Question 1

What's the difference between open-back and closed-back headphones?

Accepted Answer

Closed-back headphones seal around the ear, isolating sound and keeping it from leaking out, which suits commuting and shared spaces. Open-back models let air and sound through for a more spacious sound, but they leak audio and don't block noise, so they're better for quiet rooms.

Question 2

What should I check when buying used wireless earbuds or headphones?

Accepted Answer

For wireless models, battery life fades with age, so ask about battery condition. For in-ear models, hygiene matters, so check whether fresh ear tips are included. Confirm the case, cables, and accessories are present too.

Question 3

Does noise cancellation matter?

Accepted Answer

It depends on use. Active noise cancellation (ANC) reduces steady background noise, which helps on planes, trains, and in offices. If that's important to you, look for headphones that specifically list ANC, and note it tends to add to the price.

Question 4

Are old iPods worth anything?

Accepted Answer

They can be, and the older and rarer ones in particular have become real collectibles. Early generations, high-capacity Classics, and sealed in-box units in good shape can reach well into the hundreds, with rare sealed examples going much higher. Condition, the generation, storage size, and whether you have the original box all factor in, so compare current listings to gauge a specific model.

Portable Audio & Headphones

AKG K612 PRO Reference Studio Headphones - Black

AKG K701 Open Back Ear-Cup Headphones - White

ASUS ROG Cetra True Wireless Bluetooth Gaming Earbuds - White (90YH03X1-B5UA00)

Altec Lansing Shockwave 200 Bluetooth Speaker - Black (IMT7100-BLK-STK-1)

Audeze LCD-GX Over the Head Gaming Headset - Black/Red

Audeze LCD-X Creator Package Over-Ear Headphones

Audeze LCD-XC (100-XC-1016-00) Over Ear Closed Back Planar Headphones - Black

Audeze MM-500 Wired Open-Back Headphones - Black

Audio-Technica Audiophile Open-air Ear-Pad Headphones - Black (ATH-AD500X)

Beats by Dr Dre MV722LLA Powerbeats Pro Wireless Earphones - Ivory

Beats by Dr. Dre Solo Pro On Ear Wireless Headphones - Ivory

Bose 718840-0010 QuietComfort 20 In-Ear Noise Cancelling Headphones - Black

Bose 771420-0010 SoundWear Companion Speaker - Black

Bose 7895640050 QuietComfort 35 II Wireless Headphones - Rose Gold

Bose 829393-1100 Portable Home Speaker - Triple Black

Bose QC20I In-Ear Headphones - Black

Bose QuietComfort 25 Over the Ear Headphone - Black

Bose QuietComfort 35 II Over the Ear Headphone - Silver

Bose QuietComfort 35 II Wireless Noise-Cancelling Headphones - Black (789564-0010)

Bose QuietComfort 35 II Wireless Over the Ear Headphones - Black (789564-0010)

Bose QuietComfort 35 Over the Ear Wireless Headphones - Black

Bose QuietComfort 35 Wireless Headphones - Black

Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II In Ear Wireless Headphones - Black

Bose QuietComfort SE Wireless Around Ear Headphones - Black

Bose QuietControl 30 Neckband Wireless Headphones - Black

Bose SoundLink Around-Ear Wireless Headphones II - White

Bose SoundLink Color II Limited Edition Wireless Speaker - Midnight Blue

Bose SoundLink Micro Bright Orange Portable Speaker System

Bose SoundLink Resolve Bluetooth Speaker - Black

Bose SoundLink on-ear Bluetooth Headband Wireless Headphones - Black

Frequently asked questions