A pair of Bluetooth headphones may seem easy to choose at first glance. Yet many consumers in the Netherlands pay for features they hardly use, or only discover after buying that the headphones are uncomfortable to wear. Terms such as “noise cancelling”, “long battery life” and “clear calls” also do not always tell you enough about the day-to-day experience.
The main pitfalls are:
Over-ear headphones surround the ear and generally provide more passive sound isolation. This can be comfortable during long listening sessions or while travelling. Do pay attention to the weight and pressure of the headband. According to the product information, the Bose QuietComfort weighs 240 grams, while the Sony WH-CH520 weighs 147 grams.
On-ear headphones rest on the ear and are often lighter and easier to carry. The trade-off is that they block out less surrounding noise. Check the following:
If you are looking for comfortable headphones for office hours, it is wise not to focus solely on soft cushions. An overly tight fit can become uncomfortable over time.
Long battery life is useful for travelling, working from home and listening every day. However, always compare the stated usage time with the features that are active at the time. The Soundcore Space One states up to 55 hours of use, while the Bose QuietComfort states up to 24 hours. According to the Baseus EH10 NC product information, it offers up to 80 hours without active noise cancellation and 55 hours with this feature enabled.
A useful checklist:
Bluetooth 5.0, 5.1, 5.2 or 5.3 gives an indication of the connection technology, but does not determine sound quality on its own. Also check the range, supported codecs and multipoint functionality.
Multipoint is useful when you want to connect a laptop and smartphone at the same time. For example, you can pause music to answer a phone call. For headphones with a microphone for meetings, it is also important to check whether a USB dongle, 3.5mm cable or Bluetooth only is supplied.
Gamers need to take extra care. A Bluetooth headset can cause latency, depending on the device and connection. For competitive gaming, a wired gaming headset with a 3.5mm connection can sometimes be more practical. Also check whether surround features only work via software on a computer.
Why it suits this profile: This lightweight on-ear model is suitable for everyday listening, travelling and making calls without adding much extra weight. The product information mentions multipoint and a microphone.
The stated specifications include a weight of 147 grams and USB-C charging. Do check the current battery-life details, as the product information mentions both 40 and up to 50 hours.
147 grams, Bluetooth, multipoint, microphone and support for AAC and SBC.
Why it suits this profile: These over-ear headphones combine active noise cancellation, an app, multipoint and a supplied audio cable for music, travelling and making calls.
The combination of Bluetooth and a cable reduces reliance on the battery. According to the product information, battery life is up to 24 hours; this is clearer than an unspecified claim.
Bluetooth 5.3, active noise cancelling, multipoint, app control and a 3.5mm connection.
Why it suits this profile: These wireless headphones are aimed at business users who make lots of calls and work via a computer. The mono design leaves one ear free to hear your surroundings.
The product information mentions a supplied USB-A Bluetooth adapter, microphone and range of up to 30 metres. Check beforehand whether your computer supports USB-A.
Bluetooth 5.0, up to 37 hours of battery life according to the product information, USB-A adapter and detachable cable.
Why it suits this profile: The over-ear design, USB-C and stated battery life make this model appealing for travelling, working from home and listening to music throughout the day.
The product description mentions use for music and calls, as well as USB-C. Before buying, check which noise-cancelling mode and microphone features actually apply to the version selected.
Over-ear design, wireless Bluetooth connection, USB-C and up to 55 hours of battery life according to the product description.
We have put together a complete, up-to-date list of products that fully meet these strict selection criteria and the applicable European safety regulations.
Switch on the headphones and hold down the power or Bluetooth button for a few seconds. Then open the Bluetooth settings on your smartphone and select the product name. If they have been paired before, the headphones will often reconnect automatically. If that does not work, remove the old pairing and repeat the process.
Usage time per charge varies by model and listening mode. Overall lifespan also depends on the battery, hinges, ear cushions and charging connector. Keep the headphones dry, avoid extreme temperatures and use a suitable charging accessory. A model with a replaceable cable may still be usable for wired listening even when the battery is empty.
They can be, but check the microphone specifications and compatibility with your phone or computer. Active noise cancellation for the listener does not automatically mean that background noise will be completely eliminated for the person on the other end of the call. For many business calls, a Bluetooth headset with a directional microphone or USB adapter is a practical choice. When cycling or near traffic, always make sure you can hear enough of your surroundings.