Joybuy Insights

Buying Bluetooth Headphones: A Guide to Sound, Comfort and Everyday Use

For many people, Bluetooth headphones are part of their everyday essentials: for the commute, working from home, exercise or travel. There’s plenty of choice, from compact true wireless earbuds to large over-ear headphones with active noise cancellation. But a high price or a long list of features doesn’t guarantee that a model will suit your daily routine.

Common pitfalls when buying Bluetooth headphones

1. Long battery life without a clear basis for comparison

Manufacturers often quote battery life under different conditions. Some figures apply only with noise cancelling switched off, while others include the charging case. When comparing in-ear headphones, it’s important to distinguish between earbud battery life and total battery life, including the charging case.

For example, according to the product details, the Samsung Galaxy Buds4 Pro offer up to 6 hours with noise cancelling switched on and up to 7 hours without ANC. With the charging case, the figures are up to 26 and 30 hours respectively. These figures aren’t directly comparable with the battery life of large over-ear headphones.

2. Treating the Bluetooth version as the only measure of quality

Bluetooth 5.3 or Bluetooth 6.0 might sound impressive at first. But real-world performance also depends on supported profiles, codec compatibility, multipoint functionality and the stability of your smartphone. A newer Bluetooth version doesn’t automatically mean better sound.

For calls, you should also check whether headphones with a microphone deliver clear speech. Multiple microphones, beamforming or ambient noise reduction can help, depending on the design, but they’re no substitute for checking the product details carefully.

3. Mistaking noise cancelling for complete silence

Noise-cancelling headphones reduce certain constant sounds, such as the noise of trains or aeroplanes. Voices, sudden noises and wind may still be audible. When near traffic, cycling or running outdoors, use ambient mode or switch off noise cancelling if you need to stay aware of your surroundings.

The key things to consider

Fit and style: over-ear, on-ear, in-ear or open-ear

  • Over-ear headphones: Fully cover your ears. They usually provide good passive noise isolation and are well suited to long listening or working sessions. However, they’re bulkier and may feel less comfortable in warm weather.
  • On-ear headphones: Rest on your ears and are often lighter and more compact. Clamping pressure and padding make a big difference to comfort.
  • In-ear and true wireless headphones: Sit in your ear canal or at its entrance. Different sizes of ear tips are important for a secure fit and good seal.
  • Open-ear headphones: Leave your ear canal unobstructed. They can be a good choice for sport and everyday use when you want to hear the sounds around you. Your listening experience is more affected by your surroundings.

Battery life and charging options

Look for three separate figures: playback time per charge, charging time and quick-charge capability. A moderate battery life is often enough for commuters, while travellers and frequent listeners may benefit from headphones with longer battery life.

A USB-C port is handy for everyday use, as many smartphones, tablets and laptops use the same charging cable. Some models also support wireless charging. An optional audio cable can be useful if the battery runs out or your device doesn’t support a Bluetooth connection.

Protection rating and outdoor use

An IP rating describes protection against dust and water under specified conditions. IP55 or IP57 doesn’t mean you can submerge a product wherever you like. Check that the rating suits your intended use and read the manufacturer’s guidance.

For sports headphones, a secure fit, low weight and easy-to-use controls also matter. If you’re using them in sweat or rain, keep the charging case protected unless it has its own suitable protection rating.

Latency, multipoint and compatibility

Low latency can be important for gaming and watching videos. Some models offer a dedicated low-latency mode, but synchronisation also depends on your device and the app you’re using.

Multipoint lets you connect to two devices, such as a smartphone and a laptop. Before buying, check that the feature is supported and compatible with your devices.

Our picks for different types of listener

A good fit for: Budget-conscious first-time buyers
Sony WH-CH520 Wireless On-Ear Headphones

Sony WH-CH520 Wireless On-Ear Headphones

Why this product suits this profile: According to the product details, these on-ear headphones weigh 147 g and offer up to 50 hours of battery life. They’re a good choice for music, calls and commutes, without taking up much space in your bag.

How this product avoids the pitfall

Battery life and weight are listed separately. The model also supports multipoint connections, so you can use two devices.

Key benefits and strengths

Up to 50 hours of battery life, 147 g weight, app-based EQ and quick charging, according to the manufacturer.

A good fit for: Quality-conscious buyers
Sony WH-CH720N Wireless Noise-Cancelling Headphones

Sony WH-CH720N Wireless Noise-Cancelling Headphones

Why this product suits this profile: These over-ear headphones combine active noise cancelling, Ambient Sound Mode, multipoint and built-in microphones. That makes them a practical option for the office, train journeys and longer working sessions.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product details distinguish between up to 35 hours with ANC and up to 50 hours without it, making the battery life easier to assess.

Key benefits and strengths

192 g weight, quick charging, 5-band EQ and connection to two devices, according to the product description.

A good fit for: Specific uses and frequent listeners
Shokz OpenMove Bone Conduction Sports Headphones

Shokz OpenMove Bone Conduction Sports Headphones

Why this product suits this profile: The open-ear design with bone conduction is made for runners and active users who don’t want to be completely cut off from their surroundings while listening.

How this product avoids the pitfall

It isn’t marketed as offering complete noise isolation. Instead, its open design suits situations where staying aware of your surroundings is important.

Key benefits and strengths

IP55 rating, Bluetooth connectivity, microphone and up to 6 hours of playback, according to the product description.

A good fit for: Frequent listeners and travellers
Marshall Major V Over-Ear Bluetooth Headphones

Marshall Major V Over-Ear Bluetooth Headphones

Why this product suits this profile: According to the product details, this model offers over 100 hours of wireless playback. Its foldable design and wired option make it a good fit for travel and long days of use.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The stated battery life is complemented by a 3.5 mm cable connection, so you can still listen with a wired connection if the battery runs out.

Key benefits and strengths

Over 100 hours of playback, quick charging, a foldable design and wireless charging, according to the product description.

Looking for more options?

We’ve put together a complete, regularly updated list of products that meet these strict selection criteria and the safety requirements in force across the EU.

Frequently asked questions about Bluetooth headphones

How do I connect Bluetooth headphones to a smartphone?

Switch on Bluetooth on your smartphone, turn on your headphones and put them into pairing mode. Then select the product name from the list of devices. If you run into problems, try removing old pairings, restarting both devices and charging the battery.

How long do wireless headphones last?

Their lifespan depends on the battery, charging cycles, build quality and how well you look after them. Battery life per charge doesn’t tell you how many years the battery will last. Keep your headphones and charging case away from heat, moisture and heavy knocks. A model with replaceable ear pads or an additional cable connection may be more practical in the long run.

Do Bluetooth headphones use a lot of power?

They use relatively little power compared with many other devices. You’ll still need to recharge them regularly, especially if you use ANC, listen at high volume or use them frequently. Quick charging, USB-C and a charging case make everyday use easier. Before buying, check whether a suitable cable is included.