“Without music, life would be a mistake” ― Friedrich Nietzsche. There’s something about music that can, not only set one’s feet tapping but also heal one’s soul. As cliche as it sounds, there’s no way around this. Much like one’s choice of music, people also have a preference for the audio device they use. Headphones or smart speakers - what’s the best pick? Here’s our take...

The Choice of Headphones

If you are someone who loves their own private space, odds are that headphones will be your choice. No matter where you are - in the metro or even in a library, there is nothing like a pair of great headphones to ensure that you delve into a private world of your own. Go with noise-cancelling headphones and you don’t have to worry about the external noise as you can simply tune out the rest of the world.

A major advantage with headphones also lies in the fact that it takes the variables of room acoustics completely out of the picture. With speakers typically you are not only hearing the speakers' sound, but also the sound bouncing around the room. While speakers offer high impact and bass, but a great set of headphones offer detail and clarity.

Types of Headphones

You could take your pick from a variety of headphones:

1. Bluetooth Headphones

A wireless headphone takes away the need to carry your cellphone on your person. You could be hitting the gym and listening to your favourite peppy number over your Bluetooth headphone. That and the fact that you don’t need to deal with tangled wires, make it a hot favourite. Of course, you would need to keep them charged.

2. Over-the-ear Headphones

Great in offering noise-cancellation, these headphones are also good for your hearing health as they are perched over the ears.

3. Wireless Bluetooth Earbuds

Unlike in-ear headphones, these rest on the outer ear and not in the ear canal and are known for their easy portability.

A device of choice, the usage of headphones, however, needs to be made with some precautions. Important among them being:

• You need to avoid using them on a busy road or while you are driving, as these are situations where the external sounds are important to watch out for
• Resist from listening to music at very high volumes for your hearing health. A good thumb rule is to keep to 60% of the device volume.

The Choice of Smart Speakers 

When it comes to high impact or bass punch, a big tower or subwoofer works well. Sure enough, a smart speaker may make you feel like you are a part of a private concert as the whole room may vibrate under its effect. Speakers, therefore, work very well for public spaces such as a club where the sound will help you gravitate to the dance floor. Their deeper bass is known to add almost a physical aspect to the music.

Types of Loudspeakers

Smart speakers come in different forms. Common amongst them being:

• Subwoofers
• On-wall speakers
• Bookshelf speakers
• Wireless Bluetooth speakers

The use of speakers, however, is constrained by the fact that they:

• Aren’t too portable
• Come at a higher price than headphones. 
• Don’t offer privacy
• Don’t give you that immersive audio experience as headphones. 

Summing up: Headphone vs Smart Speakers 

In making the choice of speakers and headphones be sure to map your music requirements. Broadly your need for privacy versus socialization as well as your budget may go into making the right choice. Remember to march to the beat of your own drum!