Comparison Google Pixel Buds A-Series vs Google Pixel Buds 2

Range of wireless-capable headphones (see "Connection type").

When evaluating the range, it should be taken into account that this parameter is rather conditional and the actual range may differ slightly from the claimed one (usually in a smaller direction). So, when connecting via a radio channel, the range is indicated for perfect conditions — without interference and obstacles in the signal path. For Bluetooth models, the range also depends on the power of the Bluetooth module in the device to which the “ears” are connected. And the effectiveness of the IR channel may be reduced in hot weather or in bright sunlight. So when choosing according to this indicator, it's ok to take a certain margin.

On the other hand, there are two points worth noting. Firstly, in general, the specified range accurately describes the capabilities of the headphones, and it is quite possible to evaluate and compare different models with each other. Secondly, even in the most modest wireless “ears”, the communication range is about 8–10 m, 11–20 m is considered an average, and a fairly large number of devices can operate at distances of tens and even hundreds of metres. So paying attention to the range makes sense mainly in cases where you plan to move away from the signal source at a considerable distance — from 5 m or more — or listen to sound through walls.

The range of sound frequencies that headphones can reproduce.

The wider this range, the more fully the headphones reproduce the spectrum of sound frequencies, the lower the likelihood that too low or too high frequencies will be inaccessible. However, there are some nuances to consider here. First of all, let us remind you that the perceptual range of the human ear is on average from 16 Hz to 22 kHz, and for the complete picture it is enough for headphones to cover this range. However, modern models can significantly exceed these boundaries: in many devices the lower threshold does not exceed 15 Hz, or even 10 Hz, and the upper limit can reach 25 kHz, 30 kHz and even more. Such wide ranges in themselves do not provide practical advantages, but they usually indicate a high class of headphones, and are sometimes given only for advertising purposes.

The second important point is that a wide frequency range in itself is not a guarantee of good sound: sound quality also depends on a number of parameters, primarily the amplitude-frequency response of the headphones.

The headphones have their own volume control. Such a regulator can be placed both on the wire and on one of the cups (the latter is typical for wireless models). Anyway, this function allows you to easily adjust the volume: for this you do not need to go into the computer settings, press the buttons on the player or smartphone, etc., just use the control at hand. On the other hand, additional equipment complicates and increases the cost of the design, and also increases the likelihood of distortion. In light of the latter, volume control is almost never found in professional headphones.

A function that allows you to automatically pause the playback track when you remove the headphones (or one headphone).

Autopause is found mainly in wireless models (see "Connection Type") true wireless format (see "Cable Type"); however, there are other types of headphones with this function — for example, with a combined connection and an overhead design. Anyway, the proximity sensor is usually responsible for the auto-pause operation, which is triggered when the earpiece moves away from the ear. This feature is especially useful in situations where, after removing the headphones, there is no time to manually pause playback — for example, you need to urgently respond to what is happening nearby. At the same time, some models are able to automatically resume playback when the earpiece is returned to its place, however, this function is not strictly required — it will not hurt to clarify its presence separately.

The maximum operating time of TWS headphones, taking into account recharging with a native case. But this time is not continuous use, it takes into account breaks for "refueling". Anyway, this parameter allows you to understand for how long you can leave the network (for example, how many nights to spend in a tent to the accompaniment of your favorite artist).

Feature in headphones wireless models of true wireless type (see "Connectivity"). In this case we are talking about charging not the headphones themselves, but a cover (case). Such a cover is equipped with its own battery, from which the "ears" inside are charged — in the usual, contact way; but the case itself can support wireless charging.

The convenience of this feature is obvious: it allows you to do without regularly connecting and disconnecting the cable. Actually, to start charging, it is enough to place the case on a special wireless charger platform. The main disadvantage is that the chargers themselves are not cheap and in the vast majority of cases are not included in the set.

The type of connector used to charge the built-in battery of the headphones, or more precisely, to connect an external charger. The role of such a device can be played by a network or car adapter, a power bank, or even a USB port of a PC or laptop (if there is an appropriate cable). At the same time, in true wireless models (there are with a leg, without a leg, with an ear mount and clips (Clip-on)), the "charger" cable is connected to a special docking station, where the "ears" are placed during charging (while the station itself usually has its own battery and can also work as an autonomous power bank). And in wireless and combined solutions of a more traditional design, the charging input is often located on the body of the headphones themselves. As for the connectors, the most common options are the following:

— microUSB. A smaller version of the USB connector, created for portable devices. It appeared quite a long time ago, but it has not lost its popularity in our time, and is used by the absolute majority of manufacturers.

— USB C. A miniature USB connector, positioned, among other things, as a potential successor to microUSB. Unlike its predecessor, it has a two-sided design, thanks to which the plug can be inserted into the socket from either...side. It is still relatively rare, but the situation is likely to change in the coming years.

— Lightning. Apple's proprietary connector. Like USB C, it has a two-sided design, and is somewhat more convenient and reliable, but the use of Lightning is limited to products from Apple itself and its Beats brand.

This feature means that the controls in the headphones are not traditional buttons that you need to press, but sensors that are triggered by touch.

Touch control is somewhat more expensive than push-button control, but it has a number of advantages over it. Firstly, it gives the headphones a neat and technological appearance, with a minimum of protruding parts. Secondly, due to the absence of moving parts, the sensors are more reliable and compact. Thirdly, it is purely physically more convenient to use them, especially with the small size of the headphones. These moments are especially relevant for the "ears" of the true wireless format (see "Type of cable"), so it is in them that touch control is most often found. However, there are exceptions to this rule. Also note that the difference in price between buttons and sensors is often almost imperceptible compared to the cost of headphones in general.