Earphones and Audio

Sound for the phone

Most phones no longer come with earphones in the box, and many have no headphone socket either, so choosing earphones now starts with how they will connect to the phone at all. This department covers sound for the phone from end to end: earphones with a cable and without, the things that keep earbuds comfortable and safe, and small speakers for when earphones are the wrong answer. The guide to earphones and earbuds explains the choices in more depth.

The five ranges

• Wired earphones come with one of three plugs, USB-C, Lightning or the round 3.5mm one, and the right one depends on the phone. See wired earphones.
• Bluetooth earbuds are two small earpieces with no cable between them, kept in a case that also charges them. See Bluetooth earbuds.
• Earbud cases and covers protect an earbud charging case from scuffs and drops, and some clip to a bag so it is harder to lose. See earbud cases and covers.
• Ear tips are spare tips for in-ear earbuds. The ones here today are replacement foam and silicone tips made to fit particular earbuds, including AirPods Pro 2-compatible and Galaxy Buds Pro-compatible tips. See ear tips.
• Bluetooth speakers give fuller, louder sound than the phone's own speaker. The ones here are small, and include a desk speaker, a clip-on one and speakers rated against splashes and rain. See Bluetooth speakers.

Wired or wireless

Both have a place, and many people keep one of each. Wired earphones have nothing to charge or pair and no delay behind the picture, which suits long journeys and gaming. Wireless earbuds have no cable to tangle and work with any phone that has Bluetooth, whatever its port, which suits walking, the gym and everyday listening. If you have good 3.5mm earphones and a USB-C phone, a USB-C to headphone adapter lets you keep them.

Questions people ask about earphones and audio

How loud is too loud?

The safe-listening standard written by the World Health Organization and the International Telecommunication Union counts a week's listening: for adults, the equivalent of 80 decibels for 40 hours a week, and the safe time drops quickly above that. An iPhone notifies you when headphone listening has gone over that. NHS hearing services suggest keeping the volume to no more than about 60 per cent of the maximum, and listening for no more than about an hour before a break of at least five minutes.

Is it safe to wear earphones near traffic?

Earphones that block noise also block traffic and bicycle bells. The Highway Code lists loud music, which may mask other sounds, among the distractions to avoid when driving or riding. Near traffic, keep the volume low or use a mode that lets outside sound in.

How long does delivery take?

Delivery is included in every price and tracked to your door. Each product page says when it usually arrives.

More to look at

• Wired earphones
• Bluetooth earbuds
• Earbud cases and covers
• Ear tips
• Bluetooth speakers
• USB-C to headphone adapters
• Guide: Earphones and earbuds for your phone