Cat ear headphones have made rounds across the Internet for a couple of years now. Not only are they visually appealing but some models surprisingly have great sound quality as well. The headphones are functional, and while it might seem to suit a particular niche, there are no limits as to who can use them. They’re a great pair of headphones to have if you’re looking for something more creative to use.
In this article, we’ll be giving you a rundown of everything that you need to know about these headphones. We’ll also be listing down some of the best models that you can find in the market today.
Also read: Best Cheap Headphones for Audiophiles
What You Need to Know About Cat Ear Headphones
Cat ear headphones might look like regular headphones but there are also significant differences between them and regular models. Before getting yourself a pair of cat ear headphones, there are a couple of things that you need to know about them first. Whether it’s your first pair or not, it’s still helpful to get to know the product first before buying it.
With that, here’s a quick rundown of what you need to know about cat ear headphones.
What Is Cat Ear Headphones?
As the name implies, cat ear headphones are a popular type of headphones that combine style and function. There has been a rise in their popularity in the last few years and because of that, the demand for them has seen a significant rise. Most of the time, you’ll see gamers and streamers use this type of headphones because of its style and ease of use while gaming. However, the general masses use this type of headphones as well because of its aesthetic properties.
In all, cat ear headphones make streaming music and gaming a more fun experience by adding a hint of aesthetics to it.
How Long Do They Last?
The longevity of use varies from product to product. Of course, wired earphones won’t have this problem because they don’t necessarily run on their battery source. Wireless or Bluetooth cat ear headphones, on the other hand, might last a bit shorter in terms of use.
Most wireless or Bluetooth headphones will last you up to 50 to 70 hours of music and talk at most on a single charge. However, keep in mind that you will also have to consider how you use the headphones as this will ultimately affect the battery life.
Wired or Wireless?
Cat ear headphones come in both wired and wireless varieties. For the most part, many users recommend the use of wireless headsets because of their ease of use but some also prefer using wired variants.
For this, it’s important to take into account what you plan to use the headphones for. If you’re using them for gaming or long-term use, it’s recommended that you use wired headphones so that you won’t have to worry about the device running out of battery while you’re in the game. Wireless headphones are recommended for casual users or those who don’t plan to use the headset for long-term use as it’s less likely that they’ll be using the device for hours.
Ultimately, you can always work around these factors to get the device that you want. It’s always up to the user how they’re going to use the device.
What Are They Good For?
These headphones are good for a lot of things. For starters, they’re really good for aesthetic purposes as it’s less likely that you’ll find headphones with other characters on them.
The headphones are also good for gaming and streaming as most of them have microphones. These days, most headphones are noise-canceling which is important if you’re looking to focus on your game without worrying about ambient noise. Not only will you be able to play undisturbed but you’ll also be able to communicate better as well, especially if you don’t have a separate microphone.
Finally, these headphones are also great for streaming music. Not only do the headphones have good sound quality but, as mentioned, most models are also noise-canceling which guarantees undisturbed listening.
12 Best Cat Ear Headphones to Have
Without further ado, here are 12 of the best cat ear headphones that you should consider buying today.
This pair of kitty headphones from Minkoo is one of the most sought after pairs in the market today. Apart from the cat design, the headphones also feature 7 LED lights that contribute to its style. You can easily fold the earpads for easier storage which takes away the worry of damaging the headphones while packing them away.
You’ll be glad to know that this pair comes in wired and wireless modes. The wireless mode comes with a rechargeable lithium battery that can last for up to 70 hours on regular use on a single charge. If it runs out, you can just easily plug in the 3.5mm jack to be able to use it in wired mode. These headphones are equipped with stereo HD sound, bass texture, and a built-in microphone. Additionally, the headphones can be used with smartphones, tablets, and even iPhones.
Razer is known for producing top of the line gaming hardware, systems, and software. That said, it’s no surprise that their Razer Kraken Kitty makes it on this list of the best cat ear headphones. Not only are they amazing to look at but the built also makes it a great pair to have.
