Headphones play a huge role in how you experience sound. Whether you prefer over-ear or an earbud-style design, they make music feel more alive, power your runs, make podcasts more personal and gaming more immersive.
Good quality headphones can also block out distractions, give privacy and keep you connected without disturbing others. Choosing the right headphones means thinking about comfort, sound quality and features like wireless options or noise cancellation.
This guide will help you understand what matters most so you can pick headphones that fit your lifestyle and make every listening session more enjoyable.
Key Headphone Features to Consider
Battery and Charge
For wireless headphones, battery life is crucial. Longer-lasting batteries mean fewer interruptions, letting you enjoy music, podcasts or gaming without constant recharging. Some models last more than 30 hours, while others are shorter, so consider whether you need all-day performance or if short sessions are fine. Fast charging adds convenience, with some headphones giving hours of playback in minutes.
Headphones or Earbuds
The design of your headphones plays a big role in comfort, portability and sound quality. Compact earbuds are ideal for when travelling light or working out, while on-ear headphones that rest on your ears and over-ear models that fully enclose the ear can provide better sound quality and richer bass. They’re also often more comfortable to wear for longer periods. Think about where and how you’ll use your headphones and how much you’d like to block out outside noise – this can make a difference to both convenience and your overall listening experience.
Wired or Wireless
Headphones and earbuds connect via wired or wireless options – the right choice for you will depend on what you’ll use them for and what your preference is. Wired connections deliver consistent sound with no lag or battery issues, while wireless options offer freedom of movement. Wireless options connect via Bluetooth and come in two types: traditional wireless, which have a cable between the earcups or earbuds, and true wireless earbuds, which are completely cable-free. Many wireless models feature multipoint pairing, which allows you to connect to two devices at once – like your laptop and phone – and automatically switch between them, so you can listen to music on your laptop and seamlessly take a call from your phone without having to manually disconnect or reconnect.
IP Rating
This shows how resistant headphones are to water, sweat and dust, and is important if you’re using them during workouts, when outdoors or while travelling. Products with higher IP ratings are designed for better levels of protection from these elements. For example, IPX4 handles splashes, while IPX7 can survive full immersion.
Microphones
Built-in mics are standard for most headphones and earbuds and are essential for calls, video meetings and voice commands. If you’re often taking calls outside or in a busy environment, look for noise-reducing mics for clearer conversations. Headphones with attached boom mics offer even greater clarity, so they’re perfect for gaming or professional calls where precise communication matters.
Noise Cancelling
When it comes to noise cancelling, there are a few types to know about that can change your listening experience depending on how and when you use your headphones or earbuds. Passive noise cancellation is the simplest form, relying on the snug fit of ear cups or tips to physically block noise. Active noise cancellation (ANC) uses smart tech, including tiny microphones on the inside or outside of the device, to detect and cancel out ambient sounds like the drone of a plane or office chatter.
Hybrid ANC is an even more advanced version that uses multiple microphones to detect a bigger range of noises. Adaptive noise cancellation takes ANC up another notch, using AI to adjust noise reduction to match your surroundings. Then there’s transparency mode, which lets outside sounds in so you can stay aware of what’s happening around you – perfect for walking or commuting.
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Top Picks: Headphones
Best Headphones for Seamless Multitasking: EDIFIER WH950NB Wireless ANC Over-Ear Headphones Black
Battery life: Up to 56 hours*
Connectivity: Bluetooth wireless with multipoint pairing
Fit: Over-ear
IP rating: None
Whether you’re connecting to a work meeting or enjoying your favourite playlist, these Edifier wireless headphones will make everything sound better thanks to the titanium-coated 40mm drivers and hybrid active noise cancelling that reduces noise by up to 43 decibels. Call quality stays crisp with AI noise reduction and the foldable over-ear build is ideal for taking them on the go. With Bluetooth multipoint pairing that allows you to connect to two different devices at the same time and an impressive 56-hour battery life, these headphones are all about making your day easier, whether you’re working, travelling or unwinding with a game.
Best Headphones for Portability: Beats Solo 4 Wireless On-Ear Headphones Cloud Pink
Battery life: Up to 50 hours*
Connectivity: Bluetooth wireless; USB-C or 3.5mm audio cable
Fit: On-ear
IP rating: None
Get lost in rich, detailed sound with the Beats Solo 4 headphones, which use tracking technology to sense your head movement and adjust the sound so it seems to stay in place around you, creating an immersive surround-sound experience. They’re super lightweight at just 217 grams with plush ear cushions, so you can wear them for a long flight or study session without thinking about it. You’ll get up to 50 hours of battery life, plus the Fast Fuel quick-charging feature will come in handy if you need a top-up before heading out the door – just 10 minutes of charging will give you up to five hours of playback.
