How to choose headphones
Start with where you will use them. True wireless earbuds are the easiest choice for everyday use and commuting, over-ear headphones last longer and suit flights and the office, and open-ear models let you hear the street while walking or running. For films at home see our soundbars, and for music with friends see wireless speakers.
Popular choices
Apple AirPods Pro 3
Active noise cancelling, a heart rate sensor for workouts and up to 8 h with ANC for iPhone users.
Huawei FreeBuds Pro 5
Dual-driver system, L2HC 4.0 codec and up to 38 h of music with the charging case.
Samsung Galaxy Buds4
Adaptive noise cancelling, Bluetooth 6.1 with LE Audio and the Auto Switch feature.
JBL Live 780 NC
Over-ear headphones with Adaptive ANC 2.0 and up to 80 h of playback with ANC off.
Which type to choose
| Type | Best for | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| True wireless (in-ear) | everyday use, commuting, sport | Apple AirPods 4, Samsung Galaxy Buds3 FE, Redmi Buds 8 Active |
| Over-ear | flights, office, long listening sessions | JBL Live 780NC, Nothing Headphone (1) Pro |
| On-ear | light, foldable, long battery life | JBL Tune 520BT, JBL Tune 680NC |
| Open-ear and bone conduction | running, cycling, office | Huawei FreeClip 2, Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 |
| Wired gaming | PC and game consoles | ROG Delta S Core |
What to check in the specs
- Noise cancelling (ANC). Makers state the depth of cancelling in decibels: Redmi Buds 8 Pro up to 55 dB, Nothing Ear (3) up to 45 dB. If the specs only mention call noise cancelling, the microphones remove background noise during calls, but you still hear your surroundings during music.
- Battery life. For true wireless earbuds look at two numbers: on a single charge and with the case, for example Huawei FreeBuds SE 4 ANC up to 10 h and up to 50 h. With ANC switched on the time is shorter.
- Connection and codecs. Multipoint keeps the earbuds connected to a phone and a laptop at the same time. LDAC (Nothing, Redmi Buds 8 Pro) and L2HC (Huawei) carry more data on compatible Android phones, while iPhone uses AAC.
- Water resistance. IP54 means protection against dust, sweat and splashes, and IP57 also survives brief immersion. Often only the earbuds are protected, not the case.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use AirPods with an Android phone?
Yes, over Bluetooth they work as regular wireless earbuds, but Apple states that features are limited with other devices. Android users will get more from Samsung, Huawei, Nothing or Redmi earbuds with their own app.
What is the difference between ANC and transparency mode?
ANC uses microphones to cancel the noise around you. Transparency mode (Transparency, Ambient Aware) does the opposite: it lets outside sound into the earbuds, so you can hear announcements or a conversation without taking them out.
Are wireless earbuds good for gaming?
Bluetooth earbuds have a small audio delay. Huawei FreeBuds SE 4 ANC offer a low-latency game mode on compatible Huawei devices. For a PC and consoles a wired headset is the safer choice, for example ROG Delta S Core with a 3.5 mm connection and a detachable microphone.
