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

Bose SoundLink on-ear Bluetooth Headband Wireless Headphones - Black

Bose SoundSport Free In Ear Wireless Headphones - Black

Bose SoundSport In Ear Headphone - Citron

Bose SoundSport In-ear Wired Headphones - Red

Bose Soundlink Around-Ear Wireless Headphones - Black

Bose Soundsport In Ear Neckband Headphones - Black

Bose Soundsport In Ear Wired Headphones - Charcoal

Bose Soundsport In-Ear Wireless Headphones - Black (761529-0010)

Denon PerL Pro True Wireless Adaptive Active Noise Cancelling In-Ear Earbuds - Black

Direct Sound EX29 PLUS Over the Head Extreme Isolation Headphones - Black

EPOS H3PRO Wireless Headphones - Black

Etymotic ER3XR Earphones - Black

Etymotic Research ER2XR Wired Bluetooth - Black/Blue

Etón Elite E1 Executive AM/FM Band Shortwave Radio

Etón NELITEEXECUTIVE Shortwave Satellite Radio

Etón NELITEFIELD Field Radio - NELITEFIELD

Final Audio Design E4000 Sound Isolating In-Ear Headphones - Black

Final Audio Design FI-E5DSSD Sound Isolating In-Ear Headphones - Silver

Focal Listen Professional Closed-Back Studio Ear-Cup Studio Headphones (FOPRO-LISPRO)

Focal Stellia Closed-Back Over-Ear Headphones - Cognac

HIFIMAN Arya Over The Ear Magnetic Audiophile Headphones - Black

Hamilton Electronics MPC5050 CD/Radio/Cassette Boombox

JBL Pulse 4 Wireless Portable Speaker - Black (JBLPULSE4BLKAM)

JBL Quantum 810 Wireless Headphones - Black

JBL Reflect Aero Wireless Noise Cancelling Earbuds - Black

Mackie MP-240 Wired Earbud Headphones - Black

Meze 99 Classics Headphone - Walnut Gold

Meze Audio 109 Pro Open Back Wired Headphones - Brown

Microsoft 1919 Over the Head Surface Headphones - Black

Microsoft Surface 2 Over the Ear Headphones - Light Gray

Frequently asked questions