Mono vs Stereo Headphones—Which One Do You Pick?

Excited to listen to your new favorite song, artist or gaming soundtrack? There’s no question that audio plays an integral part in modern entertainment. However, to optimally enjoy it you need the right equipment. That brings many people to an abrupt halt in the store’s headphones aisle: Mono vs stereo headphones—is there really a winner?

You want the best value for your money, right? That’s why we did all the research for you which you’ll find below. Browse through so you can make the right decision when you add to your audio gear.

Let’s start by clarifying the concepts of Mono and Stereo headphones.

Great selection of best studio headphones at the guaranteed lowest price.

This is quickly becoming the most requested option for clients in music stores, but is it worth the expense?

Stereo Definition—What is Stereo?

Stereo is short for ‘stereophonic’ which refers to sound directed to more than one speaker. To the listener, the sound seems to come from multiple sources. This creates the illusion of it surrounding him or her as everyday life’s sounds do.

To listen to stereo on a stereo headset means the two audio signals coming from the speakers in the set aren’t exactly the same. Since your ears are on opposite sides of your head they will pick up different signals. The set sends different signals which simulate how you’ll normally experience the audio around you. Therefore, stereo headsets create a more realistic experience that has depth and a sensation of location.

Benefits of Stereo Headphones

As mentioned in the stereo definition the audio coming via stereo headphones will seem more realistic. You also have these benefits:

• Music has more depth.
• Listening to stereo recorded band audio you can almost gauge where each instrument was on the stage. You control the listener’s experience by when and how you feed the audio to each of the two speakers.
• Most sound productions these days are produced in stereo. Therefore, listening to stereo headphones will give you a clearer, authentic experience as intended by the music producer.

Uses of Stereo Headphones

Because it creates such realistic experiences stereo sound can be found everywhere. You can listen to:

• Some radio stations
• Modern music tracks
• Movies

Even video games have stereo tracks to give you an authentic experience so add stereo headphones to your gaming equipment.

Until the 1950s Monaural sound was the only audio option and it still has its value today.

Mono Definition—What is Mono?

Mono comes from the Greek word ‘monos’ which means ‘alone’. This is because only one audio track is used in mono audio. In your mono headset, this one track will be played via both speakers.

If you listen to stereo recorded sound via a mono headphone the kit will simply combine the audio. Both ears will then receive the same tracks and it will seem all the music sources (such as voices or instruments) came from exactly the same place.

Benefits of Mono Headphones

While a mono headset won’t create such a realistic experience, it has many advantages:

• These headphones are more affordable.
• If a track was recorded in mono (older tracks often were) it’s better to use mono headphones when listening to it.
• Mono headphones will let a speech by one personsound clearer compared to a stereo headset.

Uses of Mono Headphones

Because of these advantages, mono headphones are still popular in these scenarios:

• Listening to a recording during a museum tour.
• Enjoying music recorded via a single mic.
• Listening to certain radio stations.
• Uses in classrooms with one speaker.
• If you need to keep one ear open. You may want to listen to traffic while you go for a run, for safety reasons. With sound only coming out of one headphone you’ll still hear what’s going on around you. In this case, you need all the audio signals channeled to one speaker only. If not, you won’t hear everything that was recorded.

But how do these systems actually differ?

Practical applications will do well to describe the differences:

• Channels: Mono audio only requires one channel as exactly the same sounds are sent to all speakers in the system. In contrast, a stereo system will use two or more channels. Each channel will send a unique audio track to a certain speaker. In stereo headphones, there are usually two channels. However, stereo systems can use multiple channels for an optimum effect.
• Recording: Mono recorded audio will be captured via one microphone. In comparison, you make stereo tracks by recording each signal separately. This allows the system to send each one through a different channel to a certain speaker. Your headphones will send the audio through based on how it was recorded.
• Quality: Know that the one may not necessarily be of a higher quality than the other. In general stereo headphones are of a higher quality. However, quality mono headphones will ensure mono tracks sound their best too.
• Compatibility: Your track and your headset must be compatible. A mono recorded sound clip won’t necessarily sound better on a stereo headset. However, a stereo recorded product requires the compatibility of stereo headphones to give you an optimum experience. A mono headset won’t play stereo music in stereo. There’s also a compatibility concern in terms of where the sound is coming from. You’ll often find Mono sound on disc records, AM radio and phonographic cylinders. While both can be compatible with FM radio and mini discs, you’ll see Stereo sound is used on VCR formats. Audio CDs and 8 track tapes won’t provide mono tracks.
• Price: Stereo headsets use more advanced technology. Therefore, you can expect them to be more expensive than mono sets.
• Localization: There is no localization in mono recordings. Stereo audio has sound localization which gives you the realistic effect you’re after.

What if your headset isn’t labeled clearly? Will you know which type you own?

Listening to general music can make it tricky to distinguish, but here’s a nifty trick: Listen to the applause you’ll usually find at the end of a live recording. You’ll easily discern whether there’s depth to the audio track.

Remember: Some headphones can switch between Mono and Stereo. Make sure you pick the right setting for your use.

But, what if you can only pick one?

Mono vs Stereo Headphones—When to Use Which One

As stated above the context of where you’re using the headphones determines which will be better. If you love classic, old tracks a Mono headphones pair is ideal.

You should also consider whether you’re using it for entertainment or business. If you use them to communicate online such as doing Skype interviews or using your webcam there’s no reason to spend a lot of money on a stereo set. For movies, modern music, and gaming, however, you’ll lose quality if you don’t have a stereo kit.

Mono and Stereo Headphones—Which One is Better?

It’s important to note that there isn’t a better option, but only better for your application. Decide what you’ll use it for and then pick accordingly.

Is Stereo Sound Twice as Good as Mono?

Perhaps you think Stereo is twice as good as mono? This is not an accurate assumption. Yes, your stereo headphones will give you a more realistic experience. However, if you’re listening to quality recordings done in a mono fashion, your high-end mono headphones will serve you well.

It’s all about the context in which you use your set.

But let’s be honest. There’s a definite rise in popularity for stereo headphones. With more and more tracks being made in stereophonic fashion (games, music, movie soundtracks and more) consumers are willing to pay more to optimize their experiences.

However, mono vs stereo costs is also a major concern. For those shopping on a budget, mono headphones are still good enough. This is especially true for those who aren’t audiophiles or still listen to old recordings. For the moment there is still a definite market for the mono gadgets.

So, have you found your answers?

Only you can gauge which item will win the Mono vs Stereo headphones contest in our life. Take time to consider your context, needs, and preferences. When you make an informed choice you won’t have to hesitate when shopping anymore. You know what you need, now go out, get it and enjoy your music!

Do you have a preference between these two types of headphones? Share your reasons in the comments below so others can learn from your experience.