Choosing wireless headphones: how to avoid a bad buy

Wireless headphones may seem easy to choose: pick a colour, compare the price and check Bluetooth. In practice, it’s comfort, battery life and how noise cancellation works that make the biggest difference to how enjoyable your purchase is day to day.

Many shoppers run into the same problems:

• The advertised battery life often applies only with ANC switched off or in ideal conditions.
• Compact on-ear headphones can put pressure on your ears after a while.
• A product with “noise cancelling” doesn’t automatically have a good microphone, a secure fit or protection from rain.
• Specifications are sometimes presented in different ways. For example, the Sony WH-CH520 product information states up to 50 hours of use, while the technical table lists 40 hours of battery life. Always check the current product page before you order.

Below, you’ll find a practical guide to choosing headphones for music, travel, work, calls and exercise.

Which specifications really matter?

1. Wearing style and comfort

The most important choice often isn’t the brand, but the design.

• Over-ear headphones: the ear cups fit around your ears. This can be comfortable on long journeys or while working from home, but these models are usually larger and heavier.
• On-ear headphones: the ear cups rest on your ears. These models are often lighter and more compact, such as the 147-gram Sony WH-CH520.
• In-ear earbuds: these sit in your ear canal and fit easily into a jacket pocket. Fit varies considerably from person to person, so having several sizes of ear tips is useful.

Check the weight, how adjustable the headband is and the shape of the ear cushions. A soft fit doesn’t automatically prevent heat or pressure during long listening sessions. For earbuds, the IP rating is also important. IPX4 generally means protection against splashes, according to the product specifications, but it doesn’t mean the earbuds are suitable for submersion.

2. Battery life in the right mode

Long battery life is useful for commuting, studying and travelling. Always compare:

• battery life with ANC off;
• battery life with ANC on;
• total playback time including the charging case for earbuds;
• fast-charging time;
• connection type, usually USB-C.

For example, the CMF Headphone Pro is listed as offering up to 100 hours without ANC and 48 hours with ANC. The Sony WH-CH720N is listed as offering up to 50 hours without noise cancellation and 35 hours with ANC. These differences show why a single battery-life figure doesn’t tell you much.

3. ANC, microphone and connectivity

Noise-cancelling headphones use active noise cancellation to reduce ambient sound electronically. This can be useful on the train, bus or in the office. ANC doesn’t block out every sound completely and can drain the battery more quickly.

Also look for:

• transparency mode to hear the sounds around you;
• multipoint connectivity for two devices at once;
• Bluetooth version and supported codecs;
• microphone quality for calls and online meetings;
• app support for equaliser settings and other adjustments.

Claims such as “filters a certain percentage of background noise” are made by the brand. According to the manufacturer’s own research, results like these can vary depending on the surroundings, fit and usage. Don’t use ANC in situations where you need to hear traffic or warning sounds.

Product picks for different types of user

Suitable for: Budget-conscious beginners

Sony WH-CH520 Wireless Bluetooth Headphones - Yellow

Why it suits this type of user: These lightweight on-ear Bluetooth headphones are designed for everyday listening, calls and taking with you on the go. Multipoint makes it easy to switch between a laptop and phone.

How this product avoids the pitfalls

The product specifications list the weight, USB-C and multipoint. However, check the current battery-life information, as both 40 and 50 hours are quoted.

Key benefits and features

147 grams, Bluetooth, microphone, multipoint and 30 mm dynamic drivers.

Suitable for: Buyers looking for premium quality

Sonos ACE Over-Ear Bluetooth Headset Black

Why it suits this type of user: These over-ear headphones are designed for users who value ANC, spatial audio, multipoint and both wireless and wired connections.

How this product avoids the pitfalls

According to the product information, the stated 30-hour battery life is with ANC on. The supplied cable provides an alternative when the battery runs out.

Key benefits and features

40 mm drivers, active noise cancellation, Bluetooth 5.4, multipoint and USB-C audio.

Suitable for: Specific needs and heavy users

Sony WH-CH720N Noise Cancelling Wireless Bluetooth Headphones - Blue

Why it suits this type of user: For travel, working from home and long listening sessions, these over-ear headphones offer active noise cancellation, app controls and connection to two devices.

How this product avoids the pitfalls

Battery life is listed with ANC both on and off: up to 35 and 50 hours respectively, according to the product information.

Key benefits and features

192 grams, multipoint, USB-C, app settings and active noise cancellation.

Common mistakes when buying Bluetooth earbuds

When it comes to wireless earbuds, fit and charging habits matter a lot. Check whether different sizes of ear tips are included and whether the case is protected against moisture. For example, the Samsung Galaxy Buds4 Pro earbuds are listed as IP57, but the charging case shouldn’t be treated the same way.

Also check the difference between a single charge and total playback time with the case. The Samsung Galaxy Buds4 Pro are listed as offering up to 6 hours with ANC per earbud and up to 30 hours without ANC including the case. The Apple AirPods 4 with ANC are listed as offering up to 5 hours per charge and more than 30 hours with the case. That makes them suitable for everyday use, but less suitable for long days without access to charging.

Frequently asked questions

How do I connect wireless headphones to my phone?

Turn on Bluetooth on your phone, put the headphones into pairing mode and select the product name from the list of available devices. Features such as Google Fast Pair, Microsoft Swift Pair or a brand app can speed up the initial connection. If you run into problems, it often helps to remove an old pairing and restart both devices.

How long do wireless headphones last?

Battery wear, charging frequency, volume, ANC and heat all affect how long they last. A battery-life figure on the packaging isn’t a guarantee of the product’s lifespan. Store your headphones in a dry place, avoid extreme heat and use a suitable USB-C charger. A model with replaceable ear cushions, such as some over-ear headphones, may remain practical for longer.

Does using wireless headphones cost extra?

After purchase, the direct costs are usually limited to the electricity used for charging. An app or streaming service may be optional; check whether all the basic features work without a paid subscription. Also factor in replacing the ear cushions, charging case or accessories. So don’t compare only the purchase price: consider battery life, warranty information and the availability of spare parts too.