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Headphone recommendations for parents?

7 replies

SowWhatNow · 23/07/2026 16:30

Searching for a decent (comfortable and effective) pair of noise cancelling headphones that enable me to do household chores and still hear when the kids are knocking blocks from each other, so I can build some peace and me time into my busy parenting days. Bonus points for wireless and easy to charge, easy to toss in handbag. Android compatible. For listening to audio books and jazz/classical music. Budget probably around £80-£100. My last pair of headphones were ones that came free with my then mobile phone in around 2007. They are probably still there, lost somewhere in 2007.

OP posts:
ScottBakula · 23/07/2026 22:41

I lo e my sound core noise cancelling over ear headphones.

They are able to switch from noise cancelling to another mode (that I can't remember the name of right now) that means you can still hear your music but also traffic , dcs and cats !
Mine get chucked in my rucksack and have withstood a fair bit of rough handling

If you get the app ( you don't need it to use the HPs ) there is loads of white noise sounds that are quite cool.

ScottBakula · 23/07/2026 23:05

I should of added the model is Q30 and I think they cost about £70

SowWhatNow · 23/07/2026 23:28

Thank you @ScottBakula! How big/small are they?

Are over ear ones like the buds that wrap around your ear? Or are they the more traditional style headphones with a band over your head?

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JellyTipisthebest · 24/07/2026 05:44

I have skullcandy method 360 anc headphones. My last pair lasted years. The charging casr is on the big size but that makes its easier to find in a bag. It also has a clip. You can also have just one in if you want.

ScottBakula · 24/07/2026 07:04

@SowWhatNow
They are quite big , the head band has plenty of adjustability ( I have a big head !) The ear pieces comfortably fit over my ears rather than pressing on them.
They are the traditional type that has a band that goes over your head.
They fold up too so take up less room in your bag.
I also have soundcores earbuds which I like the sound from but ( all) earbuds irritate me after a while

SowWhatNow · 24/07/2026 13:27

ScottBakula · 24/07/2026 07:04

@SowWhatNow
They are quite big , the head band has plenty of adjustability ( I have a big head !) The ear pieces comfortably fit over my ears rather than pressing on them.
They are the traditional type that has a band that goes over your head.
They fold up too so take up less room in your bag.
I also have soundcores earbuds which I like the sound from but ( all) earbuds irritate me after a while

This is useful, thanks! I do wonder if ear buds will irritate me, I used to have some years ago that did but I feel like the design, fit and technology should have come on since then so perhaps they'll be comfier.

Thanks for the link!

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