Understanding Headphone Specifications: Impedance and Sensitivity
- Clever Consumer
- Oct 9, 2024
- 2 min read
Updated: Nov 3, 2024
When purchasing headphones, technical specifications can feel overwhelming, but two key specs—impedance and sensitivity—are crucial to ensuring your headphones perform well with your audio equipment. Let’s break down these terms and understand how they impact your listening experience.

What is Impedance?
Impedance refers to the electrical resistance of the headphones, measured in ohms (Ω). It indicates how much power your headphones need to operate effectively.
Low Impedance (< 32Ω):
Requires less power and works efficiently with smartphones, laptops, and portable devices.
Ideal for everyday listening on-the-go without the need for extra equipment.
Medium Impedance (32Ω - 100Ω):
These headphones offer a good mix of efficiency and sound quality.
They can be used with portable devices or home audio systems, though they perform better with audio interfaces.
High Impedance (> 100Ω):
Designed for audiophiles and professionals, delivering superior audio quality.
These headphones require a dedicated amplifier to achieve optimal performance.
What is Sensitivity?
Sensitivity, measured in decibels (dB), indicates how effectively headphones convert electrical signals into sound—essentially determining how loud they can get with a given power input.
High Sensitivity (> 100dB):
These headphones can produce loud volumes with minimal power, making them great for portable devices.
However, extremely high sensitivity can increase the risk of distortion at higher volumes.
Medium Sensitivity (~100dB):
Most headphones fall into this category, balancing volume output and audio clarity.
Low Sensitivity (< 100dB):
Requires more power to reach desirable volume levels and performs better with amplified sources.
Matching Impedance and Sensitivity with Your Device
For the best audio experience, it’s essential to match the impedance and sensitivity of your headphones with your device.
Low Impedance, High Sensitivity:
Perfect for smartphones and laptops that don't have powerful audio outputs.
Medium Impedance, Medium Sensitivity:
Suitable for home audio systems or audio interfaces, striking a balance between portability and quality.
High Impedance, Medium to High Sensitivity:
Requires headphone amplifiers to unlock their full potential, making them ideal for studio use or audiophile setups.