Jasmine Birtles
Your money-making expert. Financial journalist, TV and radio personality.
The Best Headphones of 2025
Moneymagpie Team
1st Sep 2025
Headphones or ear buds 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 S2 Open Ear Air Conduction Earphones (RRP $98.99 currently on sale for $68.99) are brilliant for safe workouts, allowing you to be aware of your surroundings while still listening to music or podcasts.
Super light at just 7 grams, they’re sweatproof and IPX5 waterproof rated, so you can run in the rain or get sweaty on a HIIT workout without worrying about them. They have a 32 hour battery life, so won’t run out even on the longest of runs.
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 and Races
The Creative Outlier Free headphones (RRP £79.99 currently on sale for £49.99) are bone conduction technology, which means your ear is left open to hear your surroundings. This is perfect for listening to a podcast on your daily dog walk, or being race compliant in your next 10K.
They’re sweatproof and IPX5 waterproof rated, and their fast Bluetooth connectivity mean they’re also super handy for taking work calls whether from your phone or on Zoom at the office. The band rests behind your head, so you’re not going to lose earbuds halfway through your workout, and because there are no bits that go inside your ear it’s a universal fit – perfect if you’re someone who struggles with earphones popping out all the time.
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 with the Philips Premium App (twelve months free included, not essential for the operation of your headphones).
The voice call microphone lets you take calls from bed, while the volume control buttons are easy to reach. Rather than using active noise cancellation, which can actually disturb sleep further, there is advanced noise masking – designed to help your brain switch off, without missing urgent noises in your environment.
A single headset costs from £269.99 (on sale for £199.79 at time of writing), or you can buy one for yourself and one for your partner in a duo for £499.98 (£350.99 at time of writing).
Best Headphones for Everyday Use
Many of the headphones on this list are pricey, because of the advanced technology they use. However, if you want a reliable pair of ear buds that will see you through a full day of music and calls, and that look stylish, head over to Flying Tiger. There are a few options available, but we love the bronze wireless earphones for just £18. You can also choose from black or teal for £20 each.
The sound is balanced, the charge lasts a long time, and they look great, too! The touch controls make it easy to change tracks, answer calls, and adjust the volume, and call clarity is excellent. And, at this price, you could get a pair in every colour.
Best Over Ear Headphones
The Bose Quiet Comfort range have been an audio staple for many years. The base model of the Quiet Comfort Headphones (RRP £189) is perfect for all kinds of listening tasks, from audiobooks to radio to music to Zoom calls. The Bose app allows for unique customisation of EQ, making sure you can adjust the bass and treble levels to your liking.
The ear pieces are large enough for most people, and sit comfortably even for those wearing glasses (as sometimes over ear headphones can cause pinching against the arms of glasses frames). The controls are easy to use, while the 24-hour playback makes them perfect for all-day listening. They’re great for travel or busy environments, with such effective noise cancelling it can even feel a little disorientating at first.
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