Tech / Technology

Best headphones for Android in 2023 (UK)

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The best headphones for Android users, including models from brands like Bose and Samsung.
Set of headphones

This content originally appeared on Mashable for a US audience and has been adapted for the UK audience.

All Android smartphones come bundled with earphones for you to listen to your favourite music or podcasts immediately, but they’re rarely impressive. It’s a fact of life. It’s a better idea to purchase a separate pair of headphones or earphones that suit your needs, as long as you know the kind of headphones or earbuds you need.

It’s important to think about when you’re going to be using your headphones. For starters, do you want to block out background noise while you’re on your daily commute? Do you want a pair that are great while you’re running or working out at the gym? Or do you just want to relax at home, listening to music through your headphones, perhaps even while you sleep? 

These sort of questions will help you find the best wireless headphones for your Android device. To make it even easier, we’ve put together a quick guide.

What is Android?

Perhaps best known as the alternative operating system to Apple’s iOS, the Google-owned Android is an open source platform — that means (unlike Apple) any developers and tech companies can use and build on it. It’s used on many non-Apple phones and tablets, including devices made by Samsung and Google itself. Over 3 billion people actively use Android devices.

What makes a pair of headphones good for Android users?

It stands to reason that headphones made by the likes of Google and Samsung will make headphones that brilliantly sync with Android devices. Generally, look for headphones that have compatibility with Android-specific features, such as Google Fast Pair and Google Assistant. Most decent Bluetooth headphones have access to a voice assistant, such as Alexa, Google Assistant, or Samsung’s Bixby. You just need to set the headphones to your preferred version — in this case, Google Assistant. Be wary of headphones that only support one voice assistant (some have Alexa built-in). 

What can Google Assistant do?

Once you have Google Assistant set up on your headphones and Android device, it’s seriously helpful. You can ask it to play specific songs — not to mention control all playback features — as well as make calls and send messages, set schedules and alarms, do general searches, and check the news or weather.

What is Google Fast Pair?

This Google-specific feature eliminates the faff of fiddling around with menus to connect Bluetooth devices. Your Android device will use Bluetooth Low Energy and location tech to immediately detect any Bluetooth devices nearby. A window will automatically pop up on your device and ask if you want to connect. Fast Pair devices can also sync with your Google account and offer personalised features.

Are cheap headphones worth the money?

The simple answer is, not really. If you’re looking to go easy on your wallet, you could just stick with the pair that come with your Android smartphone. This is only really a worthwhile plan if you’re prone to losing headphones, because — ultimately — the standard-issue headphones are never that good. If you regularly enjoy music or podcasts, it’s definitely worth investing in a more expensive pair that offer more useful features like active noise cancellation or companion apps.

What are the best headphones for Android?

To help you find something that will work for you and your Android device, we have tracked down a selection of your best options. We’ve done the research, read the online reviews, and have come up with a list of the best headphones for Android users.

These are the best headphones for Android devices in 2023.

Tech / Technology

The best robot vacuum and mop combos in 2023

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These hybrid vacs do more than create a puddle and also won’t soak your carpets. Here are our favorites for mopping from iRobot, Shark, Roborock, Eufy, and Yeedi.
Shark robot vacuum cleaning tile floor near bathtub

Best deals on robot mops this week

Despite the enthusiasm of actors in Swiffer commercials, few people are foaming at the mouth when they think about the prospect of manually mopping their floors. We’ve already got so much on our plate that pulling out a handheld device and then having to drag said handheld device around rightfully earns a collective groan.

It’s as if robot vacuum companies heard our groans from afar and decided to make our lives a little easier, by adding mopping to their menu of offerings. Since 2020-ish, countless companies (the few brands you recognize, plus a ton you don’t) have added at least one hybrid model to their lineup, with prices ranging from $100 to well over $1,000. Price is one thing, but whether the wet mopping feature does much more than create a puddle is a whole other story. Often, you end up getting a mediocre vacuum and a mediocre mop for twice the price — and we know you deserve only the very best.

Fortunately, there are some robot mops that excel at making dry floors gleam. Below, we’re outlining some of the best robot mop combos on the market right now — including detailed explanations of the standout features that set them apart. With Black Friday around the corner, you’ll want to find out which models stand out before you shop.

So put that manual mop back in the closet. It’s 2023, after all, and you need a break.

