School headphones and headsets are designed for student comfort and repeated use in a classroom environment. Features like adjustable headbands, cushioned earpads, and volume control help students stay focused during listening activities and standardized testing. Over-ear headphones offer the best noise reduction and are favored for extended use, while on-ear headphones are lightweight and affordable, making them a solid pick for annual testing. Earbuds are a great choice for budget-conscious classrooms, and kids' headphones with smaller earcups are sized specifically for younger learners. If microphone functionality is a priority, look for headsets with boom mics that easily adjust to pick up all voice levels and reduce ambient noise. Some models feature ambidextrous rotating mics that work comfortably for both left and right-handed students.
Plug compatibility is one of the most important factors to confirm before purchasing. TRRS plugs combine audio and mic functions in a single connector and work with tablets, iPads, and mobile phones. While the same shape and size, standard 3.5mm stereo plugs handle audio only and are compatible with CD/MP3 players and most computers. Dual 3.5mm plugs use two separate connectors for audio and mic, making them ideal for devices with separate jacks. USB plugs connect to computers and laptops, while 1/4" plugs are reserved for recording equipment and audio interfaces.
Bulk packs make it easy to standardize headphones across a school and reduce troubleshooting when all students and teachers use the same model
Stereo/mono switchable headphones are especially useful for language learning and speech-language pathology
Braided fabric cords are the most durable option and resist both tangling and damage from chewing
Resealable storage bags help keep cords organized and headphones clean between uses
Washable, replaceable ear cushions make sanitizing school headphones simple and practical
Some states have specific testing requirements for headphones; common standards include volume control, tangle-free cords, padded over-ear cushions, and adjustable headbands
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Guide to Input Types*
DEVICE TYPE | TRRS | 3.5mm | DUAL 3.5mm | USB-A | USB-C | 1/4" |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Tablets/iPads | X | X | X | |||
Mobile Phones | X | X | X | |||
Computers | X | X | X | X | ||
CD/MP3 Players | X | |||||
Jackboxes | X | X | ||||
Music Keyboards | X | |||||
Cassette Players/ Record Players | X | X | ||||
Any device w/separate audio & mic jacks | X |
*Always check your device(s) before purchasing new headphones or headsets as plug compatibilities can vary
Product Types
School headsets with boom microphones easily adjust to pick up all voice levels while reducing ambient noise. This is an important feature to consider if students are using microphones for test taking. Some models feature ambidextrous rotating mics that fit all left- and right-handed students comfortably.
Bulk packs of headphones make it quick and easy to standardize headsets in your school. Keep everything organized and reduce the need for troubleshooting by providing identical headphones to students and teachers.
Headphones with Braided Cables
School headphones with heavy-duty fabric cords are the most durable. Braided fabric cords resist tangling and damage from chewing.
Comfortable and adjustable, these headphones are favored by most users. These headsets offer crisp sound through both padded earcups and an optional boom microphone. The over-ear design cuts down on surrounding noise and helps students stay focused on their listening activities.
Offering comfort in a compact design, on-ear headsets are adjustable, lightweight and have plush cushions perfect for any age group. These ultra-durable headphones are an affordable solution for annual student testing.
Earbuds are a great choice for outfitting a classroom on a budget. Many come with replaceable foam or rubber ear cushions to ensure student comfort.
Chairs and desks are made with age in mind, so headphones should too! Find headphones made specifically with young learners in mind, comfortable so they don't become a distraction during lessons and durable to withstand heavy use.
Some states have specific guidelines for school testing headphones. For example, the Texas English Language Proficiency Assessment System (TELPAS), requires a quality headphones with a noise-cancelling microphone. While every state is different, the common requirements include durability, volume control, tangle-free cords, padded over-ear cushions and adjustable headbands.
What many think of when they hear "headphone jack", headphones with 3.5mm are compatible with portable CD, MP3 and media players and can also be plugged into most computers. Many modern mobile devices have phased out this port in favor of USB-C.
The USB, or Universal Serial Bus, is the most common type of plug for computers, portable audio players, and laptops. It is an interface that connects peripheral devices to a computer. USB-A and USB-C are the two most common forms of USB you will run into today and headphones can be found that plug one or the other.
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