Wireless headphones can often seem like a straightforward choice on paper. However, big battery-life claims, vague terms such as ‘hi-fi’ and unclear compatibility can lead to a disappointing purchase. The right choice depends on how you plan to use them: do you travel by train every day, work in an office, exercise outdoors or want a gaming headset with low latency?
Battery life is usually given as ‘up to’ a certain number of hours. That figure may apply with active noise cancelling switched off, lighting disabled or the volume set to a moderate level. So check:
Headphones with long battery life are especially useful if you’re often out and about. For everyday use, though, a shorter charging time may matter more than the highest theoretical number of hours.
Active noise cancelling, also known as ANC, uses microphones and electronic processing to reduce background noise. How well it works depends on the situation. Low, constant sounds such as train or aeroplane noise are generally easier to reduce than voices or sudden sounds.
It’s also worth knowing the difference between:
So noise-cancelling headphones aren’t automatically suitable for every situation. If you need to stay aware of traffic noise, consider an open-ear model or transparency mode.
Over-ear headphones can be comfortable for office work, but may feel warm during exercise. Wireless earbuds are smaller and lighter, but fit varies considerably from ear to ear. Look for an adjustable headband, check the weight and shape of the ear cushions, and see which ear tips are included.
Water resistance is indicated by an IP rating. IPX5 means protection against water jets under the stated test conditions, but not necessarily protection against immersion. The charging case may also have a different level of protection from the earbuds. Always check the full product information.
Bluetooth headphones work with phones, tablets and laptops that support Bluetooth audio. Bluetooth 5.0, 5.2, 5.3 or 5.4 mainly tells you which connection technology is used; on its own, it doesn’t guarantee better sound quality.
Multipoint is useful for office work. It lets you keep, for example, a smartphone and laptop connected, then switch between the two devices. Gamers should check which connection their console supports. A 2.4 GHz USB dongle may offer lower latency than Bluetooth, but it won’t necessarily work directly with every console.
Compare battery life under the same conditions. A model offering 50 hours without ANC isn’t directly comparable with one offering 40 hours with ANC. USB-C is now practical for everyday use, as the same cable is often used for other devices too.
For earbuds, count the listening time from the earbuds and the extra capacity of the charging case separately. Also check the charging time and features such as fast charging.
Headphones with a microphone are suitable for calls, online meetings and gaming, but the number of microphones doesn’t tell you everything about call quality. Wind, traffic and microphone placement also have an impact.
Specifications such as AAC, SBC, driver diameter and frequency range are useful for comparing products, but they can’t fully predict how music will sound. Fit, equaliser settings and personal preference all play a part. For a gaming headset, spatial audio, compatibility and latency are also important considerations.
Why it suits this type of user: The on-ear design, 147-gram weight and multipoint feature make these headphones a good fit for students and commuters who regularly switch between a phone and laptop.
The product information clearly lists Bluetooth, multipoint and a microphone. Do check the current battery-life details: the product description says up to 50 hours, while the specifications table states 40 hours.
147 grams, USB-C, AAC/SBC support, multipoint and a microphone for calls.
Why it suits this type of user: This over-ear model is designed for users who value active noise cancelling, app settings and long listening time.
The product page lists ANC, Bluetooth 5.0 and a detachable cable. At 670 grams, these headphones are relatively heavy, so bear comfort in mind when making your choice.
According to the product information, up to 50 hours of audio with ANC, 40 mm drivers, eight ANC microphones and control via the MyDyson app.
Why it suits this type of user: The combination of 2.4 GHz, Bluetooth and a wired connection is aimed at gamers who switch between a PC, console and mobile devices.
The product information explicitly states that Bluetooth doesn’t work directly with PS4 or PS5. You’ll need to use 2.4 GHz mode instead, so check the connection before buying.
Three connection options, a detachable microphone, a USB dongle and, according to the product page, up to 40 hours of gaming without lighting.
Why it suits this type of user: Compact wireless earbuds with a microphone and an IPX5 rating are a good fit for commuting, light exercise and everyday calls.
The product information states that the earbuds are water- and sweat-resistant, but the charging case isn’t waterproof. Let the earbuds dry before putting them back in the case.
According to the product page, up to 55 hours of total battery life, USB-C fast charging, touch controls and six microphones for calls.
We’ve put together a full, up-to-date list of products that meet these strict selection criteria and current European safety regulations.
Switch on Bluetooth on your phone, put the headphones into pairing mode and select the right model from the Bluetooth list. For multipoint, pair one device first, then follow the instructions to pair the second. If the connection doesn’t work, remove the old pairing and try again.
Battery life depends on battery capacity, charging habits, volume and features such as ANC. Lithium batteries lose capacity over time. A model with USB-C and fast charging remains practical, even as its maximum battery life decreases with age.
They can be, as long as they fit securely and their water resistance is suitable for your activity. An IPX5 or similar rating doesn’t mean the earbuds are suitable for swimming. Also check that the charging case stays dry, and bear background noise in mind when exercising outdoors.