Best Headphones for Focusing In: Logitech Zone Vibe 100 Headphones White
Battery life: Up to 20 hours*
Connectivity: Bluetooth wireless with multipoint pairing
Fit: Over-ear
IP Rating: None
Stay in the zone while enjoying your favourite tunes with these comfy over-ear headphones, perfect for work or study. Active noise cancellation blocks out distractions so you can concentrate, while the attached microphone keeps your calls crystal clear and automatically mutes when the mic arm is flipped up. Bluetooth connectivity lets you move freely without wires and simple side controls make it easy to adjust your audio without breaking your flow, whether you’re switching tracks, tweaking the volume or pausing for a quick chat.
Best Headphones for Long Workdays: Sony WH-1000XM6 Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones Silver
Battery life: Up to 30 hours*
Connectivity: Bluetooth wireless with multipoint pairing; 3.5mm audio cable
Fit: Over-ear
IP rating: None
The Sony WH-1000XM6 headphones have adaptive high-definition noise-cancellation to block out distractions, while AI-tech keeps your calls crystal clear. The over-ear, soft-fit design is comfortable all day and the combination of Dolby Atmos immersive audio and Sony’s Digital Sound Enhancement Engine (DSEE) sound quality upscaling technology will make your music sound incredible. With a sleek, foldable design and fast charging that gives you one hour of playback with a three-minute charge, these headphones are built for work, travel and everything in between.
Best Headphones for Everyday Listening: Sony WHCH520 Wireless Headphones Yellow
Battery life: Up to 50 hours*
Connectivity: Bluetooth wireless with multipoint pairing
Fit: On-ear
IP rating: None
Take your music and calls wherever life takes you with these lightweight headphones, weighing just 218 grams. The earcups swivel flat, making them easy to slip into your bag for everyday use or travel. Sony’s Digital Sound Enhancement Engine technology boosts audio quality, so your favourite songs sound clearer and more detailed. With built-in microphones, your calls come through crisp and clear, while USB-C charging keeps things simple. Plus, multipoint Bluetooth lets you connect to multiple devices at once, so switching between your playlist and a call is effortless.
Best Headphones for Music Lovers: Qudo Wireless Bass Boost Headphones Gold
Battery life: Up to 50 hours*
Connectivity: Bluetooth wireless; 3.5mm audio cable
Fit: Over-ear
IP rating: None
Pump up your playlists with these Qudo headphones, designed to deliver clear, rich sound with a switchable bass boost for extra depth in your favourite tracks and a cushioned over-ear design to keep comfy for long listening sessions. You’ve got the freedom to connect wirelessly with Bluetooth or plug in using the included cable. With up to 50 hours of listening time on a quick two-hour USB-C charge, plus a built-in mic for handsfree calls, these headphones are made to keep up with your day. They even come with a handy storage pouch for when you’re on the move.
Best Headphones for Gaming: JBL Quantum 360P Wireless Gaming Headset PS5
Battery life: Up to 22 hours*
Connectivity: Bluetooth or USB dongle wireless
Fit: Over-ear
IP rating: None
Step up your gaming with this JBL Quantum headset. You’ll hear every footstep, blast and explosion come through with pinpoint clarity with cinematic QuantumSOUND technology that creates positional cues, helping you hear exactly where in‑game sounds come from. The detachable boom mic keeps your team chat clear and the over-ear design with memory foam cushions keeps you comfortable for marathon sessions. You’ll have wireless freedom, plus up to 22 hours of battery life, meaning you can game for longer and without interruptions.
Top Picks: Earbuds
Best Noise-Cancelling Earbuds: EDIFIER NeoBuds Pro 3 Spatial Audio TWS with ANC Starlight
Battery life: Up to 11 hours per charge, 36 hours with charging case*
Connectivity: Bluetooth wireless with multipoint pairing
Fit: In-ear
IP rating: IP54 – dust-, water- and sweat-resistant
The NeoBuds Pro 3 are perfect for anyone who wants great sound without zero hassle. Whether you’re listening to podcasts or playlists, they deliver clear audio and come with hybrid active noise cancellation to block out distractions and keep you focused. Plus there’s AI voice tech for sharp calls, a low-latency mode that keeps sound perfectly in sync with your screen and the Edifier ConneX app lets you customise the sound to suit your style.
Best Earbuds for Outdoors: Shokz OpenFit Air True Wireless Earbuds Black
Battery life: Up to 6 hours per charge, 28 hours with charging case*
Connectivity: Bluetooth wireless with multipoint pairing
Fit: Open-ear
IP rating: IP54 – dust-, water- and sweat-resistant
Stay connected to your surroundings while enjoying your favourite tunes with these open-ear earbuds. The ergonomic earhooks keep them secure and comfy, while the OpenBass Air tech delivers deep, balanced sound for music and podcasts. Perfect for workouts or outdoor adventures, they’re water- and sweat-resistant with an IP54 rating. You’ll get up to six hours of playback on a single charge, or 28 hours with the charging case, and multipoint Bluetooth pairing makes switching between devices effortless.
