Between the Optical input, the Bluetooth module, and the AUX (3.5mm) interface, the transmitter can be paired with TVs, soundbars, MP3 players, gaming consoles, computers, and more. There are colour-coded (grey and red) buttons on the transmitter, letting you control the two pairs of headphones separately.
The bass is almost non-existent.
The Avantree HT41899 packs two pairs of comfortable and, for the most part, great-sounding headphones. What's more, they come with a nice stand. Also, the headphones are more lightweight than before, so you can wear them for quite a long time without experiencing noticeable pressure.
Circumaural headphones
Up to 30 metres (Bluetooth 5.0)
20 Hz - 20 kHz
Up to 40 hours
Supports 3 types of audio output, No audio lag (aptX HD and aptX low-latency codecs), Dual-Link technology, Volume control, Headphones stand included
2 years
The company's Dual-Link tech lets you connect and use two devices at the same time. The headphones support aptX HD and aptX Low Latency codecs. These codecs make sure that the latency is kept to an absolute minimum. The Bypass mode lets you use the headphones and any wired speaker at the same time.
The volume controls could be more sensitive to the touch.
The Avantree HT5009 are budget headphones that noticeably outclass the product's competition within its price bracket. These things are much more practical and functional than anything you can buy for around 100 quid. Furthermore, the headphones' effective range stretches remarkable 50 metres.
Circumaural headphones
Up to 50 metres (Bluetooth 4.1)
20 Hz - 20 kHz
Up to 40 hours
Supports 3 types of audio output, Bypass mode, No audio lag (aptX HD and aptX low-latency codecs), Dual-Link technology, Volume control
2 years
These headphones can be set to 2 channels, so you can always switch to the one with better reception and without interference. Lightweight and easily adjustable, they feel comfortable in wear and are well-suited for an active lifestyle.
If the Wi-Fi connection is lost, the headphones make unpleasant noise.
The Philips SHC5200/05 TV headphones let you enjoy the crisp and balanced sound from your favourite shows or films. Thanks to wireless FM transmission, you will get the complete freedom of movement and will hear absolutely everything, even when you are in another room.
Circumaural headphones
Up to 100 metres
10 Hz - 20 kHz
Up to 14 hours
Self-adjusting inner headband, FM wireless transmission, 2 transmission channels
1 year
The transmitter doubles as a charging base, keeping your setup a little less cluttered. The headband can be adjusted quite a bit, fitting people with small-, average-, and large-sized heads. The pressure-relieving cushions aid prolonged use without noticeable discomfort.
The construction is a little bulky.
Offering aptX, aptX HD, FastStream™ support, the FastAvantree BTHT-5150 sound almost indistinguishable from wired headphones within the same price range. Plus, with the battery that can last up to 35 hours, these headphones can more than accommodate daily use without you recharging them on a daily basis.
Circumaural headphones
Up to 30 metres (Bluetooth 5.0)
20 Hz - 20 kHz
Up to 35 hours
Supports 3 types of audio output, No audio lag (aptX HD and aptX low-latency codecs), Volume control
2 years
The self-adjusting headband makes these headphones for TV versatile enough and keeps you pretty comfortable through prolonged movie/gaming sessions. The attenuator switch will allow you to reduce the signal power without noticeably distorting its waveform.
The soft ear pieces wear out fairly quickly.
The Sony MDR-RF811RK is a relatively well-rounded product that doesn't really have any major flaws but not many particularly discerning characteristics either. The headphones are comfy and overall practical, the sound quality isn't bad at all, and the price is attractive enough.
Circumaural headphones
Up to 100 metres
20 Hz - 20 kHz
Up to 13 hours
Earpiece volume control and a power button with an LED indicator, ATT (attenuator) switch, Self-adjusting headband
1 year
Two Above-Average Pairs
As much as the company is usually associated with more affordable peripherals, Avantree also has a few above-average products up its sleeve, with the HT41899 model serving as an excellent example. Initially, the headphones seem almost identical to the device's step-down stablemates but, upon even surface-level inspection, the differences that separate these bad boys from Avantree's more affordable models become quite evident.
First things first, with these, you receive a headphones stand, which is not the biggest difference but, considering that the package includes two pairs of headphones, the stand addition makes sense. It is firm, sturdy, and low-profile, holding headphones without taking up more space than necessary or without getting slippery on uneven surfaces. Of course, with two pairs, you can share the headphones with your significant other, watching movies without distracting kids or without worrying that the neighbours might not appreciate you blasting loud music/sound effects come nighttime.
