THE LISTENING EDIT

Find your everyday sound.

The best place to start is not a list of features. It is where, when and how you like to listen.

A person listening to over-ear headphones outdoors
01

Think about where you listen

A busy commute, a quiet room and an open-plan workspace all ask different things of headphones. Consider how much of the outside world you want to hear, and choose an appropriate listening mode for your surroundings.

02

Give comfort its due

Even a great-sounding pair is a poor fit if it feels uncomfortable. Consider ear cup size and weight for over-ear headphones, or tip sizes and case portability for earbuds. Where possible, try the fit before making a decision.

03

Remember the calls

If your headphones double as your work headset, microphone performance matters. Look for real-world call samples and check how switching between your laptop and phone works.

04

Check your everyday connections

Bluetooth features vary between devices. Make sure your chosen model works with your operating system and the functions you rely on. A wired option may also be useful at a desk.

A good place to start.

Explore audio
ANOTHER GOOD READ

Stay curious.

Monitor, laptop and compact keyboard on a tidy timber desk

A little less clutter. A little more clarity.

Laptop and tablet in a softly lit home workspace

Buy for your life. Not the spec sheet.

A LITTLE DISCOVERY

What are you looking for?