The Best Wireless Headphones
Wireless headphones let you listen to music or podcasts on the go without being tethered to your audio device. The best headphones can connect wirelessly to your phone, laptop or record player via Bluetooth or another protocol.
They also have an active noise cancellation system that effortlessly reduces the low rumble of bus engines, or chatty coworkers. They're also incredibly comfortable to wear for long periods of time.
1. Sony WH-1000XM5
The WH-1000XM5s are Sony's next generation of headphones that are flagship. The WH-1000XM5s represent a major improvement over the XM4s. They offer more noise cancellation and intelligent features. They're also slightly more expensive, but they provide an elegant design and feel. These headphones are a great option for commuters or frequent travellers.
The new headphones are made from recycled plastic and sport a sleek minimalist design. The headphones are also lighter than previous models. The headband has been cushioned with soft material to make it more comfortable. The ears are also smaller which means they sit closer to the ear for less sound leakage.
They come with an automatic adaptive ANC system that's capable of changing how loud it is based on the environment. The ANC isn't able to block the same amount of low frequency noise as Bose QuietComfort 45 Wireless or QC45 however, it is effective in reducing the high and mid-frequency sounds, like airplane engine roars or office chatter.
Wearing Detection is another feature that detects when you take off your headphones and then automatically pauses the music. The music will resume once you put them on again. Speak-to Chat lets you talk with a person without having to remove your headphones. It works surprisingly well however it's not a perfect solution and may change back to audio playback when you've finished talking.
The DSEE HX Extreme Audio Processing Engine from Sony is also included. This feature boosts compressed audio to provide it with greater clarity and more detail. This isn't a feature is evident in normal use, but it could be noticeable when listening to high-quality tracks.
These headphones are compatible with Bluetooth 5.0 that allows for higher bitrate streaming than other headsets. This should enhance their performance when you listen to music on your mobile phone, laptop or tablet. They also support multi-point connection which means you can connect them with two devices at the at the same time. This is especially helpful if you would like to listen to music while using the device to make hands-free phone calls.
2. Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4 Wireless
The Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4 Wireless aren't the most distinctive of the crowd however this doesn't mean that they're not a top pair of headphones. jbl headphones wireless over-ear cans offer exceptional noise cancellation and 60 hours of battery life. It's more than double the length of most competitors, with the Sony WH-1000XM5 and Bowers & Wilkins PX8 Wireless delivering 30 to 40 hours on the charge. The MOMENTUM's long-lasting battery is due to numerous 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. They have a a balanced mix of strong bass and warm mids that don't 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 film soundtracks with plenty of bombast. The Control app lets you adjust the sound profile and also add an EQ, which makes it easy to tailor the headphones to suit your personal preferences.
Compared to the wired version the MOMENTUM 4 Wireless are slightly less durable, but they feel sturdy and well-built. The ear pads of the MOMENTUM 4 Wireless are soft and comfortable and are comfortable on the head. In fact I had no issue wearing them all day working from home or on a flight. However, they're not ideal to exercise in, since they can fall off your ears when you are moving quickly.
Like their predecessors, the MOMENTUM 4's ANC performance is outstanding however, it's not as impressive as the Sony WH-1000XM5. They block low rumble from bus and plane engines, but they don't do a well at blocking out chatter from passengers or other noises in the surrounding. They do have the added benefit of aptX audio which offers greater maximum bitrates than AAC and SBC used by the Sonys.
The ear cups of the Sennheisers swivel to lay flat, but don't fold like other models. Nonetheless, the headphones are small enough to fit inside their carrying case, which is hard and they're not in use, which makes them ideal for commutes and travel.
3. Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2
The latest generation of Bowers & Wilkins' flagship wireless headphones are one of the top noise cancelling over-ear headsets you can buy. They are in direct competition with Sony's WH1000XM5 or Bose QuietComfort 65. They offer high-end build quality, stunning audio performance, and comfort. They don't have fancy features or touch-based control gestures like many premium Bluetooth headphones. Instead, they are designed to deliver a sound experience that is immersive and enjoyable.
The Px7 S2's ANC is very effective at attenuating ambient noise, with a good level of isolation from low-frequency rumbles, such as plane and bus engines, mid-range noises like office chatter, as well as the high-pitched whirl of laptop fans. The ANC of the Px7 S2 is less effectively from higher frequency sounds, like conversations and traffic however, it does a superior job at removing them. The Bowers & Wilkins app also allows you to adjust your ANC to match your hearing.
The headphones sport a luxurious design, featuring the headband and ear cup. The headphones are a bit heavier than other top noise-canceling headphones however they're worth the investment because of their robust design and thoughtful build. They are comfortable to wear while you listen to music for prolonged time periods and are suitable for use at home at work, in the office or even on long flights.
Bowers & Wilkins Px7S2's dynamic drivers with 40mm deliver powerful bass, crisp treble, and clear imaging. They produce a dynamic and a full sound with a distinct air between sound elements. This makes them a perfect option for music and podcasts. They have aptX Adaptive codec that means you can stream hi-res audio with minimal latency.
The Px7 S2's controls are easy to operate, featuring a play/pause button and volume up and down buttons on the right earcup. The buttons are tactile and the textured design adds to the premium feel of these headphones. They're a sturdy set of over-ears that won't fall off your head, and they fold up into a compact carrying case to make it easy to transportation.
4. V-Moda S-80
Generally, you get what you pay for when it comes to headphones however, the V-Moda S-80 are an exception. They're among the prettiest wireless headphones and feature a slick, durable design. Unfortunately, they cost about the same 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, and they're designed to be used either on your head or as an individual speaker system (with earcups facing up when they're wrapped around your neck). They're tuned for a vibrant sound that enhances contemporary electronic music, and also support advanced audio codecs like Qualcomm's aptX HD. They also feature interchangeable magnetic shields and customizable color options so you can create distinctive looks to match your attire or promote your business.
The S-80 is a nice 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 the ear, which can cause earache within an hour. The headband is also quite stiff and may be uncomfortable to wear the headphones around your neck.
Another issue is the S80's poor noise cancellation. Even at moderate volumes, you can still hear significant background noise. It's not an issue however, the absence of ANC means you'll probably want to limit your listening time to 20 hours per charge.
The S-80 lacks the 3.5mm connector, which hinders connectivity and can make it unsuitable for intense physical activities. They aren't able to fold and do not have a case, which reduces portability and stowability. The S-80's sturdy construction and high sound quality help to offset the limitations. They also have a two-year warranty as well as the Immortal Life Program guarantee that gives you a new pair for 50% of their retail price if they fail to function, suffer scratched, or lose value.