How to Identify the Best Headsets for High Schoolers?

As young adults with different educational goals and needs (not to mention larger heads!), it stands to reason that high school students may have different requirements and use cases for  school headphones. Here are some of the things you should consider when determining which headsets will be the best for your high school student.

Ear Cup Size

Available in three primary styles, (in-ear, on-ear, and over-ear) the right ear cup size depends on each student; however, there are pros and cons of each style as detailed below.

In-Ear – Commonly called earbuds, in-ear headphones require users to place the headphone directly into the ear canal. This facilitates excellent sound quality while keeping outside noise to a minimum—all while being portable. However, they can be exceedingly uncomfortable or regularly fall out if using the incorrect fit, expensive and easily lost.

On-Ear – Sitting on top of the ear, on-ear headphones send sound directly into the ear canal while still being portable. They also have a few drawbacks though, namely that they can’t filter out background noise and need to have a proper fit to avoid causing pain to the user.

Over-Ear – Providing the best sound quality of all three options, over-ear headphones cover the entire ear, allowing for noise cancelation. They’re the least portable option; however, students are unlikely to move from their computers, making this a moot point for most high schoolers. This is usually the ideal pick for most students.

Comfort

High school students are going to wear their new headphones for several hours each day, so comfort should be a top priority when looking for which model to purchase. Again, exactly which model is purchased depends entirely on the student. In-ear and on-ear headphones need proper fitting to ensure a comfortable fit while most parents can purchase nearly any pair of adult-sized over-ear headphones. Finally, when examining over-ear or on-ear headphones, make sure to find a pair that has a soft, padded ear cup.

Microphone

In-ear headphones won’t have a built-in microphone which means a separate purchase for parents to ensure proper communication and ideal sound quality between students and teachers. In comparison, microphone options are available on both on-ear and over-ear sets with varying sound qualities. Look for a set that allows the mic to go close to the mouth—ideally around an inch to prevent picking up background noises while also not catching breathing from the user.

Sound Quality

On-ear headphones provide the poorest sound quality of all three headphone options, allowing background noise to filter in and cause distraction. In-ear and over-ear headphones will give the best sound quality, with both filtering out background noise while delivering sound directly into the ear canal for optimized sound.

Wired or Wireless

All three styles are available in both wired or wireless options, with the right headphone depending on the student. Wired headphones plugin directly to the computer to get their power supply, meaning no one has to worry about batteries or charging, but they also prevent movement—only allowing the student to travel as far as the cord will let them. Wireless headphones allow total freedom of movement; however, students need to make sure they charge their headphones after each use or keep track of the battery life if the headphone uses disposable batteries.

Price

Headphone prices can vary greatly, with some models costing hundreds of dollars. While the adage of “you get what you pay for” is often true, many companies offer affordable headset options well under the $50 dollar mark that are perfect for students and will last for years. Most people will see when examining specs that cheaper headphone options offer many of the same benefits as more expensive models or a minuscule difference.

Top Picks

• AVID Education AE-75 Deluxe Over-Ear Classroom Computer Stereo Headset TRRS Plug: These are our number one pick for a reason, they’re one of the best models on the market—no matter what price point. The ear-cup is well padded and the head strap adjustable to ensure maximum comfort while the over-ear style allows for excellent noise cancelation. The microphone is in the one-inch sweet spot, meaning students can speak clearly with their instructor and peers, while also facilitating pin-pointed accuracy to cancel out background noises. Finally, the universal functionality means this set will work across almost all devices, platforms, and applications.

• AVID AE-55 Black and Silver Headset TRRS Plug: Slightly less deluxe than the AE-75, these headphones are an excellent budget option. Offering Avid’s superb sound and mic quality, this model is perfect for those looking for a durable and dependable headphone system. The bidirectional boom rotation facilitates clear sound quality while the braided rope and padded ear cups allow students to comfortably wear them all day long.

• HamiltonBuhl Smart-Trek Deluxe Stereo Headset with In-Line Volume Control And 3.5mm TRRS Plug: Much like the Avid AE-55, these headphones are great for those on a budget. Durable and versatile, these headphones are compatible with most educational technologies as well as offering a rugged, comfortable design that’s more than capable of standing up to the normal wear-and-tear that students commonly put their supplies through. While not quite as padded as the AE-75, these HamiltonBuhl’s ear cups are comfortable while the adjustable head strap ensures students receive the right fit.

• Andrea Communications WNC-2100 Wireless Noise-Canceling Bluetooth® Mono Headset: These Bluetooth headphones mean no more cords, but they also come at a steeper price. The 12-hour battery life means high school students will be connected throughout the day while the semi-rigid boom ensures mics will stay put. What really pushes these headphones over the edge is the sturdy carrying case, meaning no more damaged headphones.

• HamiltonBuhl Smart-Trek Deluxe Stereo Headphone with In-Line Volume Control and USB Plug: Unlike the rest of the headsets on this list, this headset connects through a USB port that’s both PC and Mac compatible. The ear cups are soft and comfortable while the steel-reinforced mic features in-line volume control. Easy portability makes this a great option for remote use while the anti-lice bag means they can be used in school as well.

Choosing the right headphones for your student is an important decision, and with a plethora of options on the market, it can seem like an endless number of choices. When you select headphones, make sure you have your student’s comfort in mind while looking for excellent sound and mic quality. Remember, the right headphones save money in the long run.