How to choose wireless headphones and Bluetooth speakers

Headphone types: in-ear, on-ear or over-ear

• True wireless in-ear (earbuds): very small, they come in a charging case. Ideal for mobility and sport.
• On-ear: sit on the ear, more compact than over-ear, but can tire your ears during long sessions.
• Over-ear: fully cover the ear, offering the best comfort, isolation and battery life. Suited to long trips and the office.
• Open-ear or bone conduction: leave the ear free, useful for running on the street where you need to hear traffic.

Active noise cancelling (ANC)

ANC uses microphones that pick up ambient noise and counter it. It works very well on constant sounds (aircraft engines, buses, air conditioning) and less well on voices. If you travel a lot on public transport or work in an open office, good ANC completely changes the experience. Transparency (ambient) mode lets you hear announcements or colleagues without taking the headphones off.

Sound quality and Bluetooth codecs

The codec is how sound is compressed between the phone and the headphones. SBC and AAC are universal; AAC works very well with iPhone. LDAC, aptX Adaptive and LC3 offer higher quality or lower latency, but only if both the phone and the headphones support them. For most listeners, the sound tuning and the fit matter more than the codec. Many apps offer an equaliser for adjusting the bass.

Fit and comfort

With in-ear headphones, isolation and bass depend on the ear tips. Try every size included: a tip that is too small lets noise in and reduces bass. For sport, look for wings or hooks that keep the earbuds in place. For over-ear models, check the weight, clamping force and pad material; memory foam covered in faux leather isolates well but can make your ears warm in summer.

Microphone and calls

If you take a lot of phone calls or online meetings, look at the number of microphones and call noise reduction. Reviews with test recordings made on the street are the best indicator. Multipoint lets you connect to a phone and a laptop at the same time, which is very useful at work.

Real battery life

Manufacturers quote battery life in ideal conditions, usually with ANC off and medium volume. For in-ear headphones, 6 to 8 hours per charge plus a case with another 20 hours are good figures. Over-ear models often reach 30 hours or more. Fast charging (a few hours of listening from 10 minutes) and USB-C or wireless charging are practical advantages.

Latency: films and games

Latency is the delay between picture and sound. It does not matter for music, but it can be annoying for games or video. Many headphones have a low latency gaming mode. For competitive gaming on a PC or console, headsets with a dedicated wireless dongle are better than classic Bluetooth.

How to choose a Bluetooth speaker

With portable speakers, the wattage does not tell the whole story. Look at:

• Size and weight: a small speaker fits in a backpack, a large one has richer bass.
• IP67 rating: dust and submersion protection, ideal at the pool, beach or campsite.
• Battery life: 10 to 20 hours for mid-size models.
• Party or stereo mode: pairing two identical speakers for a bigger sound.
• Power bank function: some large speakers can charge your phone.

Water and sweat resistance

The IP code shows the level of protection: IPX4 withstands splashes and sweat, suitable for the gym; IPX7 and IP67 withstand short submersion. For running in the rain or intense sport, choose at least IPX4. Wipe the earbuds after training and let the case dry before charging.

Hearing care and maintenance

Listening at high volume for long periods damages hearing. A simple rule is not to exceed about 60% of maximum volume for more than 60 minutes without a break; many phones have a volume limiter. Clean the ear tips and grilles with a soft dry brush and keep the earbuds in their case to avoid loss or damage.

Wired headphones still make sense

Wired headphones need no charging, have no latency and often deliver very good sound for little money. They suit studying, the office, a spare pair in your bag or children. Be aware that many new phones no longer have a 3.5 mm jack, so you will need USB-C headphones or an adapter. For computers and consoles, wired headsets with a microphone remain a simple, reliable option for calls and gaming.

Quick checklist before you order

• I chose the right form: in-ear, over-ear or open-ear.
• I know whether I need ANC and transparency mode.
• I checked which codecs my phone supports.
• I checked real battery life and the charging type.
• I checked the microphone and multipoint if I take a lot of calls.
• For a speaker, I checked IP67, battery life and size.
• I know the warranty and return terms for audio products.

Prices and availability can change, so check the final details on the shop's page before paying.