Moneymagpie Team
5th May 2025
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5
minutes
Headphones or earbuds are so important these days, whether you’re an avid audiobook listener on your commute, need music for your workout, or are on constant Zoom calls for work. But there are so many different types, it can be tricky to know which ones are the best for what you need. We’ve tested lots and chosen the top scorers, to help you find the best headphones for your needs.
Best Headphones for Working Out
Best Headphones for Zoom Calls
Best Headphones for Everyday Use
Best Headphones for Working Out
OpenRock X Bone Conduction Over Ear Headphones (RRP £149.99) are the best for your workout, whether in the gym or on your run outside. The sound quality is impeccable, with BassDirect boosting the bass and LISO 2.0 providing clarity. They have a built-in microphone too, which means you can take phone calls while working out or use voice commands to control apps on your phone. They’re IPX5 rated, protecting against sweat, and a full charge offers a 48-hour playtime (while a five-minute fast charge gives you an hour).
Winner of Japan’s 2024 Good Design Award, these bone conduction headphones sit over and behind the ear, leaving your actual ear open. This means you can still hear your surroundings, which is so important for your safety when out on a run. Bone conduction technology provides great clarity to sound, at very low volumes – so nobody else can hear your music or podcast, and you protect your hearing, too. The over-ear hook is adjustable, making it easy to fit most ears without falling off during a hectic workout.
Best Headphones for Zoom Calls
If you need a reliable pair of headphones that you can grab whenever you’re due to jump on a client Zoom call, the Sony WF-C510 earbuds (RRP £55 but on sale for £39.99 at time of writing) are ideal. They’re basic, which means they’re plug-and-go for any Bluetooth setup. They’re compact, a lightweight design that fits most ears, and have an 11-hour runtime (with a second 11-hour charge in the case).
Pick from a range of colours to suit you, and enable Multipoint Bluetooth to have them connect to your computer and phone at the same time with seamless switching if you get a call. Ambient Sound Mode is ideal if you need to stay aware of your surroundings, while Voice Focus brings voices forward while suppressing background noise for clarity. We also like the commitment to Net Zero, with the earphones made of recycled plastic and no new plastic is used in the packaging, either.
Best Headphones for Dog Walks
The Edifier Comfo Run air conduction headphones (RRP £99) are incredibly comfortable, while the open ear design keeps you safe in your surroundings. If you like to listen to an audiobook or music on your dog walks, these headphones are ideal because you won’t accidentally lose an earbud in the brush. The band connecting the two earbuds sits comfortably at the base of your neck, leaving you tangle-free from wires but with more security than individual wireless headphones. They’re IP55 rated to protect against sweat and rain, and provide up to 17 hours of playback on one charge.
The sound clarity is excellent, with an ideal balance of bass and treble. And you can carry on conversations with passing dog walkers without removing them, as the open-channel design leaves your ear free to hear what’s going on around you. Dual built-in microphones work effortlessly to provide clarity on voice calls too, so if you like to call friends and chat (or talk to clients while you’re out and about), they’re a perfect option.
Best Headphones for Sleeping
If you absolutely have to listen to something to fall asleep, normal headphones aren’t great. They put pressure on your ears, or fall out easily, or you get tangled in wires. Many can also leak audio, which is frustrating for your partner sleeping next to you!
The Philips Kokoon Headphones are designed for sleep. The wired band sits comfortably around the back of your head, to make it easy to sleep without getting tangled up – or losing wireless earbuds in your sheets. Compatible with most major apps such as Apple Music, Spotify, and Audible, you can listen to your podcast or music with ease.
Control settings on the Philips Premium App, which includes twelve months free access (not necessary for headphone operation), allow you to adjust the voice call microphone for taking calls from the comfort of your bed. The volume control buttons are easily accessible, and instead of using active noise cancellation, the headphones feature advanced noise masking technology. This feature is designed to help your brain relax and switch off without missing important noises in your surroundings.
A single headset is priced at £269.99 but is currently on sale for £199.79. Alternatively, you can purchase a duo pack for yourself and your partner for £499.98, discounted to £350.99 at the time of writing.
For everyday use, Flying Tiger offers stylish and reliable wireless earphones in bronze, black, or teal for just £18 each. These earbuds provide balanced sound, long-lasting battery life, touch controls for easy navigation, and excellent call clarity. Consider getting multiple pairs in different colors at this affordable price point.
If you prefer over-ear headphones, the Bose Quiet Comfort range, starting at £189, is a popular choice for various listening activities. These headphones offer customizable EQ settings through the Bose app, comfortable fit for most users, easy controls, and up to 24 hours of playback time. The effective noise cancellation feature makes them ideal for travel or noisy environments, although it may take some time to adjust to the immersive sound experience. sentence with a different structure:
The car was painted red by the mechanic.
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