Flagship headphones are promoted as the pinnacle of portable audio enjoyment you can buy. Being luxury tech gadgets, it’s only natural to have elevated expectations for exceptional performance.
However, not every premium headphone and earbud meets these anticipations. Those that excel typically come with a comprehensive array of features, including enhancement options. This can include standard additions like an adjustable EQ, noise cancellation, or voice activation for hands-free operation. There are also subtler features that you might miss or not know about, which can optimize your headphones for optimal performance.
Connect your headphones to your smartphone and let’s explore further.
Lossless Playback
Enjoy your music in superior quality. Credit: Alex Bracetti / Mashable
A number of the finest headphones and earbuds utilize a lossless audio codec. This is frequently the default on Android devices (my apologies to iPhone users), but it’s not guaranteed. Verify your media device’s Bluetooth settings to make sure it’s activated. Look for aptX Adaptive/Lossless or LDAC adjacent to the device name. Alternatively, enable the feature via your headphones’ companion application.
These codecs transmit music files at superior bitrates compared to standard codecs (e.g., AAC, SBC) and uncover more nuances in recordings.
Lossless audio can also be accessed in wired mode on select headphones with a 3.5mm or USB-C port. Check online to determine if your model supports this feature. If it does, it will be enabled automatically with particular devices and music services. Apple Music requires you to activate it via iOS/macOS settings.
iOS: Settings > Apps > Music > Audio Quality > Lossless Audio
macOS: Settings > Playback > Audio Quality > Lossless Audio
Reverse Charging
Forgot your portable charger? No worries. Credit: Alex Bracetti / Mashable
If you’ve left your preferred portable charger behind and your Sony WH-1000xM6 headphones are running low on battery before a flight, what’s the alternative? Reverse charging. This technology allows one device to provide power to another. For instance, your iPhone can serve as a power source to recharge the headphones using a USB-C cable. This is compatible with all USB-C devices, including Android phones/tablets and most laptops.
The Shortcut Widget
Shortcuts provide access to features from your phone’s homescreen. Credit: Alex Bracetti / Mashable
Using special features through your headphones’ companion app can become cumbersome. The shortcut widget lets you access these from your smartphone’s homescreen. Some brands have integrated this functionality into the Android interface (typically located in the notifications section) for quick access to battery status indicators and listening modes, enabling immediate customization. iOS users can access the Control Center (swipe down from the top right of the screen) to enhance functionality on AirPods.
Spatial Audio (on Your Phone)
Activate spatial audio for a richer experience. Credit: Alex Bracetti / Mashable
3D sound isn’t restricted to specific wireless audio devices. Some smartphones (primarily Android) offer this capability for free and allow compatibility with all wireless and wired headphones. The latest Google Pixel smartphones serve as a prime example. The fastest way to access spatial audio is to look for it in the settings menu. Alternatively, navigate to the settings menu, select Sound and Vibration, and opt for Spatial Audio. Keep in mind that Google’s head-tracked Spatial Audio functions only with the Pixel Buds Pro series.
Sidenote: The latest OnePlus smartphones provide the same functionality for all wireless headphones.
Multipoint Pairing
Multipoint pairing enables effortless switching between devices. Credit: Alex Bracetti / Mashable
Also referred to as dual-pairing mode, multipoint is a prevalent feature in modern headphones that many users may not be aware of. The capacity to alternate between two devices without disconnecting or unpairing the headphones presents a substantial benefit. You can activate it through your headphones’ companion application.
Sidetone
Utilize this setting to enhance call quality. Credit: Alex Bracetti / Mashable
Call quality on headphones can be inconsistent. More sophisticated models allow you to modify speaking volume during calls, which is essentially the function of the sidetone feature. It clarifies your voice on both sides. The premium Bose headphones offer this, just like the Jabra Elite 8 Active and Elite 10, which are the latest true wireless releases from the company. AirPods feature a voice isolation option to improve vocal capture for clearer calls in noisy surroundings.
Head Gestures
A simple nod can answer an incoming phone call. Credit: Alex Bracetti / Mashable
This is a newer capability that you’ll want to use often to prevent unwanted phone calls. A sideways head shake on the latest AirPods or Sony headphones/earbuds will decline incoming calls, while a head nod will accept them. Apple users can enable this in the specific settings menu for AirPods, and Sony users can toggle it within the Sound Connect app.