NEED TO KNOW

Active Noise Cancellation (ANC): If you’ve yet to experience the joy of a quiet plane journey or commute, you’re in for a treat. ANC headphones use microphones in the earpiece to pick up ambient sound which is then cancelled out, muting background hubbub.

Wireless connectivity: Wireless headphones are now really good – look for the latest Bluetooth versions (current best is 5.2) and codecs including aptx Adaptive or LDAC (for Sony) to enjoy better-than-cd quality audio. Battery: Bluetooth streaming and ANC can burn through batteries, but the best designs have advanced cells with fast-charging 30+hr lives. Sennheiser’s excellent Momentum 4 Wireless has a massive 60hrs.

Sound: The beauty of over-ear headphones is that you can try before you buy at a decent hi-fi retailer. Quality is subjective, and you may like one tuning more than another.