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

Sennheiser GSP 670 Over the Ear Wireless Headphones - Black

Sennheiser HD 300 Pro Headphones - Black

Shokz OpenRun Pro Open-Ear (Behind the Neck) Bluetooth Headphones - Black

Shure AONIC 215 Gen 2 True Wireless Bluetooth Earbuds - Blue (SE21DYBL+TW2)

Shure AONIC 215 Gen 2 True Wireless In-Ear Headphones -Black

Shure Aonic 215 Sound Isolating Earphones - White

Shure SE215 Sound Isolating Earphones - Blue

Shure SE535 Clear In Ear Headphones

SiriusXM - Roady BT Satellite Radio - Black

SiriusXM SXSD2 Portable Speaker Dock Audio System - Black

SiriusXM SXV300V1 Connect Vehicle Tuner Kit

Sony CFD-S50 CD/Line-in Jack/Headphone Jack/Digital/CD-R Playback/MP3 CD Playback/Radio/Cassette/Cassette Playback/Cassette Recording Boombox

Sony MDR-1AM2 Circumaural Wired Over-Ear Headphones - Black

Sony MDR-MV1 Open-Back Wired Headphones - Black

Sony NWWM1ZM2 Signature Series Walkman - 256 GB - Gold

Sony SRS-XG300 Portable Bluetooth Speaker - Gray

Sony WF-1000XM3 Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones - Black

Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless Over-Ear Headphones- Silver

Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Noise Canceling Headphones - Black

Sony WH-XB910N Bluetooth Headphones - Black

Sony Walkman NW-WM1AM2 128GB Digital Music Player

Ultimate Ears BOOM 2 Wireless Bluetooth Speaker - Black

Ultimate Ears Megaboom 3 Lagoon Blue Wireless Speaker - 984-001392

Ultimate Ears Megaboom 3 Wireless Speaker - Nightblack

Westone Pro X30 Triple Driver Professional Musicians Monitor Earphones - Clear

Yamaha Over Ear Headphones with In-line Microphone - Black (HPH-MT8)

Frequently asked questions