are equipped with their own Jack type connector (mostly premium solutions), many models with a 3.5 mm mini-Jack plug are equipped with a 6.35 mm adapter.

— XLR. A characteristic round connector with a lock-lock and 3 contacts (there are other options in quantity). As a rule, it is used to transmit an analog signal through a balanced connection. This connection provides high resistance to interference, typical for professional applications; at the same time, the plug itself has rather large dimensions. In view of all this, the presence of XLR is relevant mainly for headphones designed for use with advanced stationary equipment.

— Bluetooth. The most popular wireless connection option in today's headphones. This is due to the fact that built-in Bluetooth modules are available in almost any modern smartphone, tablet or laptop, and appropriate adapters can be produced for devices without this module (for example, a PC). True, the sound quality with a traditional Bluetooth connection is relatively low, but special technologies such as aptX and aptxHD are increasingly being used to remedy the situation (see "Codec Support").
It is also worth noting that Bluetooth modules can correspond to different versions (the latest for 2022 is Bluetooth 5.0, Bluetooth 5.1, Bluetooth 5.2 and Bluetooth 5.3) this moment does not affect the sound quality, however, it determines a number of additional nuances - the range and reliability of communication, the ability to work through walls and other obstacles, resistance to interference, etc. In modern "ears" you can find the following versions of Bluetooth:

• Bluetooth v4.0. An update in which the capabilities of version 3.0 (classic + high-speed Bluetooth) were supplemented with a third format - Bluetooth LE (low energy). This communication standard is intended mainly for the transmission of small amounts of information - in particular, service data packets to maintain a connection. At the same time, the creators managed to combine economical energy consumption and a long communication range - it can reach 100 m. This has a positive effect on the stability of the connection.
• Bluetooth v 4.1. Development and improvement of Bluetooth 4.0. Speaking specifically about headphones, the key innovation for them in this version was improved noise immunity when working near devices with 4G (LTE) mobile communication devices (in earlier standards, Bluetooth and LTE signals could overlap, which led to failures). So for use with a 4G smartphone, headphones with Bluetooth support of at least v 4.1 are definitely recommended.
• Bluetooth v4.2. Further, after 4.1, the development of the Bluetooth standard, which mainly introduced a number of general improvements in reliability and noise immunity.
• Bluetooth v5.0. Massive Bluetooth update released in 2016. One of the most notable innovations was the introduction of two additional Bluetooth LE operating modes: high speed mode (due to reduced range) and extended range mode (due to reduced speed). In the case of headphones, the main significance of these innovations is to improve the overall reliability of the connection, increase its range and reduce the number of gaps.
• Bluetooth v 5.1. Update version v 5.0, which, in addition to general improvements in the quality and reliability of communication, has such an interesting feature as determining the direction from which the Bluetooth signal is coming. Thanks to this, a smartphone or other gadget that supports this standard is able to determine the location of connected devices with an accuracy of up to a centimeter; this can be useful, for example, to search for lost sight, but still working headphones.
• Bluetooth v5.2. The next, after 5.1, is the Bluetooth 5th generation update. The main innovations in this version are a number of security improvements, additional power optimization in LE mode, and a new audio signal format for synchronized parallel playback on multiple devices.
• Bluetooth v5.3 was introduced at the dawn of 2022. Among the innovations, it accelerated the process of negotiating the communication channel between the controller and the device, implemented the function of quickly switching between the state of operation in a small duty cycle and high-speed mode, improved the throughput and stability of the connection by reducing the susceptibility to interference. In case of unexpected interference in the Low Energy mode of operation, the procedure for selecting a communication channel for switching is now accelerated.

- Radio channel. A wireless radio connection that does not use Bluetooth technology (see above). Such headphones are usually equipped with an adapter that connects to the signal source by wire - for example, via USB or mini-Jack 3.5. This connection method is more versatile than Bluetooth, it can be used even with devices that do not have wireless modules. In addition, the radio channel provides a long range (often up to several tens of meters), and the sound quality is quite high even without the use of special technologies. The disadvantage of this option is the actual presence of an adapter, which is not always appropriate: for example, it is easier to use Bluetooth headphones with a tablet or smartphone.

- IR channel. Another method of wireless connection, a feature of which is that it does not use radio waves, but infrared radiation. Theoretically, the advantage of such a connection is resistance to electromagnetic interference, the disadvantage is that it only works in the line of sight. In practice, the situation is such that in most cases it is easier to use Bluetooth or a radio channel for a wireless connection. So this option is found only in specialized devices for equipment equipped with its own IR outputs - in particular, among headphones for car monitors.

— USB A. Wired connection to a standard (full dimensions) USB connector. This option is found exclusively among headphones designed for computers / laptops or gaming consoles. One of its advantages is that sound via USB is transmitted digitally and is processed not by the computer's audio card, but by the built-in headphone converter; such a converter often provides better sound quality than the said audio card. In addition, multi-channel audio can be transmitted via a USB connection - this point will be especially appreciated by gamers. Another advantage is that when using USB-headphones, specialized audio outputs remain free, and you can connect other equipment to them - for example, computer speakers or a vibrocap.

