The best headphones for Android devices

Samsung makes some of the best Android-powered devices around, and the Galaxy Buds 2 are pretty much the best you can get for Samsung (well, come on, the clue’s in the title), so these hi-tech buds are really a no-brainer.

Pairing is easy thanks to Google Fast Pair (which connects with all Bluetooth devices in the vicinity) and the rest of the experience is just as simple. Other useful bonuses include an automatic pause when you take out both earbuds. 

The sound quality is solid, with multiple EQ levels to consider, though not quite as refined as some other options. Active noise cancellation, however, keeps you fully immersed in your tunes. The buds are packed with three microphones, which means your calls are always crystal clear.

Everything’s operated by easy-to-use touchpad controls on the exterior of the actual buds. Overall, they’re as close as you’ll get to Apple AirPods for Android.

Many headphones offer active noise cancellation, but not all go above and beyond with ANC features. That’s why we’ve picked the Sony WH-XB910N.

Their noise cancellation is powered by Dual Noise Sensor technology, which uses two little microphones to detect the ambient sounds around you and automatically adjusts to ensure you receive the best level of noise cancellation at all times. They aren’t the only Sony headphones to use this kind of ANC tech. But these do it at a much lower price than Sony's top-tier offering.

The Sony WH-XB910N don't stop there. They sound great — as Sony usually does — and controls are simple and intuitive. A 30-hour battery life isn’t the best available, but it’s plenty. They should last as long as you need them, whether it's a marathon travel day or 9-5 work calls. As for Android features, they’re equipped with Google Fast Pair and Google Assistant connectivity.

The Jabra Elite 7 Active are made for fitness. And trust us, if you’re planning to use your earbuds for any serious running and gym sessions, they need to be purpose built for the job — otherwise they’re guaranteed to fall out.

The Jabra Elite 7 Active are built with something called ShakeGrip technology, which keeps them firmly in place during intense, high-impact workouts. They’re sweat-resistant too, so you can push yourself as hard as possible.

A battery life of 8 hours — above average for earbuds — will give you plenty of juice for extra-long sessions or even long-distance training. And there’s lots more to enjoy, including ANC with a HearThrough transparency mode, powerful sound, and instant access to Google Assistant.

You control everything via the Jabra+ app and tactile buttons on the exterior of the buds. The satisfying click is much better suited for rough and ready training than the flimsy touchpad controls you’ll find on other buds.

It’s no great surprise that some of the best earbuds for the largely Google-powered Android are the tech giant’s own Google Pixel Buds Pro.

While Google’s previous A-Series were good but basic (we certainly rate them for around £100), the Pro version has some significant upgrades. Most notable are the additions of some very good noise cancellation technology, multipoint connectivity for multipe devices, and souped-up sound.

But where these really come into their own — for Android users, at least — is in their superb Google Assistant performance. Their Google Assistant is fast, responsive, and never gets muddled up like Alexa sometimes does (speaking of which, there’s no support for Alexa here — though that shouldn’t matter if you’re buying for Android devices). Just say “OK, Google” and you can dictate texts, control your sounds, or ask for traffic updates.

They’re not perfect, of course. These are on the pricier end of the scale for what they are — and these definitely aren’t built for the gym or for high-octane activity — but otherwise they’re pretty darn good.

Bose remains one of the top names in the headphone game and for good reason. Pairs like these — the Bose QuietComfort — continue to prove its dominance. Or, at least, it remains equal to the likes of Sony and Apple.

As with other Android-friendly headphones, the Bose QuietComfort come equipped with Google Fast Pair. That means you’ll be up and running with your Android device literally seconds after removing them from the box.

The sound is fantastic, with customisable EQ and multi-faceted noise cancelling that allows you to choose between full-power ANC or better awareness of your surroundings. Meanwhile, the iconic design is comfortable — these babies are very well cushioned — with controls built onto the spacious earcup. You can even control Spotify with a feature known as Spotify Tap.

We have to admit that these aren’t exactly cheap, but if you’re willing to spend even more cash, the Bose QuietComfort Ultra are even more advanced.

It doesn’t matter whether you’re using Android, iOS, or something in-between, the JBL Tune 520BT are just a great set of headphones. They’re nothing flashy — and certainly not expensive — but they're highly reliable, with JBL’s signature sound, solid Bluetooth connection, and a tough-wearing build that can take just about anything. Seriously: Throw these in your bag or wear them permanently around your neck. You’ll find they last for literally years.

It's fair to say that the features are stripped back. There’s no noise cancellation — which is unusual with on-ear style headphones anyway — but you do get multipoint pairing, hands-free calls, and access to Google Assistant at the push of a button. Best of all, they have an absolute monstrous battery life. You’ll be hard-pressed to find any headphones that beat 57 hours.

If you do want flashier features, the JBL Tune 760NC add noise cancellation. They're slightly more expensive but still very affordable.