· 4 min read
How to choose headphones that suit the way you listen
Over-ear, earbuds or a speaker? A quick guide to noise cancelling, battery life and comfort.
Start with where you listen
Commuters and frequent flyers get the most from over-ear headphones with active noise cancelling. If you listen at the gym or on runs, light earbuds with a secure fit and sweat resistance make more sense.
Noise cancelling, explained
Microphones listen to the noise around you and play the opposite signal to cancel it. It works best on steady sounds like engines and air conditioning, so you can listen at a lower, safer volume.
Battery life and comfort
Look for at least 30 hours on over-ear models and 6 hours per charge on earbuds. Comfort matters more than specs: soft ear cushions and a light headband make a long flight bearable.
