The short version
- Compare battery life with noise cancelling on — that is the number you will live with.
- Replaceable ear pads add years to a pair of headphones.
- Earbuds win on portability; over-ears win on long flights.
Battery life, measured the honest way
Many listings quote hours with noise cancelling switched off. Look for the figure with it on: 30 hours or more means a full week of commuting between charges.
A cable in the box is worth more than it looks. It keeps the headphones usable on a flat battery and plugs into in-flight entertainment.
Fit beats features
Noise cancelling only works with a good seal. Over-ear cups should sit around the ear rather than on it, and earbuds should stay put when you shake your head.
With earbuds, try every tip size in the box. The right one is often different for each ear, and a better seal improves bass and noise cancelling at the same time.
Pads, cases and other boring things that matter
Ear pads flatten and crack after a couple of years of daily use. On models with replaceable pads that is a small repair instead of a new pair of headphones.
For the gym or a run, look for an IPX4 rating or better, which covers sweat and light rain. For everything at home, a portable speaker is easier on the ears than wearing headphones all day.
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