Headphones & Earphones

Headphones & Earphones

Fit is the first decision and it matters more than the spec sheet. In-ear earphones and true wireless earbuds sit in the ear canal, pack into a pocket and suit commuting and the gym. Over-ear headphones cup the whole ear, are more comfortable for long sessions and hold the low end better, which is why they dominate at a desk or on a flight. On-ear sits between the two. Then comes connection: true wireless has no cable at all and charges in its case, neckband and wireless models keep a cable between the buds so they hang round your neck when not in use, and wired earphones still give the most reliable connection with no battery to run flat. Active noise cancelling uses microphones to counter engine and traffic noise and is the feature worth paying for if you travel. Battery life on true wireless usually runs 5 to 8 hours per charge with several more in the case. Sweat and water resistance is rated IPX4 and above for running.

Earbuds

True wireless earbuds are the largest sub-range and the default choice now for phone use. Each bud is independent, the charging case doubles as storage and top-up power, and pairing is automatic once done first time. Look at three things: total battery life including the case, whether active noise cancelling is included or only passive isolation, and the IP rating if they are going to the gym. Multipoint pairing lets one set stay connected to a phone and a laptop at once. Soundcore, Samsung, Skullcandy, JBL and Xiaomi cover the range from budget to premium.

Bone Conduction Headphones

Bone conduction headphones sit on the cheekbone in front of the ear rather than in it, sending sound through the bone to the inner ear and leaving the ear canal completely open. That means you hear traffic, cyclists and conversation at normal volume while still hearing your music or podcast, which is why runners and cyclists choose them and why they suit anyone who finds in-ear buds uncomfortable. They also work for some kinds of conductive hearing loss. The trade-off is less bass than a sealed earbud. AfterShokz supplies the range, with open-ear designs rated for sweat and rain.

Wired In-Ear Earphones

Wired earphones have no battery, no pairing and no latency, which still makes them the sensible choice for gaming, video editing and anywhere a dropped connection is unacceptable. They are also the cheapest way to get decent sound and the easiest to replace if lost. Check the connector before buying: 3.5mm jack for older phones, laptops and in-flight entertainment, USB-C for newer handsets that have dropped the headphone socket. In-line microphones and remote controls let you take calls without reaching for the phone.

Headphones & Earphones Sale

Reduced lines across earbuds, over-ear headphones and wireless earphones, where discontinued colours and previous-generation models sell below the current range price. Worth checking first if you are replacing a lost bud or buying a second set for the gym, since last season's noise cancelling model often outperforms a new budget one at the same money. Stock changes as lines clear.

Across the full range, Sony and Sennheiser cover the audiophile and noise cancelling end, Marshall and Urbanista the design-led over-ear models, and Philips the everyday wired and wireless range.