How to choose headphones

Over-ear, on-ear or in-ear: what each shape is good at, and the three questions that narrow the choice in a minute.

Start with how you listen

Think about where you will use it most: on a train, at a desk, on a run or on the sofa. That one answer rules out half the shelf before you look at a single number.

Then read the numbers that matter

Battery life, weight and how long it takes to charge tell you more about daily life than the size of the driver. Ask us if a figure does not make sense.

• Try it for a full day before you decide.
• Update it in the app: sound often gets better.
• Keep the box for the thirty days, just in case.

Comfort beats specs

The best-sounding pair is the one you are happy to wear for three hours. Pads, weight and clamp count for more than a few extra hertz.

Good gear disappears: you notice the music, not the thing playing it.

Still not sure?

Write to us with how you listen and we will suggest two or three that fit. We answer within the hour on most days.