Joybuy Insights

Choosing wireless headphones: how to avoid a bad buy

Wireless headphones make listening to music, video calls and gaming easier. However, a long product list does not always tell you everything you need to know. For example, a Bluetooth headset may offer impressive battery life but be uncomfortable to wear. Noise-cancelling headphones may support ANC but not be suitable for cycling or walking in busy traffic.

The main pitfalls when choosing wireless audio are usually:

  • Battery claims without clear usage conditions: “up to 80 hours” often applies without ANC, at a particular volume and under ideal conditions.
  • Unclear water resistance: splash resistance is not the same as being suitable for swimming. Check the IP rating and confirm whether it also applies to the charging case.
  • Too much focus on features and too little on fit: wireless earbuds with lots of options are not automatically comfortable for your ears. With over-ear headphones, weight, clamping pressure and heat build-up may matter more than extra sound modes.

Understanding the key specifications

1. Fit: in-ear, on-ear or over-ear

In-ear earbuds and Bluetooth earbuds are small and easy to carry around. A good seal from the ear tips affects sound isolation and how clearly you hear lower frequencies. So check whether several sizes of ear tips are included.

On-ear headphones rest on the outer ear and are often lighter and more compact. According to the product information, the Sony WH-CH520 weighs 147 grams and has an adjustable headband. This can be practical for commuting, although the model is not water-resistant according to the listed specifications.

Over-ear headphones surround the ear. This can be comfortable during long listening sessions, but pay attention to the weight and dimensions. The CMF Headphone Pro, for example, weighs 283 grams. That may be suitable for working from home, but a lighter model could be more convenient to carry every day.

2. Battery life: compare like with like

Do not just look at the highest figure. Check whether the battery life applies:

  • with or without ANC;
  • to one charge or including the case;
  • when listening to music or making calls;
  • at what volume and using which connection.

According to the product information, the JBL Wave Buds 2 offer up to 40 hours of total playback when ANC is switched off. The earbuds themselves provide up to 8 hours of playback. The Apple AirPods 4 with ANC state up to 5 hours of music playback per full charge and more than 30 hours with the case. Figures like these are most useful when you know how you will use the product.

A USB-C headset or earbuds with a USB-C case can be used with many modern phones, laptops and power banks. However, check whether a cable is included and whether wireless charging is supported if that matters to you.

3. Connection, codecs and latency

Bluetooth 5.2, 5.3 or 5.4 mainly tells you about the connection technology; on its own, it does not guarantee better sound quality. Also check the supported codecs, multipoint functionality and compatibility with your devices.

Multipoint allows you to keep two devices connected at the same time, such as a laptop and smartphone. This is useful for people working from home who want to remain reachable during a meeting.

Latency is important for gaming. A gaming headset with a dedicated low-latency mode or a connection such as PlayStation Link may be better suited to fast-paced games than a standard Bluetooth connection. Always check whether the required USB adapter or software is included.

Noise cancelling and safe use

With ANC headphones, microphones and electronics use technology to reduce background noise. The effect varies depending on the type of sound, fit and surroundings. Low, constant sounds such as the noise of a train may be experienced differently from voices or sudden noises.

Claims such as “up to -45 dB” should be read as a statement from the brand’s product information. For the Baseus EH10 NC, Baseus states in its own product description that the adjustable ANC function could reduce background noise by up to -45 dB. This is not a universal guarantee for every user or situation.

Use transparency mode or switch ANC off when you need to hear traffic, cyclists or other sounds around you. Also listen at a comfortable volume and take breaks. Headphones are not suitable when driving or carrying out other activities that require your full attention to your surroundings.

Our recommendations by user profile

Suitable for: Budget-conscious beginners
Sony WH-CH520 Wireless Bluetooth Headphones - Yellow

Sony WH-CH520 Wireless Bluetooth Headphones - Yellow

Why it suits this profile: Lightweight on-ear headphones with a microphone and multipoint connectivity for music, podcasts and straightforward calls.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The listed specifications include the weight, battery life and Bluetooth codecs. This means you can check practical details instead of relying solely on marketing terms.

Main benefit & highlights

147 grams, USB-C charging, a microphone and multipoint connectivity. The product information states battery life of up to 50 hours; check the current specification when purchasing.

Suitable for: Buyers looking for premium quality
CMF by Nothing Headphone Pro Dark Grey

CMF by Nothing Headphone Pro Dark Grey

Why it suits this profile: Designed for users who want to combine over-ear comfort, ANC, multipoint and LDAC support.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The battery claim distinguishes between ANC on and off: according to the product information, up to 48 hours with ANC and up to 100 hours without ANC.

Main benefit & highlights

40 mm drivers, LDAC, hybrid ANC, multipoint and a fast-charging function which, according to the product information, can provide up to 8 hours of listening from 5 minutes of charging.

Suitable for: Specific uses & intensive users
Sony PS5 Pulse Explore Earbuds White

Sony PS5 Pulse Explore - Earbuds - White

Why it suits this profile: For PS5, PlayStation Portal and PC users who value low latency and wireless gaming audio.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product information lists PlayStation Link, Bluetooth and compatible devices separately. However, check that your set-up supports the required connection.

Main benefit & highlights

Planar magnetic drivers, two microphones and up to 5 hours of use per charge; according to the product information, the case adds up to 5 hours.

Looking for more options?

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.

Frequently asked questions about wireless headphones

How do I connect Bluetooth headphones to my phone?

Switch on Bluetooth on your smartphone, open the charging case or switch on the headphones, then select the model name in the Bluetooth settings. Some models support Google Fast Pair, Microsoft Swift Pair or a brand app. Remove an old pairing if the connection cannot be established.

How long do wireless headphones last?

Battery life per charge varies considerably. So check both the battery life of the earbuds and that of the case. The overall lifespan of the product depends on charging cycles, heat, moisture, hinges and daily use. Keep the headphones dry and charge them with a suitable USB-C cable.

Does a noise-cancelling headset cost more to run?

The cost of charging is generally limited. ANC can drain the battery more quickly, meaning you may need to charge more often. More important factors include the purchase price, any app features and whether replacement ear cushions or ear tips are available. Also check the warranty and your statutory consumer rights in the European Union.