The Best Wireless Headphones
Wireless headphones allow you to listen to podcasts or music while on the move without being tethered to your audio device. The best headphones can connect wirelessly to your laptop, phone or record player via Bluetooth or another protocol.
They also come with a powerful active noise cancellation system that effortlessly reduces the low rumble of bus engines or chatty coworkers. They're also incredibly comfortable to wear for extended periods of time.
1. Sony WH-1000XM5
The WH-1000XM5s are Sony's next generation of premium headphones. They're a major improvement over the XM4s, with better noise cancellation and intelligent features. They're also slightly more expensive, but they come with an exquisite design and feel. They have a lot going for them and are a great option for frequent travellers.
The new headphones have a sleek minimalist design constructed from recycled plastic. The headphones are also lighter than the predecessors. They're comfortable to wear for extended periods, and the headband is now covered with soft padding that makes it less stiff than before. The Earcups are also smaller and fit closer to the ear to ensure that there is less leakage of sound.
The headphones feature an automatic adaptive ANC that can change the volume based on the surrounding. The ANC doesn't isolate as much low-frequency noise as Bose's QuietComfort 45 or QC45 Wireless however, it does a good job of tackling mid and high-frequency noise, such as office chatter and airplane engine roar.
Other features that are smart include Wearing Detection that detects when you take off the headphones and automatically pauses your music - and it starts playing once you put them back on. There's also Speak-to-Chat, which enables you to talk to people without taking the headphones off. It's quite effective, although it's not the perfect solution and may switch back to audio playback once you're done speaking.
Sony's DSEE-HX Extreme audio processing engine is also included. This feature boosts compressed audio to provide it with greater clarity and detail. It's not a feature that is evident in normal use, but it could be noticeable when listening to high-quality tracks.
These headphones are compatible with Bluetooth 5.0 which provides higher-bitrate streaming than most other headsets. That should improve their performance when listening to music via your mobile phone, laptop or tablet. They also support multi-point connection, so you can pair them with two devices at the same at the same time. This is especially helpful for those who would like to listen to music while using the device for hands-free phone calls.
2. Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4 Wireless
Sennheiser MOMENTUM Wireless headphones aren't exactly the most original, but that doesn’t necessarily mean they're not an excellent pair. These over-ear cans offer exceptional noise cancellation, and boast a staggering 60 hours of battery life. This is nearly twice as long as most rivals. 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, such as sleep and head-to-head detection.
In terms of audio quality, the Sennheisers are among the top Bluetooth headphones available. They have a an enviable mix of rich bass and warm mids that don't overpower each other. The high end is clear, but not piercing. Its clarity allows it to take on the most explosive action film soundtracks. The Control app allows you to modify the sound profile and even add an EQ. This makes it simple to personalize the headphones to meet your preferences.
In comparison to the wired version, the MOMENTUM 4 Wireless are slightly less durable, but they feel sturdy and well-constructed. The comfortable earpads are also soft and comfortable, and they rest securely on the head. I wore them all day long regardless of whether I was at home or on a plane. However, they are not as good to exercise in, since they could fall off your ears if you're moving fast.
The MOMENTUM 4 offers excellent ANC performance, but not quite as good as the Sony WH-1000XM5. They do a great job of filtering out ambient noise and low rumbles of plane and bus engines, but they aren't as well at removing passengers' chatter. They also have the benefit of supporting aptX Audio, which provides higher maximum bitrates than AAC and SBC used by the Sonys.
The earcups on the Sennheisers are able to rotate to lay flat, but don't fold like other models. However, the headphones are compact enough to fit inside their hard carrying case when they're not in use, which makes them ideal for commute and travel.
3. Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2
The second generation of Bowers & Wilkins' flagship wireless headphones are among the top over-ear noise cancelling headsets available. They are in direct competition with Sony's WH1000XM5 or Bose QuietComfort 65. They provide premium build quality, impressive sound performance, and comfort. They don't feature extravagant features or control using touch gestures like many premium Bluetooth headphones. Instead, they are designed to deliver an audio experience that is immersive and enjoyable.
The Px7 S2's ANC is very effective in reducing ambient noise, and has a high level of isolation from low-frequency rumbles, such as bus and plane engines, mid-range sounds such as office chatter, and high-pitched whirls of laptop fans. The ANC of the Px7 S2 is less effectively against higher-frequency sounds, like traffic and conversations however it does a better job at removing them. Bowers & Wilkins' app allows you to modify your ANC to your hearing.
They have a premium design, with an elegant headband and earcups with leatherette memory foam padding. The headphones are heavier than other top noise-canceling headphones, but they feel worth the cost due to their robust design and thoughtful build. They are comfortable to wear while you listen to music for long durations and are ideal for use at home at work, on the go or even on long flights.
When it comes to sound, the Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2's 40mm dynamic drivers provide strong bass, crisp highs and spacious, detailed imaging. They have a rich and dynamic sound, with an airy space between the sound elements which makes them a great option for listening to music or podcasts. They offer an aptX Adaptive codec, which means you can stream high-res audio with low latency.
The Px7 S2's controls are simple to use, with an pause/play button and volume up and down buttons on the right earcup. The buttons are tactile and textured tiny details that enhances the headphones' premium feeling. They're stable over-ears that won't fall off your head, and they fold up into a small carrying case for easy transportation.
4. V-Moda S-80
Generally speaking, you get what you spend in the world of headphones but the V-Moda S-80 are an exception. They are among the top-quality wireless headphones and have a sleek sturdy design. Unfortunately, best budget wireless headphones cost nearly as much as the Sony WH-1000XM5 or Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2 which is a lot of money for a pair of on-ear headphones.
The V-Moda S-80 are the brand's first wireless headphones, and they're designed to be used either on your head or as a personal speaker system (with earcups facing up when they're hung around your neck). They're tuned to provide a clear sound that enhances modern electronic music and supports advanced audio codecs such as Qualcomm's aptX HD. They also come with magnetic shields that are interchangeable and customizable color options so you can give them an individual look that matches your attire or promote your business.
The S-80 is a nice departure from the M-Series however, they do have a few quirks which make them less than ideal for all. The 12.5 ounces of weight makes them feel heavy, especially when worn on the ears. This puts pressure on the ear, which can cause headaches within an hour. The headband can also be a bit stiff and can be uncomfortable when wearing the headphones around your neck.
Another issue is the S80's poor noise cancellation. Even at moderate volumes, you can hear background noise. The lack of ANC isn't an issue, but you will need to limit the amount of time you listen to about 20 hours.
Additionally, the absence of a 3.5mm port hinders connectivity and may hinder their use during intense physical activity. The S-80 is not foldable and doesn't include a case. This reduces their mobility and stowability. 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 the event they break, suffer a scratch, or lose their value.