Rebecca wearing the Mixx noise cancelling headphones (Image: Rebecca Koncienzcy)
I’ve recently made the switch to wireless headphones, leaving behind my trusty Sennheiser MX 365 after many years of use.
With Christmas on the horizon, headphones and earphones make for a fantastic gift, so if you’re in need of some inspiration, these suggestions might just do the trick.
These headphones were so impressive that I found myself wearing them even when I wasn’t listening to anything.
Living in a house full of boys, or as I like to call them, ‘disturbers of the peace’, can be quite overwhelming at times.
The come with an active noise cancelling feature that can be switched on to drown out external noises.
This feature can still be activated even when no music is playing, effectively muffling the sounds of boisterous boys causing chaos just a couple of feet away.
When it comes to actually listening to music, I always recommend testing out your current favourite track to see if it sounds better (for those wondering, mine was Right in Two by TOOL).
The sound quality of the is wonderful, allowing you to hear individual instruments and specific parts of songs with crystal clarity, even at higher volumes, reports .
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Mixx Streamq C4 Noise Cancelling Headphones (Image: Mixx)
What really sets these headphones apart, however, is their ANC feature, which lets you immerse yourself fully in your music and forget about everything else around you.
If you’d rather stay connected to the outside world, simply switch to ‘transparent mode’ to disable the ANC and let in sounds like traffic when you’re out walking or running.
With a 40-hour battery life and a quick charge mode that provides eight hours of use after just a 15-minute charge, these headphones are perfect for those always on the move. They’re also foldable for easy storage and allow you to take calls while on the go.
The , available from HMV for £49.99, are particularly handy for their noise-cancelling feature, making them ideal for festivals, gigs or simply a noisy household.
For those seeking something more discreet, Skullcandy’s Dime Evo earbuds, priced at £39.99, could be the answer.
These compact earbuds boast a long battery life (36 hours from a full charge plus two hours from a 10-minute rapid charge) and come in a cute clip case that can be attached to a keychain or bag for on-the-go charging.
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The Skullcandy Dime Evo earbuds (Image: Skullcandy)
Despite initial concerns about comfort due to sensitivity to inner ear buds, I found the earbuds to sit comfortably and firmly in the ears, much to my pleasant surprise.
When it comes to sound quality, it’s always best to test out your favourite tune.
The audio was clear and sharp with a solid bass, and thanks to their snug fit in the ear, they offer a noise-reducing feature that lets you immerse yourself in the music without any disruptions – this is the ‘noise isolating fit’ that guarantees.
The controls are excellent, though they do require some acclimatisation, as you tap the Dime Evo earbuds for varying durations for different commands. However, quickly pausing was incredibly simple, and phone calls can still be taken.
I was a fan of the sleek design and battery life. Some users on the Skullcandy website expressed dissatisfaction with the sound quality, while others reported that their earbuds fell out during gym sessions.
I wore mine on the bus to and from work and around the house without encountering any of these issues.
The Skullcandy Dime Evo earbuds can be purchased for £39.99 , but they are also available elsewhere.
If you’re looking for something more budget-friendly, I recommend the , which I bought after hearing about them from a colleague.
I snagged mine in an Amazon Prime Day sale for £14, but they are currently priced at £22, although Black Friday is approaching.
Rebocico Bluetooth Over Ear Headphones (Image: Amazon)
Of course, when you opt for a lower price point, you may have to compromise slightly on sound quality. But as long as you don’t attempt to listen to music at high volumes (which isn’t good for your ears anyway), the sound quality is decent for the price.
They are lightweight and foldable, making them easy to carry in your bag. The battery life is truly impressive; I’ve had mine for five months and have only needed to charge them three times – although I have been using other headphones and earphones intermittently.
These are a solid purchase and an excellent first pair for older children without the steep price tag. They also boast thousands of
It might be worth waiting for Black Friday or another Prime Day to see if they reduce the price further, but £22 is still a bargain.