Card reader
The presence of a card reader in the headphones — a device for reading removable memory cards, usually microSD format.
Like built-in memory (see above), such cards are used to store various information — most often music files (accordingly, most models with card readers also have a built-in player and can play music without connecting to external devices at all). In this case, a memory card can be either an addition to the built-in drive, or the only supported media type. The second option is much more common: "removable" memory in terms of gigabytes of volume is much cheaper than the built-in one. In addition, if one card is not enough, the music can be kept on several, "recharging" the card reader as needed.
Note that even cards of the same type are usually produced in different standards — for example, in addition to the "regular" microSD, more capacious and advanced microSDHC, and more recently microSDXC have gained popularity. These formats are not 100% compatible, so before using a card reader, be sure to check which card types it supports.
FM receiver
A built-in tuner that allows you to receive FM
radio broadcasts using headphones — it is in this range that most modern music stations broadcast (because it allows you to broadcast sound in stereo). In other words, "ears" with this function allow you to listen to the radio without the use of additional equipment — except that you may need to connect a wire, which in this case plays the role of an antenna.
Operating time (music)
The declared operating time of headphones with autonomous power supply (see above) when listening to music on a single battery charge or a set of batteries.
As a rule, the characteristics indicate a certain average operating time in music listening mode, for standard conditions; in practice, it will depend on the intensity of use, volume level and other operating parameters, and in models with replaceable batteries - also on the quality of specific batteries. However, based on the stated time, you can fairly reliably assess the autonomy of the selected headphones and compare them with other models. As for specific values, relatively “short-lived” devices have a battery life
of up to 8 hours, a figure of
8 – 12 hours can be called quite good,
12 – 20 hours – very good, and in the most “long-lasting” headphones the operating time can
exceed 20 hours.
Charging port
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.Ear cushion material
For full-size headphones, ear pads are often made of
genuine leather,
leatherette,
textile, velor, leatherette, memory foam, as well as their combined variations. In the caste of in-ear headphones, completely different materials are used - the most common are silicone pads, which gently adapt to the individual structure of the auricle, and as an alternative to them, foam ear pads with a porous structure (so-called “sponges”) are offered. Here are some features of commonly used ear pad materials:
- Textiles. Fabric ear pads are usually found in budget headphone models, but sometimes they are also used in the premium segment. The tactile textile ear pads are pleasant to the touch, and they also allow air to pass through well. In terms of acoustic properties, these are completely neutral materials. Note that such ear pads can be made from various types of fabrics (for example, microfiber).
- Leatherette. Artificial leather substitutes are used in headphones of all price categories. In fact, the properties of this material depend on the specific type of leatherette: ear pads made of conventional eco-leather can have excellent “breathing” qualities, while low-grade leatherette often provokes increased sweating of the ears (especially in the hot season).
- Genuine Leather. Genuine leather is a premium product used in corresponding flagship-level
...headphone models. Thick leather provides proper sound insulation and deep bass response. At the same time, your ears may sweat when using leather ear pads. To avoid increased sweating, the leather is often made perforated.
— Velor. The most delicate material to the touch with excellent sound-absorbing abilities. Velor ear pads provide good noise insulation, and headphones with them do not cause fatigue even after a long stay on the head. However, the material also has disadvantages: it gets dirty easily, attracts dust and pet hair, and wears out quickly.
- Alcantara. Ear pads made of artificial suede, which are as close as possible in properties and tactile sensations to velor products. However, Alcantara is easier to clean from dirt and lasts much longer. Alcantara ear pads are found in top-level headphones.
- Foam rubber. Foam ear pads are the prerogative of budget over-ear headphones. The fact is that this is a short-lived material that often requires replacement due to its low strength. Partially, special impregnations solve the problem, but foam rubber still retains its structure for a relatively short time.
- Fur. Quite a rare type of material for making ear pads. Headphones with characteristic fur ear pads perform a practical function - they warm the listener’s ears during the cold season.Weight
The total weight of the headphones; for true wireless models (see "Cable Type"), the weight of each individual earbud is listed.
This parameter is directly related to the design (see above) and some features of the functionality. Thus, the mentioned true wireless devices are very light, their weight
does not exceed 25 g. More traditional in-ears and in-ears can be noticeably heavier,
up to 50g for in-ears and up
to 100g for most in-ears. Overhead models, for the most part, are quite massive: among them there are many models weighing
200 – 250 g,
250 – 300 g and even
more than 300 g. It should be noted that a significant weight for false ears is often not a disadvantage, but an advantage: it allows them to stay on the head more securely, creates an impression of solidity and reliability, and most often does not create significant inconvenience.