Tech / Technology

Walmart Black Friday Deals event: Get a Roku smart TV for $148

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As of Nov. 8, Walmart+ members can get an onn. Roku smart TV for just $148 at Walmart during Walmart’s Black Friday Deals event.
roku smart tv on an orange wall

SPECIAL BLACK FRIDAY PRICING: Walmart+ members can get an onn. Roku smart TV for just $148 during Walmart’s Black Friday Deals event. The discount pricing is available to paid Walmart+ members beginning at 12 p.m. ET on Nov. 8, and will be available to the general public beginning at 3 p.m. on Nov. 8.


roku smart tv

Credit: onn


onn. 50-inch Roku smart TV

$148 at Walmart



This year, Walmart is offering early access to Black Friday deals to Walmart+ members, giving them a chance to grab the best savings before they’re gone. Walmart’s Black Friday Deals event features a wide range of discounts on everything from tech and home goods to toys and apparel. Whether you’re looking for a new TV, a cozy blanket, or the latest video game console, Walmart has you covered.

SEE ALSO:

Today is the last day to score a Walmart+ membership for only $49 a year

Speaking of TVs, Walmart+ members can get their hands on an onn. 50-inch Roku smart TV for just $148. That’s a pretty good deal considering similar TVs from other brands typically cost around $200 or more.

This TV has built-in Roku streaming capabilities, allowing you to access all your favorite streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, and Disney+. Or you can watch via cable, satellite, or HDTV antenna. With a 4K Ultra HD resolution, you can enjoy sharp and vibrant visuals, making your movie nights and gaming sessions more immersive. Plus, with voice commands, you’ll never have to tediously enter your password with the remote again.

Unfortunately, new trial members aren’t eligible for this perk, so if you’re not already a Walmart+ member, you’ll need to sign up for a paid membership to enjoy these early access deals.

Grab this deal on a Roku smart TV while it’s still available.

Tech / Technology

Best on-ear headphones in 2023 (UK)

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The best on-ear headphones from top brands like Apple, Sony, and JBL.
Woman writing in a notebook while listening to headphones

This content originally appeared on Mashable for a US audience and has been adapted for the UK audience.

In the world of headphones, there’s a sweet spot between those bulky over-ear headphones and tiny earbuds: on-ear headphones. And with the classic on-ear style, you really do get to enjoy the best of both worlds.

That’s because on-ear headphones have the benefit of having speakers large enough to produce hi-fi sound (the way over-ear headphones do) while remaining compact enough to stow away for easy transport (like earbuds). The makers of quality on-ear options can pack the ear cups full of technology, like active noise cancellation and radio frequency tech, while ensuring that the headphones are still lightweight and produce great audio full of rich bass and crisp mids.

On-ear headphones typically have have adjustable headbands to fit all head sizes, plus padded cushions that relieve pressure on the ears, regardless of how expensive or cheap they are. If that all sounds good, check out this guide to buying on-ear headphones.

Are on-ear headphones better than earbuds?

There is no definitive answer to this question because ultimately, it comes down to personal choice. Some people prefer the all-encompassing feel of on or over-ear headphones, while others love that buds deliver tunes directly into their ears. There are benefits to both options. On-ear headphones do tend to have higher-quality sound, and therefore audiophiles should focus largely on this style of headphones. Earbuds are more compact, portable, and inconspicuous, so they’re better suited to commuting, air travel, or taking to the gym.

Can you still buy wired headphones?

Wireless technology is certainly the preference at the moment, but that’s not to say wired headphones aren’t an option. They’re often the choice of serious audiophiles as Bluetooth can cause issues with decoding high resolution file formats. Good quality wired headphones have become harder to find, but they are still out there.

Do you really need noise cancellation?

Noise cancellation is a built-in feature that keeps out or suppresses external noise, allowing you to fully immerse in the music without any distractions. There are two basic types of noise cancellation: Passive noise cancellation, which physically blocks out noise with the design of the cups, and Active noise cancellation (ANC). This uses a system of small microphones to pick up incoming sounds and create anti-noise sound waves that cancel them out.

ANC technology is not an essential, but it’s something that a lot of listeners want these days. You can find noise cancellation for on-ear headphones, but it’s much less common. Noise cancellation is usually the domain of over-ear headphones, which — due to their design — are better equipped for noise cancellation. But you’ll find some ANC options below.

What is the best headphones brand?

We all know the big ones — Apple, Bose, Sony, and so on — but you’ll also find plenty of good (and often cheaper) options from lesser-known, less obvious brands like AKG and JBL.

What are the best on-ear headphones?

Since virtually every company claims its headphones produce the best sound, with the best materials, and with the best features available, we decided to turn to reviewers to see which on-ear headphones were the most worthy of your money.

These are the best on-ear headphones in 2023.