Noise-cancelling, wireless or earbuds: there is the perfect set of headphones or wireless earbuds to suit everyone’s tastes and needs right now. From the gym-goer or student to the hybrid worker or daily commuter, a great set of headphones or earbuds is a forever companion for your everyday moves. With so many models available loaded with stacks of features, finding the right headphones or wireless earbuds to suit your lifestyle can be overwhelming. Follow this simple guide to find your perfect pair.
How to Choose the Right Headphones
Battery and Charge
Consider a pair of headphones that will give you at least a day of playback, especially if you’re often on the go. Quick charge features are also handy in case of a low-battery emergency.
In-ear or over-ear
Listen to your music comfortably by picking the right fit for you and your activities. In-ear are generally more portable, while on-ear often have plush padding.
Bluetooth
Check if your headphones have a recent version of Bluetooth to make sure you’re getting all the benefits of brand new tech.
IP rating
This refers to how well your tech is protected from dust or water. The first number in the rating relates to protection from things like dust; the second relates to protection from liquids, like sweat or water.
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Great Value: Sony WHCH520 Wireless Headphones
Big on value, big on functionality. Adjustable fit settings, cushy padding and a lightweight design mean you can wear these wireless headphones comfortably all day while taking phone calls, watching your favourite TV show or chilling with your go-to beats. Just one click and you’re synced to your device thanks to their easy pairing functions and, with multipoint connection, you can switch between two devices with ease. Comes complete with a companion app to enhance your audio, customisable equaliser and bass levels, plus so much more.
Battery life: 50 hours*
Fit: On-ear
Bluetooth: 5.2
Best for Kids: JBL Junior 460 Bluetooth Noise Cancelling Headphones
With devices entering our children’s lives earlier and earlier, it’s important to find headphones that are safe for kids’ delicate little ears. Specifically designed for children, these lightweight headphones (that come in pink, blue or white) have a maximum volume set under 85dB (the average level recommended by the World Health Organisation), giving you peace of mind that kids’ inner ears are protected. The overall design is made to fit youngsters' heads and ears comfortably with the cuffs featuring soft padding, while the easy-to-use on-ear adjustment controls encourage independence.
Battery life: 20 hours*
Fit: Over-ear
Bluetooth: Bluetooth v5.0
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Great for On-the-Go: JBL Tune Beam TWS Noise Cancelling In-Ear Headphones
Whether running, walking or sitting on your daily commute, these headphones are a great pick if you’re always on the move. The ergonomic design of the buds means they fit snugly in your ear and can be worn all day without discomfort. Business meetings on the fly are a piece of cake, with four microphones ensuring crisp sound. Not only that, these headphones optimise your audio to suit your environment by toggling between two available modes: Ambient Awareness (where it tunes in the outside world to keep you alert) and Active Noise Cancelling (blocking out any interfering noises around you). With 48 hours battery life*, they’re in it for the long haul.
Battery life: 48 hours*
Fit: In-ear
Bluetooth: 5.3
IP Rating: IP54
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Everyday Companion: Google Pixel Buds Pro Bay
The Pro version of Google’s Pixel Buds deliver the compact, streamlined design and high-quality, balanced sound you’d expect, but with added features that take them to the next level. Active noise cancellation keeps your focus where it should be, while double the bandwidth results in clearer phone calls, even in windy areas. Then there’s Google Assistant in your ear, the ability to connect to multiple devices, plus helpful hearing insights for better ear health. Smart indeed.
Battery life: 31 hours*
Fit: In-ear
Bluetooth: 5.0
IP Rating: IPX4
For the Adventurer: Jabra Elite 8 Active Wireless Earbuds
As they come with military-grade ratings, a bit of sweat during your workout isn’t going to phase these wireless earbuds. These beauties are water-, dust- and shockproof so you can wear them on your toughest of hikes or take them out on the water during a paddleboard session (they withstand submersion as far as 1.5 metres). Adaptive Hybrid Active Noise Cancellation blocks out chatter and wind interference, meaning you can focus on the sound. Plus, they’re designed to stay snug on your ear no matter the pace you set or the terrain you’re on.
Battery life: 32 hours (with ANC)*
Fit: In-ear
Bluetooth: 5.3
IP Rating: Military-grade waterproof, dustproof and shockproof
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For Precise Sound: Beats Studio Pro Wireless Headphones
The Studio Pros look as good as they sound. UltraPlush cushioning cased in a smooth engineered leather provides comfort even during long sessions, while two 40mm drivers deliver precise, balanced sound, offering zero distortion at high volume. A foldable design and case make them ideal for travelling, plus the USB-C cable allows you to enjoy lossless audio (music with no loss in quality during the compression process) for a pro experience.
Battery life: 40 hours*
Fit: On ear
Bluetooth: Class 1
Tech Accessories for Your Headphones or Wireless Earbuds
Keep your new tech in good shape with these accessories for storage and charging.
- Keji Headphone Case Black Keep your headphones in great condition and scratch-free for longer 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 2m USB-A to USB-C Cable Mint Stay connected to your tunes or top up your charge using a USB-C cable.
- J.Burrows Headset Stand Protect and pop your headphones away neatly after use on a stand.
SEE ALSO: Real Review: JBL Tune 760NC Wireless Noise-Cancelling Headphones
*Battery lives quoted are results of benchmark testing by brands. Battery life will vary depending on various factors, including loaded applications, features, use, wireless functionality and power management settings. The maximum capacity of the battery will naturally decrease with time and usage.
