buying guide: Best headphones 2015: which set should you buy?

Update: We've recently added a new contender, the RHA T10i to our guide of Best in-ear headphones. Fans looking for a snug-fitting set of earbuds will love the awesome sound quality pumped out of the slick metal-coated design.

When it comes to headphones, it's too easy to just get the ones that are the most popular and leaving it at that. It's part of the reason that Beats by Dre are so prolific, even though they definitely aren't the right headphone for everyone.

We've waded through the junk and built this in-depth guide to help you select the headphones that are the perfect fit for you. First, let's go through the different types of headphones.

In-ear headphones AKA 'earbuds'

Though in-ear headphones typically aren't strong performers, they're the most popular type of headphones, and for a few reasons. If you've ever purchased an MP3 player, or more recently, a smartphone, it's likely that a set of basic in-ear headphones was included with the purchase.

In-ear headphones rest in or just outside the ear canal. As such, they're the most discreet sort of headphones you'll find. But with that small form-factor, you likely won't find each earbud packed with high-fidelity sound drivers, unless you're prepared to shell out the big bucks for studio-quality in-ear monitors.

What you can expect in a sub-$100 pair of earbuds is pretty standard across the board: decent, but tinny sound, with the spectrum of sound represented leaning more towards treble than bass. Be aware that you'll always get a much fuller sound if you're in-ear headphones are properly seated inside your ear.

• Are these for you? Great! Let us show you the best in-ear headphones

Over-ear headphones AKA 'Circum-aural'

Technically known as circum-aural headphones, don't count these out as just "DJ" headphones, Most people have a false association that any headphone that goes over the ears are specifically for those who scratch vinyl. Not at all.

But they are for enthusiasts of comfort and full sound. Not all over-ear models are created equal, of course, so be prepared to pay the big bucks for a set of these headphones, but don't be fooled by flashy options that can't pack a punch.

Aside from a huge boost in sound (highs, lows, and bass are fully represented in most models), these headphones are sometimes chock full of premium features, like ANC (active noise cancellation) and comfortable padding.

• Interested in something that goes over the ear? Check out the best over-ear headphones

Wireless headphones AKA 'Bluetooth headphones'

Most people get along with cords just fine, but the futurist in us all just wants cables to die, die, and die some more while they're at it. And if you look, wireless headphones are popping up all over the place.

Wireless headphones come in a variety of form-factors, from earbuds, on-ear and over-ear options for you to choose from. You're not necessarily limited depending on your style preference.

One important thing to consider is that wireless headphones will always be more expensive than their direct wired counterpart. Two sets of headphones with the exact same specs, one wireless and one wired, will show a price difference of about $50-100.

With that out of the way, you should also consider that while Bluetooth standards have become exponentially more reliable, wireless technology is always susceptible to disturbances in the force. By that, I mean that any little thing, from the understandable (conflicting Wi-Fi signals, microwaves, cordless telephones), to the absurd (sticking a hand in the space between the device and the headphones can sometimes cause skips) can sometimes interrupt a wireless listening experience.

• Think these are for you? Here's our list of the best wireless headphones

We're constantly reviewing new headphones, but let us know if there is a set that you'd like us to take a look at.

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