Music-wise, they're also pretty good headphones. That being said, the bass on these is almost non-existent, so those users who like punchy/bass-heavy tracks or like when the music feels impactful more than technical might not fall in love with these headphones. Apart from that, the 40-millimetre drivers that are inside these 'phones are no joke. They're pretty good at separating mids from lows and highs, keeping them detailed whilst the highs come out clean and the lows sound creeping.
Colour-Coded Controls
As good as the company's headphones usually are (and these are no exception), the transmitters usually sell these products as much as the headphones. In this case, the sleek accessory pretty much eliminates audio lag, supporting both aptX HD and aptX low-latency codecs. Aside from that, the transmitter's also equipped with USB, AUX, and Optical interfaces, so you can work not just with TVs but also with computers, phones, and more. But the more interesting part is the colour-coded grey and red buttons on it, enabling you to control both headphones independently.
From the long-term comfort perspective, the adjustable headband will let you customise the fit, whilst the earbuds, made from soft protein, will not start feeling stuffy and should not irritate even sensitive skin. Because the package includes two pairs of headphones, Avantree's Dual-Link technology comes without saying, making sure that you can connect and use two devices simultaneously.
In short, assuming you live with someone who will appreciate a second pair of Bluetooth headphones, the Avantree HT41899 is the way to go for you.
Additional Info
Last updated price | £118.99 |
Stock | In stock |
ASIN | B08629R268 |
SECOND HEADPHONES ARE WELCOME
The Avantree HT5009 are budget headphones with mid-range performance. First things first, these things sound pretty good. Sure, you can't expect the same crispness and clarity from these headphones that you get from £300+ 'phones but, again, considering the price, the product does not disappoint on this front.
Besides, it's not really the performance that sells these headphones but the overall package. For starters, the Bluetooth transmitter comes fitted with an auxiliary, optical, and RCA ports, meaning that you'll be able to connect any device to the transmitter. And you probably will want to connect a second pair of headphones to this transmitter because the company's Dual-Link tech lets you connect and use two devices at the same time.
Plus, you won't need any tech knowledge to set everything up. You turn on the transmitter, then the headphones, the latter will automatically connect to the former, so you won't even have to pair them. The transmitter's range will let you walk away from the setup 160 feet (~50 metres) and still have the headphones blasting the sound through doors and windows like you're right there next to the source.
LATENCY REDUCED
Again, the transmitter sells these headphones as much as the 'phones themselves. There's an LED indicator that lights up when the headphones are paired with the station. You can hold the Voice button for seven seconds to activate and utilise voice commands.
Other than that, these headphones support two high-quality codecs that are usually reserved for higher-end wireless 'phones – aptX HD and aptX Low Latency. These codecs make sure that the latency is kept to an absolute minimum. Reducing audio delay to <40 ms, these headphones sync the sound with the on-screen action, ensuring basically zero lip-sync delay.
The headphones incorporate pass-through support via the Bypass mode. Again, normally reserved for high-end wireless headphones for TV, the mode enables the headphones and any wired speaker to be used at the same time. As you would imagine, the feature will prove especially useful for families where some family members suffer from hearing loss. That person will be able to use the headphones and watch the movie/series/whatever with everyone, while everyone else can listen to the soundbar without cranking up the volume.
In closing, to repeat the point we've made earlier, the Avantree HT5009 are affordable headphones that noticeably outclass the product's competition within its price bracket. These things are much more practical and functional than anything you can for around 100 quid.
Additional Info
Last updated price | £109.99 |
Stock | In stock |
ASIN | B07MKBGH2V |
Hi-Fi Sound for You
Looking for comfy wireless headphones to watch some TV in? Enter the Philips SHC5200/05 Hi-Fi unit. It’s well-balanced, gives you the welcome freedom to move, and impresses with the boosted battery life.
First things first; the Philips is equipped with a 32 mm speaker driver. Conveniently compact but powerful, it doesn’t tolerate sound distortions no matter the input source. Enjoy the balanced audio whatever you may watch: a classical concert, a sports match, or the latest Netflix show.
