The Best Wireless Headphones
Wireless headphones let you listen to podcasts or music on the go without being tethered to your audio device. The most reliable headphones utilize Bluetooth or a different wireless protocol to connect to your phone, laptop or record player and play your music.
They also have a powerful active noise cancellation system that easily cuts down the low rumble of bus engines, or chatty coworkers. They are extremely comfortable to wear over long periods of time.
1. Sony WH-1000XM5
The WH1000XM5s headphones are Sony's flagship. They're a significant improvement over the XM4s with improved noise cancellation and intelligent features. They're also a bit more expensive, but they offer an elegant design and feel. They have a lot going for them and are a great choice for commuters and frequent travellers.
The new headphones feature an elegant minimalist design made of recycled plastic. wireless over ear headphones than the earlier models, and also more comfortable. They're comfortable to wear for long durations, and the headband is now covered in soft padding, which makes it less rigid than it was. The Earcups are also smaller and fit closer to the ear to ensure that there is less leakage of sound.
The headphones have an automatic adaptive ANC that can change the volume according to the surrounding. The ANC does not isolate as much low frequency noise as the Bose QuietComfort 45 Wireless or QC45, but it still can be effective in reducing the high and mid-frequency sounds, like airplane engine roars and office chatter.
Other smart features include Wearing Detection, which senses when you take off the headphones and automatically pauses your music - and it starts playing again as soon as you put them on. There's also Speak-to Chat, which lets you converse with people without taking your headphones off. It's a good idea, but it's not perfect. Sometimes, the audio may switch back when you finish talking.
Sony's DSEE HX Extreme audio processing engine is also included. This upscales compressed music to provide it with more clarity and depth. This isn't a feature is evident in normal use, but it does be noticeable when listening to high-resolution tracks.
These headphones are compatible Bluetooth 5.0 which allows for higher bitrate streaming than other headsets. This will improve their performance when listening to music using your mobile phone, laptop or tablet. They also support multi-point connectivity so you can pair them with two devices at the simultaneously. This is particularly useful for those who would like to listen to music while making hands-free phone calls.
2. Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4 Wireless
Sennheiser MOMENTUM Wireless headphones aren't exactly the most original but that doesn't mean they're not a good pair. These over-ear cans offer exceptional noise cancellation and 60 hours of battery life. This is more than double the time of the majority of competitors with the Sony WH-1000XM5 and the Bowers & Wilkins Px8 Wireless offering 30 to 40 hours of runtime on charges. The MOMENTUM 4's remarkable endurance is due to a range of power-saving features, such as sleep and on-head recognition.
Sennheiser headphones are among the best Bluetooth headsets available. They offer a well-balanced combination of strong bass and warm mids, which never overwhelm each other. The high-end is clear without being bright or piercing and the headphone's outstanding clarity allows it to effortlessly handle action movie soundtracks that have plenty of brash. The Control app lets you adjust the sound profile and add an EQ, making it simple to adjust the headphones to your personal preferences.
Compared to the wired version, the MOMENTUM 4 Wireless are slightly less durable, but they feel sturdy and well-built. Their comfortable ear pads are also soft and supple and sit securely on the head. I used them all day, whether working at home or on the plane. They're not ideal for working out however, because they can slide off the ears when you move your head swiftly.
The MOMENTUM 4 delivers excellent ANC performance, but it's not as good as Sony WH-1000XM5. They eliminate low noise from plane and bus engines, but they don't do a a great job of filtering out passenger chit-chat or other noises in the surrounding. They do have the added benefit of supporting aptX audio, which provides higher maximum bitrates than AAC and SBC used by the Sonys.
The Sennheisers earcups can be rotated to lay flat but they don't fold like other models. The headphones are compact enough to fit inside their hard carrying case making them ideal for travel and commute.
3. Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2
Bowers & Wilkins second-generation wireless headphones are among the top noise-cancelling headphones you can purchase. They compete closely with top contenders such as Bose's WH-1000XM5 from Sony and the QuietComfort 65, while offering premium build quality, impressive comfort, and audiophile performance. They don't feature extravagant features or control using touch gestures, like the majority of high-end Bluetooth headphones. Instead, they're made to provide a sound experience that is enjoyable and immersive.
The S2's ANC is effective at attenuating background noise. It isolates well against low-frequency sounds like bus engines and plane engines and mid-range sounds like office chatter and high-pitched laptop fans. The ANC of the Px7 S2 is less effectively from higher frequency sounds, like traffic and conversation however, it does a superior job at removing them. Bowers & Wilkins' app lets you modify your ANC to your hearing.
They have a premium design, featuring a sleek headband and ear cups that feature leatherette memory foam padding. The headphones are heavier than other top noise cancelling headphones, but they feel worth the cost due to their sturdy design and thoughtful build. The headphones are comfortable to wear for long periods of time, whether you're at work, home or on a long flight.
When it comes to sound, the Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2's 40mm dynamic drivers deliver powerful bass, crisp highs, and a spacious, detailed image. They deliver a dynamic and rich sound, with a noticeable air between the sound elements. This makes them an ideal option for music and podcasts. They have aptX Adaptive codec support, which allows you to stream high-quality audio with low latency.
The Px7 S2's controls are easy to operate, featuring a play/pause button and the volume up and down buttons on the right earcup. The buttons are tactile and have a texturing effect, a small detail that adds to the headphones' premium feel. The headphones are stable on the ear and won't fall from your head. They fold down into a small carrying case to make transport simple.
4. V-Moda S-80
Generally, you get what you get when it comes to headphones, but the V-Moda S-80 are an exception. They are among the best-looking wireless headphones and have a sleek, durable design. However, they cost nearly as much as the Sony WH-1000XM5 or Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2 -- a lot of money for on-ear headphones.
The V-Moda S-80 is the first wireless-only headphone by the brand. They can be worn on your head, or wrapped around your neck as a personal speaker (earcups facing upwards). They are tuned to enhance modern electronic music with a lively sound and support advanced audio codes, such as Qualcomm's HD aptX. They also feature interchangeable magnetic shields and customizable color options so you can create a unique look to match your outfit or advertise your business.
While the S-80 are a nice departure from the company's M-Series models, they still have a few flaws that make them less than perfect for anyone. Their weight of 12.5 ounces makes them feel heavy on the head, especially when worn over the ear. This puts pressure on the ears, causing ear pain after approximately an hour of use. The headband can also be uncomfortable and stiff when worn around your neck.
The S-80 has poor noise cancellation. Even at moderate volume you will hear background noise. It's not a major issue however the absence of ANC means that you'll likely want to limit the amount of time you listen to music to around 20 hours per month.
Finally, the S-80's lack of a 3.5mm port hinders connectivity and could make them unsuitable for use in intense physical activities. The S-80 is not foldable and does not come with an enclosure. This limits their mobility and stowability. The S-80's robust design and excellent sound quality offset the limitations. The Immortal Life Program guarantees a new pair of headphones at 50% off of the retail price in the event that they break, scratch or scratch, or lose their value.