Decoding 16 vs 32 Ohm Headphones: 5 Steps to YOUR Perfect Sound!

Shopping for headphones? See those numbers like 16 ohm and 32 ohm? Confusing, right? It's about something called impedance. Don't worry, it's easier than it sounds.

Think of impedance like this: it's how much push your headphones need from your phone or computer to play music. It's measured in ohms.

Imagine water pipes.

• Low ohms (like 16): Wide pipe. Music flows easily.
• High ohms (like 32): Narrow pipe. Music needs more push.

Why does this matter? It changes how loud your headphones get and how much power they use. It can even change the sound a little.

Big myth: More ohms doesn't mean better sound. It's just one thing to think about.

16 Ohm Headphones: Great for Phones

Think of 16 ohm headphones as made for phones and tablets. They're easy to power.

Good things about 16 ohm:

• Loud on phones: They get loud even from your phone. You don't need to turn the volume way up.
• Saves battery: They use less power, so your phone battery lasts longer.
• Easy to use: Just plug them in and go. No extras needed.
• Cheaper: Often, they cost a bit less.

Maybe not so good:

• Too loud sometimes: On really powerful devices (not your phone), they could get too loud quickly.
• Might not improve as much with fancy gear: If you get super serious about sound later, they might not get that much better with extra equipment.

Think of 16 ohm as your everyday headphone for your phone. Easy and good for travel and workouts.

Example of 16 Ohm Headphones:

Brand	Model	Best Feature	Price
Sennheiser	HD 206	Good for starters	\$30
Audio-Technica	ATH-M20x	Strong and clear	\$50
Sony	MDR-ZX110	Light and foldable	\$20

(Prices are just examples. They change. Check online for the latest prices.)

My first 'good' pair of headphones were 16 ohm earbuds. I was commuting to work every day on a noisy train, and those little things were a lifesaver. I could actually hear my podcasts clearly without blasting the volume all the way up – which my ears definitely thanked me for!

32 Ohm Headphones: A Bit More Versatile

32 ohm headphones are good all-around headphones. They work with more devices. They can even sound a little better if you add extra sound gear later.

Why 32 ohm could be good for you:

• Works on many devices: Phones, computers, everything works fine. You might just turn the volume up a little more than with 16 ohm.
• Works with simple amps: If you want better sound later, they get a little boost from simple headphone amps. 16 ohm headphones don't need amps as much.
• Sound can be a bit better: Some people think 32 ohm headphones can sound a bit clearer and more detailed than 16 ohm. It depends on the headphones though.
• Lots of choices: You can find many good 32 ohm headphones in all kinds of styles and prices.

Things to think about with 32 ohm:

• Might need to turn up phone volume: You might turn your phone volume up a little more compared to 16 ohm to get the same loudness.
• Uses a little more battery than 16 ohm: But it's usually not a big deal.

32 ohm headphones are great if you want one set for everything. And if you might want to get better sound gear later.

Example of 32 Ohm Headphones:

Brand	Model	Best Feature	Price
Beyerdynamic	DT 770 PRO (32 Ohm)	Studio quality sound	\$160
Sennheiser	HD 599 SE	Super comfy and natural	\$200
Audio-Technica	ATH-M50x	Top rated, all around	\$170

(Prices are just examples. They change. Check online for the latest prices.)

Does Ohm Really Change Sound?

A little bit, maybe. It's not the biggest thing about sound quality. But it can matter a little.

Better control:

• Better control: Higher ohms can sometimes give the sound amp better control over the headphones. This can make bass sound tighter and music sound clearer.
• Mismatch can change sound: If you use 16 ohm headphones with a device that pushes out too much power (not common now), the sound could change a bit.

But really: The design of the headphones is way more important for sound than just the ohm number. Good 16 ohm headphones can sound amazing. Bad 300 ohm headphones will still sound bad.

Main point: Don't stress too much about ohms and sound. Focus on headphones that people like, that are comfy, and that you can afford.

Which Ohm is Right for You? Simple Guide

Okay, which one should you get: impedance 16 ohm vs 32 ohm headphones? Easy guide:

Think about what you use most:

• Mostly phone/tablet? Either 16 or 32 ohm is fine. 16 ohm might be a tiny bit louder on the go. 32 ohm is a bit more flexible.
• Computer? 32 ohm is often good. Computers have a bit more power than phones.
• Fancy music player or amp? 32 ohm or even higher ohm headphones might be good if you're serious about sound and have the gear. 32 ohm headphones don't need an amp but can use one.

Where do you listen?

• On-the-go, travel, gym? 16 ohm headphones are easy for phones and save battery.
• Home, quiet room? 32 ohm or higher ohm headphones can be great for really listening closely.

Future plans?

• Just want simple headphones that work? 16 ohm is super easy.
• Maybe want to try a headphone amp later? 32 ohm headphones are a good start for that.

Still not sure? 32 ohm headphones are usually a safe bet for most people. They're good for many uses.

Quick tip: Read reviews for headphones you like. See what people say about how loud they get and if they need extra amps.

"What is impedance in headphones?" by LEWITT, which provides insights into choosing the appropriate impedance for different use cases.

Source: LEWITT

Quick Answers to Your Ohm Questions!

Q: Will 32 ohm headphones be quiet on my phone?

A: Nope, probably not. Phones today are strong enough for 32 ohm headphones. Just turn up the volume a little more than you would for 16 ohm.

Q: Do I need a headphone amp for 32 ohm headphones to sound good?

A: Nope. They sound good without one, especially on phones or computers. An amp can make them sound even better, but you don't need it to enjoy them.

Q: Should I always match ohms to my device?

A: It can help, mostly for headphones with higher ohms. For 16 and 32 ohm headphones, it's not a big deal with modern devices. Don't worry about it too much unless you're a sound expert.

Q: Can I use 16 ohm headphones with a powerful amp?

A: Yes, but be VERY careful with the volume. 16 ohm headphones get loud fast. Start low and turn it up slowly. You could hurt your ears or your headphones if you turn it up too much.

Q: What about headphones over 32 ohm, like 60, 80, 250, or 300 ohm?

A: Those are "high impedance." They're mostly for home listening with headphone amps. They need more power and are not great for phones because they might sound too quiet.

You're Ready to Choose!

Choosing between 16 ohm and 32 ohm headphones doesn't have to be hard. Both are good. For phones and easy use, 16 ohm is great. For more all-around use and maybe better sound later, 32 ohm is a good choice.

The best thing? Pick headphones that sound good to you, are comfy, and fit your budget. Don't just look at the ohm number. Listen and enjoy your music!

Dive Deeper into Sound:  Explore our headphone impedance guide a600 now and master your audio choices!