Here's what you need to know when hunting for headphones
Scott Hocking
STACK Senior Editor
Classic headphones are a great companion when commuting or kicking back with a music playlist or podcast. Choosing the right pair that fits your budget, and, of course, ears, is as simple as knowing how you’ll use them and the features that you want.
If you haven’t upgraded your headphones for a while, a new pair will bring a suite of advanced features, such as noise cancelling and voice assistant support, touch controls, and EQ personalisation. They're also a great way to experience the full immersion of spatial audio with dynamic head tracking, where supported.
Wireless or wired headphones?
Wireless headphones provide freedom and convenience, without the hassle of unravelling a Gordian knot of tangled cable, while some audiophiles insist that a wired connection delivers the best sound quality. Many modern headphones now offer hybrid connection via a 3.5mm jack and cable, for the best of both worlds.
The comfort factor
Just as important as sound quality, look for headphones with a well cushioned headband and earcups that fit snugly and comfortably for long listening sessions.
Decent battery life
You’ll generally get several days or more of playback before needing a recharge, however regular use of ANC, high volume, and heavy bass can reduce battery life.
On-ear control
There’s no need to pull out your phone and open the app to adjust volume, skip tracks, or activate ANC. A simple touch, swipe, or tap of the earcup sensors puts you in full control. Alternatively, some headphones have dedicated buttons for those who prefer old school controls.
Noise cancelling
Active or adaptive noise cancelling (ANC) has become a staple of headphones, and is a must for silencing a noisy commute, gym, or office. And if you need to stay alert for external sounds, ‘Aware’ modes let you adjust how much outside noise is let in.
Hands-free calling
Leave your phone in your pocket and take calls directly from the cans with a touch of the earcup. Headphones with multiple inbuilt microphones and ANC ensure that voices come through loud and clear.
Multipoint pairing
Connects your cans to two devices simultaneously, like a phone and laptop, enabling you to switch between the two without disconnecting and re-pairing.
Spatial audio
This immersive new format creates a sense of being and moving within a 3D sound field, just like at a live music gig. Headphones that support ‘head tracking’ keep you centred in the 360° soundscape, adjusting it to match the movement of your noggin.
Customisable EQ and sound settings
Companion apps continue to offer more personalisation and set-and-forget options, such as individual sound zone settings that optimise audio for selected surroundings (gym, office, park), and more control over noise cancelling levels. So, it pays to look into what a brand’s app offers before you buy.
Headphones for all ears
Over-ear
These are the classic cans with dual padded earcups for comfort and passive noise reduction. Their firm seal, along with ANC, keep the music inside and the audio and call quality clear. Over-ear headphones can be larger than their counterparts, with big drivers for powerful sound quality. They're particularly good for full spatial audio immersion.
On-ear
If you prefer a more lightweight pair with smaller earcups, on-ear headphones are the way to go. They provide greater airflow and comfort, and are more open to ambient noise for situational awareness. On-ear cans are generally less expensive than over-ear, and are designed for one-size-fits-all.
In-ear
More commonly known as earbuds, these little 'phones fit discreetly and snugly within the ear canal, sealing in the sound. Pocket-sized and portable, they are ideal for travel, sport and exercise. Find out all you need to know about earbuds here.
Open-back
An open-back design provides greater airflow for a more natural soundstage, but doesn’t block ambient noise or sound leakage. Open-back cans are best suited for private listening at home.
Closed-back
Most consumer headphones are sealed at the rear to prevent sound escaping and external noise creeping in. A closed-back design can have a deeper bass range and is ideal for commuting and recording studio use.
^Discounts apply to previous ticketed/advertised price prior to the discount offer. As we negotiate, products will likely have been sold below ticketed/advertised price prior to the discount offer. Prices may differ at airport stores.
