Best Headphones for Commuting: Wired vs Wireless

If you spend any time on trains, buses, or walking through busy streets, a good pair of headphones can make all the difference. Whether you're listening to music, podcasts, or just trying to block out the noise, the right headphones can transform your daily commute.

But with so many choices out there — noise-cancelling, wired, wireless, in-ear, over-ear — how do you know what’s right for you?

Let’s break it down, so you can find the perfect pair.

Before you dive into the specs, ask yourself:

• Do I want to block out noise completely?

• Do I need headphones that fit in my pocket?

• Do I want to avoid worrying about charging?

• What’s my budget?

Once you know what matters most, choosing your ideal pair of headphones gets easier.

These use special tech (called ANC) to reduce background sounds like engines and chatter.

• Great for: Trains, planes, noisy buses

• Pros: Peace and quiet even in loud places

• Cons: More expensive, need charging

Simple and reliable — plug them in and go. No charging needed.

• Great for: People who don’t want to worry about battery life

• Pros: Affordable, always ready to use

• Cons: Cables can get tangled or snagged

Connect via Bluetooth — no wires, just freedom.

• Great for: Walking commutes or moving around a lot

• Pros: Tangle-free, easy to use with phones

• Cons: Needs charging, sometimes more expensive

✅ Bluetooth 5.3

✅ Up to 25 hours battery

✅ Built-in noise cancelling

✅ Can also be used wired

Why we love it: Solid sound, comfy fit, great value at under £40. Ideal for daily use.

✅ Super lightweight

✅ Plug-and-play with most phones/laptops

✅ Under £10

Perfect if: You want a reliable, no-fuss pair of headphones without breaking the bank.

✅ Wired connection for iPhones

✅ Works with Apple Lightning port

✅ Mic and controls built-in

Great for: iPhone users who miss the headphone jack and want wired reliability.

✅ Compact and wireless

✅ Charging case included

✅ Affordable at just £22.99

Why it’s good: True wireless for easy travel — just pop them in and go.

✅ Active Noise Cancellation

✅ Bluetooth connection

✅ Comfy earcups for long wear

Why upgrade? If you commute daily and want a bit more comfort and sound quality, these are a great mid-range option.

• Clean ear tips and/or padding periodically. Aside from the obvious hygiene benefits, sweat and dirt can degrade the sound quality over time.

• A carrying case or pouch can help to prevent damage by keeping your headphones safe when they're not in use.

• For wireless modes, try not to fully discharge the batteries repeatedly and make sure that they are fully charged before you take long trips.

• If your headphones require firmware updates, make sure that you keep up with these. Many higher-end ANC headphones deliver improved performance via constant updates.

• Store cables safely to avoid putting unnecessary strain on the connector. 

• Commuting a lot? Spend a little more for comfort and noise cancelling.

• Using multiple devices? Look for Bluetooth multipoint (switch between phone and laptop easily).

• Hate charging? Go wired.

• Using a mix of public transport and walking? Try compact wireless earbuds.

Explore our full range of commuting headphones — from budget earbuds to full-featured ANC over-ears, we’ve got options for every style, budget, and commuter. There’s no one “best” commuting headphone for everyone — it depends on your budget, how noisy your commute is, whether mobility matters more than sound fidelity, and how much you care about features like ANC or ambient awareness. Whatever your individual preferences, Maplin will have the ideal pair of headphones to suit your needs.