Apart from being lightweight, the headphones also guarantee comfort through long hours of wear. It also comes with a retractable mic and a volume adjuster for convenience.
The Razer Kraken Kitty has HD sound quality that’s complemented by noise-canceling which makes it a great pair of cat ear headphones for gamers or for those who don’t want any disturbances while streaming their favorite tunes.
Despite its price, the Riwbox Cat Ear Bluetooth Headphones are a great pair to have if you’re not looking to shell out too much on a pair of headphones. Not only is it aesthetically pleasing with its light-up LED lights but it’s also comfortable to wear so you can trust that you won’t have a problem if you wear them for long hours. Additionally, the headphones are quite durable so you don’t have to worry about wear and tear anytime soon.
The headphones adapt well to sound and can last you a couple of hours on a single charge. If it runs out of juice, fret not for you can always turn it into wired headphones.
The SOMIC G951, apart from its eye-catching appearance, provides users with an immersive gaming experience that’s at par with most high-end headphones.
With its surround sound technology and advanced vibration technology, users will truly feel the best that this pair of headphones have to offer. It also reduces ambient sound so that you don’t have to worry about any distractions while you’re using them.
The headphones are compatible with most gaming consoles including the Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and your PCs. Unfortunately, you won’t be able to use this pair of cat ear headphones on your phone as it only connects via USB.
If you’re a first time user, the Censi Headphones are your best bet for a better listening experience. While this pair of headphones might not have the flash aesthetics of other cat ear headphones, these headphones have more than meets the eye.
Not only are they durable but they also support really good noise reduction and battery life. It’s easily one of the best ones that you can find on a budget. That said, it does have a couple of drawbacks as it doesn’t have LED lights and it doesn’t have a mic. Regardless, it’s still a great option for those looking for a starter pair of cat ear headphones!
Luckyu’s headphones are great for those who are looking for something wireless. Apart from its stylish look, the headphones can be worn for long periods without the worry of discomfort.
The headphones connect to your devices easily and are compatible with most devices that support Bluetooth including smartphones and tablets. Even when connected with Bluetooth, the headphones guarantee an excellent sound quality that doesn’t diminish through the transmission.
Alternatively, you can also make the Luckyu headphones into a wired pair of headphones by connecting them to their audio cable. This is best if you’ve run out of battery and can no longer use it as a wireless device.
If you happen to have kids or a younger sibling, you might want to consider getting them the iClever HS01 Cat Ear Headphones. These headphones are ideally for kids aged 3 to 12 and while it may have the same sound quality as other cat ear headphones, it’s still a great pair to consider for kids.
The headphones are durable, lightweight, and comfortable which makes them a great pair for kids. Additionally, it’s made out of food-grade silicone so you don’t have to worry about the material being unsafe for kids. Despite not having the best sound quality, the headphones are fitted with volume-limiting technology which helps parents to adjust how their kids listen.
Here’s another pair for the young ones! The Riwbox CT-7S Headphones are a great pair for kids who love colorful designs. With this pair, you don’t have to worry about strain during long hours of wear as they are lightweight and notably comfortable. What’s more, is that it has a creative design that kids will surely love.
As far as sound quality goes, the Riwbox CT-7S has one of the best sounds when it comes to kid’s headphones. It also has a microphone which makes it an ideal pair for online classes. The headphones can be used on most Bluetooth devices and can also be used as a wired pair of headphones when needed.
If you’re a fan of LED lights on your headphones, the Eoncore Foldable Cat Ear Headphones are the perfect pair for you. This pair of headphones come with glowing light on both the earmuffs and the cat ears which won’t leave you disappointed. The headphones provide users with clear sound, enhanced bass, and an overall more immersive listening experience without having to shell out too much.
