Headphones

For commuting, headphones with Active Noise Cancelling (ANC) are your best bet. This technology blocks out the rumble of trains, buses, and city noise, letting you focus on your music or podcast. Over-ear models like the Sony WH1000XM3B or Bowers & Wilkins PX7 are excellent choices because their earcups also create a physical seal against noise. If you prefer something more compact, true wireless earbuds like the Samsung Galaxy Buds4 Pro are a fantastic option. Highly rated by hundreds of customers, they feature adaptive noise cancelling that adjusts to your surroundings automatically, giving you immersive sound in a tiny package.

Yes, absolutely. For all-day wear, you’ll want to look for headphones that are lightweight and have a comfortable, ergonomic design. Over-ear headphones with soft, cushioned earcups and a flexible headband are great for long listening sessions. For example, some Pioneer DJ models feature a housing design that reduces pressure on your head. In-ear options have also become incredibly comfortable. The Samsung Galaxy Buds4 are computationally designed for a secure, lightweight fit that you’ll barely notice, whether you're at your desk or on the move.

For incredible battery life, the Bowers & Wilkins PX7 wireless headphones are a top contender, offering up to 30 hours of playback on a single charge. The Sony WH1000XM3B also provides a massive 30 hours of power, perfect for long trips or even a full work week without needing to plug in. For those who like a particular look, the Beats Studio3 Wireless headphones can last up to 40 hours with noise cancelling turned off. When you’re looking at specs, make sure to check the battery life with features like Active Noise Cancelling turned on, as this can use more power.

Beyond total battery life, look for a fast-charging feature. This is a lifesaver when you’re in a hurry and forgot to charge your headphones overnight. For example, the Sony WH1000XM3B offers a Quick Charge function that gives you five hours of playback from just a 10-minute charge. Similarly, the Beats Studio3 headphones have a feature called Fast Fuel, providing three hours of audio from a 10-minute charge. For earbuds, a wireless charging case, like the one included with the Samsung Galaxy Buds4, adds a layer of convenience, letting you top up the battery by simply placing the case on a compatible charging pad.

Multipoint Bluetooth is a really handy feature if you regularly use more than one device, like a laptop and a phone. It lets your headphones connect to two devices at the same time. This means you can be watching a video on your laptop, and if a call comes through on your phone, the headphones will automatically switch over. The Samsung Galaxy Buds4 offer a similar experience within the Samsung ecosystem called Auto Switch, making it effortless to move between your Galaxy phone, tablet, and watch. It’s a great feature for anyone who multitasks throughout the day.

You’ll want water-resistant headphones if you plan to use them for exercise or wear them outside in all weather conditions. Sweat and rain can damage the electronics in standard headphones. Look for a model with an IP (Ingress Protection) rating, like IPX4 or higher. An IPX4 rating means the headphones are protected from splashing water from any direction, which is perfect for a sweaty workout or a run in light rain. While not all headphones are designed for this, checking the product specifications is the best way to ensure your new pair can handle your active lifestyle.