We recommend models with an overall score of 70% or above.

This overall score is made up of listening with noise-cancelling on (30%), listening quality (30%), listening with noise-cancelling off (15%), comfort (15%) and durability (10%) scores.

This score is an assessment by a listening panel of the audio quality of the headphones when reproducing music, regardless of the noise-cancelling or isolation effectiveness.

We test the headphone's sound isolation effect with noise cancelling feature turned on.

We test the headphone's sound isolation effect with noise cancelling feature turned off.

Takes into account placing in or on ear, removing from ear, potential to accidentally fall out of ear, restrictiveness of the wire, suitability for left-handed users as well as those with weak grip, limited sight, limited hearing and colour-blindness.

Our testers rate the quality of the material used in construction and any areas of obvious concern. They also stress test the cables to replicate getting caught on arms or around the neck and to make sure they're strong enough, and perform a tangle assessment.

Measured in hours. Note, turning off noise cancellation can increase battery life in some models.

'Tested' means you ought to be able to find this in retailers. We check availability every time we test, which is about 3 to 4 times a year. 'Discontinued' means you may have trouble finding this product, however it may be available online locally or overseas. CHOICE publishes information on discontinued products as members have expressed interest in older models.

In $AUD as supplied by manufacturers.

Wired headphones connect to your device or stereo via a cable. Wireless headphones connect via WiFi or Bluetooth, but have a band or cable connecting each can/bud. True wireless headphones connect via WiFi or Bluetooth and do not have a cable connecting each earbud (such as the Apple AirPods.

Is a travel case included.

This measurement includes the cable and control unit.

Some models include a 3.5mm jack and cable, so you can alternate between wired and wireless connectivity. This cable can be removed.

Control on the cable or headphone for volume, pause/play, stop or taking a phone call.

Whether the models on test can take a phone call, either through wireless Bluetooth or via a cable connection.

Headphones with this feature can be used to communicate with a digital assistant such as Ok Google, Alexa, Bixby or Cortana.