Wireless headphones may seem simple to choose at first. However, models vary considerably in comfort, battery life, sound quality and connectivity. A low price can be tempting, but a poor fit, limited microphone performance or lack of noise cancelling can make them disappointing to use every day.
These points will help you compare Bluetooth headphones for music, travel, working from home and calls.
Manufacturers often quote battery life under specific conditions. ANC, high volume, phone calls and features such as spatial audio can all reduce listening time. So always compare:
Headphones with long battery life are especially useful for train journeys, flights and long working days. For example, the CMF Headphone Pro is listed as offering up to 100 hours without ANC and up to 48 hours with ANC. These figures relate to different usage conditions and won’t represent the same listening time for everyone.
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 mode selected. Low, constant sounds such as train or aircraft noise are generally different from voices or sudden noises.
So check whether the model has:
According to the product information, the Sony WH-CH720N offers adjustable noise cancelling through the Sony Headphones Connect app. The UGREEN HiTune Max5c has ANC, normal and transparency modes, according to its product description.
Terms such as hi-res audio, LDAC and spatial audio don’t just depend on the headphones. Your smartphone, the app you use and the audio source also need to be compatible. What’s more, a codec alone won’t determine whether the sound suits your preferences.
Alongside marketing terms, look for specifications you can check:
On-ear headphones rest on your ears. This type is often compact and lightweight. The Sony WH-CH520 weighs 147 grams and has an adjustable headband, according to its specifications. This makes it suitable for everyday use and listening on the go, but its earcups block out less background noise than an over-ear model.
Over-ear headphones fully enclose your ears. They can offer greater comfort and passive noise isolation, but are usually larger and heavier. Examples include the 250-gram Sony WH-1000XM5, the 264-gram Edifier Atom Max and the 283-gram CMF Headphone Pro.
Don’t just compare the highest figure on the packaging. Check the battery life with ANC switched on, too. Here are a few examples from the product information:
The Sony WH-CH520’s product description states up to 50 hours, while a technical specification lists 40 hours. Always check the current product page and the version you’ve selected before buying.
Headphones with multipoint can connect to two devices at the same time. This is useful if you switch between a laptop and smartphone while working. The Sony WH-CH520, Sony WH-CH720N, Sony WH-1000XM5, CMF Headphone Pro and Sonos Ace all list this feature in their product information.
The microphones also matter if you want headphones for music and calls. Look for background noise filtering, controls on the earcup and support for voice assistants. Good music playback doesn’t automatically mean calls will sound clear, too.
Why it suits this profile: This lightweight on-ear model is a good choice for music, podcasts and calls if you don’t want to go straight for heavier ANC headphones. Its headband is adjustable, and multipoint is handy for connecting to a smartphone and laptop.
The specifications list a weight of 147 grams and multipoint connectivity. Do check the current battery life information, though, as the product details state both 40 and up to 50 hours.
Lightweight design, USB-C, microphone, multipoint and support for the Sony Headphones Connect app.
Why it suits this profile: This over-ear model is aimed at users who value ANC, multipoint and LDAC support for travel, listening to music and working.
The stated battery life is broken down into 30 hours with ANC and 40 hours without ANC. A cable is also included for wired listening.
Over-ear design, active noise cancelling, LDAC, multipoint, app controls and quick charging.
Why it suits this profile: For long working days, travel and frequent listening, the range of ANC modes, multipoint and impressive stated battery life are practical features.
The product information distinguishes between battery life with ANC switched on and off. The ear cushions are replaceable, and there’s also a transparency mode.
40mm drivers, LDAC, hybrid ANC, up to 100 hours without ANC and up to 8 hours of use from a 5-minute charge, according to the product information.
We’ve put together a complete, up-to-date list of products that meet these strict selection criteria and the current European safety regulations.
Switch on the headphones and activate pairing mode. Then open your smartphone’s Bluetooth settings and select the model name. On some devices, Google Fast Pair or Microsoft Swift Pair can speed up the initial connection. Once paired, check that the correct audio device is selected.
Listening time per charge varies by model and settings. The lifespan of the headphones also depends on charging cycles, hinges, ear cushions and day-to-day care. Keep them dry, use a suitable USB-C cable and avoid exposing them to heat. Replaceable ear cushions, such as those on the CMF Headphone Pro, can be useful if you use your headphones a lot.
Not necessarily. If you mainly listen at home, a lightweight pair of on-ear headphones may be enough. ANC can be more useful for train journeys or a busy office. So start by comparing how you’ll use them, along with fit, battery life, microphone and connectivity features. That way, you’ll only pay for specifications you’ll actually use.