The Best Headphones for Watching TV
Whether you're a serious cinephile or you're just up at odd hours, having a reliable pair of headphones for all of your binge-watching needs is almost as important as your choice of the display screen. Audio headsets have come a long way over the past several decades, allowing everyone to hear a more diverse spectrum of sound without having to sell the family farm. While the advent of Bluetooth technology has made wireless listening more the rule than the exception, affordable wired sets are equally effective when you're blasting warm-up tracks or enjoying your favorite series. Whichever route you take, our top headphones are designed to put you right in the middle of the action with body-shaking bass and tremendous treble that will keep you engaged and heighten your TV-watching experience.
Artiste Wireless TV Headphones
Padded and pitch perfect
Not all headphones are suited for both old-school and modern television sets, but this pair from Artiste is. These wireless TV headphones allow you to control your volume output with ease while providing a convenient dock for seamless charging. Although some TV-centric headsets are only suited for RCA hookups, this product integrates with any device that has a 3.5-millimeter jack. If you don’t want to experience connection issues when you run downstairs for a snack or a bathroom break, this headset’s impressive range is for you. Overall, Artiste’s over-ear headphones deliver impressive fidelity at an equally impressive price.
Pros:
- You can sync multiple pairs to the same TV
- Maximum range of approximately 100 feet
- Up to twenty hours of battery life
Cons:
- No mute button
Avantree Wireless TV Earbuds
Best buds
If you’re not a fan of the bulky headsets of the past, check out Avantree’s wireless tv earbuds for a new perspective on sound. In addition to being feather-light, these offer endless ways to connect to all of your devices for instant integration. Older televisions can become personal screens with the receiver unit, while computers, laptops, and smart devices of all stripes connect easily with USB or Bluetooth options. And just because these earbuds are tiny doesn’t mean they don’t pack a punch. They’re free of audio delay, they boast engaging clarity, and they hold a charge just as long as their bulkier brethren.
Pros:
- Ideal for users with various old and new audio devices
- Quick installation with easy-to-understand instructions
- Universal compatibility
Cons:
- Only one size of in-ear inserts included
Jelly Comb Over-Ear Headset
Clarity without compromise
Jelly Comb’s over-ear headset is for the user that needs blockbuster sound on a modest budget. While you won’t be able to connect to modern devices that are wireless-only, this dedicated device isn’t made for that anyway. Jelly Comb’s cans are perfect for families with light sleepers and movie maniacs thanks to the robust receiver that can support up to four headsets. Regarding the actual earphones, the range and latency are just as powerful as some devices twice the price. Whether you need a sound system for binge-watching without waking up the spouse or a device that picks up every footstep and branch snap in a video game, Jelly Comb’s headset is the engaging and inexpensive option you need.
Pros:
- Adjustable headband for ultimate comfort
- Largely static-free and instant connectivity
Cons:
- The receiver and charging cable use the same five-volt power adapter
Sony ZX Series Stereo Headphones
Hear the difference
The ZX Series headphones by Sony are a wired wonder for smaller television sets, miscellaneous audio devices, and low-traffic living rooms alike. The four-foot cable on the ZX series allows the price to be cut dramatically versus wireless competitors, making this unit a great budget buy. These headphones fold up compactly for travel, offer incredibly comfortable padding, and don’t need to be at maximum volume to deliver vibrant sound. While the lack of RCA hookup or active noise canceling limits the quality slightly, if you’re looking for a headset with a small footprint that can handle older gadgets with grace, Sony’s sound system silences the competition.
Pros:
- Unbeatable price for the quality
- Available with or without a microphone
- Tangle-resistant cables
Cons:
- The on-ear layout may be uncomfortable for larger ears
Bose QuietComfort 35 II Headphones
You won't believe your ears
If you put a high value on your audio experiences, the QuietComfort 35 II by Bose is a chart-topper. Combining Bose’s patented ANC (Active Noise-Cancelling) tech with an over-ear system and padded headband delivers a unit that excels on city streets and noisy family rooms effortlessly. While you’ll likely need an extension cable for the 3.5-millimeter standard audio jack, we highly recommend QuietComfort for smart TVs with Bluetooth capability above all else. All in all, if you want to talk to smart devices and block off ambient noise from the outside world, Bose can deliver you into a world of crisp audio for unmatched focus or carefree enjoyment.
Pros:
- Integrated app for music sharing, managing connections, and more
- Available in black, silver, or blue
- Fully sweat-proof for exercise
Cons:
- Expensive but well worth the price
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use Bluetooth headphones with an old TV?
On their own, Bluetooth headphones are not compatible with older television sets. The advent of smart TVs is fairly new since the first products jumped only in recent years. Regardless, their highly sought-after wireless capability has inspired some inventors to revisit old RCA hookups. With the help of some fairly inexpensive adapters, you can easily make an older TV Bluetooth-accessible.
Are headphones safe to use continuously?
While headphones use isn’t discussed as much as screens in our tech-heavy present, their use can cause damage over time. On the whole, doctors recommend keeping the volume below 60% to avoid long-term hearing problems. If you must listen at maximum volume, try to limit your use to five minutes. As it stands, hearing loss is irreversible.