Can You Aid Me In My Headphone Quest?
July 24, 2022 11:38 AM Subscribe
Are there any decent over-the-ear style headphones like the Motorola S305 anymore?
I have been using a pair of Motorola S305 (image link) bluetooth headphones for about 8 years. I love this style of headphone because I find earbuds very uncomfortable, and large bulky headphones are not ideal for long walks or commuting.
Unfortunately, they seem to be reaching the end of their useful life. The S305 are long-discontinued and are not available anywhere. I've tried:
1) Looking for over-the-ear headphones on Amazon - there are several cheap headphones that look like the S305, but the earpads are either uncomfortable, or the over-the-head piece is flimsy, or the headphones are otherwise low quality. Unfortunately they all seem to be shoddy.
2) Bone conduction headphones - the AfterShokz headphones are seemingly well-made and well-reviewed and look a lot like the S305, but I tried a pair and found bone conduction to be extremely unnerving and uncomfortable.
Are there any decent bluetooth over-the-ear headphones with a good headset out there with someone with preferences like mine? Have searched Reddit and Google and there seem to be plenty of people who miss the S305's, but few useful solutions. Thank you!
I have been using a pair of Motorola S305 (image link) bluetooth headphones for about 8 years. I love this style of headphone because I find earbuds very uncomfortable, and large bulky headphones are not ideal for long walks or commuting.
Unfortunately, they seem to be reaching the end of their useful life. The S305 are long-discontinued and are not available anywhere. I've tried:
1) Looking for over-the-ear headphones on Amazon - there are several cheap headphones that look like the S305, but the earpads are either uncomfortable, or the over-the-head piece is flimsy, or the headphones are otherwise low quality. Unfortunately they all seem to be shoddy.
2) Bone conduction headphones - the AfterShokz headphones are seemingly well-made and well-reviewed and look a lot like the S305, but I tried a pair and found bone conduction to be extremely unnerving and uncomfortable.
Are there any decent bluetooth over-the-ear headphones with a good headset out there with someone with preferences like mine? Have searched Reddit and Google and there seem to be plenty of people who miss the S305's, but few useful solutions. Thank you!
This is sometimes known as the "sports style" on-ear headphones. As far as I know, no major audio makers are making anything this style, unfortunately.
I have several pairs of bone conduction headphones. They do act very differently than regular headphones though, and do take a little getting used to. I have a VERY big head and I eventually found Mu6 Ring that fit me. due to the adjustable front inducers. What do you find unnerving and uncomfortable about the bone conduction headphones?
posted by kschang at 1:21 PM on July 24, 2022 [1 favorite]
I have several pairs of bone conduction headphones. They do act very differently than regular headphones though, and do take a little getting used to. I have a VERY big head and I eventually found Mu6 Ring that fit me. due to the adjustable front inducers. What do you find unnerving and uncomfortable about the bone conduction headphones?
posted by kschang at 1:21 PM on July 24, 2022 [1 favorite]
Best answer: Here's a manufacturer-refurbished Sony model on eBay. I've never used these or even seen them in person.
If you don't mind wired, you might also see some NOS iGrado earphones floating around.
posted by box at 1:31 PM on July 24, 2022 [1 favorite]
If you don't mind wired, you might also see some NOS iGrado earphones floating around.
posted by box at 1:31 PM on July 24, 2022 [1 favorite]
Response by poster: Kschang: I found the constant vibration against my ears disconcerting, it just felt strange. It's too bad since most people seem to like them a lot.
Box: Thanks! That seems like a promising option. It's really a shame that this style of headphone has mostly gone away as a category.
posted by redondo77 at 2:05 PM on July 24, 2022
Box: Thanks! That seems like a promising option. It's really a shame that this style of headphone has mostly gone away as a category.
posted by redondo77 at 2:05 PM on July 24, 2022
>I found the constant vibration against my ears disconcerting
Generally, the vibration part goes against the area just ABOVE and in front of your ears. NOT on your ears.
posted by kschang at 3:31 PM on July 24, 2022
Generally, the vibration part goes against the area just ABOVE and in front of your ears. NOT on your ears.
posted by kschang at 3:31 PM on July 24, 2022
Best answer: Slightly different, but you might also look into Koss's various Bluetooth options. Their Porta Pro derived headphones all sound great and feature a more open sound and lightweight construction than you typically get from headphones and earbuds now. I use a wired version of the KSC35 wireless every day and love them—they'll feel a little different than sport style headphones since there's no band holding them to your head, but they really are impressively light on the ear.
posted by Polycarp at 4:58 PM on July 24, 2022 [1 favorite]
posted by Polycarp at 4:58 PM on July 24, 2022 [1 favorite]
I know you don't like earbuds, but you might also look at the Beats Powerbeats Pro, especially if you're an iPhone person. They have earhooks, so they're not crammed into your ears as much as they settle into them. Depending on the shape of your ears, they can be very comfortable. And they're very good for long walks.
posted by box at 4:28 AM on July 25, 2022 [1 favorite]
posted by box at 4:28 AM on July 25, 2022 [1 favorite]
Response by poster: Thank you for all the great recommendations, at least a couple of new things to try here.
posted by redondo77 at 6:53 AM on July 25, 2022
posted by redondo77 at 6:53 AM on July 25, 2022
This thread is closed to new comments.
posted by Alterscape at 12:51 PM on July 24, 2022 [1 favorite]