SoundGearLab-Team | Last Updated On November 3rd, 2021 | This post may contain affiliate links.
Watching more and more movies and television on your headphones more and more often means you’ll want the perfect pair. If you think picking the right headphones for movies and tv, with hundreds to choose from, a variety of styles, and a wide range in price, is a real pain in the butt, I hear you.
Don’t worry, in any case. I not only hear you, but I also did something about it. So if you’re in search of tips on picking the perfect ones, read on.
Headphones for Movies and Television vs. Music Headphones
If you know your amazon delivery driver’s first name and rising sign, you may be asking yourself if another set of headphones really needs to come down the pipeline. Your drawers are already full of gadgets, after all.
Well, the good news is, a good pair of headphones that are great for movies and television should also work for music. So, if you purchase a pair with all of your entertainment options in mind, you’ll be happy with what you get and shouldn’t need another delivery.
The bad news is, though, that compatibility doesn’t always work the other way. That means if you have a pair of headphones you purchased exclusively for music, although they may work for television and movies, you won’t always be pleased with the results.
Here’s why:
Headphones designed exclusively for music listening often lack features that make television listening pleasing. Sometimes they even lack the flexible connectivity required that makes it even possible, period.
See, televisions, especially older models, often require particular Wireless compatibility. Wireless headphone tech can be Bluetooth but isn’t always. Some models do rely on Bluetooth, some use Infrared (IR), and others use Radio Frequency (RF).
So if you’re getting a pair of headphones to use with your television as well as other devices like tablets and cell phones, you’ll want to find a pair that actually works on all devices.
Beyond pure adaptable compatibly, there are other things to consider when looking at a pair of headphones optimized for a wide variety of entertainment, like size and comfort and noise-canceling ability.
If you’re curious about other specific things to look for, check out the list below.
Specifics to look for in the Best Headphones for Movie and TV
There are a ton of options when it comes to the perfect headphones. Here are a few things to consider.
Versatility/Connectivity
As mentioned above, headphones for your television will often require a specific kind of connectivity. You’ll want to choose between an RF connection, IF connection, or Bluetooth. Make sure to double-check your televisions specifications and also make sure you consider what other ways and other devices you’ll want to use your headphones with and on.
RF
Radiofrequency headphones transmit sound from your television using a Stereo frequency modulation system.
A benefit of radiofrequency headphones is their extended range. You’ll be able to hear the television from almost anywhere in your house with an RF connection, and it’ll be a reliable connection at that.
A drawback of RF headphones is the way they connect. To connect a pair of RF headphones to a device, the device will need an RCA audio output or a headphone jack. That means they’re a good choice if your television doesn’t support Bluetooth. Just keep in mind that with the limited connectivity, these will most likely be exclusive television headphones.
IR
Infrared headphones rely on line of sight infrared technology to transmit audio data. That means for IF headphones to work, you’ll need to be able to see the transmitter from where you’re listening.
The benefit of these headphones, ironically, is signal strength. Although you need a line of sight for them to work, if you do have that line of sight, these headphones will stay connected and offer completely private listening with no interference from other radio signals.
A clear drawback from IF headphones is that line of sight technology. Besides needing the line of sight, you’ll also need to stay close to the transmitter.
Bluetooth
Bluetooth technology has a well-documented history outlining its progressive, impressive improvement over the years.
Although some newer TVs come, Bluetooth enabled, pairing Bluetooth headphones with most televisions today will require a Bluetooth adapter. These adapters not only allow you to connect your headphones to your televisions but also to your game systems and even some car stereos.
That ease of connection with all devices and the continuous technology improvements make Bluetooth headphones a strong contender for busy professionals looking for headphones that will do it all.
A drawback, though, with Bluetooth headphones is latency. You won’t notice it with pure audio, but an audio delay over a great movie or even during a meeting can be genuinely annoying.
Design
With any headphones, including those meant for television, you’ll want to consider the pair’s design.
Open back
Open-back headphones are designed to allow audio to escape and also to let ambient noise be heard by the listener. So if you need to stay aware of your surroundings or don’t like the feeling of complete isolation, go for these.
And don’t worry about audio quality. Many Open back headphone fans believe the airy design actually allows for a better, more precise, and spacious soundstage.
Closed-back
Closed-back headphones are designed to isolate the listener from their surroundings. That means a more immersive experience for the listener and a quieter experience for anyone else in the room.
If you have roommates or you’re looking for a truly immersive experience, go with these.
If you’re looking for an even more immersive experience, consider closed-back headphones that also offer noise-canceling or noise isolation.
Earbuds
With the development of smaller batteries and better Bluetooth, Earbud technology has come leaps and bounds in the last few years.
If you’re looking for a pair of headphones to truly do it all in, many times, earbuds are the way to go. Just make sure, if you’re planning on using them for movies and television, you get a premium pair. Small speakers and components will mean you might find the sound recreation lacking. However, a premium pair should come with design features and quality materials that bridge the audio experience gap.
Conclusion
No matter the device or your entertainment choice, you’ll want to consider the same things when it comes to the best headphones for movies and TV. You’ll want to look for a pair of headphones that sound good, look good, feel good, are easy to connect, and in a lot of cases, don’t break the bank.
Depending on the device you use them with, you’ll also want to make sure you have considered your connection options.
Even with all the info, with so many to choose from and so many good options out there, picking a great pair can still feel like an uphill battle.
If you need more help, check out the product reviews below.
