The Best Wireless Headphones
Wireless headphones allow you to listen to music or podcasts on the go without being tied to your audio device. The most reliable headphones use Bluetooth or a different wireless protocol to connect to your phone, laptop or record player, and play your music.
The active noise cancellation system reduces the low rumble that comes from chatty coworkers and bus engines. They are also extremely comfortable to wear over long periods of time.
1. Sony WH-1000XM5
The WH-1000XM5s by Sony are Sony's next generation of premium headphones. The WH-1000XM5s represent a major improvement over the XM4s. They provide more noise cancellation and intelligent features. They're also a little more expensive, but they provide an elegant design and feel. These headphones are a great option for commuters or frequent travellers.
The new headphones feature an elegant minimalist design constructed from recycled plastic. They're lighter than previous models, as well. The headband has been padded with soft material to make it more comfortable. The earcups have been made smaller so that they can be placed closer to the ear for less sound leakage.
They feature an automatic adaptive ANC system that is capable of changing how loud it blasts out based on the environment. The ANC does not isolate the same amount of low frequency noise as Bose QuietComfort 45 Wireless or QC45 however, it can be effective in reducing high and mid frequency sounds, like airplane engine roar and office chatter.
Other features that are smart include Wearing Detection, which senses when you take off your headphones and automatically pauses your music, and then starts playing again as soon as you put them back on. Speak-to-Chat allows you to talk to someone without taking the headphones off. It's a good idea however it's not perfect. Sometimes, the audio may change back after you've finished talking.
Sony's DSEE HX Extreme audio processing engine is also on board. This upscales compressed music to give it greater clarity and detail. This isn't a feature you'll see in your daily use, but it can make a difference when listening to high-quality tracks.
These headphones are compatible with Bluetooth 5.0, which supports more high-bitrate streaming than many other headsets. This will improve their performance when you listen to music via your mobile phone, laptop or tablet. They also support multipoint connectivity that allows you to connect two devices at once. This is especially useful if you are looking to listen to music while making hands-free phone calls.
2. Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4 Wireless
The Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4 Wireless aren't the most distinctive of the crowd however that doesn't mean they aren't an excellent pair of headphones. These over-ear cans offer exceptional noise cancellation and 60 hours of battery life. This is more than twice as long as the majority of competitors. The Sony WH1000XM5 and Bowers & Wilkins PX8 wireless provide 30 to 40 hours of battery life. The MOMENTUM 4's impressive endurance is due in part to a variety of energy-saving features, including sleep and on-head detection.
Sennheiser headphones are among the best Bluetooth headsets available. They feature a symbiotic mix between rich bass and warm mids which never overwhelm each other. The high-end is clear without being blazing or bright and the headphone's outstanding clarity means it can effortlessly handle action-movie soundtracks that have plenty of brash. The Control app lets you adjust the sound profile, and even add an EQ. This allows you to adjust the headphones to fit your preferences.
As compared to the wired version the MOMENTUM 4 Wireless are less durable, but they feel sturdy and well-built. The ear pads of the MOMENTUM 4 Wireless are soft and comfortable and rest comfortably on the head. In fact, I had no problem wearing them all day at home or during a flight. They're not as ideal for workouts however, as they can slide off the ears if you move your head quickly.
As with their predecessors, the MOMENTUM 4's ANC performance is impressive but not as class-leading as the Sony WH-1000XM5. They are capable of filtering out ambient noise and low rumbles from bus and plane engines, but they aren't as well at filtering out the chatter of passengers. They also have the benefit of aptX support which provides greater bitrates than AAC and SBC.
The Sennheisers ear cups can be swiveled to lay flat, but they don't fold, like some other models. The headphones are small enough to fit into their carrying case that is hard which makes them ideal for commutes and travel.
3. Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2
The latest generation of Bowers & Wilkins' flagship wireless headphones are among the top over-ear noise cancelling headsets available. They compete with top competitors like Sony's WH-1000XM5 and Bose's QuietComfort 65, while offering premium build quality, impressive comfort, and audiophile performance. Unlike many high-end Bluetooth headsets, they do not include a myriad of fancy features or a touch-based control, but instead are designed to provide an audio experience that is as immersive and as enjoyable as it can be.
The S2's ANC is effective in reducing background noise. It isolates well against low-frequency sounds such as bus engines and plane engines and mid-range sounds like office chatter and high-pitched laptop fans. They aren't as effectively from higher-frequency sounds like traffic or conversation, but perform better than their predecessors. The Bowers & Wilkins app also allows you to fine-tune your ANC to match your hearing.
The headphones sport a classy appearance, with a leatherette memory foam headband and ear cup. The headphones are a bit heavier than the top noise-canceling over-ear headsets, but they feel worth the money due to their sturdy design and a thoughtful build. The headphones are comfortable to wear for long periods of time, whether at work, home or traveling for a long time.
Bowers & Wilkins Px7S2's dynamic drivers that have 40mm of diameter deliver powerful bass, crisp treble and detailed images. They have a rich and dynamic sound with an impressive amount of air between sound elements making them a great choice for listening to music and podcasts. They support aptX Adaptive Codec, which allows you to stream hi-res audio at minimal latency.
The Px7 S2's controls are simple to use, with the play/pause button as on ear wireless headphones well as the volume buttons on the right earcup. The buttons are tactile and texturized which adds to the headphones' premium experience. They're a sturdy set of over-ears that will not fall off your head and fold into a compact carrying case to make it easy to transport.
4. V-Moda S-80
The V-Moda S-80 headphones are an exception to the rule that you receive the value you pay for. They are among the best-looking wireless headphones, and feature an elegant, durable design. However, they cost almost as much as the Sony WH-1000XM5 and Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2 -- a lot of money for a pair of on-ear headphones.
The V-Moda S-80 are the brand's first wireless headphones that are designed to be worn on your head or as an individual speaker system (with earcups facing up when they're hung around your neck). They're tuned to enhance modern electronic music with a lively sound and are compatible with advanced audio codes, such as Qualcomm's HD aptX. They have magnet shields that are interchangeable and can be customized in colors, so you can make your headphones unique in appearance to match your outfit.
While the S-80 are a nice departure from the company's M-Series models, they still have some quirks that make them not ideal for all users. Their weight of 12.5 pounds makes them feel heavy on the head, particularly when worn over-ear. This puts pressure on your ears, causing ear pain after about an hour of use. The headband is also uncomfortable and stiff when it is worn around your neck.
The S-80 has poor noise cancellation. Even at moderate volume you will hear background noise. The absence of ANC is not an issue but you'll need to limit the amount of time you listen for about 20 hours.
The absence of a 3.5mm port restricts connectivity and may hinder their use for intense physical activity. They aren't able to fold and do not have a case, which makes it difficult to transport and store. The S-80's robust design and outstanding sound quality counterbalance these limitations. The Immortal Life Program guarantees a new pair of headphones for 50% off of the retail price in case they break, get a scratch or otherwise lose their value.