— USB-C. A relatively new type of USB connector, used in both desktop computers and portable devices - as the heir to microUSB. It does not differ much in dimensions, but it has a more advanced design - in particular, it is made double-sided, which makes it easier to connect. Most often complemented by other connection options (they can be both wired and wireless).

— Lightning. A universal connector used in Apple portable equipment - iPhone smartphones and iPad tablets - since 2012. Not used by other manufacturers. Accordingly, models with such an interface are designed specifically for "apple" technology (primarily iPhone and iPod touch players). This type of connection is especially relevant given the fact that in the latest iPhones, the manufacturer has completely abandoned a separate audio output, and the only way to connect headphones is the Lightning port.

- Corporate outlet. A connection connector that is not related to generally accepted standards and is used to a limited extent in the equipment of one or more manufacturers. Such connectors are found mainly among headphones for mobile phones. However, in connection with the general standardization, this option has practically disappeared from the scene. Theoretically, the proprietary connector is also the Lightning described above, but it is separated into a separate category due to the popularity of Apple technology.

The range of audio frequencies that headphones can reproduce.

The wider this range — the more fully the headphones reproduce the spectrum of sound frequencies, the lower the likelihood that too low or too high frequencies will be inaccessible. However, some nuances should be taken into account here. First of all, we recall that the range of perception of the human ear is on average from 16 Hz to 22 kHz, and for the full picture it is enough that the headphones cover this range. However, modern models can noticeably go beyond these limits: in many devices, the lower threshold does not exceed 15 Hz, or even 10 Hz, and the upper limit can reach 25 kHz, 30 kHz, and even more. Such extensive ranges in themselves do not provide practical advantages, but they usually indicate a high class of headphones, and sometimes they are only given for promotional purposes.

The second important point is that an extensive frequency range in itself is not a guarantee of good sound: the sound quality also depends on a number of parameters, primarily the frequency response of the headphones.

The diameter of the speaker installed in the headphones; models with multiple drivers (see "Number of drivers"), usually, the size of the largest speaker is taken into account, other dimensions can be specified in the notes.

In general, this parameter is relevant primarily for over-ear headphones (see "Design"). In them, emitters can have different sizes; the larger it is, the more saturated the sound is and the better the speaker reproduces the bass, however, large emitters have a corresponding effect on the dimensions, weight and price of the headphones. But in-ear "ears" and earbuds, by definition, have very small speakers, and rich bass in them is achieved due to other design features.

The number of emitters installed in each individual earphone. Specified only for models with more than one emitter.

The meaning of this feature depends on the type of emitters (see above). So, in hybrid models, by definition, there are several — the frequency range is distributed between them, which has a positive effect on the frequency response. For the same purpose, several reinforcing radiators can be used. And with the traditional dynamic principle of operation, due to several emitters, the effect of surround sound can also be provided (see "Sound").

Anyway, "ears" with numerous emitters, other things being equal, will be more advanced, but also more expensive.

A sensor in the design of in-ear headphones that allows you to naturally distinguish your own voice from the background sound. The sensor picks up the vibration of the user's voice and does not respond to external sounds, providing a clear voice transmission during voice calls.

The headphones have their own volume control. Such a regulator can be placed both on the wire and on one of the cups (the latter is typical for wireless models). Anyway, this function allows you to easily adjust the volume: for this you do not need to go into the computer settings, press the buttons on the player or smartphone, etc., just use the control at hand. On the other hand, additional equipment complicates and increases the cost of the design, and also increases the likelihood of distortion. In light of the latter, volume control is almost never found in professional headphones.

A function that allows you to automatically pause the playback track when you remove the headphones (or one headphone).

Autopause is found mainly in wireless models (see "Connection Type") true wireless format (see "Cable Type"); however, there are other types of headphones with this function — for example, with a combined connection and an overhead design. Anyway, the proximity sensor is usually responsible for the auto-pause operation, which is triggered when the earpiece moves away from the ear. This feature is especially useful in situations where, after removing the headphones, there is no time to manually pause playback — for example, you need to urgently respond to what is happening nearby. At the same time, some models are able to automatically resume playback when the earpiece is returned to its place, however, this function is not strictly required — it will not hurt to clarify its presence separately.

A system that reduces the influence of ambient noise on the audibility of sound through headphones. "Noise reduction" with the help of a separate microphone (or several micro) "listens" to external sounds and sends the same sounds to the headphones, but in antiphase. Due to this, the noise heard by the ears is attenuated almost to zero and the user can enjoy the sound of the headphones without interference even in a rather “loud” environment. For filtering in headphones, Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) and Environment Noise Cancellation (ENC) systems are used. The first suppresses all the noise around the listener, the second - reduces the noise level of the environment. Active noise cancellation affects the purity of the sound, but the noise from the outside spoils the picture when listening to audio tracks even more.

Also in the headphones there is an adaptive active noise reduction system Adaptive ANC, aimed at automatically adjusting the sound of the headphones depending on the level of ambient noise. In a noisy environment (for example, when traveling on the subway), the Adaptive ANC system enhances the work of “noise reduction”, in the absence of loud sounds from outside, it weakens the noise reduction.