Some top headphones and earbuds for summer

With summer weather upon us, headphone season is in full force.

If you’re about to make a new purchase, don’t get fooled with fancy marketing, colorful boxes or hype. Instead, consider these features when shopping around (the order of importance depends on you):

▪  Wireless vs wired;

▪  Earbuds vs. over the ear;

▪  Cost;

▪  Sound quality (No. 1 for me).

User reviews also are critical, but don’t get too caught up in them unless they lean toward one direction.

I’ve always liked over-the-ear Marshall headphones – they look modern and retro, have great sound and are affordable.

Their most recent offering is the Monitor Bluetooth headphones ($249), with padded cushioned speakers sitting comfortably on your ears. The custom-tuned drivers provide superb audio and deliver a near-neutral sound that balances clarity and bass.

The embossed Marshall logo is designed into the black vinyl exterior along with attractive brass accents, giving the headphones an attractive look.

The headphones are loaded with features, including a collapsible construction for easy storage in the included carrying pouch. There’s also a detachable coil-cord for a wired connection for those who don’t want to go wireless. The headphones have an extra 3.5 mm port to share audio with another user.

A cable with in-line controls and a microphone for hands-free calls is included. The built-in battery is good for about 30 hours of use before a charge is needed.

More: marshallheadphones.com $249

Another option

Sennheiser’s HD 569 ($179.95) is a high-end performing headphone, referred to by the company as “The best in class. Remastered.”

And after listening to them for a few hours, I wonder how a headphone can sound any better.

Knowing that all Senheiser products sound great, I tried the HD 569 noise-isolating over-ear headset, which lets users manage hands-free calls with an in-line remote and listen to music in dynamic sound.

Large ear cups are included with soft replaceable ear pods.

My advice for anyone trying Sennheiser products: Listen for a few minutes without making any adjustments. Odds are, you’ll never change a thing. Sennheiser’s sound is that consistent.

Plugs are included for connecting the headphone to a music source, controlling music and answering calls.

More: en-us.sennheiser.com

Wireless earbuds

Creative Technology’s newly announced Creative Outlier Sports sweat-proof wireless in-ear headphones ($69.99 with choices of midnight blue, neon green and fiery orange) should be a big hit during the hot seasons.

The IPX4-rating and sweat-proof designed ear-tips are made of soft, flexible silicone to ensure the earbuds perform at all times during a workout.

The earbuds come with several accessories to ensure the proper fit.

While the earbuds are packed with features, they are still mainly a source of sound – powerful bass and clear audio are perfect for active enthusiasts.

A built-in invisible microphone is there for hands-free calls, and users will get about 11 hours of use before a USB charge is needed.

More: creative.com

This story was originally published May 24, 2017 at 10:18 AM with the headline "Some top headphones and earbuds for summer."