While the Eoncore Foldable Headphones are marketed towards kids, adults can use it too as it provides a snug yet comfortable fit. Further, it’s compatible with most devices so you don’t have to worry about purchasing a pair and not being able to use them.
For gamers looking for a cheaper alternative to Razer’s cat ear headphones, you might want to consider the Onikuma Gaming Headset. The headphones are easily at par with most gaming headphones so you don’t have to worry about sacrificing quality for quantity with this device.
Onikuma’s Gaming Headset features powerful surround sound, noise cancellation, and a flexible microphone to make your listening and speaking experiences better. Further, the cat ears on the headphones are detachable so you can use this outside the house if you’re shy to wear the cat ears. These headphones are compatible with smartphones, PC, PS4, PS Vita, and various other gaming consoles.
The Ifecco Cat Ear Headphones are easily one of the known pairs of cat ear headphones for a good reason. Not only are they comfortable to wear but they are also adjustable and foldable which lessens discomfort. The cat earpieces can also rotate which makes using them a more fun experience.
The headphones have a built-in volume restriction level and a standard 3.5mm audio jack which makes them compatible with most devices available. The headphones are ideal for younger kids but kids at heart can use them too as they can fit on most head sizes.
The Aresrora Cat Ear Headphones demonstrate excellent performance and great aesthetics. This pair of headphones combine looks and performance to bring users an experience that can easily be on par with other headphones on this list.
Apart from being notably eye-catching, the headphones also deliver great sound performance. This pair has great sound balance so you don’t have to worry about loud volumes among other things. It’s also comfortable to wear and won’t cause any discomfort if used for long periods.
You can use these headphones on most devices that support Bluetooth or wired connections. But you might want to use it on Bluetooth as the lights automatically turn-on when connected!
What to Look for in Cat Ear Headphones
Purchasing cat ear headphones can be a little bit tricky but you don’t have to stay in the dark. As there are many options in the market today, it’s essential to be able to distinguish each of them from each other to find the ideal pair for you.
That said, here are a couple of factors that you should look for in cat ear headphones.
Sound Quality
Regardless of how you intend to use your cat ear headphones, their main purpose is still to deliver great sound quality. That said, sound quality is an important thing to look for when choosing your headphones. More experienced users might know how to choose the best ones by just looking at its specs but if you’re looking to invest in your first pair of headphones, you should opt to look for one physically than buying online as it will increase the chance of getting a better pair. Otherwise, you should take the time to review specs or read reviews to find out which pair of headphones have great sound quality.
Durability
Most people will think that cat ear headphones are only for aesthetic purposes but that’s not always the case. The design should not compromise the durability or function in any way. That said, look for a pair of headphones that are structured with metal as it will last you a long time. Otherwise, proper care will always come a long way if you aren’t sure of the device’s durability.
In terms of durability, it’s important to note that some items on the list may not be waterproof. These headphones are not built for swimming or other outdoor sports activities. You might want to check out our list of waterproof headphones if you’re looking to take a pair out into the wilderness with you.
Fit & Comfort
You’ll be wearing the headphones for long periods so it’s best to choose a comfortable pair. Comfort is just as important as function. Before choosing a pair, settle for one that is fit for you. You won’t be able to enjoy using or wearing headphones if they don’t fit well. Consider this factor when searching for a pair as it will also be beneficial for you.
Noise Cancellation
These days, looking for a pair of headphones with noise cancellation is essential. Not only does it help to keep ambient sound out, but it also affects the overall sound quality. Noise-canceling earbuds or headphones often produce a clearer sound that will make the listening experience better. Fortunately, most headphones these days are capable of noise cancelation. It’s more of a matter of finding the right fit for you.
Wrap-up
In all, cat ear headphones are far from going out of style. At a glance, it may seem like this type of headphones may suit a particular audience. But regardless, they are for everyone to use. It’s important to take into consideration what you need it for though as specs and features vary from each device. While it may be a mixed bag, it’s easy to find a pair that will best suit your necessities.
