There are many different types of headphones on the 
market today.  This is in high contrast to the headphone
market just a few decades ago, where your choices were 
either studio monitor headsets (the big, clunky type 
worn over the ears) or cheap portable units.

There have been many advances in headphone 
technology over the past few decades, and now the 
consumer has a plethora of different shapes, sizes, 
styles and technologies to choose from.  "Ear buds", 
"Back phones", "Canal phones" and "electrostatic 
headphones" are just a few of the types offered in 
today’s high tech headphone market.  In the article we 
will review the different types of headphones available 
today and touch on the features and benefits of the 
individual types.

For the home user, the main type of headphone that is 
purchased would fit in the "studio monitor" category.  
This style of headphone has been around for years and 
certain models have not changed in years.  The studio 
monitor is the standard "over the ear" variety that are 
common in radio and music studios.  They typically 
have a ¼ inch plug (as opposed to the smaller 1/8 inch 
or mini plug).  Vendors of this type of headphone 
include AKG, Sony, Sennheiser, Grado Labs and 
Fostex.  They are available "closed" and "open"
varieties.  Audiophiles will typically tell you that the 
open variety sounds more robust and has a fuller 
soundstage, at the expense of sound leakage (people 
around you will be able to hear what you are listening 
to and vice versa) that is not as noticeable in closed 
variety ‘phones which provide a higher level of sonic 
isolation.

For the listener on the go, there are many varieties to 
choose from.  Ear buds are a very popular type of 
headphone which are commonly included in the 
packaging when you purchase a new audio player.  
These bud type headphones slip into the outer ear and 
provide minimal isolation from the outside world.  
While there are a few exceptions, the majority of bud 
type headphones on the market are cheap and do not 
sound very good to the discerning ear.  

If you like the small form factor of buds but want 
something with a little more oomph, you may wish to 
consider canal phones.  Canal phones are much like 
buds, but actually fit inside the ear canal (buds never 
make it past the outer ear lobe).  Because they actually 
fit inside the canal, canal phones provide a much better 
seal than ear buds which allows for a higher degree of 
sound isolation and bass response for the listener.  
Silicone or foam ear plug type tips allow for comfort 
and safety during prolonged use.  Be prepared to shell 
out a little more cash for the better quality canal 
phones, as vendors such as Etymotic and Ultimate Ears 
have models which sell between $350-$1000 USD.

The last type of phone we will discuss is back 
phones. Back phones are very similar to the open, 
circum aural phones popularized in the 70s and 80s, 
with the notable exception of the headband’s placement 
which, instead of being over the head like the older 
variety, is behind the head, which results in a more 
comfortable fit for athletics or the listener on the go. 

No matter what you are looking for, there are many 
different types of headphones out there to suit your 
needs.  Have fun shopping and happy listening! 

Erica Cuffsmith is a headphone fanatic and webmaster 
of All Headphones, a top website for everything about 
headphones. For more details, please go to: 
http://www.allheadphones.com