The most common headphones problems, from 4,776 verified buyers

1. The most common headphones problem owners report: “Uncomfortable or a poor fit”, raised in 16% of the 1 to 3 star reviews, followed by “Bluetooth drops, misfiring controls or poor calls” (14%).
2. What happy owners praise most: “Great sound”, in 43% of the 4 and 5 star reviews we read.
3. 90% of verified buyers rated their headphones 4 or 5 stars, against 93% across every product type in our study; headphones rank 28 of 37 for happy buyers.
4. 6% gave 1 or 2 stars, about 1 buyer in 17.
5. Across the 6 headphones with 30 or more ratings, the share of happy buyers ran from 86% to 91%.
6. The cheaper half of these headphones (up to £249) had a median of 91% happy buyers, against 86% for the pricier half, so paying more did not buy happier owners.
7. Owners agree with experts here: models whose expert reviews earned our “great choice” verdict had a median of 91% happy buyers, against 87% for “good with caveats”.
8. Buyers in the UK were the happiest (93% at 4 or 5 stars), and buyers in the US and Canada the least (84%).

Share of the 486 reviews of 1 to 3 stars that raise each problem, grouped across models. What to check before you buy.

1. 1. Uncomfortable or a poor fit16%
   Came up on 5 models
2. 2. Bluetooth drops, misfiring controls or poor calls14%
   Came up on 5 models
3. 3. Sound not as good as hoped11%
   Came up on 6 models
4. 4. Noise cancelling weaker than expected9%
   Came up on 4 models
5. 5. Broke down or developed a fault9%
   Came up on 5 models

The problems above, most common first, and how to avoid each one. Our advice; the order comes from the reviews.

1. 1. Uncomfortable or a poor fit (16% of complaints)

   Check the weight and how tightly reviewers say they clamp. If you wear glasses or have a big head, try them on if you can.

2. 2. Bluetooth drops, misfiring controls or poor calls (14% of complaints)

   If you take calls, check independent mic tests. Touch controls misfire more than buttons for some people.

3. 3. Sound not as good as hoped (11% of complaints)

   Most apps let you adjust the sound: check there is an EQ, and read reviews of the sound rather than the spec sheet.

4. 4. Noise cancelling weaker than expected (9% of complaints)

   Noise cancelling cuts low hums (engines, fans) far more than voices. Check independent tests rather than the 'up to' claims.

5. 5. Broke down or developed a fault (9% of complaints)

   Faults usually show in the first weeks, so buy from a shop with an easy returns policy, register the guarantee and keep the receipt. A longer maker's guarantee is worth paying a little for.

Share of the 561 newest 4 and 5 star reviews we read that praise each point.

1. 1. Great sound43%
   Came up on 12 models
2. 2. Strong noise cancelling27%
   Came up on 9 models
3. 3. Comfortable for hours19%
   Came up on 9 models
4. 4. Long battery life5%
   Came up on 4 models
5. 5. Looks good3%
   Came up on 2 models

Regions with 30 or more ratings, by where the shop is. Shops in each region sell different models, so a gap can come from the models as much as from the buyers.