The best headphones and ear buds we've tried

Earphones and ear buds aren't just for music fans anymore: with a growing number of podcasts and audiobooks available, more and more people are donning them every day.

So to help you choose the right one for you or a loved one, we’ve put together our highly recommended headphones and ear buds that would make the perfect Christmas treat.

There are some great options out there, and whatever your budget, or whether they are for music or the spoken word, we've got the best choice for you.

Best Apple headphones and ear buds

Apple Airpods Pro 2

Highly recommended and often discounted, the Apple AirPods Pro 2 are some of the best ear buds on the market. 

Wireless, with superb active noise-cancellation, an excellent microphone - and a whole host of other features - they're a no-brainer for any Apple user in your life.

You can read about our first experience using them here.

Apple Airpods Max

More expensive than the Pro2, but with excellent sound quality and some of the best noise cancelling around, these provide some of the most immersive audio for Apple users.

These headphones really do seal off the outside world, but also allow you to flick a switch to allow sounds back in when you want them.

The ultimate gift for a music lover already in the Apple ecosystem, who wants to enjoy a fully immersive sound experience.

Best for runners and go-getters

Jlab Go Air Sport 

These are great value for money and are perfect for the active person in your life.

Excellent sound quality, a secure and comfortable fit, and an impressive battery life make these some of the best value for money ear buds on the market.

Hardcore music fans may want to pay more, but for everyone else these are a great buy.

Best over-ear headphones

Bose QuietComfort

The Bose QuietComfort headphones have received glowing reviews, praising the quality of sound, their active noise cancellation, and comfort. 

They're much better value than the Apple Airpods Max too, so if you don't want the laundry list of apple-specific features, these are some of the best headphones on the market right now.

They come highly recommended by long-time Saga Magazine writer Jayne Cherrington-Cook too:

"These are the most comfortable headphones I’ve tried."

"They come in a variety of colours and because they’re noise cancelling, you can be sure that nothing gets in-between you and your favourite music or podcast."

Best bone conducting headphones

Shokz Open Run Pro

Bone conducting or open-ear headphones work by transmitting sound vibrations through the bones of your skull to your inner ear - they actually bypass the ear canal and eardrum altogether.

This means you can listen to your music or podcasts without anything in or over your ear - and they don't block out the environment around you.

Shokz Open Run and Open Run Pro are the best-sellers in the UK and are highly rated for sound quality and comfort.

Saga Magazine's senior digital editor Phillipa Cherryson has been using the Shokz Open Run Pro for the past few years.

"These have been a revelation for me. I really don't like not hearing what is around me - so these are perfect as I don't miss any noises, like cars coming up behind me.

"I've tried a few makes now and Shokz are my favourite for sound quality and they are really comfortable to wear."

Our bonus pick

Nothing Ear wireless ear buds 

Bassy, punchy, and great value for money, we couldn't write a list without including Nothing's third generation ear buds.

They struggle with battery life when using their active noise cancellation, but perform well above their price in most other areas, so for those who don't need more than 5 hours of listening between charges they're a fantastic choice.