Headphones

Headphones

Over-ear and on-ear headphones sit apart from earbuds mainly in comfort and bass. A closed-back over-ear design cups the whole ear, holds low frequencies better than anything smaller, and stays comfortable for a long session at a desk or on a flight, while on-ear models sit lighter on the head at some cost to isolation and bass depth. Active noise cancelling on either format is worth paying for specifically if you travel or work somewhere noisy, since it works better on a sealed over-ear cup than on an earbud. Wireless models add Bluetooth and a rechargeable battery, typically running 20 to 60 hours depending on the model, while wired headphones need no charging and give the most reliable connection for gaming or studio use. Kids' headphones add a volume limit as standard, which caps output regardless of the source device.

Sennheiser covers the HD 450BT and Accentum wireless ANC ranges. Marshall supplies the Major V, and Bowers and Wilkins the Px7 S2. Soundcore and Philips cover the everyday and kids' ranges. For true wireless earbuds and bone conduction models see headphones and earphones.

They are also a staple Christmas gift, so the well known models clear early rather than being restocked. Prices are live all year, so see what is reduced now on headphones and earphones on sale, or the Black Friday headphone deals.