Ahh headphones, where would we be without them? Probably attempting to read an entire book on the treadmill or having conversations with complete strangers on the bus (shudder.)

Whether on the commute, in front of a laptop at work, or at the gym, headphones and earbuds complete the tech triangle of needs, along with having a phone and charger within a five-metre radius. And because we use them so much, it makes sound economical sense to invest time and effort in deciding which style is right for our needs.

If you want to find the best headphones, don’t base your choice solely on what looks good (though, let’s face it, that matters), but also on what you’ll be using them for. Alcantara earcups might be softer than Drake on a bag of marshmallows, but the suede-like material isn’t the smartest option for a sweaty kettlebell workout. And then there are other features to consider, like wireless connectivity, battery life and whether you want everyone else to be able to hear you blasting out One Direction.

From high-end cans to the best budget buds, these are the headphones you should be listening out for this season.

Best Wireless Headphones

Wireless headphones and earbuds have finally come into their own after a few shaky early years. Aside from the fact that some mobile phones don’t even come with headphone jacks anymore, cutting the cord is the best option for people who don’t want to bother with dangling wires, or those with low spatial awareness. After all, there’s nothing worse than a flailing arm sending your phone flying off the treadmill mid-sprint.

Providing you can trust yourself not to lose them or the case they are stowed in, the sound quality of wireless headphones is almost on-par with over-ear options. They’re also much more likely to be water resistant and, due to the seal they provide to keep themselves lodged in your ear, have some noise cancelling benefits. Celine Dion’s greatest hits on repeat? Go on then.