Choosing the best headphones starts with prioritizing the features that are most important to you. Focus on features like sound quality, comfort and noise-cancelling capability based on how you listen to music and podcasts. If you prefer a snug fit for when you’re on the go, you might want to consider the in-ear options like AirPods, Samsung Galaxy Buds or Google Pixel Buds. If your main priority is fully immersive sound, you might prefer over-ear headphones like Beats by Dre, Bose, Sony and more. Think about how you use your headphones daily, if you use them for work, commuting or workouts with a fitness tracker or Apple Watch. Different uses can determine what you’re looking for, like wireless Bluetooth connectivity or active noise cancellation.

In-ear headphones are better suited for people who are active because they can deliver a snug fit in the ear. They are also lightweight and easy to carry around in the gym or out in public. On-ear headphones are better suited to a work setting because they provide an enhanced audio experience and help you focus on tasks. They help you with listening to music, taking calls or mitigating outside noises. Over-ear headphones are great for use in work settings as well or for playing video games. At work, they provide the best noise-cancelling capability and are great for focusing on tasks or listening to calls and meetings. For gamers, they are popular because gaming headsets deliver enhanced audio and can be coupled with gaming monitors to elevate the gaming experience. They also have built-in microphones with Bluetooth connectivity that lets you talk to friends and teammates online.

Noise-cancelling headphones use built-in microphones that detect ambient noises and create an “anti-noise” sound to cancel them out. The process works in real time and by doing so it allows you to listen to your favourite songs and podcasts with fewer outside distractions. Noise reduction can also come from memory foam ear cups and tight seals that can block outside noises with a physical barrier around your ears. Noise-cancelling headphones are a good choice for students to help them focus on assignments. Stay prepared for school with school supplies for kindergarten, elementary, high school and post-secondary students.

To pair Sony headphones with your device, turn the headphones on and hold the power button for 5 to 7 seconds. You will see the indicator light flash to indicate pairing mode. Next, open your device’s Bluetooth settings and select your headphones from the list, then choose Pair. For many Sony headphone models, turning them on for the first time will activate pairing mode automatically. Sony headphones work well with the latest iPhones, Android tablets, Samsung phones and Google phones.

To pair Beats headphones with your device, turn the headphones on and hold the power button until the indicator light flashes. This indicates the headphones are in pairing mode. Open the Bluetooth settings on your device and select your Beats headphones from the list of available options to pair them. If you have an Apple device, you can hold them near your unlocked device and follow the on-screen instructions that will appear. For Android phones you can download the Beats app and select the headphones in the Bluetooth settings. Beats headphones are a great choice for pairing them with iPads, MacBooks, Windows laptops, Chromebooks and Copilot+ PC laptops.