The Best Wireless Headphones
Wireless headphones allow you to listen to music or podcasts while on the move, without being tied to your audio device. The most effective headphones utilize Bluetooth or another wireless protocol to connect to your laptop, phone or record player to play your music.
They also have an active noise cancellation system that cuts down the low rumble of bus engines or chatty coworkers. They are extremely comfortable to wear for long periods of time.
1. Sony WH-1000XM5
The WH1000XM5s headphones are Sony's flagship. The WH-1000XM5s are a significant improvement over the XM4s. They feature better noise cancellation and smart features. They're also slightly more expensive, but they come with a premium look and feel. They have plenty going for them and are a good choice for commuters and frequent travellers.
The new headphones sport an elegant, minimalist design that's made from recycled plastic. They're lighter than earlier models, and also more comfortable. The headband is padded with soft material to provide a more comfortable. The earcups are also smaller which means they sit more closely to the ear canals to ensure that there is less leakage of sound.
They come with an automatic adaptive ANC system that's capable of altering the volume it pumps out depending on the environment. The ANC does not block as much low-frequency noise as Bose's QuietComfort 45 or QC45 Wireless, but it still is effective in dealing with high-frequency and mid-frequency noise, such as office chatter and airplane engine roar.
best over ear headphones wireless include Wearing Detection, which senses when you take off the headphones and automatically pauses your music. It then begins playing once you put them back on. Speak-to Chat lets you talk with a person without taking off your headphones. It works well, but it's not perfect. Sometimes the audio will switch back when you finish talking.
The DSEE HX Extreme Audio Processing Engine from Sony is also included. This process upscales compressed audio to give it more clarity and detail. This isn't a feature you'll see every day, but it does make a an enormous difference when listening to high-resolution music.
These headphones are compatible with Bluetooth 5.0 which allows for streaming with higher bitrate than other headsets. This should enhance their performance when listening to music on your mobile phone, laptop or tablet. They also support multipoint connection which means you can connect two devices at once. This is especially beneficial when you want to listen to music on one device while also using them for hands-free calls.
2. Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4 Wireless
The Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4 Wireless aren't the most distinctive of the crowd, but that doesn't mean they aren't a top pair of headphones. These over-ear cans offer exceptional noise cancellation and 60 hours of battery life. That's easily double the duration of many competitors, with the Sony WH-1000XM5 and Bowers & Wilkins PX8 Wireless delivering 30 to 40 hours of runtime on charges. The MOMENTUM 4's impressive endurance is due in part to a variety of energy-saving features, including sleep and head-to-head detection.
In terms of sound quality in terms of sound quality, the Sennheisers are among the top Bluetooth headphones on the market, offering a a balanced combination of powerful bass and warm mids that never overpower each the other. The high-end is clear without being bright or piercing and the headphones' outstanding clarity means it can effortlessly handle action film soundtracks with plenty of blast. The Control app lets you adjust the sound profile and add an EQ, making it easy to customize the headphones to your personal preferences.
As compared to the wired version, the MOMENTUM 4 Wireless are slightly less robust, but still feel sturdy and well-built. The ear pads of the MOMENTUM 4 Wireless are soft and comfortable and rest comfortably on the head. I have worn them all day regardless of whether I was at home or on an airplane. However, they're not the best for exercising, as they can fall off your ears if you're moving fast.
The MOMENTUM 4 has excellent ANC performance, but it's not quite as good as the Sony WH-1000XM5. They do a great job of filtering out ambient noise and low rumbles that come from plane and bus engines, but aren't so well at filtering out chatter from passengers. They have the additional benefit of supporting aptX which has greater bitrates than AAC and SBC.
The ear cups of the Sennheisers can pivot to lay flat, but they don't fold like other models. However, the headphones are compact enough to fit inside their carrying case that is hard when they're not in use, which makes them ideal for commutes and travel.
3. Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2
Bowers & Wilkins second-generation wireless headphones are some of the best noise-canceling headphones that you can buy. They are in direct competition with Sony's WH1000XM5 and Bose QuietComfort 65. They have top-quality build quality, outstanding audio performance and comfort. They don't come with extravagant features or control using touch gestures like a lot of high-end Bluetooth headphones. Instead, they're designed to deliver the best sound experience, which is immersive and enjoyable.
The Px7 S2's ANC is very effective at reducing ambient noise, and has a good degree of isolation from low-frequency rumbles like plane and bus engines, mid-range noises like office chatter, and high-pitched whirls of laptop fans. They don't isolate quite as well from higher-frequency noise like conversations or traffic, but are more effective than their predecessors. The Bowers & Wilkins app also lets you fine-tune your ANC to fit your hearing.
They have a premium design, with an elegant headband and ear cups that feature leatherette memory foam padding. The headphones weigh a little more than other top headphones however their robust construction and well-thought-out design make them feel worth the investment. They stay comfortable while you listen to music for prolonged time periods and are suitable for use at home at work, in the office, or on long flights.
Bowers & Wilkins Px7S2's dynamic drivers with 40mm deliver powerful bass, clear treble and detailed imaging. They deliver a dynamic and full sound, with a noticeable air between sound elements. This makes them a perfect choice for music and podcasts. They support aptX Adaptive Codec, which allows you to stream high-quality audio with a low latency.
The controls on the Px7 S2 are easy to operate. They include a volume up/down button, a play/pause switch and the earcup buttons. The buttons are tactile and have a texturing effect tiny details that adds to the headphones' premium feel. They're sturdy and won't fall off your head and fold into a compact carrying case to make it easy to transportation.
4. V-Moda S-80
The V-Moda S-80 headphones are an exception to the rule that you only get what you pay for. They are among the most attractive wireless headphones and feature a sleek sturdy design. However, they cost nearly as much as the Sony WH1000XM5 or Bowers & Wilkins px7 S2 which is a significant amount for a pair on-ear headphones.
The V-Moda S-80 are the brand's first wireless headphones, and they're 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 designed to enhance contemporary electronic music with a vibrant sound and are compatible with advanced audio codes like Qualcomm's HD aptX. They also feature magnetic shields that can be interchanged and have customizable color options so you can create a unique look to match your outfit or promote your business.
The S-80 is a refreshing departure from the M-Series but they have some flaws that make them less than ideal for everyone. The 12.5 ounces of weight makes them feel heavy, especially when placed on the ears. This puts pressure on your ears, which can cause earache after about an hour of use. The headband can also be uncomfortable and stiff when it is worn around your neck.
The S-80 has poor noise cancellation. Even at moderate volumes there is significant background noise. It's not a major issue however the absence of ANC means you'll probably want to limit your listening time to about 20 hours per charge.
The S-80 does not have a 3.5mm connector, which hinders connectivity and may prevent it from being used for intense physical activity. They're not foldable and don't come with a case, which reduces portability and stowability. The S-80's robust design and high-quality sound quality overcome these limitations. The Immortal Life Program guarantees a new pair of headphones for 50% off the retail price in the event that they break, scratch or scratch, or lose their value.