Joybuy Insights

Choosing wireless headphones: how to avoid a disappointing purchase

Wireless headphones are handy for listening to music and podcasts, making calls, travelling, working and gaming. But a long list of features doesn’t always tell you what they’ll be like to use every day. For example, a model might boast impressive battery life, but last much less time in practice when active noise cancelling is switched on. A low price can also look tempting, while comfort, microphone quality or water resistance may be limited.

Joybuy’s Product Recommendation Officer has put together the key things to consider when buying. This will help you compare Bluetooth headphones, wireless earbuds and sports models using specifications you can check, rather than marketing claims.

Common pitfalls when choosing wireless headphones

1. Battery life without the conditions

Manufacturers often quote battery life under specific conditions. For example, the stated playback time might be measured with noise cancelling switched off, at a moderate volume and with a fully charged battery. Active noise cancelling, phone calls or a higher volume can all reduce how long the headphones last.

So, check:

  • Battery life with and without active noise cancelling.
  • The playback time of the earbuds on their own.
  • The extra capacity provided by the charging case for in-ear earbuds.
  • Whether USB-C fast charging is available.
  • Whether you can use a cable when the battery is flat.

Headphones with long battery life are particularly handy for travelling and working days, but check the charging time and charging method too.

2. A high decibel rating doesn’t guarantee better noise cancelling

Specifications such as “-45 dB” or “49 dB noise cancellation” can’t be compared directly across all brands. Measurement methods, frequencies and conditions may differ. What’s more, the ear cushions on over-ear headphones often block more ambient sound than an open design on their own.

So, check whether the product has:

  • Adjustable ANC levels.
  • A transparency mode or ambient sound mode.
  • A fit that sits securely on your head or in your ear canal.
  • An app for adjusting modes and sound settings.

According to information provided by the brands themselves, certain models can reduce background noise. Treat this as a product specification, not a guarantee that every sound will disappear completely.

3. Fit and moisture resistance are often overlooked

Heavy over-ear headphones might be comfortable on a train journey, but less suitable for exercise. Small earbuds are lightweight, but won’t fit every ear equally well. For sports use, the IP rating is also important.

The ratings IP54, IP55 and IP68 indicate how well a product is protected against dust and water. The exact meaning varies by rating. Water resistance doesn’t automatically mean you can submerge any model or swim with it. Always check the product information, and only charge a wet device once its connections are dry.

Important specifications to compare

Design: over-ear, on-ear or in-ear

  • Over-ear headphones: Enclose the ear and often offer a comfortable fit for long listening sessions. They’re larger, but folding ear cups make them easier to carry.
  • On-ear headphones: Rest on the ear and are usually lighter and more compact. They may not block out as much ambient noise.
  • In-ear earbuds: Fit inside the ear canal and often come with several sizes of silicone tips. A good fit is essential for comfort and sound quality.
  • Open-ear or bone-conduction models: Let you hear more of your surroundings, which can be useful when running. The listening experience and bass may differ from closed-back models.

Codec, connection and devices

Bluetooth versions such as Bluetooth 5.2, 5.3 or 5.4 mainly indicate compatibility and connection technology. Your experience also depends on your smartphone, laptop or tablet. Check that your preferred audio codec is supported, such as AAC, SBC or LDAC.

A multipoint connection lets you keep two devices connected at the same time. This is handy if you listen to music on a laptop and want to take incoming calls on your phone. Check that multipoint is available with your devices and the relevant app.

Sound and calls

A larger driver doesn’t automatically mean better sound. Look at the driver type, frequency response, available equaliser settings and whether you can use a cable. If you’re looking for headphones for music and calls, the number and positioning of the microphones also matter.

Check for microphone features such as noise reduction for calls, wind filtering and voice enhancement. Brands may make their own claims about these features, but how clearly you can be heard may vary depending on your surroundings.

Our recommendations for different types of user

Suitable for: Budget-conscious beginners
JBL Wave Buds 2 - Black

JBL Wave Buds 2 - Black

Why it suits this user: These wireless earbuds are well suited to everyday listening, calls and use with a smartphone or laptop. According to the product specifications, they offer up to 8 hours of playback, or up to 40 hours with the charging case when ANC is switched off.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product specifications state the playback time for both the earbuds and the charging case. They also list IP54 protection for the earbuds and IPX2 protection for the case.

Key benefits and features

Active noise cancelling, multipoint connection, USB-C fast charging, and support for Google Fast Pair and Microsoft Swift Pair.

Suitable for: Buyers looking for premium quality
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Bluetooth Headphones - Black

Bose QuietComfort Ultra Bluetooth Headphones - Black

Why it suits this user: These over-ear headphones are designed for people who value comfort, active noise cancelling and the option of a wired connection for travel, work and long listening sessions.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The stated battery life is listed separately as up to 24 hours. An audio cable is also included, so listening doesn’t depend solely on Bluetooth or battery power.

Key benefits and features

Bluetooth 5.3, multipoint pairing, app control, active noise cancelling and a stated weight of 380 grams.

Suitable for: Specialist needs and frequent users
Mojawa RunPlus Bone Conduction Headphones

Mojawa RunPlus Bone Conduction Headphones

Why it suits this user: The open-ear design is intended for running, fitness and everyday use when you want to stay aware of your surroundings. The product name and listing also mention an integrated 32 GB MP3 player.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The listing states that the product has an IP68 water-resistance rating. Before swimming or using it in water for extended periods, check the full product manual and charging instructions.

Key benefits and features

Open-ear bone-conduction design, Bluetooth connection, built-in storage and a focus on sports use.

How to choose without paying for extras you don’t need

First, think about where you’ll use your headphones most. You may not need extensive ANC features for a quiet home office. Active noise cancelling can be particularly useful on train journeys. If you’re into sports, fit, the IP rating and awareness of your surroundings are likely to matter more.

Then check:

  1. Whether your phone supports the Bluetooth codec you want.
  2. Whether the earbuds fit well and come with replacement tips.
  3. Whether the stated battery life was measured with ANC switched on or off.
  4. Whether the microphone is suitable for calls in a noisy environment.
  5. Whether the warranty, returns policy and product safety information are clear.

Listen at a moderate volume and take regular breaks. Don’t use headphones while cycling, driving or in other situations where you need to hear traffic and your surroundings clearly.

Looking for more options?

We’ve put together a complete, up-to-date list of products that meet these strict selection criteria and current European safety requirements.

Frequently asked questions about wireless headphones

How do I connect wireless headphones to my phone?

Switch on Bluetooth on your phone, put your headphones into pairing mode and select the product name from the Bluetooth list. On some models, Google Fast Pair, Microsoft Swift Pair or a brand app can speed up setup. If you have connection problems, check that the headphones aren’t already connected to another device.

How long do wireless headphones last?

Their lifespan depends on battery use, charging habits, hinges, ear cushions and exposure to moisture. Battery capacity decreases over time. Models with replaceable ear cushions, a sturdy folding design and a wired connection option may remain useful for longer. Keep your headphones dry and avoid listening at a high volume for long periods.

Do Bluetooth headphones use a lot of power?

Bluetooth headphones use a small rechargeable battery. The electricity cost of each charge is generally low, but battery life is affected by volume, ANC, codec and phone calls. Fast charging is mainly a convenience feature: a short charge may be enough for listening on the go.