Audio

For over-ear headphones, battery degradation is slower due to larger cell size — realistic lifespan is 5-8 years before meaningful capacity loss. For true wireless earbuds, expect 18-30 months to noticeable degradation regardless of brand or price. The buying decision for earbuds is therefore: which product makes best use of a two-year budget, not which will last the longest. LDAC codec support matters significantly for Android users; iOS users get AAC from any source.

Audio 8/10

Anker Soundcore Liberty 4 NC

LDAC wireless audio, strong active noise cancellation, and a form factor that disappears into a pocket or backpack. 899 SEK (€82). Not a buy-once product — the batteries will eventually degrade — but the best value I found in a category where no earbuds are.

899 SEK May 2026

Sony WH-1000XM3 wireless noise cancelling headphones in silver, folded

Audio 9/10

Sony WH-1000XM3 Trådlösa Brusreducerande Hörlurar

Bought in February 2020, the XM3 over-ear headphones have been the reference point for wireless audio ever since. Still working perfectly after five years. The one drawback — device switching requires re-pairing — is the only thing I would change.

2,499 SEK May 2026