Post by more adventurous on Sept 2, 2014 12:27:38 GMT -5
Brought to you by the "Gadgets" thread. I noticed a link to a pair of Bose ones, but they were really pricey.
I would prefer over the ear because some ear buds tend to bother me after a while. I would like to spend under $100 and ideally around $50. Is this even possible for a decent pair? Even if not, rec your favorites.
I have an upcoming international flight and think it would definitely be nice to have a pair.
Some ear buds bother you but not all? Have you tried different kinds and sizes of tips?
I never wanted to spend the money on an expensive pair of noise-cancelling headphones, and my XH had a pair of incredibly expensive noise-isolating ear buds. I loved the noise-isolating effect, but since I didn't really care about the sound quality so much (esp. since I tend to watch the in-flight entertainment, which does not have great audio anyway) I didn't want to spend that much.
I ended up buying a pair of SkullCandy Ink'd because they had the best review at the price point I was interested in for a simple pair of earbuds (around $20-25 at the time). I did have to use the smaller tips, but they turned out to work great. Because the ear fit is snug and adaptable, it really drowns out a large percentage of the background plane noise.
I've been through a few different pairs of earbuds since then (I travel a lot, and every few years I accidentally bend or snap off the jack because I was extremely careless and clumsy getting up to go the lavatory). I've had a similar pair of Sony earbuds that cost a bit more but worked just as well (they were an emergency purchase at the airport electronics shop when I realized I'd forgotten mine at home), but I tend to stick to the Ink'd, because they fit the best for me and are very affordable.
These days I haven't even been considering the noise-canceling, because they're so much bulkier and my personal-item carry-on is already heavy enough with my iPad, book, and other flight essentials.
Some ear buds bother you but not all? Have you tried different kinds and sizes of tips?
I never wanted to spend the money on an expensive pair of noise-cancelling headphones, and my XH had a pair of incredibly expensive noise-isolating ear buds. I loved the noise-isolating effect, but since I didn't really care about the sound quality so much (esp. since I tend to watch the in-flight entertainment, which does not have great audio anyway) I didn't want to spend that much.
I ended up buying a pair of SkullCandy Ink'd because they had the best review at the price point I was interested in for a simple pair of earbuds (around $20-25 at the time). I did have to use the smaller tips, but they turned out to work great. Because the ear fit is snug and adaptable, it really drowns out a large percentage of the background plane noise.
I've been through a few different pairs of earbuds since then (I travel a lot, and every few years I accidentally bend or snap off the jack because I was extremely careless and clumsy getting up to go the lavatory). I've had a similar pair of Sony earbuds that cost a bit more but worked just as well (they were an emergency purchase at the airport electronics shop when I realized I'd forgotten mine at home), but I tend to stick to the Ink'd, because they fit the best for me and are very affordable.
These days I haven't even been considering the noise-canceling, because they're so much bulkier and my personal-item carry-on is already heavy enough with my iPad, book, and other flight essentials.
Good question. I don't ever remember my old Apple ones bothering me (the standard ones that came with my phone), but the most recent ones that I purchased (like you, in a bind at the airport) aren't comfortable for long periods of time. Maybe it's because the tips are too big, or because they're cheap, but I do use the smaller tips that they came with.
My H has SkullCandy as well and likes them just fine, so maybe I should consider them. I guess one bonus of ear buds would be that they'll probably be easier to sleep in. Thanks!
Some ear buds bother you but not all? Have you tried different kinds and sizes of tips?
I never wanted to spend the money on an expensive pair of noise-cancelling headphones, and my XH had a pair of incredibly expensive noise-isolating ear buds. I loved the noise-isolating effect, but since I didn't really care about the sound quality so much (esp. since I tend to watch the in-flight entertainment, which does not have great audio anyway) I didn't want to spend that much.
I ended up buying a pair of SkullCandy Ink'd because they had the best review at the price point I was interested in for a simple pair of earbuds (around $20-25 at the time). I did have to use the smaller tips, but they turned out to work great. Because the ear fit is snug and adaptable, it really drowns out a large percentage of the background plane noise.
I've been through a few different pairs of earbuds since then (I travel a lot, and every few years I accidentally bend or snap off the jack because I was extremely careless and clumsy getting up to go the lavatory). I've had a similar pair of Sony earbuds that cost a bit more but worked just as well (they were an emergency purchase at the airport electronics shop when I realized I'd forgotten mine at home), but I tend to stick to the Ink'd, because they fit the best for me and are very affordable.
These days I haven't even been considering the noise-canceling, because they're so much bulkier and my personal-item carry-on is already heavy enough with my iPad, book, and other flight essentials.
Good question. I don't ever remember my old Apple ones bothering me (the standard ones that came with my phone), but the most recent ones that I purchased (like you, in a bind at the airport) aren't comfortable for long periods of time. Maybe it's because the tips are too big, or because they're cheap, but I do use the smaller tips that they came with.
My H has SkullCandy as well and likes them just fine, so maybe I should consider them. I guess one bonus of ear buds would be that they'll probably be easier to sleep in. Thanks!
For sleeping, go to the grocery/Target/drugstore and buy some earplugs. Muuuuch more comfortable and effective.
There are tons of varieties, and just about any will probably work. I've been using Hearos for all of my overnight flights for years. They're a bit bulky, so I have to really roll them down to fit my ears, and sometimes it takes a few tries before I feel that it's in far enough, but then as it expands the world just goes silent. I would never be able to sleep on a plane without them, but with those plus an eye mask, I can even sleep through takeoff and meal service!
(ETA - And read the directions. You can't just pop them in and have them work well.)
Post by maddiepaddy on Sept 2, 2014 22:39:17 GMT -5
I have a pair of Audio Technica noise canceling headphones that I really like. I think it's these Headphones , they are about $100.
I have had them about 5 years and have used them for at least 2 flights per month. They've held up well, but are just now starting to come apart a bit inside the ear piece. The sound quality is unchanged. I will probably replace with another Audio Technica within the next year though.
I have a pair of Audio Technica noise canceling headphones that I really like. I think it's these Headphones , they are about $100.
I have had them about 5 years and have used them for at least 2 flights per month. They've held up well, but are just now starting to come apart a bit inside the ear piece. The sound quality is unchanged. I will probably replace with another Audio Technica within the next year though.
We have a pair of these as well and highly recommend. The noise canceling makes a clear difference on airplanes. I find them just as good as Bose and are a much better price.
Bigger headphones are bulkier if you like to carry really light. I don't take them on short trips but always on any flight over 3 hours.