HeadphonesFinderBuying guides: headphones and earbuds
Pick your situation: each guide explains what really matters and opens the selector already set up for you.
By use
Which gaming headset should you buy?Wired, 2.4 GHz wireless or Bluetooth? Boom mic, PS5/Xbox/PC compatibility and comfort: what really matters in a gaming headset, plus a free selector.
How to choose noise-cancelling headphonesHow active noise cancelling works, which noises it beats, headphones or earbuds, battery life: our guide and free selector to pick ANC headphones.
What are the best headphones for flying and travel?Noise cancelling, long-haul comfort, plugging into the seatback screen, battery life and size: how to choose headphones or earbuds for flying and travel.
Which earbuds are best for running and sport?Secure fit, sweat resistance (IPX4, IPX7), ambient mode for safety, battery life, bone conduction: what to look for in running and sports earbuds.
Which headset for working from home and video calls?Boom or built-in mic, mic noise reduction, PC and phone multipoint, Teams/Zoom certification, all-day comfort: how to choose a headset for work calls.
Which studio headphones for recording and mixing?Closed-back for recording, open-back for mixing, neutral response, impedance and audio interfaces: the guide to choosing studio or home-studio headphones.
How to choose audiophile headphones for hi-fi listeningOpen or closed-back, dynamic or planar, impedance, DAC and amp, hi-res Bluetooth: our guide to choosing audiophile hi-fi headphones for critical listening.
Which sleep earbuds should you choose?Flat sleep earbuds for side sleepers, Bluetooth headbands, white noise or ANC against snoring, all-night battery life: how to choose sleep earbuds.
Which headphones are best for kids?85 dB volume limiting, size, durability, wired or Bluetooth, sharing in the car: how to choose kids' headphones that protect young ears. Free selector.
How to choose cheap wireless headphonesWhat to expect from wireless headphones under £50 or £100: battery life, noise cancelling, apps and the traps to avoid. Our buying guide and free selector.
Bone conduction headphones: who are they for, and which to buy?How bone conduction works, who it's for (running, cycling, swimming, sensitive ears), sound and waterproofing: our guide to bone conduction headphones.
Which wireless TV headphones should you choose?RF or Bluetooth TV headphones, audio lag, optical connection, under-chin models for older viewers, clearer dialogue: how to choose wireless TV headphones.
Understand before you buy
ANC vs passive isolation: which one do you actually need?Active noise cancelling vs passive isolation for headphones: how each works, when ANC is worth it, and how to choose based on your environment.
Over-ear vs on-ear vs in-ear: how to choose your headphone typeCompare over-ear, on-ear and in-ear headphones on comfort, isolation and portability to find the best fit for your use case.
Best headphones for gaming: what actually mattersA practical guide to choosing gaming headphones: connection type, latency, microphone quality and comfort for long sessions.