You can create a playlist in a music program such as iTunes. It doesn’t matter what genre you use as long as you know the songs well. Search online to find music recommended for testing, such as at https://www. whathifi. com/features/10-best-tracks-to-test-your-headphones. You can also download non-music audio files to give your earphones more accurate tests, such as at https://www. audiocheck. net/soundtests_headphones. php.
For higher pitches, look for loud vocals, guitars, and drums. For lower pitches, seek out low, steady bass lines. If you don’t listen to a wide variety of music, that’s okay. It’s more important for you to know the songs well so you can decide if the earphones give you the sound profile you desire.
Keep any online audio tests bookmarked on your phone or computer so you can access them without downloading any files. Many times you can’t test earphones before buying them. When this happens, make sure the store has a good return policy in case you are dissatisfied with the sound quality.
The only way you can really test earphones is by using them.
Some earphones can detect frequencies as low as 20 hertz (Hz). Check the packaging for more information. If all headphones seem to have the same frequency issues, your hearing could be the issue.
Good earphones can detect frequencies as high as 20 kHz. Earphones may detect either high or low frequencies better. If this happens, choose earphones that are best for the content you listen to.
For instance, if you listen to a lot of podcasts, you may need your earphones to pick up low voices rather than high-pitched instruments.
Fatness doesn’t mean the music lacks dynamic highs and lows. This test is subjective. It can change depending on your hearing. Find earphones that work best for you personally.
The audio should sound clear no matter what plays. Usually, newer, costlier earphones have less issues with rattling than older, cheaper earphones. Rattling may not be an issue if you don’t listen to a lot of music with low pitches.
If you can, use binaural recordings to test this. These sounds are recorded with microphones placed on the ear, so they are ideal tests of immersion. For example, listen to binaural audio of someone knocking on a door. Ask yourself if it sounds like someone is knocking on a real wooden door right next to you.
Earbuds come in different sizes and shapes. Some earphones may not even have rubber ends. In-ear buds fit in your ear canals, so they stay in place better and block out more noise than plain earbuds.
For example, some earphones have rubber buds. These may be more comfortable than all-plastic earbuds.
Over ear earphones with open backs let in outside noise, so they can be useful outdoors and in some work settings.
Consider the comfort factor as well. Earphones that feel comfortable at first may start to hurt after hours of usage.
Not all devices are compatible with Bluetooth or other wireless technology, so check this before selecting your earphones. Wireless earphones operate on batteries, so consider if maintaining a battery is something you are willing to do.
For example, if you’re at work or walking on a busy street, you may need to hear the sounds around you. Some earphones have an active noise cancelling feature, although this often requires a battery to operate.
You will want to minimize sound leakage if you’re going to be near other people and in quiet environments. You can also test this with a friend. Have them stand beside you and listen for any sound leakage.
