Choosing wireless headphones might seem straightforward: select Bluetooth, check the battery life and consider the price. But small differences can have a big impact on day-to-day use. An uncomfortable fit, disappointing noise cancellation or unclear battery-life claims can make a purchase less appealing after just a few weeks.
So don’t focus only on marketing terms such as “Hi-Res”, “AI calls” or “long battery life”. Check the verifiable specifications and think about what you’ll mainly use your headphones for: travelling, working from home, listening to music, making calls or exercising.
Manufacturers usually quote maximum playback time with ANC switched off and under specific conditions. For example, the CMF Headphone Pro is quoted as offering up to 100 hours without ANC and up to 48 hours with ANC. According to the product description, the Sony WH-1000XM5 offers up to 40 hours without noise cancellation and 30 hours with ANC.
So always compare like with like. Headphones offering 30 hours of battery life with ANC switched on may be more practical for air travel than a model with a higher maximum quoted with ANC switched off.
Noise-cancelling headphones use microphones and electronics to reduce sounds that are particularly constant, such as train or aircraft noise. Voices, sudden noises and wind may still be audible. According to the Sony WH-CH720N product description, you can adjust the ANC level in the app; that doesn’t mean every sound around you will disappear completely.
Also check whether there’s a transparency mode. It’s useful when you want to stay aware of your surroundings at a station, in an office or outdoors.
Over-ear headphones cover your ears and usually provide more physical sound isolation. On-ear headphones sit on your ears and are often lighter and more compact. Neither style is automatically right for everyone.
Consider the weight, how adjustable the headband is and the shape of the ear cushions. According to the product specifications, a lightweight model such as the Sony WH-CH520 weighs 147 grams. Over-ear headphones may offer more comfort around your ears, but they can also be noticeably heavier, as with the 283-gram CMF Headphone Pro.
There are several things to consider when choosing ANC headphones:
According to Sony’s own product information, the WH-1000XM5 uses four microphones and dual processors for noise cancellation. This is a brand claim; your experience may depend on the fit, your surroundings and the settings you use.
As well as maximum playback time, compare:
According to the product description, the UGREEN HiTune Max5c offers 75 hours without ANC and 45 hours with ANC. The Sony WH-CH720N offers up to 50 hours without ANC and 35 hours with ANC. These figures are useful for comparison, but actual battery life can vary depending on volume, codec, calls and temperature.
Bluetooth 5.2, 5.4 or a similar version tells you mainly about the wireless connection; it isn’t a direct guarantee of sound quality. Check which codecs are supported, too. According to the product information, the CMF Headphone Pro and UGREEN HiTune Max5c support LDAC, as well as AAC and SBC. However, the audible difference also depends on the audio source, the device you use and the content you’re listening to.
If you mainly listen to podcasts, comfort and clear phone calls may matter more than an advanced codec. For music, an app with an equaliser can be useful for adjusting the sound to suit your preferences.
Why it suits this profile: Lightweight on-ear headphones for everyday listening, online calls and use with a laptop and smartphone.
The product specifications list a weight of 147 grams and multipoint connectivity. Do check the latest battery-life information: the description says up to 50 hours, while a specification field lists 40 hours.
147 grams, USB-C, microphone, multipoint connectivity and support for the Sony Headphones Connect app.
Why it suits this profile: Designed for users who value over-ear comfort, ANC, spatial audio and the option to listen both wirelessly and with a cable.
The cable connection gives you an alternative when Bluetooth or the battery isn’t available. Please note: according to the product information, a charger isn’t included.
Bluetooth 5.4, ANC, Cinema Mode, Bose Immersive Audio and a detachable cable with USB-C and 3.5mm connections.
Why it suits this profile: A good choice for long working days, travelling and users who value adjustable ANC modes and plenty of listening time.
The product information clearly distinguishes between 100 hours without ANC and 48 hours with ANC. The ear cushions are also replaceable, which is useful if you use your headphones intensively.
40mm drivers, LDAC, four ANC modes, adaptive ANC, multipoint connectivity and up to 8 hours of extra use from 5 minutes of fast charging, according to the product description.
We’ve put together a complete, up-to-date list of products that meet these strict selection criteria and the applicable European safety regulations.
Switch on your headphones and hold down the power or Bluetooth button until pairing mode is active. Then open the Bluetooth settings on your smartphone and select the product name. Setup may be quicker with models that support Fast Pair or Swift Pair. If you’re using multipoint, check that both devices have been paired separately.
Battery life per charge depends on volume, ANC, calls and Bluetooth settings. The physical lifespan is affected by daily use, hinges, ear cushions and the built-in battery. A model with replaceable ear cushions, such as the CMF Headphone Pro according to the product information, can be a practical choice if you use your headphones intensively.
Charging via USB-C generally uses little power compared with larger household appliances. The actual cost depends on how often you charge and the charging power used. Use a suitable USB power supply and don’t charge the battery if the cable or casing is damaged. Switch off ANC when you don’t need it if you want to extend battery life.