Best Headphones For Parents
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Every parent needs a pair of headphones that they can use in different situations. Whether it be that you’re trying to work at home, trying to listen to a book while working, or just disconnecting at the end of the day, you’ll want a pair of headphones that will work best for you.
I have gone through a lot of headphones over the years. The biggest reason for that is that I listen to a ton of audiobooks. I’m currently averaging about a book a week in audiobooks - that number is up quite a bit this year, primarily because of Coronavirus.
I’ve always listened to audiobooks while I’m working out, when I’m commuting to work, or whenever an opportunity arises. As such, I have always had headphones to make that happen.
Below are my recommendations for the best headphones to get based off of my experience in the space.
Best workout headphones
There is no question that the BackBeat Fit headphones are the best workout headphones. I’ve tried hundreds of different pairs of headphones, and none of them work as well as these ones. If you’re doing more leisurely activities for working out, you may get away with something else, but I’ve never had luck with other headphones either not falling off or getting in the way.
I use these headphones 5 times a week during workouts, and they never once have fallen out in 3 years. I have replaced the headphones, but only the one time after they finally died on me. I run, bike and lift in these headphones and they’re always in my ears, never falling out.
At their price point, I’m also not too worried about them either. There are other high end headphones that may sound better than these, but that’s not my concern when listening during a workout. They’re more expensive than cheap earbuds, but I’ve found that most of those cheap earbuds die very quickly if you sweat on them for a few weeks.
Pros: Durable, Stay in ears, Great for daily activities, Affordable
Cons: Don’t look great, Average sound quality
Most stylish headphones
Not really a question about style: Apply knows what it’s doing. The AirPods are the best looking headphones. Not having cords or cables hanging around, and being able to hide them in your ears makes these the best headphones if you’re looking for style.
Beyond style, they’re also really convenient when you’ve got kids as you can have one of the earpods in, and the other out. You can hear easily what’s going on around you as such.
As with all things Apple, you’re going to pay for that style as well. These are not cheap, and if you lose one, you’ll end up paying a good chunk of money to replace them as well. If you’re fine with the price point, then I’d say go for it. Otherwise, I’d go with a cheaper alternative.
Pros: Stylish, Great sound
Cons: Expensive, Not great for more rigorous activities
Best work at home headphones
Bose QuietComfort 35 Series II or Sony WH-1000XM3
If you’re working at home, and you’ve got kids at home, you’re going to need something to keep the noise out (assuming someone else is watching the kids). As such, you need something that has noise cancelling built into them.
This race really comes down to two headphones. I’ve used both the Bose and the Sony high end products, and there’s really minimal difference between the two. I don’t think you can go wrong with either one as they both do an excellent job. I generally use the Bose headphones, simply because my ears and head are on the bigger side, and so they’re more comfortable for longer periods of time. However, the Sony headphones are super comfortable as well, and produce excellent sound.
These are obviously not great for working out, or if you’re watching the kids as they are quite bulky and cut out all noise. However, if your goal is to shut out a lot of noise, these are both great for that.
Pros: Excellent sound, Shut out loud kids (when needed)
Cons: Expensive, Not great for more rigorous activities
Best all around headphones
For me, the BackBeat headphones are the best all around option for parents. They’re not too expensive, they’ll stay in your ears no matter what, and you can wear them all the time as you’ll be able to hear your kids. The BackBeat’s biggest downside is the sound, so if that’s critical to you, then you may want to look elsewhere. I don’t listen to music on my headphones, just audiobooks, so the sound is totally fine for that. Music also sounds fine, just won’t be as clear as higher end products.
Also, if you're not working out in headphones, then I’d go with the AirPods, or other similar headphones as they’re just a little less bulky and more stylish than the BackBeat. Since the AirPods will fall out much easier, I don’t use them for working out. If that’s not a concern, then I actually think they’re the better alternative.
