Headphone advice usually collapses into "buy the expensive ones", which is unhelpful when the options are not competing for the same job. The first question is not sound quality — it is whether you want a battery in the thing at all.
If noise is the actual problem
Active noise cancellation is the only feature here that changes what you can hear rather than how it sounds. Worth the money if you fly or commute; poor value if you do not.
Sony WH-1000XM5 Premium Noise Cancelling Wireless Headphones
Over-ear rather than in-ear noise cancelling, which is more effective and more conspicuous. The comfort case for long flights.
Price and availability shown on Amazon at time of purchase
Apple AirPods Pro 2 Wireless Earbuds, USB-C
The USB-C revision, so it charges from the same cable as a recent iPhone or iPad.
Price and availability shown on Amazon at time of purchase
If you just want something that works
Wired pairs never need charging, never pair, and never drop out. Both of these cost a fraction of anything wireless.
Sony ZX Series Wired On-Ear Headphones, Black MDR-ZX110
A long-running budget standard: 30mm drivers, swivelling cups that fold flat, and a plain 3.5mm plug that works with anything.
Price and availability shown on Amazon at time of purchase
Apple EarPods Headphones with USB-C Plug, Wired Ear Buds with Built-in Remote to Control Music, Phone Calls, and Volume
The USB-C version, so it plugs straight into a recent iPhone or iPad without a dongle. Wired, which means no charging and no pairing.
Price and availability shown on Amazon at time of purchase
If you are buying for a child
The volume cap is the point, and adult headphones do not have one. This is a safety distinction rather than a marketing one.
iClever HS19 Kids Headphones with Microphone, 85dBA Volume Limiter, Over-Ear Foldable
Built for children rather than adults — the 85dB volume cap is the point, and the share port lets two kids listen to one tablet.
Price and availability shown on Amazon at time of purchase
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need noise cancelling headphones?
Only if noise is genuinely your problem. Cancellation is the one feature that changes what you can hear, but it is also the only reason to accept charging, pairing and eventual battery replacement.
Are wired headphones still worth buying?
For a pair that lives at a desk, yes. You are otherwise paying for a battery you do not need and will eventually have to replace. Check your phone has a 3.5mm port first.