Buying wireless headphones: how to choose a model that suits the way you use them

A wireless pair of headphones may seem easy to choose at first glance. However, models vary considerably in comfort, battery life, microphone quality and noise cancellation. A low price can be tempting, but an unclear battery claim or poor fit can quickly lead to disappointment.

Pay particular attention to these three common pitfalls:

• Battery life without context: “Up to 50 hours” often applies without active noise cancellation, at a particular volume and under ideal conditions.
• ANC as a marketing term: active noise cancellation reduces background noise, but it will not make a train, office or aeroplane completely silent. Its effectiveness varies depending on the frequency and fit.
• Comfort is underestimated: a heavy over-ear pair of headphones may be comfortable at home but less suitable for commuting. An on-ear model is lighter, but blocks out less background noise.

Which specifications matter?

1. Over-ear, on-ear or in-ear

An over-ear pair of headphones sits around the ear. This can create a more enclosed listening experience and provides room for larger ear cushions. Models such as the Soundcore Space One and Sony WH-CH720N are designed for music, calls and everyday use.

An on-ear pair of headphones rests on the ear. These models are generally compact and lightweight, such as the 147-gram Sony WH-CH520. They are convenient for travelling, but may put pressure on your ears after extended use.

Wireless earbuds are smaller and easy to carry around. With in-ear models, check whether several ear-tip sizes are included. A good fit affects both comfort and how much background noise you can hear.

2. ANC and transparency mode

A noise-cancelling pair of headphones, also known as ANC headphones, uses microphones and electronics to reduce certain background sounds. Low, consistent noises such as train or aeroplane engines are often better suited to ANC than sudden voices or traffic noise.

According to the product description, Edifier claims up to -44 dB noise reduction for the Atom Max. According to the product description, Baseus states up to -45 dB for the EH10 NC and up to -50 dB for the Bass EP10 Pro. These are stated brand or product claims, not a guarantee of the same experience in every environment.

A transparency mode can be particularly useful in the street or at the office. Do not use headphones while cycling, driving or in any other situation where you need to be fully aware of your surroundings.

3. Battery, charging and calls

Do not only look at the maximum playback time. Also consider:

• battery life with ANC switched on;
• a charging port, preferably USB-C;
• fast-charging functionality;
• talk time;
• multipoint support, so you can connect your phone and laptop at the same time, for example.

A pair of headphones with long battery life is practical for travelling and working days. The Soundcore Space One states up to 55 hours of use. The Sony WH-CH720N states up to 50 hours without noise cancellation and 35 hours with noise cancellation. The stated duration may vary depending on the source or product specification, so always check which usage mode is meant.

For making calls, you need a pair of headphones with a microphone, but the number of microphones does not tell you everything about call quality. Also consider call noise cancellation, microphone placement and experiences of using the headphones outdoors.

Our recommendations by user profile

Suitable for: Budget-conscious beginners

Soundcore Space One Over-Ear Headphones - Soft Pink

Why it suits this profile: An over-ear model for everyday listening, calls and work, with Bluetooth, USB-C and a distinctive pink finish.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The battery claim is linked to a specific figure: up to 55 hours. Bear in mind that using ANC, higher volume levels and phone calls may reduce the actual battery life.

Key benefit & advantages

Over-ear fit, Bluetooth connectivity, USB-C charging and a stated battery life of up to 55 hours.

Suitable for: Shoppers looking for premium quality

Edifier Atom Max Foldable Over-Ear Headset

Why it suits this profile: Designed for users who value sound settings, multipoint and a foldable design for work and travel.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product information lists hybrid ANC, an integrated microphone and connection to two devices. Before buying, check which features are available through the app.

Key benefit & advantages

40mm drivers, Bluetooth 5.4, multipoint and a stated playback time of up to 45 hours.

Suitable for: Specific uses & intensive users

Baseus EH10 NC Bluetooth Headphones Black

Why it suits this profile: An over-ear Bluetooth pair of headphones for long working days, travelling and frequent phone calls.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The stated battery life is broken down: up to 80 hours without ANC and 55 hours with ANC. According to the product description, five microphones are included for calls.

Key benefit & advantages

LDAC support, USB-C fast charging, hybrid ANC and a stated playback time of up to 80 hours without ANC.

Avoid common buying mistakes

Before placing your order, check the following points:

1. Compare the same measurement method. Battery life without ANC is not directly comparable with battery life with ANC.
2. Choose the right fit. Over-ear is suitable if you want the headphones to sit around your ears; on-ear is more compact; in-ear is the most portable.
3. Check the connection. Bluetooth 5.2, 5.3 or 5.4 indicates the version used, but does not automatically tell you anything about sound quality. Codec support, such as AAC, SBC or LDAC, is also relevant.
4. Check protection against moisture. IPX4 or IP55 does not mean that a product can be submerged. Follow the manufacturer’s specific safety information.
5. Watch out for conflicting information. Does one section state 40 hours while another says 50 hours? Check whether the difference is due to ANC, the charging case or another measurement method.

For music and calls, a model with a built-in microphone and multipoint is practical. For sport, wireless earbuds with a suitable water-resistance rating may be more convenient. If you mainly travel, you will often get more use from a foldable over-ear pair of headphones with ANC and USB-C than from a lightweight on-ear model.

Frequently asked questions about wireless headphones

How do I connect wireless headphones to my phone?

First charge the headphones, switch on Bluetooth on your phone and put the model into pairing mode. Then select the product name from the Bluetooth list. With some models, apps such as Sony Sound Connect, Sony Headphones Connect or a brand-specific application can help with settings and firmware updates.

How long do wireless headphones last?

Battery life per charge ranges from a few hours for earbuds to dozens of hours for over-ear models. Battery capacity decreases over time. High volume levels, ANC, phone calls and a poor Bluetooth connection can shorten playback time. Keep the product dry and charge it using a suitable USB-C cable.

Do wireless headphones use extra electricity?

Power consumption while charging is generally limited. The main costs are the purchase price and any accessories, such as a replacement charging cable or earbuds. A model with fast charging and long battery life needs to be connected to the charger less often, which is particularly convenient for everyday use.