Best Earbuds for Working on the Go: Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Silver
Battery life: Up to 6 hours per charge, 26 hours with charging case*
Connectivity: Bluetooth wireless with multipoint pairing for Samsung devices
Fit: In-ear
IP rating: IP57 – dust-resistant and waterproof up to one metre for 30 minutes
Take your workday to the next level with these earbuds that deliver crystal-clear sound with deep bass, rich mids and crisp highs. Samsung’s built-in Galaxy AI technology adapts your volume to match your surroundings, while adaptive noise control helps block distractions so you can focus anywhere. The sleek bladed design isn’t just stylish – it’s built for all-day comfort, staying secure whether you’re at your desk, in a meeting or hitting the gym. With multipoint Bluetooth for easy pairing and USB-C charging, these buds are ready to keep up with your busy day.
Best Earbuds for Everyday Listening: Sudio A3 True Wireless Earbuds Pink
Battery life: Up to 7 hours per charge, 30 hours with charging case*
Connectivity: Bluetooth wireless
Fit: In-ear
IP rating: IPX4 – water- and sweat-resistant
Enjoy all-day listening with these lightweight earbuds that deliver clear, balanced sound and a comfy fit. With five hours of playback per charge and 25 hours total using the case, they’re built to keep up, whether you’re working out or on the move. Bluetooth connectivity and enhanced mics make calls effortless, while the IPX4 water-resistant design ensures they can handle sweat or splashes. Finished in a vibrant pink and crafted from recycled materials, they’re as stylish as they are practical.
Best Earbuds for Sport: Beats Powerbeats Fit True Wireless Earbuds Gravel Grey
Battery life: 7 hours per charge, 30 hours with charging case*
Connectivity: Apple H1 chip for seamless wireless connectivity
Fit: In-ear
IP Rating: IPX4 – water- and sweat-resistant
Designed for active lifestyles, these earbuds stay secure with flexible wingtips for a snug, comfy fit. Enjoy powerful, balanced sound with Adaptive EQ, which adjusts audio to match your fit, and choose between active noise cancellation to block distractions or transparency mode, which allows outside noise to filter in so you can stay aware of your surroundings. Sweat- and water-resistant with an IPX4 rating, they’re built to handle rain, heat or tough workouts. Plus, a quick five-minute charge gives you up to an hour of playback when you’re running low. With four ear tip sizes to ensure the perfect fit, these earbuds are ready to move with you.
Top Picks: Kids’ Earphones
Best Wireless Headphones for Kids: JBL JR470 Kids Bluetooth Noise Cancelling Headphones White
Battery life: Up to 50 hours*
Connectivity: Bluetooth wireless
Fit: Over-ear
IP Rating: None
These kids’ headphones feature noise-cancelling tech that lets them dive into their favourite tunes or shows, while the full-size over-ear design with an adjustable headband ensures all-day comfort. With Bluetooth connectivity and up to 50 hours of playtime per charge, they’ll be sorted for school, travel and home time. Designed with JBL Safe Sound, the volume stays under 85 decibels to protect young ears. Parents can customise volume limits and listening time through the JBL Headphones app, with real-time usage reports and PIN-protected settings for added peace of mind.
Best Wired Headphones for Kids: Belkin SoundForm Mini Wired On-Ear Headphones Blue
Battery life: Not applicable (wired headphones)
Connectivity: 3.5mm audio cable
Fit: On-ear
IP Rating: None
Keep young ears safe with these wired headphones that limit volume to 85 decibels to protect hearing. The soft ear-cushioning and adjustable headband ensure a comfy fit, while durable materials stand up to spills and everyday use. Perfect for school, travel or downtime at home, they also include a built-in mic and one-button control for easy chats with teachers, friends or family.
Best All-Rounder for Kids: Studymate Purrmaid Wireless Headphones
Battery life: Up to 5 hours*
Connectivity: Bluetooth wireless; 3.5mm audio cable
Fit: On-ear
IP Rating: None
These colourful headphones are perfect for families wanting flexibility and fun. Connect wirelessly via Bluetooth or switch to the included audio cable for wired listening – ideal for when the battery runs low. The 85-decibel volume cap and cushioned on-ear design will keep young ears safe and comfy, whether they’re learning online, watching their favourite shows or enjoying music during creative play.
Tech Accessories for Your Headphones or Wireless Earbuds
Charge, connect and keep your new tech in good shape with these handy accessories.
- Keji Headphone Case Black or Keji Earphone Case Black: Protect your headphones or earbuds when you’re not using them with a protective case.
- Otto Powerbank 18W Euphoric Blue: Make the most of quick-charge features and grab a pocket powerbank for non-stop tunes.
- Otto On The Go USB-C Retractable Cable Tan: Stay connected to your tunes or top up your charge using a USB-C cable.
- Otto Eclectic Pop Headphone Stand: Pop your headphones away neatly after use on a stand.
- Sudio FLYG Wireless Audio Adaptor: Connect your wireless Bluetooth headphones to analogue devices such as TVs, portable game consoles and in-flight entertainment.
- J.Burrows 20 Piece Electronic Cleaning Kit: Keep your headphones or earbuds looking and sounding their best with specialised device cleaning tools.
SEE ALSO: 12 of the Best Tech Gifts for Christmas
*Battery life/runtime may vary and is dependent on various factors including configuration, features, usage and settings. Battery run times quoted are typically results of benchmark testing by brands.
