I always do these 6 tests before buying new headphones

As an audiophile, I’m super picky about my headphones. I usually don’t want to throw money at them unless I know they can deliver. Over the years I’ve refined a checklist of quick tests that you can do in the store or even at home to help me get a real sense of what the headphones can do. These tests also apply to other audio devices such as earbuds or headphones.

1 Sound quality and frequency range

Most human ears can hear between 20 Hz and 20,000 Hz. Simply put, the lower the number, the deeper the bass; the higher the number, the brighter the treble. I’m more interested in how well the headphones handle the frequencies in between, as I believe that’s where most of the music lives.

To test this, I usually play a few of my favorite songs from different genres. I’ll start with something bassy like funk or dubstep to see if the headphones can deliver those low-end punches without drowning out everything else. If the bass overwhelms the mids and highs, I’ll probably skip it. I don’t want vocals or instruments to sound like they’re being drowned out by a subwoofer.

Next, I switch to something more balanced to check how the headphones handle the mids and highs. One trick I always use is to play a classical piece with a full orchestra. There’s no better way to find out how a headphone handles a wide range of frequencies than to listen to all these instruments working together. If I can make out violins, drums, horns and the soft low hum of a cello without one part dominating, it’s a good sign that the sound is well balanced.

Of course, everyone has a different taste for sound. Some people love headphones with strong bass, others prefer a more neutral sound of studio quality. That’s why I recommend testing with the music you’re listening to.

2 Comfort and fit

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Everyone’s head is shaped differently, and what may seem fine to one may be a total nightmare to another. That’s why I always test the headphones for 10 minutes or more to see how my head and ears feel afterwards. This is especially important with over-the-ear and over-the-ear styles, where the force of the fit can make or break comfort. I want them snug enough to stay in place, but not so tight that it feels like my skull is in a vise. If I start to feel pain around my temples or on the top of my head, it’s not good for me.

Good headphones should disappear on your head and not constantly inform you of their presence. They should also have some adjustability. I like that the earcups are rotatable and the headband has a decent amount of extension. This way I can fine tune the fit to avoid uncomfortable pressure points.

I also pay attention to the earrings. Are they soft, plush and breathable, or do they feel like someone glued cardboard to the earcups? The material and thickness of the padding can make a big difference, especially if you wear glasses. If the pillows are too firm, your frames will dig into the sides of your head, making you want to rip them off after a few minutes. If you don’t wear glasses, you can still test this by wearing thick sunglasses or anything that fits over your ears to simulate the effect.

3 Isolation and noise suppression

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Before we dive into testing, know that noise isolation and noise cancellation are not the same thing. I prefer to keep it simple for noise isolation. I put on my headphones and play some music or a podcast at a comfortable volume. Then I simulate the real world. I will go to a noisier area or stand by a window where there is traffic. If I can still focus on my sound without having to turn up the volume, the isolation is doing its job.

A little tip: if you’re trying on in-ear headphones and the ear tips aren’t making a proper seal, even the best isolating headphones will feel like they’re letting half the noise around you through. Don’t be afraid to try different sizes or materials.

Now for the fun part – testing the noise cancellation. I’m getting a little creative here. One of my favorite tricks is to approach something loud and unpleasant, like a running vacuum. I will be turning the cancellation feature on and off while standing near it to compare how much the noise is reduced. If the roar fades to a dull hum or disappears entirely, that’s a solid pass to me.

I also focus on testing noise cancellation in different environments. For example, I’ll take my headphones outside where there’s a mix of sounds like cars driving by or people chatting. If it can tone down the chaos without sounding weird or muffled, I’m impressed.

4 Accessibility control buttons

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If I’m going for a run or commuting on a crowded train, I need the headphone buttons or touch controls to be intuitive and responsive, so I check their placement. Are they in a place that is easily accessible? Some headphones have buttons tucked away in places that can’t be found without taking them off completely.

Ideally, the buttons should be positioned in a way that feels natural when wearing the headphones. If you can’t find them without looking, that’s a red flag. I’ve also encountered headphones that have buttons too close together, making it too easy to accidentally hit the wrong one. I don’t want to turn up the volume when I want to pause the podcast.

Next, I check for tactile feedback. Some headphones have buttons that feel mushy, so pressing them doesn’t give any indication that you’ve done anything. Others, on the other hand, make a satisfying click, letting you know you hit the right thing. I always prefer the latter. This is especially important if you plan to use the headphones while exercising or multitasking. You want to control your music without thinking about it, and that’s only possible if the buttons are responsive and provide clear feedback.

5 Microphone quality

​​​​​​I always pay close attention to the quality of the microphone in my headphones – especially if I plan to use them for calls, gaming or recording voice memos. The first thing I do is call a trusted friend. Please give me some feedback on how I sound compared to my usual setup. If they say I sound muffled or like I’m standing in a wind tunnel, that’s a big no. A good microphone should pick up your voice clearly without too much background noise or distortion. If you hear complaints of echoes or strange metallic sounds, this is another solution.

Next, I’ll do a quick voice recording on my phone or computer. Most devices have built-in apps for this (such as Voice Memos), and it’s an easy way to hear how you’ll sound to others. I listen for clarity – do I hear every word clearly? Or do I sound like I’m talking through a layer of cotton? I also check for background noise. If the microphone picks up every little sound in the room—the clatter of a keyboard, the whir of a fan, or the barking of the neighbor’s dog two houses down—they’re not the right headphones for me.

6 Connection options

Whether you’re Team Wireless or prefer the simplicity of wired headphones, each type of connection has its unique advantages (and potential headaches).

Wired headphones are the classic option and I prefer them over wireless headphones for many reasons. One thing I always test here is the cable itself. Do they use a standard 3.5mm jack or is it some proprietary plug that will drive me crazy trying to replace it if it breaks? Is the cable also removable? Because if it does, you can easily replace it if it gets damaged over time, which is a huge bonus.

Now with wireless I usually want to see how the headphones handle pairing. I’m testing how easy it is to switch between devices – say from a phone to a laptop. If I have to rummage through settings every time I want to change devices, I won’t buy these headphones.

There is also latency for logging out. Wired headphones have zero latency, while some wireless ones have noticeable lag, which can be incredibly frustrating. I usually test this by watching a movie scene with a lot of dialogue or action. If the sound doesn’t match the visuals, it’s unacceptable for me.

Some headphones give you the best of both worlds, offering both wired and wireless options. If you’re the type of person who likes the flexibility of switching between the two, this is something to watch out for. One thing I test with hybrid headphones is how they sound in wired versus wireless mode. Sometimes there is a noticeable difference in sound quality, and you’ll want to know that before you commit.

I also double-checked how they handle the use of the microphone during calls. Some headphones only allow you to use the microphone in wireless mode, and this can be frustrating if you need to take a call while it’s connected.