The Best Wireless Headphones
Wireless headphones allow you to listen to podcasts or music on the go, without having to be tied to your device. The best headphones connect wirelessly to your phone, laptop or record player via Bluetooth or another protocol.
The active noise cancellation system reduces the low rumble of chatty coworkers and bus engines. They are extremely comfortable to wear over long periods.
1. Sony WH-1000XM5
The WH1000XM5s are Sony's top-of-the-line headphones. The WH-1000XM5s represent a major improvement over the XM4s. They provide more noise cancellation and intelligent features. They're also slightly more expensive, but they come with an elegant design and feel. These headphones are a great option for commuters or frequent travellers.
The new headphones are made of recycled plastic and feature an elegant, minimalist design. They're also lighter than the previous models. They're comfortable to wear for long durations, and the headband is now covered with soft padding, which makes it less stiff than it was. The earcups have also been reduced in size so that they can be worn closer to the ear for less leakage of sound.
They feature an automatic adaptive ANC system that's capable of altering the volume it blasts out based on the surrounding. The ANC doesn't block as much low-frequency noise as Bose QuietComfort 45 Wireless or QC45 however, it is effective in reducing high and mid frequency noises, such as airplane engine roar and office chatter.
Other features that are smart include Wearing Detection that detects when you remove the headphones and automatically pauses your music. It then begins playing once you put them back on. There's also Speak-to Chat, which lets you converse with someone without taking the headphones off. It's great however it's not perfect. Sometimes, the audio will be switched off after you've finished talking.
The DSEE HX Extreme Audio Processing Engine from Sony is also included. This feature boosts compressed audio to give it more clarity and detail. This isn't something you'll notice every day, but it does make a a big difference when listening high-quality music.
These headphones are compatible with Bluetooth 5.0 which allows for more high-bitrate streaming than many other headsets. This should improve their performance if you listen to music on your mobile phone, laptop, or tablet. They also support multipoint connections that allows you to connect two devices at once. This is especially useful if you listen to music on one device while making hands-free calls.
2. Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4 Wireless
Sennheiser MOMENTUM Wireless headphones aren't the most distinctive however 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. It's more than double the length of most competitors, with the Sony WH-1000XM5 as well as the Bowers and Wilkins PX8 Wireless providing 30 to 40 hours of runtime on the charge. The MOMENTUM's remarkable battery life is a result of a number of power-saving features such as sleep and an on-head detection.
In terms of sound quality, the Sennheisers are among the best Bluetooth headphones available, with a balanced mix of powerful bass and warm mids that never overpower each one. The high-end is crisp without being blazing or bright and the headphones' outstanding clarity means it can effortlessly handle action-movie soundtracks with plenty of bombast. The Control app lets you change the sound profile and also add an EQ, making it easy to tailor the headphones to your personal preferences.
The MOMENTUM Wireless is a little less robust than the wired version but is still sturdy and well-constructed. The ear pads of the MOMENTUM 4 Wireless are soft and comfortable and rest comfortably on the head. I wore them all day long, whether working at home or on the plane. However, they're not as good for working out, because they can fall off your ears when you move quickly.
The MOMENTUM 4 offers excellent ANC performance, but isn't quite as good as Sony WH-1000XM5. They are capable of blocking out background noise and low rumbles that come from plane and bus engines, but not so well at filtering out the chatter of passengers. They do have the added benefit of aptX audio which offers greater maximum bitrates than AAC and SBC used by the Sonys.
The Sennheisers' ear cups can be swiveled so that they lay flat, but they don't fold like other models. Nonetheless, the headphones are small enough to fit into their carrying case that is hard when not in use, making them ideal for commute and travel.
3. Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2
The new generation of Bowers & Wilkins' flagship wireless headphones is among the best over-ear noise-canceling headphones you can purchase. They compete with Sony's WH1000XM5 or Bose QuietComfort 65. They provide high-end build quality, stunning sound quality and comfort. Contrary to noise cancelling headphones wireless other premium Bluetooth headsets, they do not come with a range of extravagant features or touch-based gesture controls they are instead designed to provide an audio experience that is as immersive and as satisfying as is possible.
The S2's ANC is effective in reducing background noise. It isolates well against low-frequency sounds such as bus and plane engines, mid-range sounds such as high-pitched laptop fans. The ANC of the Px7 S2 is less effectively from higher frequency sounds, like traffic and conversations, but does a better job at removing them. The Bowers & Wilkins app also lets you fine-tune your ANC to match your hearing.
The headphones sport a classy appearance, with an ear cup and headband. The headphones are a bit heavier than other top noise cancelling headphones however they're worth the money due to their robust design and thoughtful design. They stay comfortable while you listen to music for prolonged periods and are suitable for use at home at work, on the go, or on long flights.
In terms of audio, the Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2's 40mm dynamic drivers deliver strong bass, crisp highs and spacious, detailed imaging. They create a lively and a full sound, with a noticeable air between the sound elements. This makes them a great choice for music and podcasts. They support the aptX Adaptive Codec, which allows you to stream high-quality audio with minimal latency.
The controls on the Px7 S2 are easy to use. They include a volume up/down button as well as a play/pause switch, as well as earcup buttons. The buttons are comfortable and the textured design enhances the premium feel of these headphones. The headphones are stable on the ear and won't fall off your head. They fold up into a small case to make transporting easy.
4. V-Moda S-80
The V-Moda S-80 headphones are an exception to the rule that you get what you pay for. They are among the top-quality wireless headphones and have a sleek and durable design. However, they cost nearly as much as the Sony WH1000XM5 or Bowers & Wilkins px7 S2 which is a significant amount for a pair of headphones that sit on your ear.
The V-Moda S-80 are the brand's first wireless-only headphones and they're designed to be worn on your head or as an individual speaker system (with the earcups facing upwards when they're wrapped around your neck). They're tuned to provide a clear sound that is enhanced by modern electronic music and support advanced audio codecs like Qualcomm's aptX HD. They also feature magnetic shields that are interchangeable and custom color options, so you can give them distinctive looks to match your attire or promote your business.
While the S-80 are a refreshing departure from the company's M-Series models, they have a few flaws that make them less than perfect for everyone. Their weight of 12.5 ounces makes them feel heavy on the head, especially when worn over-ear. This puts pressure on your ears, causing ear pain after approximately 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 volumes it's possible to hear significant background noise. It's not a major issue however the absence of ANC means that you'll likely want to limit your listening time to 20 hours per charge.
The S-80 does not have the 3.5mm connector, which limits connectivity and may make it unsuitable for intense physical activity. The S-80 cannot be folded and does not include a case. This reduces their ability to be carried and stored. The S-80's rugged design and outstanding sound quality counterbalance these limitations. They also have a two-year warranty as well as the Immortal Life Program guarantee that will replace your pair for half of their retail value if they break, get scratched, or lose value.