Features 101: Headphone Capabilities You Should Know About

With so many terms flying around regarding headphone descriptions, it's easy to get lost. What’s the difference between active and adaptive noise-cancelling? And what on earth is head-tracking? 

If you’re baffled by these features, don’t worry—you’re not alone. The modern headphone market is jam-packed with advanced technology, each designed to enhance your audio experience in unique ways. That’s where this guide comes in. You'll not only understand the terms, but you’ll also know which features to prioritize. And when you’re ready to upgrade, the Next Upgrade Shop has the perfect pair waiting for you.

Closed-Back Headphones

Let’s start with a classic feature that audiophiles swear by: closed-back headphones. The closed-back design means the headphones have a solid outer shell that naturally seals in sound and blocks out external noise. Unlike open-back headphones, which allow some ambient noise to filter in for a more “natural” sound, closed-back models prioritize isolation. This is different from noise-cancelling technology, as the design alone does the heavy lifting. 

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Headphones like the AKG PRO K92 Closed-back headphones are built with sealed ear cups that naturally keep external sound at bay. The downside? Some argue they lack the spacious soundstage of open-back headphones, but if blocking out noise is your top priority, closed-back designs are a great option.

Active Noise Cancelling

Unlike standard noise cancelling, which usually relies on passive methods like ear cup design to block out sound, Active Noise Canceling does as advertised and ‘actively’ listens for ambient noise using tiny microphones. 

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Headphones or Earbuds like the JLab JBuds Air Active Noise Cancelling True Wireless Bluetooth Earbuds produce sound waves that are the exact opposite of the surrounding noise, effectively cancelling it. This creates a near-silent listening environment. The tech works wonders for steady, low-frequency sounds but can struggle with sudden, unpredictable noises.  It's a game-changer for most controlled environments, but it might not be as effective in all situations.

Adaptive Noise Cancelling

Now, adaptive noise cancelling takes things one step further. While Active Noise Cancelling stays constant, Adaptive Noise Canceling adjusts based on your surroundings.

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For example, the JBL Tune 770NC Adaptive Noise Cancelling Wireless Over-Ear Headphones, automatically tweaks the noise-cancelling level if you move from a quiet office to a busy street. The benefit is flexibility—no need to fiddle with settings whenever your surroundings change. However, these headphones may not cancel as much noise as Active Noise Cancelling in consistently loud environments, as they prioritize comfort and adaptability over brute-force cancellation.

Head-Tracking

Imagine if your headphones could follow your movements and adjust the sound accordingly—that’s head-tracking. This feature, found in the JBL Quantum 910 Wireless over-ear performance gaming headset uses sensors in the headphones to follow your head movements and adjust the sound accordingly. If you turn your head to the left, the sound shifts right, mimicking how you'd naturally hear in the real world. It’s like surround sound but even more immersive. 

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While head-tracking tech is fantastic for gaming and virtual reality, it’s not as essential for everyday listening. You might not need this feature if you're not a gamer, but it's still cool to know it exists!

“Professional” or “Studio” Quality

When precision matters, studio-quality headphones are the go-to. Built for professionals who need every detail to be crystal clear, studio headphones like the AKG K371-BT Professional Studio Headphones are designed to provide a flat, neutral sound. 

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That means no artificial bass boost or treble emphasis—just pure, uncolored audio. These headphones give you an accurate representation of the sound. However, if you're just looking for something casual, you might find studio headphones to be a bit too clinical for everyday listening.

Upgrade Your Experience with the Next Upgrade Shop

Ready to take your headphone game to the next level? Visit Next Upgrade Shop for all the latest models and features to match your lifestyle. Whether it’s immersive sound, studio-quality clarity, or noise-cancelling you need, we’ve got the perfect headphones waiting for you.