Know your headphones

Here’s a thumbnail guide to some basic types of headphones.

• Earbuds: These are best known as the cheapie, toss-in earphones that come with an iPod. They fit unobtrusively into the ears. Better designs rival full-size, over-the-ear models. Example: Klipsch Image S4 ($80).

• Open-backed: Soft-cushion pads, often foam, fit over the ears. They’re bulkier than earphones, but usually more comfortable. Open-back design sometimes sacrifices bass. Example: Grado SR60 ($69) (though it’s uncomfortable until broken in).

• Closed-back: The traditional headphone design with cups fully envelops the ears, and they’re even bulkier than open-backed headphones. They have excellent bass and isolate external noise. These aren’t often seen in public. Example: Koss Pro4AA (about $60).

• Noise-isolating: These are in-ear, or over-the-ear, models that reduce external noise. In-ear models essentially act as earplugs and are good for public transportation users. In-ear models need a perfect, sealed fit for optimum bass. Example: Comply NR-10 ($80)

• Noise-cancellation: These reduce external noise by picking up nearby sounds with miniature, battery-powered microphones built into the earpieces, then inverting the signals electronically. They’re great for frequent fliers. With less ambient noise, the user can listen at lower volume, reducing risk of ear fatigue or hearing damage. Example: Audio-Technica ATH-ANC7b (arriving in August at $220).

• Wireless: These are in-home models, usually over-the-ear, that receive signals from a base station and have substandard sound quality. Beware of background hiss or interference from nearby cordless phones. Example: Sennheiser RS120 (about $70).