Wireless Headphones

Wireless Headphones Offer Much More Than Music: The Main Features to Look Out For

• Expected Battery Life

  Wireless headphone battery life lasts from around eight hours up to 50 hours for more expensive models. Quick charging features are costlier but could be a great investment if you often need to power up your devices in a hurry. If you only intend to use your headphones for short walks or runs, or you’ll be able to recharge them during the day at college or work, you can save money by getting a cheaper pair.

• Comfort and Convenience

  Even the best listening experience will be spoilt by an uncomfortable set of wireless headphones. Therefore, check the ear cushions and headband have padding, so your ears aren’t put under pressure. Weight will have a significant effect on comfort levels. A lightweight pair is easier on the head, but also smaller and convenient to carry around. If you do travel frequently, foldable headphones can pack away into a smaller space and take up less room in your luggage.

• Style

  Over-ear headphones are considered the most comfortable as the cup surrounds your ear, rather than sitting directly on it. These styles are often noise-cancelling and tend to be the best wireless headphones for sound. This makes them more expensive, plus some people find the style too bulky for their liking. If you’d prefer a similar audio experience but lighter headphones, then an on-ear style could be better. The cups sit on your ears and there is a headband, but they are less heavy.

• Ease of Volume Control

  You don’t have to be near the device you are using to listen through wireless headphones, so the ability to adjust volume can be important. More expensive headsets have a built-in volume control but some cheaper pairs may not, so you’ll have to change the volume from your device. If this will become a chore, then it’s worth going for a pair which offer an onboard option so you don’t feel tethered to your phone or TV.

• Voice Assistant Integration

  Wireless headphones made by Apple or Google will work smoothly with the same brand gadgets, offering hands-free access to the assistant through voice activation and sometimes a dedicated button. You can use a range of features on your phone without having to even look at it, these include receiving notifications and controlling music playback. Other voice assistant compatible headphones will also connect with the AI but it may not be as seamless. Many wireless headphones with voice integration are at the premium end of the market, but if you want a fast and accurate way of tapping into your smartphone on the move, they could be worth it.

• Active Noise Cancellation

  Most wireless headphones have some kind of noise-cancelling capabilities which prevent background sounds from becoming too intrusive. By minimising ambient noise, they allow you to enjoy your music or podcast without having to turn the volume up. You can also speak more easily on the phone without external noise interrupting a call. Not all sounds can be blocked out by noise-cancelling wireless headphones but they are a better choice if you’ll be using them in busy or noisy places.

• Microphone

  Wireless headphones are designed to be multifunctional gadgets so many have a built-in microphone which can be used to give voice commands, take calls and participate in online games. If you plan to use them outdoors or when there is background noise, pay more for a better-quality mic because the cheaper versions will struggle to remain clear. If you’ll be using them to deliver a podcast or make regular skype calls, the sound they produce can be boosted in the settings of your PC.

• Range

  The sound quality of wireless headphones begins to degrade when they go out of range of a device, so select a pair that allows you to wander as far as you need to. The Jabra Engage 75 has an impressive Bluetooth range capacity which can reach up to 150 metres in good conditions, whilst others limit you to five or ten metres. Of course, longer ranges add to the price tag, so if you’ll only be using nearby gadgets, stick to cheaper Bluetooth wireless headphones with a reduced range.