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Wireless headphones may seem easy to choose at first. However, models vary considerably in comfort, connectivity, microphone quality and battery life. A low price can be tempting, but an awkward fit, limited compatibility or a mediocre microphone can make a product less suitable for everyday use.
This guide helps you turn marketing claims into specifications you can check. That way, you can find Bluetooth headphones, a wireless headset or true wireless earbuds to suit how you use them in the UK.
Manufacturers often quote the maximum playback time under specific conditions. Noise cancelling, volume, codec, phone calls and temperature can all affect actual battery life. So check whether the stated battery life applies with or without ANC.
For example, the Sony WF-C710N is quoted as offering up to 30 hours with noise cancelling and up to 40 hours without it. The Sony WH-1000XM5 offers up to 30 hours with noise cancelling and up to 40 hours without it. This difference matters if you mainly use your headphones on the train or when flying.
Noise-cancelling headphones use microphones and electronics to reduce background noise. How well they work depends on the fit, the type of sound and the selected mode. Low, constant sounds are generally handled differently from voices or sudden noises.
According to Edifier’s product information, the Atom Max offers up to -44 dB of hybrid active noise cancellation. This is a claim made by Edifier, not a general guarantee for every user. If you want to remain aware of your surroundings when you’re out and about, also check whether the headphones have a transparency mode.
Over-ear headphones surround your ears and can be comfortable for longer listening sessions, but they’re often larger and warmer. On-ear headphones sit on your ears and are usually lighter and more compact, but some users may find they cause pressure more quickly.
True wireless earbuds are small and easy to carry around. However, the fit varies from ear to ear. For this type, check which ear tip sizes are included, whether there’s a charging case and how water-resistant the model is.
Bluetooth 5.2, 5.3 or 5.4 mainly tells you which connection standard is used. It doesn’t automatically mean that every device supports all the features. Check that your smartphone, laptop, tablet or games console is compatible.
For gaming, a 2.4GHz dongle can have advantages over Bluetooth alone, as a gaming headset will often use it to connect directly to a PC or console. The Razer Barracuda X supports 2.4GHz via a USB-C dongle, Bluetooth 5.2 and a 3.5mm connection. A wired option is useful when the battery runs out.
Headphones with a microphone are suitable for working from home, online meetings and phone calls, but the number of microphones doesn’t tell you everything about how clearly you’ll be heard. Check the microphone’s position, whether you can mute it and whether it has noise reduction for calls.
A wired 3.5mm headset, such as the Logitech H150, is easy to connect to devices with a compatible socket. According to the product description, this model has an adjustable microphone with noise reduction, but it isn’t a wireless headset. That makes it most suitable as an affordable option for a fixed workstation.
Long battery life is handy for everyday travel. Also check the weight and charging port. The Sony WH-CH520 weighs 147 grams and has a USB-C port. The Bose QuietComfort weighs 240 grams and has a quoted maximum battery life of 24 hours. The Soundcore Space One offers up to 55 hours of battery life and weighs 259 grams.
Watch out for conflicting claims: some product pages, for example, quote 40 or 50 hours for the same model, depending on the measurement method used. So use the current product specifications on the product page as your guide.
Why it suits this profile: Lightweight on-ear headphones for music, calls and everyday use without a cable.
The product specifications list Bluetooth, multipoint and a USB-C charging port. You can pair it with a phone and laptop without having to reconnect each time.
147 grams, microphone, Bluetooth and up to 40 hours of battery life according to the product information.
Why it suits this profile: Over-ear headphones for travel, work and extended listening, with active noise cancellation for when it matters most.
The product specifications list active noise cancelling, multipoint, a 3.5mm connection and 30 hours of battery life with ANC.
Over-ear fit, Bluetooth 5.2, microphone, multipoint and support for a wired connection.
Why it suits this profile: For gamers who want to play or make calls on PC, console and mobile devices, with several connection options to choose from.
The headset works via 2.4GHz, Bluetooth 5.2 and 3.5mm. That means you’re not reliant on just one wireless connection.
Detachable cardioid microphone, 40mm drivers, USB-C dongle and up to 50 hours of battery life according to the product specifications.
Why it suits this profile: Foldable over-ear headphones with active noise cancellation, ideal for commuting and office use.
The stated specifications list Bluetooth 5.4, multipoint, a built-in microphone and a USB-C audio connection.
40mm drivers, foldable design, dual-device connectivity and up to -44 dB hybrid ANC according to Edifier.
We’ve put together a complete, up-to-date list of products that meet these strict selection criteria and the current European safety requirements.
Switch on the headphones and activate pairing mode. Then open the Bluetooth settings on your phone and select the model name. Some Sony, Bose and Samsung models also let you use an app for the equaliser, updates or multipoint. If the connection doesn’t work, first remove any old pairing and try again.
Their lifespan depends on battery capacity, charging habits, hinges, ear pads and exposure to moisture. A model with replaceable ear pads may remain useful for longer. Store your headphones somewhere dry, charge them with a suitable cable and avoid listening at high volumes for extended periods.
The electricity used to charge them generally costs very little. The main additional costs may be replacement ear pads, a charging cable or replacing the headphones if the built-in battery loses capacity. A wired headset, such as the Logitech H150, doesn’t have a built-in battery, but does offer less freedom of movement.
