Choosing wireless headphones: what should you consider before buying?

A pair of wireless headphones may seem simple to choose at first glance. However, there can be major differences in comfort, battery life, microphone quality and sound isolation. A low price may be appealing, but an uncomfortable fit or limited connectivity often only becomes apparent after a few days of use.

The following pitfalls are common:

• Battery claims without a clear usage mode: the stated playback time may apply without noise cancelling, at a specific volume level or under ideal conditions.
• Noise cancelling that is not suited to every situation: active noise cancellation works mainly against constant sounds, such as aircraft engines or train noise. Voices and sudden sounds may still be audible.
• The wrong fit: on-ear headphones rest on your ears and are often compact, while over-ear headphones surround your ears. This difference affects comfort, warmth and sound isolation.
• An average microphone: a model may sound excellent for music but be less suitable for meetings or phone calls. Therefore, check that headphones with a microphone are explicitly listed in the specifications.

The key specifications explained

1. On-ear or over-ear?

On-ear headphones have smaller ear cushions that rest on your ears. This type is often lightweight and easy to carry around. According to the product specifications, the Sony WH-CH520 weighs 147 grams and has an adjustable headband. This makes this type practical for commuting and everyday use.

Over-ear headphones completely surround your ears. This can be more comfortable during long train journeys, working from home or listening in a busy environment. However, pay attention to the weight and pressure around your ears. The Sony WH-1000XM5 weighs 250 grams, while the Sony WH-CH720N weighs 192 grams. The difference may seem small, but it can become noticeable during extended wear.

2. Battery life: consider the conditions

Do not just look at “up to so many hours”. Check whether the stated battery life applies with or without active noise cancelling.

Examples from the product specifications:

• The Sony WH-CH520 is described as offering up to 50 hours of playback, while the technical specifications also state 40 hours. Always check the current product page and usage conditions.
• The Sony WH-CH720N states up to 50 hours without noise cancelling and 35 hours with noise cancelling.
• According to the product specifications, the Sony WH-1000XM5 offers 40 hours without and 30 hours with noise cancelling.
• The Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4 Wireless states a battery life of up to 60 hours.
• The Marshall Major V is specified as offering more than 100 hours of wireless use.

Fast charging is particularly useful if you often forget to charge your headphones. For example, the Sony WH-CH520 states that 3 minutes of charging provides 1.5 hours of use. According to Marshall’s product information, 15 minutes of charging provides up to 15 hours of use.

3. Bluetooth, multipoint and connections

A recent Bluetooth version does not automatically tell you everything about the connection. Also check whether the model supports multipoint. This allows you to connect the headphones to a laptop and smartphone at the same time, for example. You can then switch more easily between a Teams call and your music.

A Bluetooth pair of headphones with a 3.5mm connection can also be used with a cable when the battery is flat. According to the product information, the Sony WH-1000XM5 and Sony ULT WEAR have a detachable cable. Multipoint pairing is not listed for the Apple AirPods Max, which is worth considering if you often switch between devices.

For phone calls, microphone information and environmental filtering are important. Brand descriptions sometimes use terms such as “clear calls” or “AI noise cancellation”. Treat these as claims made by the brand. According to Edifier’s own product information, the Atom Max uses a noise-cancelling microphone. In practice, however, quality also depends on the surroundings, the connection and the device being used.

Our recommendations by user profile

Suitable for: Budget-conscious beginners

Sony WH-CH520 Wireless Bluetooth Headphones - Yellow

Why it suits this profile: This lightweight on-ear model is designed for everyday use, with Bluetooth, a microphone and multipoint connectivity for smartphones and laptops.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product specifications explicitly state the weight, battery information and multipoint support. This allows you to check in advance whether the model suits your devices and intended usage.

Key benefit & advantages

147 grams, USB-C, microphone, multipoint and a stated battery life of up to 50 hours.

Suitable for: Buyers looking for top quality

Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Headphones with Noise Cancelling - Black

Why it suits this profile: This over-ear model is designed for travelling, working from home and focused listening, with active noise cancelling and multipoint.

How this product avoids the pitfall

Battery life is listed separately for use with and without noise cancelling. The specifications also include Bluetooth codecs, microphone, cable and multipoint details.

Key benefit & advantages

Active noise cancelling, LDAC support, multipoint, USB-C and a 3.5mm connection.

Suitable for: Specific uses & intensive users

Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4 Wireless

Why it suits this profile: Wireless over-ear headphones for long listening sessions and travelling, aimed at users who value extensive customisation options.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The stated playback time, fast-charging function, app settings and wired-use option make it clear what this model is designed for.

Key benefit & advantages

Up to 60 hours of battery life according to the product information, active noise cancelling, four microphones and a 3.5mm cable.

Frequently asked questions about wireless headphones

How do I connect Bluetooth headphones to my smartphone?

Turn on Bluetooth on your smartphone, put the headphones into pairing mode and select the model from the list of available devices. For some models, Swift Pair, Fast Pair or a brand app can help with the initial setup. After pairing, check that both music and phone calls are routed through the headphones.

How long do wireless headphones last?

Usage time per charge varies depending on the model and settings. Battery performance decreases over time as a result of charging cycles. Keep the headphones dry, avoid extreme heat and use a suitable USB-C cable or charger. A model with a wired mode remains usable when the battery is flat.

Is noise cancelling worth the extra cost?

That depends on how you plan to use the headphones. Active noise cancelling can be useful on train journeys, flights and in a busy office. For quiet use at home, a standard pair of wireless headphones may be sufficient. Always check the battery life with noise cancelling switched on, the weight and whether a transparency mode is available if you want to remain aware of surrounding sounds.