These days, with about a million different streaming services out there like Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, and HBO, movies and TV shows have become accessible in a whole new way. No longer do we have to go out to a movie theater to watch any new release, head out to a Blockbuster to rent a movie, or go to a store to purchase our favorite season of a TV show – everything is readily available from the comfort of our own homes.
As a (perhaps rather obvious) result, we tend to watch most of our TV shows or movies at home now, and many people are in search of the best gadgets and accessories to build their ideal home theater. TV headphones are perfect for this.
Firstly, though, what are TV headphones?
TV headphones are, as the name may imply, headphones that are specifically designed for watching TV. Certain companies like Avantree specialize in this field, and they create TV headphones in a variety of forms (wired and wireless, over-ear, open-ear and in-ear, etc.). The most popular ones tend to include both a pair of wireless headphones and a Bluetooth transmitter.
Transmitters are used to broadcast sound to your wireless headphones, regardless of whether your TV has built-in Bluetooth capabilities or not. They allow you to watch and listen free of cumbersome, tangling wires, and some of them have ranges that let you listen from anywhere in the house.
If my TV already has Bluetooth, why do I need TV headphones?
As technology continues to evolve, more and more TVs are being built with Bluetooth capabilities that allow you to connect wireless headphones without a transmitter. There are still many reasons to purchase TV headphones sets, though, since they can come with a multitude of useful features that Bluetooth TVs can’t emulate yet.
The biggest incentive to purchase TV headphones is the lower latency. When you connect wireless headphones to your smart TV via the built-in Bluetooth, the typical latency can reach up to 300ms, whereas with a transmitter, it can be reduced to as low as ~30ms, resulting in no perceptible lip-sync delay. You can also auto-pair headphones with your transmitter so you don’t have to set them up every time you turn on the TV, and additional features like pass-through capabilities (which allow you to simultaneously play sound through a soundbar and your wireless headphones) and dual-link (which allows you to connect two headphones at once) are icing on the cake.
That being said, there are a lot of different TV headphones to choose from, so knowing which ones to buy can be a bit of a challenge sometimes. We’ve compiled a list of some of the best TV headphones currently available on the market to help you get started!
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Top 5 best TV headphones in 2022
1. Avantree Ensemble
PRICE: $109.99 USD
The Ensemble is one of Avantree’s entry-level TV headphones sets, as well as one of their most popular – and for good reason. The Ensemble is an affordable set of Bluetooth headphones and a 2-in-1 transmitter/charging base, and it comes with a plethora of useful elements.
Features:
- Less than 40ms of latency, resulting in no lip-sync delay
- Up to 35 hours of uninterrupted playtime per charge
- Stable and reliable connection range of up to 100 ft
- Dual-link capabilities that allow you to connect up to 2 headphones to the single transmitter with individual volume control
- Near-universal compatibility, with audio ports for 3.5mm AUX, digital optical, and RCA connections
- Enhanced audio output so you never miss a sound
You can also use the headphones individually with other Bluetooth devices (i.e. your phone or laptop), giving it a nice little boost in functionality.
2. Sony RF995RK
PRICE: $128.32 USD
Sony’s RF995RK is a solid, affordable choice for anyone looking to immerse themselves in a true “home theater” experience. The set includes a pair of RF (radio frequency) headphones as well as a 2-in-1 transmitter/charging base.
Features:
- Durable 40mm drivers that provide powerful, detailed sound
- Up to 20 hours of uninterrupted playtime per charge
- Stable and reliable connection up to 150 ft
- Wide compatibility, with audio ports for 3.5mm AUX and RCA connections
3. Sennheiser RS 175
PRICE: $246.95
The RS 175 from Sennheiser is a powerful – but somewhat pricier – option for those who want the best sound available. The set includes a pair of RF headphones and a 2-in-1 transmitter/charging base.
Features:
- Excellent hi-fi sound quality with bass boost and surround sound options
- Built-in headphones controls
- Passive noise cancellation for immersive experiences
- Up to 18 hours of uninterrupted playtime per charge
- Stable and reliable connection up to 100 ft
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4. Avantree HT41899
PRICE: $169.99 USD
The HT41899 from Avantree is a little different from the other TV headphones sets – this one includes a transmitter, a headphones stand, and not one, but two pairs of Bluetooth headphones. It’s the perfect option for anyone looking to watch with a partner while still maintaining individual volume levels.
Features:
- Independent volume control for each pair of headphones
- Durable 40mm drivers that provide powerful, detailed sound
- Less than 40ms of latency, resulting in no lip-sync delay
- Up to 40 hours of uninterrupted playtime per charge
- Near-universal compatibility, with audio ports for 3.5mm AUX, digital optical, and RCA connections
5. Sennheiser RS 135
PRICE: $129.95 USD
A cheaper alternative to its RS 175 cousin, the Sennheiser RS 135 has a more lightweight form that lends itself well to long binge-watching sessions. It includes a set of RF headphones and a 2-in-1 transmitter/charging base.
Features:
- Lightweight, open-back form that allows you to maintain awareness of your surroundings
- High-quality sound with strong bass response
- Built-in headphones controls
- Stable and reliable connection up to 300 ft
- Wide compatibility, with audio ports for 3.5mm AUX and RCA connections
Summary
In short, there are a lot of different kinds of TV headphones out there, and we highly recommend checking out a set to add to your home theater! Whether you’re an audiophile who adores powerful bass and surround sound or someone who wants to watch shows with a partner, or someone who just wants a well-rounded, affordable set to watch TV without disturbing the neighbors, there’s a product out there to match your needs. Happy watching!
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