What to Know About Smart Headphones
Updated: Mar. 03, 2022
Today's smart wireless headphones do much more than just play music.
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It wasn’t that long ago when headphones plugged into an AUX port and could only play audio. Today, wireless headphones are quickly becoming the norm, and they increasingly offer smart features that allow you to give voice commands, translate other languages and much more.
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What Are Smart Headphones?
Smart headphones — also called smart earbuds or hearables — are high-tech in-ear devices that do more than transmit audio. These headphones are usually wireless, and they can sync up with your phone, tablet, computer or other Bluetooth-enabled device. The main appeal of hearables is convenience, as they allow you to complete common tasks without directly accessing your phone or computer.
How Do Smart Headphones Work?
Smart wireless headphones sync up to other devices using Bluetooth technology, and many of their features rely on data from your smartphone or computer. Some headphones come with built-in computing power, allowing them to operate free from another device, but this advanced technology isn’t widespread yet.
Many hearables also have built-in sensors that track things like movement or heart rate, as well as microphones that allow you to give voice commands. Some also offer on-board data storage so you can listen to music without your phone nearby.
Smart Headphone Features
Smart headphones offer a wide range of features, but functionality varies significantly between brands and models. These are some of the most popular hearable features:
- Enhanced sound quality;
- Voice commands, typically via a digital assistant such as Siri, Alexa or Google Assistant;
- Hands-free phone calls;
- Touch-based controls;
- Fitness and/or biometric tracking;
- Ambient noise adjustment or reduction;
- Real-time translation of languages;
- Water-resistant or waterproof design;
- Wireless charging cases.
Some smart earbuds offers a few of these features, while others are equipped with more technology. Keep in mind that the more functionality a smart device has, the higher its price will be.
How Much Do Smart Headphones Cost?
As you might expect, smart headphones are significantly more expensive than standard wireless headphones, thanks to their advanced technology. You can find smart headphones on Amazon, through electronics retailers such as Best Buy or on-brand websites. Smart earbuds start at around $100, and prices range up to $400 or more for models with cutting-edge features.
For instance, Samsung Galaxy Buds come in at around $100 with only basic functionality like voice commands and ambient noise adjustments. On the other end of the spectrum, the $400 Nuheara IQbuds2 MAXÂ offer noise cancellation, touch controls, directional focus and more.
