Wireless headphones have become remarkably sophisticated, but surveys consistently show that most users engage with only a fraction of the features available to them. Here are five things you might be missing.
1. Multipoint pairing. Most modern Bluetooth headphones can maintain connections to two devices simultaneously, switching automatically when audio starts playing on the other device. If you are still manually disconnecting and reconnecting when switching between your phone and laptop, check your headphone's app or manual — multipoint is probably already there.
2. Equaliser customisation. The default sound profile is designed to appeal to the widest possible audience, which means it is optimised for nobody in particular. Spending five minutes in your headphone's companion app to dial in a custom EQ curve can dramatically improve your listening experience.
3. Ambient sound mode. Often marketed as "transparency mode," this feature uses the external microphones to pipe in your surroundings. Contrary to popular belief, you do not have to fully remove your headphones to have a conversation or hear a station announcement.
4. Auto-pause and wear detection. If your headphones have ear detection sensors, make sure this feature is enabled. It pauses playback automatically when you remove the headphones and resumes when you put them back on — a small convenience that prevents you from missing audio when you get distracted.
5. Firmware updates. Headphone manufacturers regularly release firmware updates that improve ANC performance, fix bugs, and sometimes add entirely new features. Open your companion app and check for updates — you may find your headphones have capabilities they did not have when you bought them.