Jojo Ariola has been working as a front-of-house live sound engineer for almost 20 years. He also has trained several students regarding the field. He has worked with famous local bands, and he has also worked as a DJ in bars and clubs around the metro. He is the audio engineer for music videos of artists like Miguel Escueta and Leanne & Naara. Lastly, he is also a vendor of sound and lights system rentals.
Our recommendation articles are carefully researched and crafted by the mybest Philippines team of writers and editors. To stay true to our company’s mission and vision to help users’ selection process easier, we also collaborate with experts from various fields to ensure that our content stays factual and useful.
The expert oversees the Buying Guide only, and does not determine the products and services featured.
Table of Contents
Headphones and headsets look the same, but their main difference is the microphone. Read on below to find out more differences!
Headphones don't normally need a mic, but some brands add built-in microphones so people can answer calls conveniently. Their main purpose is to listen to music or other audio types.
This article focuses on headphones specifically and how you could get a bang-for-the-buck quality pair. You won't find any gaming headsets here, but a list of headphones for any music lover. Down below is a buying guide for you to look into the different features a headphone provides.
Headsets, on the other hand, are used for talking. They have visible mics attached to them—which are usually of very good quality—that people can use for work meetings, online studying, and streaming games.
Here are some key points to consider:
For more information, read through the more detailed buying guide below.
People lead different lifestyles, which means they listen to music differently. Some people like listening to music when they go out for a run, some like to listen to music when they're taking a jeep ride home, and others like listening to music in the quiet of their room. The point is: how you listen to music should influence the type of headphones you buy.
Do you want to listen to music during your workout? Wireless headphones. Are you planning to listen to music while commuting? Noise-canceling headphones. Do you prefer listening to music in the comforts of your own home? Open-back headphones. There are just so many types for all kinds of people! Let's dig deeper so we can help you decide which one is best for you.
Choosing the right headphone type is the biggest decision of all. Before we get into the wireless types, smart features, or sound quality - you have to decide how you would want your headphones to fit. There are basically three different types: over-ear, on-ear, and in-ear.
Over-ear Headphones are the biggest of the three types. It surrounds your ear like a cup, so the music envelops you in a sound that is full and natural. Working out with it may make your ears sweaty after a while, and traveling with it does look too big and bulky.
Some people also complain that their ears feel hot or claustrophobic after using them for long periods of time. Instead, it's better to enjoy them at home or at the studio when you are exploring different music genres or experimenting with different sounds.
On-ear Headphones are a lot lighter and smaller than over-ear headphones. They stay on your head using the pressure directly fitted on your ears, like ear muffs. They're great to use at home, at work, or even when you have to go out and move around a lot, simply because they're not as bulky. Some on-ear headphones are also conveniently wireless and foldable!
Although this type does not produce the deeper bass sounds like the over-ear headphones do, they still make great quality sound and can cancel as much noise. Also, some models may add too much pressure on the ears, which could cause them to hurt after hours of use, so try investing in a pair with good ear cushions.
In-ear headphones, also known as earphones, are the most popular and convenient of all. It is the smallest type that fits right in your ear canal. They are everywhere these days, with so many varieties you can choose from - there are wired earphones, neckband earphones, wireless earbuds, and even canal phones - but we won't be looking into them for this article.
These are great to use when you are doing anything active like working out at the gym or going out for a run. It's very convenient to use as it is light in the ears and you can stuff them in your pockets or hang them around your neck. However, these are easy to tangle, easy to lose, and don't have as great of a sound as the over-ear or on-ear ones.
Closed-back headphones enclose the music in a way where you get a concentrated sound but only you get to hear it. Open-back headphones would give you a more spacious sound but everyone else would get to hear it too!
However, closed-back headphones may not be suitable for long hours of use, as your ears may feel fatigued from listening to all that music. Just like with any kind of headphones, listening at high volumes for long periods of time may damage your hearing - so always regulate your volume accordingly and give your ears some time to breathe!
Here's the catch: it won't only be you who'd hear the music. People around you will also get to hear what you're listening to, and this may not be ideal to use in public spaces. Though you can't take these outside, you can use them as often as you like at the comfort of your own home and enjoy amazing music experiences.
Ever since Bluetooth was invented, people now have the option to listen to music wired or wireless. Wireless headphones are convenient to use if you like to be active and tangle-free, while wired headphones are great to use if you like to focus on your music uninterrupted. If you're the type to do both, get a pair of headphones that can be both!
The best thing about it is that there will never be a time where your music sessions get interrupted because your battery is running out - these babies don't require batteries! However, the wire length of wired headphones may differ, so choose one that allows enough movement.
