Both earbuds and over-ear headphones can sound good. The right choice depends on where you will use them, how long you listen for and how much noise you want to block out.
We chose well-reviewed examples of each type on Amazon UK. We haven't tested them ourselves. This comparison is based on the Amazon listings and customer ratings, so check the latest price and details before you buy.
| Earbuds | Over-ear headphones | |
|---|---|---|
| Portability | Pocket-size | Bulkier, but many fold flat |
| Noise cancelling | Good on the better models | Usually stronger |
| Battery | Shorter per charge, case adds more | Usually much longer |
| Long listening sessions | Can tire the ears | More comfortable for many people |
| Easy to lose | Yes | Less so |
| Best for | Gym, commuting, calls | Home, office, long trips |
Our advice: if you will use them mainly out and about, choose earbuds. If you will use them mostly at home, at a desk or on long journeys, choose over-ear headphones.
1. Earbuds, cheap and popular: TOZO A1
A 4.3 rating from more than 112,000 buyers at around £16. Simple earbuds for the gym and commuting.
Check Price on Amazon2. Earbuds with noise cancelling: Soundcore P30i
Adaptive noise cancelling in a pocket-size case, with a 4.4 rating from more than 20,000 buyers.
Check Price on AmazonAlso consider: Soundcore Anker P40i — £34 (4.4★, 17,701 reviews)
3. Over-ear with noise cancelling: Soundcore Q20i
Hybrid noise cancelling in a folding over-ear design, with a 4.6 rating from more than 75,000 buyers.
Check Price on Amazon4. Over-ear, Sony: WH-CH720N
Sony's noise-cancelling over-ear headphones, with a 4.5 rating from more than 16,000 buyers. The WH-CH520 is the cheaper pair without noise cancelling.
Check Price on AmazonAlso consider: Sony WH-CH520 Wireless Bluetooth On-Ear Headphones — £30 (4.6★, 46,730 reviews)