A driver on headphones is a small speaker unit driving the sound down the ear canals. This electromagnetic device is necessary for any earphone/headphone as it translates electrical signals into the audio that you listen to. There are four different types of drivers as given below:

Dynamic Drivers

Most consumer-oriented headphones are powered by dynamic drivers and typically contains a neodymium magnet creating a static magnetic field. It interacts with the voice coil, which is made to oscillate to and fro the created magnetic field. This creates the sound waves that we listen to.

  Pros:

• With such a simple mechanism, dynamic drivers are very effective as they don’t need too much power to reach high volume.
• They also very adeptly reproduce low-end frequencies.
• They are most affordable of all types of drivers and thus, found in most Bluetooth headset in India.
• They are easier to power than other drivers, and many don’t require a DAC or an amp for optimal playback.
• They are compact and lightweight.

  Cons:

• It creates undesirable, harmonic distortions at louder volumes.
• With very small drivers, weird distortions can be created as these speakers bounce sound off the listener’s ears at strange angles.

Planar Magnetic Drivers

Headphones using this type of drivers sport a distinct look- the ear cups are rectangular instead of the usual elliptical shape. These are typically found in over-the-ears and open-back, but some in-ears also have them. They function similarly to dynamic drivers, but instead of using a coil, it uses planar magnetic drivers. It consists of a flat, large membrane with an embedded wire pattern. The membrane is directly moved by the magnets situated in between them to create sound.

  Pros:

• Planar magnetic drivers are used in high-end headphones to provide music of excellent quality and with relatively no distortion.
• It also has an excellent bass response due to the combination of the large, thin diaphragm and strong electromagnetic force.

  Cons:

• As more and larger magnets are used in these headphones, it needs more power from the audio source. This necessitates the need for external amplifiers.
• These headphones are larger, heavier and more expensive. This makes them suitable for home use only.

Electrostatic Drivers

These are used inexpensive, rare headphones and create an electrical field using static electricity. This repels and draws its thin diaphragm to and from a pair of metal, conductive plates sandwiching it. The perforated plates force airflow,which in conjunction with the movement of the diaphragm and constantly changing electrical signal, creates sound.

  Pros:

• It can create a virtually distortion-free sound as there is a complete absence of moving metal components.
• It produces significantly better sound than all other headphones in the market with its life-like sound stage.

  Cons:

• Its rarity and the effort required to make them too expensive to make for general consumers.
• It requires bespoke amplifiers to use the headphones.
• They are large and bulky.

Balanced Armature Drivers

Some modern in-ear headphones use balanced armature (BA) drivers where a magnetic armature rests on a pivot, rotating between the two magnets. While centred within the magnetic field, the armature experiences “no net force,” i.e. it is balanced. The small rotations caused by an electric current sent through the coil wrapped around the armature causes the diaphragm to move, creating sound waves.

  Pros:

• Since it does not displace air to produce sound, an In-ear Monitor (IEM) doesn’t need an additional air vent. This provides better noise isolation.
• Certain IEMs can have multiple BA drivers in addition to one dynamic driver. These headphones can be tuned for a specific frequency.
• It has a better performance than dynamic drivers in treble frequencies.
• It gives a more detailed sound.

Cons:

• These are costlier than dynamic drivers.
• These headphones need additional drivers for better bass response.

If costs were no factor, one could easily say that electrostatic drivers are the “best wireless Bluetooth earphones in India”. However, since the cost is an essential factor even for those buying high-end headphones, these drivers certainly not the “best” Dynamic headphones are versatile and cost-effective and make the most sense to buy for most people. However, audio enthusiasts can pursue their passions with the other types of drivers if they are willing to pay for their upgraded experience.