It’s also important to check the adaptor as there are different types of plugs: there are mini audio jacks used for smartphones, digital audio players, and computers, while there are standard audio jacks used for amplifiers.
A wireless pair gets rid of all these problems as you can just click-and-connect, play your favorite tunes, and move freely. Most wireless models can be easily paired with any device using Bluetooth, NFC, etc.
One con about it, though, is that you could hear static or interference sometimes, especially when you go further away from your connected device. Another downside would have to be scheduling charging times, as these headphones run on battery life.
Headphones offer a lot more than sound quality and design. The newest models have features that provide different sound ranges for different music genres, noise-canceling features perfect for travel, hassle-free functions for work, exercise, and study, as well as accessories that help alleviate the listening experience.
If you’re a fan of pop music, then it’s important to choose a pair with a middle to high sound range. On the other hand, if you’re a rock or jazz lover, then headphones with a deep bass might be a great option. For classical music lovers, get a pair of headphones that have a strong audio signature in the bass and treble frequencies.
We are lucky that for the past few years, headphone companies have improved their noise-canceling technology. Whether it's the sound of a busy flight or train ride or the noisy chatter at home or at work - you can make all that go away, leaving nothing but you and your music.
Just find a good pair of headphones that are known to eliminate the noise around you. Most headphones with noise-canceling technology are usually expensive, but there are some brands that still apply the same technology on their more affordable models.
Aside from reading reviews online, you can also try out different models at a local store to check if they cancel noise. Once you've decided on a certain model, come back to this article and place an order!
Most headphones nowadays have so many smart features for your convenience. The newest wireless models have extended the battery life up to 40 hours! Incredible, right?
Some models also have waterproof or sweatproof features, which are perfect when you like working out with music. Other headphones also have foldable features that will help keep you organized and keep your pair safe.
Aside from the design, there are some headphones that also have add-on features and accessories. There are models with a built-in mic to answer calls conveniently, as well as a built-in radio if you like listening to music other than your own.
There are headphones that have a TF card slot where your music can be stored so that you have the option not to use the Bluetooth feature. Also, some headphones have AUX-in jacks for easy connecting, and button controls to quickly answer calls, fix the volume, or skip and rewind songs.
Now if you really want to get fancy, there are headphones that come with an extra pair of ear cushions, headphone cases to protect it against dust and damage, and there are some where you can buy a headphone stand to go along with it. Pretty neat!
However, if your headphones are from a small manufacturer, then there's a possibility that they could have outdated or have expired warranty tags. Pay close attention to these little details to avoid regretting a purchase. You should also look for brands with excellent after-saldon'trvice.
If the warranty is not mentioned on the product page, don't hesitate to ask the store or the seller. Ask what type of damages are coyou'reby the warranty and how long the warranty lasts. Even though you're getting a budget-friendly pair, you still deserve the best deals!
There are smaller brands that offer similar quality headphones at a more affordable price compared to their higher-end and higher-priced counterparts. Small brands for audio listening devices would still know how to incorporate the right sound quality and features for their products.
Just because they’re less than ₱3,000 doesn’t mean that they’re not of good quality. Know what you want with a pair of headphones, and try to find them in smaller brands; give them a chance, and both your ears and wallet will thank you.
With a trusted brand like Sony, you are sure to get a great pair of headphones. The best part about it is that it's within your 3k budget! You can listen to music all day thanks to its 35-hour battery life, and it's also wireless, so you can connect it to any device via Bluetooth.
This product has a 1-year warranty, with a USB cable for charging and connecting. It comes with a built-in mic and button controls so you can answer calls easily and navigate through your playlists. It feels very lightweight in the ears, which is perfect to use when you're out and about!
JBL's T450 model is popular due to its deep and powerful bass sound. The quality of its bass is so pure, you'll experience concert performances right at home or on the go. With a price of less than 2,000 pesos, you are definitely getting the bang for the buck with this pair! If you want a pair of headphones to bring with you as you go out and about, this might be it!
This wired beauty has a tangle-free flat cable equipped with a one-button remote and a built-in mic to help you answer calls anytime, anywhere. It is also lightweight and comfortable to use, with a flat-folding and compact design that allows you to keep it away with no fuss or hassle.
Most open-back, over-ear headphones are priced a lot higher than ₱3000, so you can imagine our excitement when Philips released the SHP2000! Listen to any music genre with this pair of headphones and it'll provide a superior sound experience in an extra comfortable fit.
The headphones are adjustable and lightweight, with full-size ear shells that ensure maximum comfort. Don't worry about getting your ears smushed after hours of listening! It comes with a 2-meter cable to extend your mobility, but note that there is no built-in microphone.
