Choosing wireless Bluetooth headphones: a practical buying guide for music, calls and gaming

Wireless Bluetooth headphones might seem easy to choose at first. However, models can vary considerably in comfort, connectivity, battery life and features. A low price doesn’t always mean a better overall experience, while a long list of features doesn’t automatically mean you’ll need them.

There are three common pitfalls to watch out for:

• Battery life figures without clear test conditions: “up to 50 or 80 hours” often refers to use without noise cancelling, lighting or a gaming connection. Always check the conditions under which battery life was measured.
• Noise cancelling as a marketing promise: Active noise cancellation can reduce background noise, but how effective it is depends on the type of noise and the fit. A brand may state that a model uses particular microphones or algorithms, but that doesn’t guarantee every user will have the same experience.
• The wrong connection for your device: Bluetooth isn’t always suitable for a games console. Some wireless gaming headsets use a 2.4GHz dongle to reduce latency. Before buying, check that the headset works with your PC, PlayStation, smartphone or tablet.

Which specifications should you check?

1. Headphone type and fit

Over-ear headphones completely cover your ears. They can be comfortable for travelling, working or listening for long periods, but are usually larger and can feel warmer around your ears. On-ear headphones sit on your ears and are often lighter and more compact for taking out and about.

Look out for:

• the weight of the headphones;
• whether the headband is adjustable;
• the material and shape of the ear cushions;
• whether the ear cups fold or swivel;
• pressure on your head and ears.

Lightweight headphones aren’t automatically comfortable. The combination of weight, cushions and clamping force determines how comfortable they feel.

2. Bluetooth, multipoint and gaming connectivity

Bluetooth is useful for phones, laptops and tablets. As well as checking the Bluetooth version, look at the supported codecs, such as SBC and AAC. These partly determine how audio is transmitted, but compatibility with your source device is still important.

Multipoint lets you keep two devices connected at the same time, such as a smartphone and laptop. The Sony WH-CH720N and WH-CH520 list this feature in their product specifications.

Bluetooth isn’t always the most suitable connection for gaming. A wireless gaming headset with a 2.4GHz receiver may have different latency from Bluetooth. Check platform compatibility too. According to the ONIKUMA GT806 product information, Bluetooth doesn’t connect directly to PS4 and PS5; the 2.4GHz connection is intended for these consoles.

3. Battery life and charging options

Don’t just look at the highest figure. Check whether the stated battery life applies:

• with or without ANC;
• with or without RGB lighting;
• over Bluetooth or 2.4GHz;
• at what volume;
• with which features switched on.

Headphones with long battery life are particularly handy for commuting, travelling and everyday office work. USB-C is now a useful standard for charging. If you often forget to charge your headphones, fast charging may be more important than maximum battery life.

4. Microphone and noise cancelling

If you make calls regularly, you’ll need headphones with a microphone that picks up voices clearly. Check whether the microphone is fixed, foldable or detachable. For gaming, a dedicated microphone is often designed for communicating with other players.

With Bluetooth headphones with noise cancelling, it’s important to distinguish between active noise cancellation and passive noise isolation. Soft ear cushions and a closed-back design can already help block out some external noise. According to Sony, the WH-CH720N has active noise cancelling with adjustable levels through the Sony app. Treat this kind of brand information as a product specification, not a universal guarantee.

Our recommendations for different users

Suitable for: Budget-conscious beginners

Sony WH-CH520 Wireless Bluetooth Headphones - Beige

Why it suits this profile: Lightweight on-ear headphones for everyday listening, calls and use with a smartphone or laptop.

How this product helps you avoid the pitfalls

The product specifications list Bluetooth, a microphone and multipoint. Make sure you find an on-ear fit comfortable, and don’t expect active noise cancelling.

Key benefits and highlights

147 grams, USB-C, multipoint and, according to the product description, up to 50 hours of battery life.

Suitable for: Buyers looking for premium quality

SONY WH-CH720N Wireless Bluetooth Noise-Cancelling Headphones - Pink

Why it suits this profile: Over-ear headphones for travelling, working and listening to music, with active noise cancelling and multipoint connectivity.

How this product helps you avoid the pitfalls

According to Sony, you can adjust the ANC settings in the app. Check the fit and expected usage time, as battery life is lower with ANC switched on.

Key benefits and highlights

Over-ear design, active noise cancelling, Bluetooth 5.2, multipoint and USB-C. The product information states up to 35 hours with noise cancelling.

Suitable for: Specialist use and heavy users

ONIKUMA GT806 White Wireless Gaming Headset

Why it suits this profile: Designed for gamers who want to switch between 2.4GHz, Bluetooth and a wired connection.

How this product helps you avoid the pitfalls

The product information distinguishes between Bluetooth and 2.4GHz, so you can check in advance which connection you’ll need to use with a console.

Key benefits and highlights

50mm drivers, detachable microphone, Bluetooth 5.4, 2.4GHz and stated battery life of up to 60 hours without lighting.

Frequently asked questions about wireless Bluetooth headphones

How do I connect wireless headphones to my phone?

Switch on the headphones and activate pairing mode. Then open the Bluetooth settings on your smartphone and select the model name. With some Sony models, Fast Pair or Swift Pair can speed up the initial connection. If pairing doesn’t work, remove an old connection from the list and try again.

How long do wireless headphones last?

Battery life depends on the battery, volume and features such as ANC or RGB lighting. Battery capacity usually decreases over time. Charge your headphones with a suitable USB-C cable, avoid extreme heat and store them somewhere dry. When buying, also check the warranty terms and information about repairs or servicing.

Are ANC headphones suitable for calls and work?

They can be, but check the microphone and how background noise is handled. ANC is mainly designed to reduce certain background sounds; it’s no substitute for a quiet place to work. For many video calls, multipoint, a clear microphone and easy-to-use controls are just as important as ANC.