Philips always puts the sound quality at the top of the priority list. These headphones give you the crisp and clear sound you’ve always wanted. Yes, the bass could be more present, but otherwise, it’s thoroughly enjoyable. This over-ear unit also does well at cancelling the background noise.
Since this is an FM wireless transmission model, you won’t be chained to your TV while watching. Need to take a trip to the kitchen and grab a cola from the fridge? No problem with this practical headset. Now you are not tied to a single sofa – even a single room – for watching TV or listening to the favourite music tracks.
Highly Adjustable
Dealing with a low quality sound output? The Philips may actually help you out. These headphones can be set to 2 channels, so if one is faulty, simply switch over to the good one. This way, music or broadcasts will sound better than they actually are.
The battery life always matters in case of wireless headsets. The Philips gives you as many as up to 14 hours of listening on a single charge. The batteries are rechargeable, but keep in mind that these headphones only work with the specific ones by the same brand. Never worry though, as you’re getting the batteries together with the headset.
Lightweight and portable, this unit also has a self-adjusting headband. Fix it faster than ever and without the annoying sliding. All head shapes and sizes are welcome.
Is the connection stable for these headphones? In most cases, yes, and distance is not an issue. What’s not nice is that if you do lose the Wi-Fi connection, the headset will produce unpleasant noise.
All in all, the wireless headphones by Philips are a quality solution for bigger homes and various entertainment needs.
Additional Info
Last updated price | $0.00 |
Stock | In stock |
ASIN | B01N2PXU55 |
Pressure-Relieving Cushions
The Avantree Ensemble, also sold as Avantree BTHT-5150, fit the company's wireless TV headphones mould to a tee, so those who have used Avantree 'phones before should feel pretty comfortable with these as well. They're not the company's most impressive or even most interesting headphones (which is not surprising considering the model's price point) but they're also not the worst peripherals you will find in this weight class, not even close.
To start with, the headphones come outfitted with an adjustable headband. With it, you can customise the fit preventing them from feeling loose or, in the opposite direction, making sure that the 'band does not create pressure. Offering a decent amount of leeway, the headband makes these headphones compatible with most people, even including those with usually large or small heads. Plus, the headband can be rotated, making the 'phones a little more versatile than they already are. To add more, the pressure-relieving cushions on the earpads keep the fit comfortable and, again, prevent the headphones from applying pressure during prolonged use.
In the sound department, these headphones incorporate Avantree's standard 40-millimetre drivers. In general, the drivers' sound signature is spacious, deep, and fairly detailed. They have a somewhat warm tilt that mimics more expensive audio devices and added without compromising sound accuracy. The bass comes with middling impact but, when necessary, can produce a decent punch, ensuring that the more impactful sound effects provide the desired effect.
Transmitter and Charging Stand
As much as we appreciate the headphones themselves, the multi-purpose transmitter that comes with them makes an even more appealing case. First, the transmitter doubles as a comfortable charging stand, so you can both recharge the headphones and put them there even when they're recharged for easy access reasons. Second, the transmitter adopts three audio output types: AUX (3.5mm), RCA, and Micro USB. Between these interfaces, the headphones can be used with different sound systems, TVs, monitors, computers, phones, streaming boxes, and more. And, using the latest (5.0) Bluetooth module, the transmitter stretches the headphones' effective range up to 30 metres, which is more than usually necessary but we're not complaining.
We're also not complaining about the integrated battery inside these 'phones. Lasting <35 hours, the battery will let you use these headphones on a daily basis and recharge them only once or twice per week.
Taking everything above into account, the Avantree BTHT-5150 are hard to argue against.
Additional Info
Last updated price | £89.99 |
Stock | In stock |
ASIN | B08629PFFQ |
Nuanced and Clear Audio
You can seldom go too wrong with Sony headphones and the MDR-RF811RK model isn't a bad example of that. Considering the price tag that the product comes with, you'd think that these headphones are mid-range at best, with the usual mid-range specs and performance. But that isn't entirely the case here. Sure, the model will unlikely blow your mind, you just don't get that at this price range. But it might just be able to pleasantly surprise you.
For example, you could make a solid argument that the model's 40mm neodymium drivers have no place being present in any headphones below 100 quid. The sound that they are able to deliver is both powerful and balanced, nuanced but deep and dynamic as well.
