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Operator Headphones
Switchboard operators used a type of “headphone” invented by Ezra Guilliland that could weigh over 10 pounds. It featured one earpiece attached to a phone and a large microphone resting on the shoulder. -
Electrophone
Headphones were single-sided, heavy speakers that people would hold on to an ear to communicate. This later evolved into something known as an ‘Electrophone’. It was a system consisting of a stethoscope-shaped headphone connected to a switchboard. Using this setup, the people around London could tune into live performances happening all over London. -
The First Ear Buds
A French engineer named Ernest Mercadier patented what he called a “bi-telephone”. This would prove to be the first recorded version of in-ear headphones. -
The First Headphones
Nathaniel Baldwin’s invented the first headphones in his kitchen in Utah, as a device to help him hear the sermons at his local Mormon temple. Similar to headphones used today, Baldwin’s invention included 2 padded ear cups and 2 bands across the head so it could sit comfortably on the head. -
Koss SP/3
Headphone use was limited mostly for military and communication.
This changed in 1958 when Koss developed a “private listening system,” the Koss Model 390 phonograph. It included a record player, speaker, and headphone jack. He also developed headphones to go with it, the Koss SP-3 headphones. These early headphones had plastic earcups, a 3-inch speaker, and foam earpads for comfortable wear. -
Koss Beatlephones
The Beatlephones released in 1966 were branded headphones with a partnership between Koss and The Beatles.
The collaboration with The Beatles was a marketing success. For the first time, the market for headphones extended to include a teen audience and enter pop culture -
Sony's Walkman
Sony launched its first personal stereo Walkman, the “TPS-L2,” making headphones ubiquitous. The Walkman was the first widespread use of the 3.5mm headphone-jack socket. -
Bose 'Noise Cancelling' Headphones
When Dr. Amar Bose invented Noise Cancelling headphones in 1989, they were acquired right away for in-cabin pilots.
Noise Cancelling was also beneficial for those taking flights and travelling frequently in trains - commuters, essentially. In 2000, Bose made the legendary Quiet Comfort series QC1 available commercially. -
Sony 'Street Style' Headphones
With the rise of portable music devices like cassette tapes, CDs, and minidiscs, views on wearing headphones changed. Instead of primarily being used inside the home, people were bringing their music with them on the go. Now, the desire for a smaller, more portable headphone technology was growing. One example of this is the Sony ‘Street Style’ headphones. -
Bluetooth Revolution
Dutch inventor Jaap Haartsen performed early research on Bluetooth Wireless Technology and filed an important patent. Bluetooth took its name from Harald Blatand, a king of Denmark in the 10th century.
Bluetooth technology had been under development since 1999, but while early versions could support voice calls, the bandwidth couldn’t handle streaming studio music. -
Apple iPod Earbuds
There’s no doubt that by the turn of the century, Apple started pulling ahead of the pack in audio and technological advancements. A great example of that is the iPods.
The release of iPods made way for portable digital music listening. Because of this, people eagerly moved away from clunky cassette tapes, CDs, etc.
The earpods that accompanied this also innovated the industry with their white, sleek, and modern aesthetic. -
Skullcandy Lifestyle Headphones
Thus you had brands like Skullcandy making headphones targeted at the youth with catchy, youthful design and colours. As skateboarding was quite popular among the youth in the US, where Skullcandy is based, it aimed at being a part of the urban cool skateboarding lifestyle. Cheeky, loud design, vibrant colours and with a name that literally meant ‘candy for your skull’, Skullcandy grew immensely popular. -
Beats by Dre
As we got into the 2010s, headphones continued to grow in popularity and became increasingly integrated with fashion. In the ‘60s we saw branded headphones with The Beatles, and this continued in full force when rapper Dr Dre released his Monster Beats by Dr Dre – big, bulky, and bold. -
Apple Airpods
Apple changed the game again in 2017 with a major change in the design of their iPhone and earbuds, moving away from their wired earpods. Incredibly lightweight, weighing only 4g each, some of AirPods’ notable features include the ability to double-tap to pause audio, and automatic pausing when they are removed from the ear.
They have quickly become Apple’s most popular accessory, with over 60 million units sold.