Types of Cordless Headphones

Wireless (cordless) headphones have come a long way in the past few years. What used to be crude walkie talkie-esque versions of their wired brethren have become quality audio devices that will please audiophiles with high-end features such as surround sound and noise canceling.

Cordless headphones work by converting an audio signal into a wireless broadcast and then transmitting it to the headphones on your ears. Three of the most popular methods of achieving this are through RF, IR, and Bluetooth.  Of course there are pros and cons to each of these methods.

So you're probably wondering which are better; IR, RF, or Bluetooth headphones. Well the answer is, it depends. Each type of headphones has its benefits and intended uses, which I'll outline the basics of below:

Infrared Headphones

Infrared, or IR headphones, use infrared light to transmit your sound without wires.  These avoid the radio wave part of the EMR spectrum so you'll avoid the interference that comes with the radio frequencies.  The downside is that you must be within site of your IR transmitter at all times - so no leaving the room or getting behind something.

Bluetooth Headphones

Bluetooth headphones connect to your audio device using Bluetooth, and don't require a bulky receiver.  This makes them the most portable wireless headphones available and they'll work with any Bluetooth compatible device, which includes cell phones and most newer mp3 players and iPods.

Radio Frequency Headphones

RF headphones broadcast your audio using radio waves.  This method allows for the greatest range of operation and you the signal will even pass through walls!  However, many devices rely on radio frequencies and they all compete for the same area of the EMR spectrum.  This means you may get some interference from cordless phones and the like.