Buying headphones: form beats spec sheet
Whether €30 or €400 — the biggest factor is whether the form factor fits your routine. Only then do ANC, codecs and battery matter.
In-ear vs. over-ear
In-ears are unbeatable on the go and for sport. Over-ears sound fuller, isolate better passively and tire you less on long flights.
Being realistic about ANC
Good ANC removes hum (planes, trains) almost entirely, voices only partly. Reviews tell you more than the manufacturer demo.
Don't underestimate multipoint
Being connected to laptop and phone at once sounds trivial — in home office it's the feature you'll never give up.
Quick checklist
- Battery: 25 h+ for over-ears, 6 h+ per charge for in-ears
- IPX4 or better for sport
- USB-C charging — micro-USB is a red flag in 2026
