Choosing wireless headphones and earbuds: how to avoid a bad purchase

Wireless headphones and earbuds may seem easy to choose at first glance. But models can vary considerably in comfort, battery life, noise isolation and suitability for sport or calls. A low price may be tempting, but a poor fit, unclear battery-life claims or a lack of water resistance can quickly limit how you use them.

Look out for these three common pitfalls:

• A high battery-life claim with no clear information about the conditions. Manufacturers sometimes quote total playtime including the charging case, or measure it at a particular volume with noise cancelling switched off.
• Mistaking noise cancelling for complete silence. ANC reduces surrounding noise, but the results depend on the fit, the type of sound and the settings you use.
• Overestimating water resistance. An IPX4 or IP55 rating doesn’t mean you can submerge your earbuds or use them in heavy rain.

Which specifications matter?

1. Fit and style

First, choose between in-ear earbuds, over-ear headphones, on-ear models and open designs.

• In-ear earbuds are compact and handy for commuting. Choosing the right silicone tip is important for comfort and passive noise isolation.
• Over-ear headphones cover your ears completely. They can be comfortable for travelling, working or long listening sessions, but take up more space.
• On-ear headphones rest on your ears and are often lighter and more compact.
• Bone conduction earbuds and open-ear models let in more surrounding sound. This can be useful when walking or cycling, but your music is less isolated.

Also check the weight, whether the headband is adjustable and whether the earbuds stay securely in place when you move.

2. Battery life: check exactly what the figures mean

Headphones with long battery life are particularly handy for travel, work and everyday use. Don’t just look at one impressive figure. Check:

• playtime for the earbuds on their own;
• total playtime with the charging case;
• battery life with ANC switched on and off;
• charging time and fast-charging features;
• the type of connector, usually USB-C;
• whether wireless charging is supported.

For example, the Baseus Bass EP10 Pro lists up to 11 hours of listening at 50% volume, and up to 55 hours including the charging case. The Sony WF-C710N lists up to 30 hours with noise cancelling and 40 hours without it. These figures are based on the conditions stated in the product information, so real-world battery life may vary depending on volume, codec and use of additional features.

3. ANC, codecs and connectivity

Noise-cancelling headphones or ANC earbuds use microphones and electronics to reduce certain types of surrounding noise. Low, constant sounds such as train or aircraft noise are generally different from voices or sudden sounds. So use ANC as an aid, not as a guarantee of complete silence.

Also check:

• Bluetooth version, such as Bluetooth 5.3 or Bluetooth 5.4;
• supported codecs such as SBC, AAC and LDAC;
• multipoint connectivity for pairing with two devices;
• microphone quality for phone calls;
• compatibility with Android, iOS, a laptop or a PC.

Bluetooth 5.4 headphones won’t automatically sound better than every older model. The phone, codec, software and speakers you use also have an impact. If you mainly work on a computer, you could also browse our wireless headphones for PC.

Recommendations by user profile

Suitable for: Budget-conscious beginners

Sony WH-CH520 Wireless Bluetooth Headphones - Blue

Why it suits this profile: This on-ear model is lightweight and compact, and designed for everyday listening, calls and use with a phone or laptop.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product information lists specific features such as multipoint, USB-C and an adjustable headband, rather than relying only on general sound claims.

Key benefit & features

147 grams, Bluetooth, microphone, multipoint and up to 50 hours of battery life according to the product information.

Suitable for: Buyers looking for top quality

Sony WF-C710 True Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones

Why it suits this profile: Ideal if you’re looking for compact wireless earbuds with ANC, multipoint connectivity and adjustable features via the Sony Sound Connect app.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The stated battery life is broken down for use with and without noise cancelling. The IPX4 rating is also clearly limited to splashes and light rain.

Key benefit & features

Bluetooth 5.3, multipoint, ANC, DSEE and up to 40 hours of battery life according to the product information.

Suitable for: Specific needs & intensive use

Verbex K08 bone conduction earbuds

Why it suits this profile: Its open, lightweight design with an ear hook is made for running, cycling and situations where you want to stay aware of surrounding sounds.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The design doesn’t completely cover your ears. Do check the warnings about water and extreme temperatures, though: the product information doesn’t provide a comprehensive water-resistance rating.

Key benefit & features

Bluetooth, two-channel stereo sound, an ear hook, multipoint and a stated maximum battery life of 8 hours.

Frequently asked questions about wireless headphones and earbuds

How do I connect wireless earbuds to my phone?

Open the Bluetooth settings on your phone, put the earbuds into pairing mode and select the product name. Apple AirPods often display a pairing screen on iPhones. On Android, pairing usually takes place through the Bluetooth menu. Then check that the microphone and volume are working correctly.

How long do wireless earbuds last?

A single charge often provides between a few hours and around twelve hours of use, depending on the volume and features you use. Total battery capacity with the charging case can be much higher. The built-in battery’s lifespan decreases over time. Keep your earbuds dry, avoid exposing them to heat and charge them with a suitable USB-C charger.

Does ANC use a lot of battery?

Yes, active noise cancelling uses extra power. The difference varies from model to model, so always compare the stated battery life with ANC switched on and off. Turn ANC off when listening in a quiet room, and consider using transparency mode when you need to hear surrounding sounds.