The Best Wireless Headphones
Wireless headphones allow you to listen to podcasts or music on the move without being tied to your device. The best headphones can connect wirelessly to your laptop, phone, or record player using Bluetooth or another protocol.
They also have a powerful active noise cancellation system that effortlessly cuts down the low rumble of bus engines, or chatty coworkers. They are extremely comfortable to wear for long periods.
1. Sony WH-1000XM5
The WH-1000XM5s by Sony are Sony's next generation of premium headphones. They're a significant upgrade from the XM4s, offering better noise cancelling and smart features. They're also a bit more expensive, but they offer an exquisite design and feel. These headphones are an excellent choice for commuters or frequent travellers.
The new headphones have an elegant minimalist design, constructed from recycled plastic. They're lighter than earlier models, and also more comfortable. The headband has been cushioned with soft material to make it more comfortable. The earcups have also been made smaller so that they can be worn closer to the ear for less sound leakage.
They have an auto-adaptive ANC system that's capable of altering the volume it is based on the environment. The ANC doesn't block the same amount of low frequency noise as Bose QuietComfort 45 Wireless or QC45, but it still is effective in reducing high and mid frequency noises, such as plane engine roars or office chatter.
Other smart features include Wearing Detection, which senses when you take off the headphones and instantly pauses the music. It then begins playing once you put them on. There's also Speak-to-Chat, which allows you to converse with someone without taking the headphones off. It's a good idea but it's not perfect. Sometimes, the audio will change back after you've finished talking.
Sony's DSEE-HX Extreme audio processing engine is also on board. This feature upscales compressed audio to provide it with greater clarity and more detail. This isn't a feature you'll notice in everyday use, but it does be noticeable when listening to high-resolution tracks.
These headphones are compatible with Bluetooth 5.0 which provides higher-bitrate streaming than most other headsets. This will improve their performance when listening to music using your laptop, mobile phone or tablet. They also support multipoint connection which means you can connect two devices at once. This is especially useful when you want to listen to music on one device while using them for hands-free calls.
2. Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4 Wireless
Sennheiser MOMENTUM Wireless headphones aren't the most unique but that doesn't mean they're not a good pair. beats studio 3 wireless bluetooth noise cancelling headphones are incredibly comfortable and offer noise cancellation and a staggering 60 hours of battery life. That's easily double the duration of the majority of competitors with the Sony WH-1000XM5 and Bowers & Wilkins PX8 Wireless providing 30 to 40 hours on charges. The MOMENTUM 4's impressive endurance is due to a variety of power-saving features, including sleep and on-head recognition.
Sennheiser headphones are among the best Bluetooth headsets that are available. They feature a symbiotic combination of rich bass and warm mids, that don't overpower one another. The high-end is crisp and not harsh. Its clarity makes it able to handle the most bombastic action movie soundtracks. The Control app allows you to modify the sound profile and add an EQ. This makes it easy to customize the headphones to meet your preferences.
Compared to the wired version the MOMENTUM 4 Wireless are less robust, but still feel solid and well-constructed. The ear pads of the MOMENTUM 4 Wireless are soft and supple and sit comfortably on the head. In fact I had no issue wearing them for an entire day of working from home or while on a plane. They're not ideal for working out however, as they may fall off your ears if you move your head fast.
The MOMENTUM 4 delivers excellent ANC performance, but not quite as good as Sony WH-1000XM5. They cut out low rumble from bus and plane engines, but they don't do a a great job of eliminating chattering between passengers or other ambient noise. They have the additional benefit of aptX support which has higher bitrates than AAC and SBC.
The Sennheisers earcups can be swiveled to lay flat, but they do not fold, like some other models. The headphones are compact enough to fit inside their carry case, making them perfect for travel and commute.
3. Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2
Bowers & Wilkins second-generation wireless headphones are some of the best noise-canceling headphones that you can purchase. They compete with top rivals like Sony's WH-1000XM5 and Bose's QuietComfort 65, while offering top-quality build quality, amazing comfort, and audiophile performance. In contrast to many premium Bluetooth headsets, they do not have a variety of fancy features or a touch-based control however, they are designed to deliver an audio experience that is as immersive and as enjoyable as it can be.
The S2's ANC is efficient in reducing background noise. It isolates well against low-frequency sounds, such as plane and bus engines and mid-range sounds, such as high-pitched laptop fans. They aren't able to isolate as effectively from higher-frequency sounds like conversations or traffic, but they do a better job than their predecessors. The Bowers & Wilkins app also allows you to fine-tune your ANC to fit your hearing.
The headphones sport a luxurious design, featuring a leatherette memory foam headband and ear cup. The headphones are heavier than other top noise cancelling headphones however, they are worth the investment because of their sturdy design and a thoughtful build. The headphones are comfortable to wear for long periods of time, whether you're at work, at home or even on a long trip.
Bowers & Wilkins Px7S2's dynamic drivers that have 40mm of diameter deliver powerful bass, crisp treble and clear imaging. They offer a full and dynamic sound with a noticeable amount of air between the sound elements, making them an excellent choice for listening to music and podcasts. They come with aptX Adaptive codec support, which means you can stream hi-res audio with minimal latency.
The Px7 S2's controls are simple to use, with a play/pause button and the volume up and down buttons on the right earcup. The buttons are a bit tactile, and the texture enhances the premium feel of these headphones. The headphones are sturdy over-ears and won't fall from your head. They fold up into a small carrying case, making transporting them easy.
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 are among the top-quality wireless headphones and have an elegant, durable design. However, they cost nearly as much as the Sony WH-1000XM5 or Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2 -- a lot of money for a pair of on-ear headphones.
The V-Moda S-80 is the first wireless-only headphone by the company. They can be placed on your head or wrapped around your neck as a personal speaker (earcups facing upwards). They're tuned for a vibrant sound that enhances modern electronic music and support advanced audio codecs such as Qualcomm's aptX HD. They come with interchangeable magnet shields and customizable colors, allowing you to give your headphones a unique style that matches your outfit.
The S-80 is a refreshing departure from the M-Series however, they do have a few quirks which make them less than ideal for everyone. Their weight of 12.5 ounces makes them feel heavy on the head, particularly when worn over the ear. This puts pressure on your ears, which can cause earache after approximately an hour of use. The headband can also be a bit stiff and can be uncomfortable when wearing the headphones around your neck.
The S-80 has poor noise cancellation. Even at moderate volume levels it's possible to hear significant background noise. It's not a major issue, but the lack of ANC means you'll probably want to limit your listening time to 20 hours per charge.
The absence of a 3.5mm port limits connectivity and may make them unsuitable for use in intense physical activities. The S-80 isn't foldable and does not include an enclosure. This affects their mobility and stowability. That said, the S-80's sturdy construction and high sound quality help to offset the limitations. The Immortal Life Program guarantees a new pair of headphones for 50% off the retail price in the event they break, scratch or scratch or otherwise lose their value.