There's no surround sound here and the model's 20 Hz - 20 kHz frequency response range is nothing we haven't seen before. But the aforementioned drivers make up for just about any shortcomings in the audio department. They won't be able to deliver that live concert experience but the headphones are perfectly capable of immersing you in the on-screen action.
There's no background hum that often follows headphones within this class. You can crank the TV volume level as much as possible and still be able to enjoy high-quality noiseless audio.
Control the Signal
As far as ergonomics and the additional details are concerned, the model leaves mixed impressions. On one hand, the ear pieces here are about as soft and comfortable as they come. They come equipped with a convenient volume control switch and a power button with an LED indicator. On the other hand, they wear out relatively quickly, so you'll likely have to replace them after some time.
The battery life is middling. More often than not, the model will be able to deliver between 10 and 13 hours on a single charge, which isn't bad but we've seen better performance before at a similar price.
On the flip side, the self-adjusting headband is really nice, making these headphones for TV versatile enough and keeping you comfortable through prolonged movie/gaming sessions.
The attenuator switch that the model comes equipped with is another pleasant surprise. With its help, you'll be able to reduce the signal power without noticeably distorting its waveform. This way, you can tinker with the effective range, making sure that the sound quality is always up to par no matter the distance.
To put it differently, the Sony MDR-RF811RK is a relatively well-rounded product that doesn't really have any major flaws but not many particularly discerning characteristics either. The headphones are comfortable and overall practical, the sound quality isn't bad at all, and the price is attractive enough.
Additional Info
Last updated price | $0.00 |
Stock | In stock |
ASIN | B00JF3G0R0 |
What Are Headphones for TV?
Wireless headphones for TV are the device to transmit the sound from your TV directly to your ears without any cables. Watching your favorite TV-shows and movies has never been so comfortable! The quality of sound these headphones offer is equal to the cabled ones, so if you don't have a special stereo receiver, the sound in the headphones will be even better than the TV speaker can offer! The wireless transmitter provides an excellent effective range without creating clutter for other devices. The signal easily penetrates thick walls without quality losses.
Sure, more often than not, wireless headphones suffer from lip-sync delay. But the headphones we've added to this list keep the latency so low that you won't be able to tell the difference between these Bluetooth headphones and wired models.
The quality of the image is also very important. In order to get a better user experience, we suggest you consider buying yourself a new 3D TV. Or you could buy an HD projector to fully immerse yourself in the picture. Still, high-quality headphones for TV will be a good addition no matter what product you choose.
What Features to Compare
Specifications
TV headphones are no different from ordinary headphones when it comes to the specs. The frequency response is still the key element which defines the sound quality. The wider this range is, the better and deeper the sound you'll get. It's that simple. The common frequency range is 20 Hz - 20 kHz. You won't be shocked by the sound of such headphones, but it won't astonish you as well. If you want to get extremely cool bass sound, try looking for the device with a lower first number in the frequency response.
People are unable to hear frequencies higher than 20 kHz. That being said, just because you cannot hear them, doesn't mean you cannot hear/feel the impact. Frequencies above 20 kHz provide extra transience and rumble. They're able to make the music feel more impactful, whilst you're able to feel these feeling frequencies coursing through the body. Also, there are harmonics in these frequencies too.
Of course, more often than not, the drivers determine the headphones' sound before anything else. Generally speaking, the drivers' size and aperture dictate the difference between lows, mids, and highs.
Apart from that, the headphones usually incorporate different technologies that may positively affect the sound too. Quite often these days, wireless headphones for TV feature DSEE HX (digital sound enhancement engine HX). More than anything else, this engine is able to render clear audio. Other than that, the instrumental separation the aforementioned tech produces is also usually excellent.
Battery Life
Wireless headphones run on battery power, so it is rather important to check their battery life. Common accumulator batteries run from 10 to 30 hours, and this is quite a wide range. The wireless transmitter can also run on batteries, but its operation time is always longer than the headphones have. Some models offer an opportunity to connect headphones to the USB connector and charge it while using. This option allows using the headphones regardless of the batteries.
Additional Functions
TV headphones serve to provide comfort while you are watching movies or listening to music. This is why various additional features and options are rather important for this type of headphones. Special control buttons on the earpieces, radio frequency presets, smart mute, effective range and other useful options should be considered on the same basis as specifications and battery life.
Sources:
1. Lewis Skinner How to Buy the Best Headphones, Which?
2. Headphones, Wikipedia.