These on-ear headphones are incredibly lightweight and super functional to travel with. Its best features would be the active noise-canceling switch and fast-charging technology. The ear cups are made of memory foam that guarantees maximum listening comfort.
MPOW's H19 is also known for its crystal-clear stereo sound and for reducing ambient noise up to 90%. Answer calls hands-free with the built-in mic, listen to your favorite songs for up to 20 hours, and opt to plug into any device using the "wired mode" if you're running low on battery. You really get your money's worth with this pair!
We’ve got another budget pair of headphones on the list, and it doesn’t disappoint! The Awei A780BL has a good sound quality for the price and a foldable design that makes it easy to put away. It's light and comfortable to wear - with a waterproof feature that's perfect for sweaty morning jogs or rainy night runs!
Another great thing about it is that it can be used for up to 15 hours because it's powered by a Polymer Lithium Battery. It also comes with an AUX cord so that it can be used wired or wireless, and it has a built-in mic that's a bit soft but still okay nonetheless.
The Aiwa brand has returned with top-notch headphones that just might take you back to the 90s. Packed with the newest technology - it features a 4.0 Bluetooth connection, noise-proofing, and advanced HiFi stereo, but still with the same quality and durability as before. For solid headphones for working, gaming, or listening to music, this pair is a must-try!
Made with comfortable leather, you can listen to crisp and whole sounds either in wired or wireless mode, and you can answer calls with its built-in microphone. Do take note that because this device is so sturdy, you may start to feel too much pressure on the ears after using it for a while.
Newmsnr is a small brand with big goals to satisfy its customers. The 07S model is wireless where you can connect to any device via Bluetooth or listen to music files using a TF card. Aside from that, though, you can also use an AUX cord when you don't have time to charge.
It has a fair built-in mic, easy-to-navigate button controls, noise-canceling technology, and a 40mm driver unit that provides pretty neat sound quality. It is light, comfortable to wear, and foldable - essential if you plan to bring it everywhere. We just wish it had a longer battery life!
These headphones with a sleek, futuristic design have a premium HiFi stereo feature that guarantees deep bass and good audio quality. They’re wireless, so the control panel on the side makes it handy. The ear cushions are made from soft, durable protein leather, making them comfortable to wear for long hours.
This pair fits right over your ears, yet it carries light and is foldable. You have the option to use its Bluetooth function, or if you're too lazy to charge - you can plug it into any device using its 3.5mm AUX cord. The volume may sound too soft at first, but that problem can easily be fixed with any EQ app you can download online.
Here's another small-brand product packed with some big guns! TYLEX S4000 offers a wireless listening experience that's comfortable to wear for long periods of time due to its full-size ear cups. However, its best feature is the active noise-canceling switch that deals with any noise interference.
Its other functions include volume controls, a built-in mic, a TF card slot, an FM radio, and an AUX-in audio jack. Take this baby wherever you travel and listen to music for up to 8 hours! It may look bulky, but it's surprisingly lightweight and conveniently foldable.
For a price under 1,000 pesos, this over-ear and open-back pair of headphones is a definite steal! The SE666 has an extra bass which is great to use when you are playing games on your computer, watching an action-packed movie, or taking a very important online class.
It comes with a good quality built-in mic attached to the cable - where it has a one-button remote for you to pause or play whenever you like. One thing to take note of is that the driver unit's size is not mentioned online, so it's best to ask the store before purchasing!
Below are some of the most asked questions on the web answered by the mybest team.
The best budget headphones come from industry leaders like Sony, JBL, and Philips. These brands offer crisp and clear audio at an affordable price.
For music, you can't go wrong with the brands mentioned above—Sony, JBL, and Philips—because they are known for powerful bass and overall superior sound quality. They are also designed to be lightweight and comfortable for longer music listening sessions.
Unfortunately, no. Studies show that prolonged use of headphones, especially at high sound levels, may lead to the development of hearing loss. Headphones can also compress earwax and may lead to blockage and ear infections. Practice healthy headphone use by taking breaks and keeping the volume at 50%.
Using headphones may not be the only way you want to listen to music, and we totally understand! If you are interested in listening to your favorite tracks using portable speakers that you can take anywhere, or with wireless earbuds without the tangling nightmare, or with turntables for that vintage and classic feel - look no further, we got you.
Our buying guide was carefully researched and crafted by the mybest team of writers and editors, in collaboration with the expert featured in this article. We used the buying guide as a basis for choosing and ranking the product recommendations, and we looked at reviews and ratings from different E-commerce sites like Lazada, Shopee, and more.
When you purchase products mentioned in the article, part of the sales may be returned to mybest.
The descriptions of each product is referenced from the content available from the manufacturer, e-commerce sites etc.
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