Joybuy Insights

Choosing wireless headphones: how to avoid a costly mistake

Wireless headphones make it easier to listen to music, make calls and watch videos. But a long list of features doesn’t automatically mean a model is right for your everyday needs. Bluetooth headphones for train journeys have different requirements from sports earbuds or a wireless headset with a microphone for working from home.

Look out for these three common pitfalls:

  • Battery claims without clear usage conditions: “Up to 50 hours” may apply with noise cancelling switched off, at a low volume or under specific test conditions. Always check whether the battery life is quoted with ANC on or off.
  • Treating noise cancelling as a universal solution: Active noise cancelling works best against constant sounds, such as the rumble of a train or plane. It’s no substitute for a good fit and can make you less aware of your surroundings.
  • Misinterpreting water resistance: An IPX5 or IP55 rating doesn’t mean a product is suitable for swimming. Check exactly what the protection covers and keep the charging port dry.

Which specifications matter?

1. Wearing style and comfort

Choosing between over-ear headphones, on-ear headphones, in-ear earbuds and open-ear headphones affects how you experience the product.

  • Over-ear: Encloses the ears and is often suitable for travelling, working from home and listening for long periods. The ear cups can feel warmer, though.
  • On-ear: Rests on the ears and is usually more compact. Fit and pressure from the headband are especially important.
  • Wireless earbuds: Small and easy to carry, but the fit varies considerably from ear to ear.
  • Open-ear: Leaves the ear canal clear. This helps you stay more aware of your surroundings, but in a busy environment more background noise may mix with your music.

When choosing headphones, consider adjustability, weight and the shape of the ear cushions. A lightweight model isn’t automatically comfortable if the headband puts too much pressure on your head.

2. Battery life and charging

Headphones with long battery life are practical for commuting and travelling. Don’t just look at the highest figure; also check:

  • battery life with noise cancelling switched on;
  • fast-charging speed;
  • USB-C support;
  • whether you can continue listening using a wired connection;
  • the total playtime of earbuds, including the charging case.

The product information lists up to 50 hours of battery life for the Sony WH-CH520, while the Sony WH-CH720N is listed as offering up to 50 hours without noise cancelling and up to 35 hours with it switched on. The figures aren’t directly comparable.

3. Connectivity, microphone and protection

Bluetooth 5.0, 5.2, 5.3 or a newer version can provide an efficient connection, but your experience also depends on your phone, laptop and distance from the device. Multipoint is useful if you regularly switch between two devices.

A built-in microphone is important for calls. Also check whether the product description mentions microphone noise reduction, rather than just sound quality.

An IP rating is relevant for sports and outdoor use. According to the product information, for example, IPX5 protects against water jets from certain directions, but not against immersion. So don’t use a sports model in the swimming pool unless the manufacturer explicitly says it’s suitable.

Our recommendations for different needs

Suitable for: Budget-conscious beginners
Sony WH-CH520 wireless Bluetooth headphones - blue

Sony WH-CH520 wireless Bluetooth headphones - blue

Why it suits this profile: Compact on-ear headphones for music, podcasts, videos and hands-free calls, without having to choose a heavy model.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product information gives a weight of 147 grams, an adjustable headband and soft ear cushions. No water resistance is listed, so don’t use this model in wet conditions.

Key benefit & highlights

Up to 50 hours of battery life according to the product description, Multipoint connection, a microphone and USB-C charging.

Suitable for: Shoppers looking for premium quality
Sony WH-1000XM5 wireless headphones with noise cancelling - silver

Sony WH-1000XM5 wireless headphones with noise cancelling - silver

Why it suits this profile: Over-ear headphones for travellers, home offices and listeners looking for adjustable active noise cancelling and a wide range of app features.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product information gives separate battery-life figures for ANC on and off. This makes it easier to estimate how long you can use them than relying on a single general battery-life figure.

Key benefit & highlights

Bluetooth 5.2, Multipoint, LDAC according to the product information, and up to 30 hours with noise cancelling switched on.

Suitable for: Specific needs & heavy use
MINISO MS106 wireless Bluetooth 6.0 earphones

MINISO MS106 wireless Bluetooth 6.0 earphones

Why it suits this profile: Wireless earbuds for commuting, the office and sport, where a compact design, microphone and splash protection are useful.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product information lists IPX5 protection and warns that the earbuds aren’t suitable for swimming or immersion. This makes their limitations clear.

Key benefit & highlights

Up to 55 hours with the charging case according to the product description, six microphones and a 10-minute fast charge for up to 3 hours of playback.

Suitable for: Staying aware of your surroundings
Lenovo LE302 wireless earclip headset

Lenovo LE302 wireless earclip headset

Why it suits this profile: The open-ear design is intended for work, walking, light exercise and everyday use when you want to stay aware of the sounds around you.

How this product avoids the pitfall

As this is an open-ear design, it doesn’t cover your ears like noise-cancelling headphones do. The product description also lists compatibility with Android, iOS and Windows.

Key benefit & highlights

Up to 25 hours of battery life according to the product information, Wireless 6.0 and a lightweight open-ear earclip design.

Looking for more options?

We’ve put together a comprehensive, 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?

Switch on Bluetooth on your phone, put your headphones or Bluetooth earbuds into pairing mode, then select the product name from the Bluetooth list. Some models pair through an app. Remove an old pairing if the product doesn’t appear, and check that the battery is sufficiently charged.

How long do wireless headphones last?

Battery life per charge varies depending on the model, volume and features such as ANC. The built-in battery’s lifespan generally decreases gradually over charging cycles. Keep your headphones dry, avoid extreme temperatures and use a suitable USB-C charger. With earbuds, the charging case is an additional item that you’ll need to look after.

Are noise-cancelling headphones suitable for cycling?

Don’t use noise cancelling in a way that makes it harder to hear traffic, sirens or other warning signals. When cycling, crossing the road or driving, follow the rules of the road and stay aware of your surroundings. Open-ear headphones may let in more surrounding noise in some situations, but they’re no substitute for staying alert.