With dozens of options for headphones, it can be hard to pick the right one.
You should choose the ones that are most appealing, last the longest, and cost you the least. Here are our top picks.
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Best battery life – Beats Studio 3 wireless
Wireless headphones running out of battery too soon are the worst.
This is especially true if your preference is for over-ear headphones during long train or flight journeys.
If battery life is your biggest worry, then the £350/$350 Beats Studio 3 wireless headphones are for you.
The batteries can be used for up to 22 hours, so they should last you through long-haul flights.
The headphones also come with Fast Fuel technology, which is quick-charging technology.
You can enjoy up to three hours of playback even if your battery is low. This is possible with a quick 10-minute recharge.
The Beats Studio 3s are a good choice for their battery life. However, other areas of their performance are below their peers.
They sound great, but feel cheap and flimsy in comparison to other models within their price range. Their noise canceling capabilities are also sub-par.
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Best cheap headphones – Sennheiser HD 250BT
It’s not easy to buy over-ear headphones within a budget. They tend to be more expensive than their in-ear counterparts.
If you’re willing to do some research, there are great deals out there.
Sennheiser HD 250BTs are a good example. They produce a great sound and won’t break the bank.
At just £28, they’re an absolute steal with a built-in microphone and up to 25 hours of battery life.
Although the design is not unique, the black plastic construction is strong. They feel cheap but can withstand a beating.
The sound quality is excellent for the price. They are built by Sennheiser so you can be sure they will last.
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Best sound – Sony WH-1000XM5
Since last year, Sony has quietly been producing some of the most high-quality wireless headphones on market.
They don’t require a lot noise around them (no pun intended), because the gadgets speak for their own sake.
They often feature at the top people’s lists. “best of”It’s not hard to see why wireless headphones make it onto the list.
The Sony WH-1000XM5 are the latest premium cans released by the Japanese tech giant and come in at £380/$399.
They have a sound quality that is unmatched. Their music has a rich, clear and punchy delivery that provides a balanced listening experience.
They also have the most advanced noise-cancelling technology available, which is undoubtedly the best money can buy.
The design is not as high-end as some headphones at this price.
They look great, but I don’t like the way they look.
These are an excellent choice if your budget is tight.
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If money is no object – Apple AirPods Max
Apple’s AirPods Max are a big buy at £549/$549 – but if you can afford them, they’re worth every penny.
They feel and look premium, with a stainless steel band and memory foam earcups.
These devices also come with premium features such as adaptive equalising, noise-cancellation and hi-fi sound. “spatial” audio.
Each cup has an Apple H1 chip built in for delivering the best-quality audio at any given time – using computational trickery.
They sound incredible, too, boasting a studio-quality level of depth that will absolutely blow you away.
They also offer some of best noise-cancellation technology.
Most people will understandably baulk at the price tag, but if you’ve got a spare £500 lying around, there are worse ways to spend it…
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