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How to choose earbuds and headphones
Noise cancelling, battery life, fit and which ones work best with your phone. Everything you need to know, plus our picks at every budget.
In a hurry? Our quick picks
In stock now, at today’s prices.
Apple Airpods Pro 3rd Gen ANCActive noise cancelling, and pairs instantly with your iPhone and other Apple devices.$389Samsung Galaxy Buds4 Pro (SM-R640) - BlackPremium noise cancelling, with extra features when used with a Galaxy phone.$397View productBest over-ear
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Noise Cancelling Headphones -…Over-ear comfort and strong noise cancelling for flights and long commutes.$499
Xiaomi REDMI Buds 8 Pro ANC EarbudsNoise cancelling earbuds for under $100. AU version with local warranty.$98Which type suits you?
Start with how you’ll use it.
Earbuds
- Tiny and pocketable
- Charging case tops up the battery
- Noise cancelling on most models
- Shorter battery per charge
Over-ear
- Best noise cancelling and comfort
- Biggest sound and longest battery
- Bulkier to carry
On-ear
- Lighter than over-ear
- Folds flat for travel
- Less noise blocking
Open-ear
- Hear traffic and people around you
- Nothing sits in your ear canal
- Not for noisy places
What to look for
The things that make the biggest difference day to day.
Noise cancelling (ANC)
Cuts low, constant noise like engines and air-con. Look for a transparency mode so you can hear announcements without taking them off.
Battery life
Earbuds typically last 5 to 8 hours per charge, plus more from the case. Over-ear headphones often run 20 hours or more.
Fit and comfort
Earbuds come with several tip sizes, and a good seal improves both bass and noise cancelling. Over-ear headphones should not press on glasses.
Works best with your phone
All Bluetooth earbuds work with any phone, but AirPods get extra features on iPhone and Galaxy Buds on Samsung phones.
Sweat and water resistance
For the gym or running, look for IPX4 or higher, which handles sweat and light rain.
Call quality
If you take a lot of calls, choose models with multiple microphones and wind-noise reduction.
Our picks by budget
Picked from what we have in stock, with Australian warranty.
Xiaomi REDMI Buds 8 Pro ANC Earbuds$98
JBL Tune 670 Wireless Adaptive Noise Cancelling…$88
Xiaomi REDMI Buds 8 Lite ANC - Blue$38
Apple AirPods 5 ANC$218
Samsung Galaxy Buds3 - Silver$168
Beats Solo4 Wireless On-Ear Headphones - Drenched…$198
Apple Airpods Pro 3rd Gen ANC$389
Samsung Galaxy Buds4 Pro (SM-R640) - Black$397
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Noise Cancelling…$499Get more out of it
- Clean the meshWipe earbud tips and grilles weekly with a dry cloth. Built-up wax muffles the sound.
- Update the firmwareUse the brand app (or iPhone settings for AirPods). Updates often improve noise cancelling and connection.
- Try every tip sizeMost people never swap the ear tips. A better seal gives you more bass and better noise cancelling.
- Protect your hearingKeep the volume around 60% and take a break every hour. Noise cancelling helps you listen quieter.
Questions we get asked
Do AirPods work with Android phones?
Yes. They connect like any Bluetooth earbuds, but you lose iPhone-only extras like automatic switching and one-tap setup.
Is noise cancelling worth it?
If you commute, fly or work somewhere noisy, yes. It lets you listen at a lower volume and makes long trips much calmer.
Earbuds or headphones for flying?
Over-ear headphones usually block more engine noise and last longer. Earbuds are easier to sleep in and to carry.
Do your headphones come with a warranty?
Yes. Every product we sell comes with an Australian warranty, and you can return eligible items under our return policy.
More guides
Still not sure?
Ask our team on live chat or call us, we’re happy to help you choose.