Earphones. They’ve come a long way. There’s no doubt that over the years, you’ve probably accumulated tons: lying in drawers, stuffed into old pockets and hiding down the backs of sofas. But gone are the days of flimsy, tangle-prone tech that lasted all of five minutes – it’s 2023, and earphones are tech staples.
From wired and wireless to neckbands and more, there are loads of earphones to choose from. And to make it simpler, we’ve put together a handy guide to using them.
What’s the difference between earphones and headphones?
Right, to make sure you’re up to speed – we’re talking about earphones here. They’re the type of audio devices with a bud that goes directly into your ear. Headphones, as you probably know, are way bulkier – usually with a solid band that goes over your head. Sometimes the names are used interchangeably, which can get a little confusing. So if you’re looking for headphone advice, check out our guide to choosing the perfect pair of headphones.
Earphones are perfect for on the go listening. Whether you go for a wired or wireless pair, you’ll be able to throw them into your bag or pocket on the bus or train – and you won’t have to plan your hairstyles around them. Plus, the best earphones have snazzy features like active noise-cancellation and waterproofing – so you won’t be missing out.
How to use wired earphones
Wired earphones are the most affordable type of earphones. You’ll probably remember them curled up all neat and tidy at the bottom of your new smartphone box. They don’t require much explanation: they usually use a 3.5mm jack to connect to your device’s headphone jack. Once they’re in, adjust the volume to your desired level and boom: you’re using wired earphones.
Whilst they might seem a little old school, wired earphones might be perfect for you if you’re always on the go. You’ll never have to worry about charging them up – thanks to the cable, you can just plug and go. On that note though, treat your wired earphones with care – the cable can get tangled and damaged over time.
We’d recommend these Sony ones. You’ll get brill sound quality with deep bass and high frequencies – and it even comes with a silicone cable to prevent tangling.
How to use wireless earphones
The further tech goes, the more wires seem to be left behind – and it all started with earphones. It’s rare to find 3.5mm jacks on flagship smartphones these days, so it’s a relief to have such a huge range of wireless earphone options.
Most wireless earphones use Bluetooth to connect to your device. Whilst each model differs, the setup process usually looks something like this:
Make sure your earphones are turned on and charged up.
Press and hold the power (or Bluetooth) button on your earphones until they go into pairing mode. This might be shown with a flashing LED or different coloured light.
On your device, go to your Bluetooth settings and look for your earphones in the list of available devices.
Select your earphones and wait for them to connect. The LED light should change colour or stop flashing once they’ve connected.
And voila – you’re ready to enjoy your tunes!
There are different types of wireless earphones – from wireless earbuds to ear-hook and neckband earphones. Keep in mind that wireless earphones need charging – so make sure they’re juiced up before you head out. Need more convincing? Discover the benefits of wireless headphones.
What are the best earphones for sports?
There are a few reasons why you might choose earphones over headphones for sports. One is comfort: whilst headphones are great for staying on your head whilst moving around, wearing them during a vigorous workout might lead to some seriously sweaty ears. Luckily, there are a great range of earphones made with you sportier types in mind.
Look for earphones that are sweat-resistant with a secure, comfy fit. Ear-hook earphones are great for working out: you’ll get all the security of headphones without the bulkiness. If you love being outdoors whatever the weather, consider a pair that have an IPX7 rating – it means they’re definitely water resistant.
Looking for the ultimate sports earphones? Check out the Powerbeats Pro. They’ve got customisable ear hooks, all-day battery and sweat and water resistance – all wrapped up with that distinct Beats sound quality. Feeling inspired? Check out these three workouts to try with Powerbeats Pro.
How to use Type C earphones
Loads of modern smartphones have USB Type C ports, so it makes sense that USB Type C earphones are growing in popularity. They work in the same way as 3.5mm earphones, but feature way better sound quality thanks to that nifty USB Type C port.
Got a device that has a USB Type C port? If you’re after a pair of wired earphones, choose one that’s USB Type C instead of 3.5mm. That way, you won’t have to worry about using an adapter – just plug your earphones straight into your device and get groovin’ to your favourite tunes.
These Skullcandy USB Type C earphones are a great option. They boast passive noise cancelling, 9mm drivers and IPX4 sweat and water resistance. Impressive.
Found what you need?
If you have – great. If not – don’t worry. You can always chat to an expert in-store or via video call on ShopLive. They’ll be able to give you the lowdown on loads of great smart tech and accessories.
