Hi, I’m new in the “headphones” world and I usually bought the first cheap option with good reviews on youtube and never really informed myself. My current headphones (Anker Soundcore Q30) are almost dead and I want to make an informed choise about my next one. However I feel like there are a lot of things I know nothing about.
For example I read a lot of good things about Sennheiser but the first pari of headphones I saw in my price range (ACCENTUM) have 37mm drivers. My Soundcore Q30 have 40mm drivers and I always thought that “the bigger the better” for the driver. From what I heard, however, the ACCENTUM are consider higher quality than Soundcore Q30.
What I’d like to know is: what should I really look for to understand the quality of the headphones?
I’d mainly use them to listen to music (some Metal, Punk but sometimes Rap, Classical or movies and videogames OST) in my house or outside (so good ANC is always appreciated).
At the price point of the Q30, for ANC, they were at least a year ago the best value. Maybe still today. The more expensive ones like Q45 and Space One Pro are supposed to be a lot more durable.
You can also go the IEM route. Very good for relative cheap. You're taking them outdoors so no open or semi open backs. Generally in reviews you see how neutral they're described and clean they sound across the sound spectrum and then when you get them, use your audio players equalizer to fit your wants
Indoors I use open back headphones. Outdoors I use wireless ANC headphones or ANC IEMs. Sure ANC sound quality isn't as good as plain dedicated wired closed or open back headphones, but they're still sound good. And if you're not going to be buying numerous headphones, maybe an ANC wireless headphone is what you want again. Just this time more premium. Like the previous years on sale Sony. Or the $150+ Anker Soundcore. Edifier WH950NB Gen 2. Yesteryears on sale Bose quiet comfort. Sennheiser Momentum.
You can read/listen to reviews for each how they sound with ANC off and the phone app quality
Also for wired non ANC headphones, I'm used to buying used. It's always worked fine for me. Headphones with removable cables