Joybuy Insights

Buying wireless headphones: how to choose without falling for marketing traps

Choosing wireless headphones can seem straightforward on paper. You look at Bluetooth, battery life and perhaps noise cancelling. Yet two models with almost identical product descriptions can perform very differently in everyday use. An uncomfortable fit, a disappointing microphone or battery life that only applies in ideal conditions may not become apparent until after you’ve bought them.

This practical guide will help you choose Bluetooth headphones, wireless earbuds or a gaming headset based on verifiable features.

Common pitfalls when buying wireless headphones

1. Battery life without clear usage conditions

The battery life quoted is usually a maximum. Noise cancelling, high volume, phone calls and the use of codecs can all reduce listening time. Check whether the manufacturer gives separate figures for use with and without ANC.

For example, the Sony WF-C710N is listed as offering up to 30 hours with noise cancelling and up to 40 hours without it. The Baseus EH10 is listed as offering up to 80 hours without ANC and 55 hours with ANC. That difference matters if you commute every day or work long shifts.

2. Noise cancelling doesn’t block out all sound

Noise-cancelling headphones use microphones and electronic processing to reduce background noise. How well they work depends on the fit, the type of sound and your surroundings. Low, constant sounds such as a train engine are often easier to reduce than voices or sudden noises.

Claims such as “up to -45 dB” or “up to -50 dB” are product specifications measured under certain conditions. According to Baseus’s own information, the EH10 can reduce background noise by up to -45 dB. According to MINISO’s own information, the MS106 can offer up to -50 dB of adaptive noise cancellation. So don’t take these figures as a guarantee of complete silence.

3. Choosing the wrong style

Over-ear headphones cover your ears and can provide better passive isolation, but they take up more space. On-ear headphones sit on your ears and are often lighter, but can feel tight after prolonged use. Wireless earbuds are compact, but the fit can vary considerably from one person to another.

Weight is worth considering, too. According to the product information, the Sony WH-CH520 weighs 147 grams. This makes it a good option if you’re looking for lightweight headphones. A gaming headset such as the Razer BlackShark V2 X weighs 240 grams and is designed with larger ear cushions and a fixed headband.

Key specifications explained

Bluetooth, connectivity and multipoint

First, check that the device supports Bluetooth and see which version is listed. Bluetooth 5.2 or 5.3 tells you something about the connection, but on its own it doesn’t guarantee better sound. The supported audio codecs are also relevant. The Sony WH-CH520 lists AAC and SBC; the Baseus EH10 lists LDAC, among others.

A useful feature for working from home is multipoint. This lets you connect your headphones to, for example, a laptop and smartphone at the same time. The Sony WH-CH520 and Sony WF-C710N both list multipoint connectivity. Check that your phone and computer support the feature properly, though.

Battery and charging

Look for three things:

  • maximum listening time with and without ANC;
  • quick-charge time;
  • connection type, such as USB-C.

A quick charge is handy when you’re out and about. According to the product description, the Sony WH-CH520 offers up to 1.5 hours of use after 3 minutes of charging. The Baseus EH10 is listed as offering 10 hours of playback after 10 minutes of quick charging.

Always compare the product description with the technical specifications table. For some versions of the Sony WH-CH520, the description states up to 50 hours, while the specifications table lists 40 hours. So check the latest information on the product page before buying.

Microphone, water resistance and where you’ll use them

If you make a lot of calls, you’ll need headphones with a microphone. Don’t just look at the number of microphones; check what they’re designed for, too. According to the product information, the Sony WF-C710N has microphones for calls, while the Baseus EH10 lists five microphones for calls. According to MINISO’s own information, the MS106 uses six microphones for noise reduction during calls.

For sports, wireless earbuds with a water-resistance rating are more practical. The MINISO MS106 has an IPX5 rating according to the product information. The Sony WF-C710N has an IPX4 rating and, according to the safety information, is designed to withstand sweat and light rain, but not immersion in water. The Sony WH-CH520 is not water-resistant according to the product information.

Recommended options for different users

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

Sony WH-CH520 Wireless Bluetooth Headphones - Black

Why it suits this user: Lightweight on-ear headphones for music, travel and everyday use, with no complicated set-up. The headband is adjustable and the controls use physical buttons.

How this product avoids the pitfalls

The product information lists its weight as 147 grams, as well as USB-C and multipoint connectivity. Do check the battery life stated in the description against the specifications table.

Key benefit & features

147 grams, microphone, multipoint connectivity, AAC/SBC codecs and USB-C charging.

Suitable for: Buyers looking for premium quality
Baseus EH10 NC Bluetooth Headphones Black

Baseus EH10 NC Bluetooth Headphones Black

Why it suits this user: For travel, work and long listening sessions, over-ear cushions, ANC and long battery life are useful features to look for.

How this product avoids the pitfalls

The product page distinguishes between 80 hours without ANC and 55 hours with ANC. According to Baseus’s own information, the ANC feature can reduce noise by up to -45 dB; your actual experience will depend on your surroundings.

Key benefit & features

LDAC support, multipoint, USB-C, over-ear design and five listed microphones.

Suitable for: Specific needs & frequent users
Razer BlackShark V2 X Gaming Headset

Razer BlackShark V2 X 7.1 Wired Gaming Headset

Why it suits this user: For gamers who mainly need a stable connection and a clear microphone. This isn’t a pair of Bluetooth headphones, but a wired gaming headset with a 3.5mm connection.

How this product avoids the pitfalls

It doesn’t rely on a wireless battery, so it’s ready to use straight away. Make sure the 3.5mm connection is compatible with your PC, console or mobile device.

Key benefit & features

50mm drivers, cardioid microphone, 240 grams and support for PC, Mac, PlayStation, Xbox and Nintendo Switch according to the product information.

Suitable for: Sports and commuting
MINISO MS106 Wireless Bluetooth Earphones

MINISO MS106 Wireless Bluetooth 6.0 Earphones

Why it suits this user: Compact wireless earbuds for commuting, the office and light exercise, where a small form is important.

How this product avoids the pitfalls

According to the product information, the IPX5 rating offers protection against water jets, but doesn’t make the earbuds suitable for immersion. The stated 55 hours refers to the total capacity with the charging case.

Key benefit & features

3.9 grams per earbud according to the product information, touch controls, USB-C quick charging and a built-in microphone.

Looking for more options?

We’ve put together a complete, up-to-date list of products that 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?

Put the headphones into pairing mode, open Bluetooth in your phone’s settings and select the model name. Some Sony models support Swift Pair or Fast Pair for quicker connection. If pairing doesn’t work, remove any previous Bluetooth connection and try again. Also check that the battery is sufficiently charged.

How long do wireless headphones last?

Listening time per charge varies by model and settings. The lifespan of the built-in battery depends, among other things, on charging cycles, heat and leaving it fully discharged for long periods. Store your headphones in a dry place and avoid extreme temperatures. A model with USB-C and quick charging is still practical, even if its maximum listening time is lower in real-world use.

Are wireless headphones suitable for calls and working from home?

That depends mainly on the microphone and your surroundings. Multipoint is handy if you switch between a laptop and smartphone. In noisy environments, it’s worth considering models with multiple microphones or stated noise reduction for calls. Read the product information carefully: a brand’s claim describes how the feature is intended to work, not a guaranteed result in every setting.