We’ve done the research, read the online reviews, and have come up with this list of the best headphones for Android users.
All Android smartphones come bundled with earphones for you to get listening to your favourite music or podcasts immediately, but they’re rarely that impressive. It’s a better idea to purchase a separate pair of headphones or earphones that suit your needs, providing you know what to consider.
First of all, it’s important to think about when you’re going to be using your headphones. Do you want to block out background noise while you’re on your daily commute? Do you want a pair that are great while you’re running or working out at the gym? Or do you just want to relax at home, listening to music through your headphones, perhaps even while you sleep?
These sort of questions will help you find the best wireless headphones for your Android device.
Are Beats headphones compatible with Android?
Apple bought headphone manufacturer Beats back in 2014, so it might seem like you can’t use Beats headphones with your Android phone. That’s not actually the case. You can definitely hook up your Beats with your Android smartphone, although you won’t be able to use Quick Glance to see your battery life, and obviously there’s no Siri support.
More importantly though, there are better headphones out there for your Android smartphone than a Beats set, although we are fans of the Beats Solo Pro.
What are the best wireless headphones for Android?
While Apple owners can assume that AirPods Pro are the best all-rounders for them, Android owners don’t have a one size fits all solution. It mostly comes down to what you intend on using them for, which is why it’s worth thinking about your plan, and also why we’ve divided up our favourites according to certain scenarios in life.
Should you buy the cheapest pair?
You could buy the cheapest set, but it’s not worth it. If you’re looking to go easy on your wallet, stick with the pair that came standard when you purchased your Android smartphone. This is only really a worthwhile plan if you’e prone to losing headphones. Instead, if you regularly enjoy music or podcasts, it’s worth investing in a more expensive pair that offers more useful features like active noise cancellation or companion apps.
To help you find something that will work for you and your Android device, we have tracked down a selection of your best options. We’ve done the research, read the online reviews, and have come up with a list of the best headphones for Android users.
These are the best headphones for Android devices in 2020.
Sony WH-1000XM3
Perfect for blocking out noise while travelling.-
Colours:
Black and Silver -
Battery life:
30 hours (with active noise cancellation on)
They’re able to detect the ambient sounds around you, automatically adjusting so that you receive the best level of noise cancellation at all times. It’s a huge help when you’re travelling and moving between different spaces and levels of noise.
The Sony WH-1000XM3 headphones don’t just stop there either. They sound great for a wide range of different types of audio, and their touch controls are simple and intuitive. A 30-hour battery life means they’ll last for as long as you need them, whether it’s a marathon day of travel or a series of work calls.
Bose QuietComfort 20
Easy to take out to talk to a colleague while also offering great sound quality.-
Colours:
Black -
Battery life:
16 hours (noise cancellation)
The Bose QuietComfort 20 headphones offer the best of both worlds. You can easily switch noise cancelling on or off at the touch of a button so you hear what’s going on, before switching back to some great sounding audio.
These are also super comfy to wear for in-ear headphones, just make sure to buy the dedicated Android/Samsung variety.
Bose QuietComfort 35
Connect to Google Assistant or Alexa to make listening even easier.-
Colours:
Black, Silver, and Rose Gold -
Battery life:
Up to 20 hours wireless or 40 hours wired
Just tap a button to the side of one of the cans and you can hear all your phone notifications, change up the playlist, or ask your Assistant a question. It’s a big help if you’re out and about and don’t want to dig out your Android smartphone.
Alternatively, you can use the Action button to adjust the level of noise cancellation you receive, between three different modes. Everything sounds great and well-balanced too.
Cowin E7
Get the most out of your money and enjoy a 30-hour battery.-
Colours:
Black, Blue, Green, White, Purple, and Red -
Battery life:
30 hours
They’re wallet-friendly but offer a lot of bang for the buck. They even come in a number of different colours. Some 30 hours of playtime is available, plus the option to plug in a 3.5mm audio cable for when you’re caught short.
Active noise cancellation is surprisingly good for the price, although maybe don’t expect as good sound quality as you might get on more expensive headphones as some tracks can sound a little crackly.
Jabra Elite Active 65t
Work out without worrying about your earbuds falling out.-
Colours:
Black, Blue, Red, Titanium, and Gold -
Battery life:
5 hours
Sure, that might sound a little gimmicky, but it’s always nice to have extra ways to track your run. Perhaps more importantly, they feel comfy in your ears so you won’t have to worry about them slipping out while you’re sprinting at full speed.
Sound quality is decent too, with the option to customise how things sound via the Jabra app. Just don’t expect competent noise cancellation here.
Sony WI-1000X
These headphones provide a snug fit that won’t slip.-
Colours:
Black -
Battery life:
10 hours
The Sony WI-1000X headphones use a wraparound method so they stay behind your neck, meaning there’s little risk of them getting in the way of your routine. They don’t look the best, we must admit, but they work well with active noise cancellation, an ambient sound mode that detects when you want to hear something, and the option for hands-free calling.
Battery life could be better, but you can always plug an audio cable in and continue to listen, which is a big help.
Thanks to their soft leather headband and snug ear cushions, they’re actually pretty delightful to have on your head. They’re easy to use too, with legendary music producer Quincy Jones himself guiding you through the paces. There’s also the option to easily switch between two devices, depending on what you’re doing.
The only downside here is that the audio quality isn’t the greatest, but it’s still not bad, and it’s a small price to pay for a comfortable fit.