Buying Guides

Headphones Buying Guide

Buying Headphones

Whatever your audio needs, our handy buying guide will help you to decide which headphones to buy.

Types of headphones

Whether it's for a workout, the commute or for serious gaming, find the best headphones to suit your needs.

Wireless and True Wireless

Wired models are perfectly okay for a lot of situations, including working from home and home entertainment. But if you are on the move more and more, wireless headphones avoid the tangle and give you the freedom to go about your day to day.

Wireless Headphones
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Wireless Headphones
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In ear

True wireless ear-buds are worn independently in each ear without a connecting wire for maximum freedom.

If you:

  • Are a frequent traveller or commute daily
  • Have a lot of meetings on the go

Then choose in-ear wireless headphones because they’re:

  • Lightweight
  • Easy to store
  • Immersive and noise-cancelling, as they insert directly into the ear canal
  • Available in every price category, from budget to premium
In Ear Headphones
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On ear

If you:

  • Commute by bike
  • Have sensitive ears
  • Want headphones that are more compact

Then opt for on-ear headphones because they:

  • Feature flat ear pads rather than cupping ears completely so you can still be aware of the environment around you
  • Deliver excellent sound
  • Ensure sensitive ears aren’t overwhelmed
On Ear Headphones
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Over ear

If you:

  • Want fully immersive sound
  • Will be listening for hours
  • Have more room to transport headphones

Then choose over-ear headphones because:

  • They have larger cups that fully enclose the ear
  • They offer greater comfort for longer use
  • Many models offer high resolution audio for excellent sound quality
  • Many models include noise cancelling and sound isolation
  • They include iconic options that simply look great
Over Ear Headphones
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On Ear Headphones

Features

There are now so many headphones and earphones available offering the most innovative audio technology.
But which features suit your personal listening needs?

Noise-cancelling

These models have microphones built into the headphones, then produce signals that reverse outside noises and cancel them out. They're especially good for commuting, allowing you to enjoy clear audio without having to turn the volume up too high (and minimising the impact on other commuters' journeys).

Noise-cancellingNoise-cancelling

Noise-reducing

Also known as sound isolating, or noise isolating, these models block sound using a seal on the ear bud that is pressed against the ear. Also a great benefit when on a busy commute, minimising external noise for you and lessening the chance on creating noise pollution.

Noise ReductionNoise Reduction

Wireless

 These models use bluetooth technology, allowing you to listen to audio without tangling wires. It works at close range. These are generally the go-to option for people with busy lives who are often on the move, giving you the freedom to enjoy great personal audio in almost any situation.

WirelessWireless

True Wireless

For maximum freedom, Bluetooth-enabled in-ear wireless earphones and headphones are designed to fit securely in your ears, so not a single wire gets in your way. This allows for maximum freedom when listening on the go, whether commuting, at the gym or in the office.

True wirelessTrue wireless

Waterproof

This feature is great for those who are active, as it provides protection from rain and sweat for maximum performance.

WaterproofWaterproof

Chat

Thanks to the built-in mic you can keep your earphones or headphones on while you talk. If a call comes through on Google, Skype, Facetime or whatever social app you are using, it's a perfect way of ensuring that everyone around you doesn't get to listen in on the conversation.

Chat headphonesChat headphones

Headphone Types

If you have a specific activity or moment in mind when you normally use your headphones, here we highlight what to look out for when selecting a model to suit your specific needs.

Kids' Headphones

Designed with younger ears in mind, these models usually have a protective volume limiter. Lightweight, they are generally padded and adjustable for comfort and longevity.

Kids' HeadphonesKids' Headphones

Sports Headphones

Boost any workout with music. Lightweight sports headphones free you up to move more. They are often sweat or water-resistant too. Alternatively, to avoid the tangle of wires in the gym, choose true wireless headphones that sit separately in each ear canal.

Sports HeadphonesSports Headphones

Running Headphones

Music can spur you on when running but you still need to be aware of your surroundings. The best running headphones sit on your cheekbones to deliver sound straight to your inner ear rather than past your eardrum – letting you enjoy your music but still hear passing traffic.

Running HeadphonesRunning Headphones

Gaming Headphones

With the outstanding audio quality involved in video games now, sound levels are all about deep immersion. Geared towards serious gaming, specially designed noise-cancelling headsets take the experience to a new intensity and maximise your play.

Gaming HeadphonesGaming Headphones

Care

Ensure your headphones stay in excellent condition with these tips:

  • When you get your headphones, read the manual or quick start guides before use
  • Store your headphones in a clean, dust-free environment and don’t expose them to high temperatures
  • Avoid damp contact with buttons, slots or plugs
  • Use a soft cloth to clean your headphones – no cleaning products or solvents
  • If you have in-ear headphones, use a dry cloth to clean them
  •  Ear adaptors can be removed and should be cleaned regularly (and replace them if damaged or worn)
  •  Avoid extreme cable twisting and knotting, and be cautious when cleaning the cable