The Best Wireless Headphones
Wireless headphones allow you to listen to music or podcasts on the go without being tied to your audio device. The most reliable headphones utilize Bluetooth or a different wireless technology to connect to your phone, laptop or record player and play your music.
They also come with a powerful active noise cancellation system that effortlessly cuts down the low sound of bus engines or chatty coworkers. They're also extremely comfortable to wear for long periods of time.
1. Sony WH-1000XM5
The WH1000XM5s headphones are Sony's flagship. The WH-1000XM5s represent a major improvement over the XM4s. They provide better noise cancellation and smart features. They're also slightly more expensive, but they offer an elegant design and feel. These headphones are great for commuters or frequent travellers.
The new headphones sport a sleek minimalist design, constructed from recycled plastic. on-ear headphones wireless than earlier models, and also more comfortable. They're comfortable to wear for longer periods, and the headband is now covered in soft padding that makes it less stiff than before. The earcups are also reduced in size to allow them to be worn closer to the ear for less sound leakage.
The headphones have an automatic adaptive ANC that can change the volume according to the environment you're in. The ANC does not isolate as much low frequency noise as the Bose QuietComfort 45 Wireless or QC45 however, it is effective in reducing mid and high frequency noises, such as plane engine roar and office chatter.
Wearing Detection is another feature that detects when you take off your headphones, and automatically stops the music. It will then resume playing when you put them on again. There's also Speak-to Chat, which lets you converse with people without taking your headphones off. It works well, but 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 upscales compressed music to give it 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 should enhance their performance when you listen to music on your mobile phone, laptop or tablet. They also support multi-point connectivity which means you can connect them with two devices at the time. This is especially useful for those who would like to listen to music while using the device for hands-free phone calls.
2. Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4 Wireless
The Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4 Wireless aren't the most distinctive of the crowd However, 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. This is nearly twice as long as the majority of other competitors. The Sony WH1000XM5 or Bowers & Wilkins PX8 wireless can provide 30 to 40 hours of battery life. The MOMENTUM 4's remarkable endurance is due to a range of power-saving features, including sleep and on-head detection.
Sennheiser headphones are among the best Bluetooth headsets available. They offer a well-balanced mix between rich bass and warm mids that don't overpower each other. The high end is clear but not harsh. Its clarity makes it able to take on the most explosive action movie soundtracks. The Control app lets you adjust the sound profile and add an EQ, which makes it easy to customize the headphones to your specific preferences.
The MOMENTUM Wireless is a bit less robust than the wired version but still feels sturdy and well-built. The ear pads of the MOMENTUM 4 Wireless are soft and supple and are comfortable on the head. In fact I had no issue wearing them all day at home or on a flight. However, they're not as good to exercise in, since they can slip off your ears if you move quickly.
As with their predecessors, the MOMENTUM 4's ANC performance is excellent but not as impressive as the Sony WH-1000XM5. They are capable of blocking out background noise and low rumbles that come from buses and plane engines, but aren't so well at removing chatter from passengers. They have the additional benefit of aptX support which has more bitrates than AAC and SBC.
The ear cups of the Sennheisers can pivot to lay flat, but don't fold like other models. However, the headphones are compact enough to fit in 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
The new generation of Bowers & Wilkins' flagship wireless headphones is among the top over-ear noise cancelling headsets you can buy. They compete with Sony's WH1000XM5 and Bose QuietComfort 65. They have top-quality build quality, outstanding sound quality, and comfort. They don't feature fancy features or touch-based control gestures like many premium Bluetooth headphones. Instead, they are designed to deliver an audio experience that is immersive and enjoyable.
The Px7's S2's ANC is efficient in reducing background noise. It is able to block out low-frequency sounds like bus and plane engines and mid-range sounds, such as high-pitched laptop fans. They aren't as well from higher-frequency noise like conversations or traffic, but they do a better job than their predecessors. Bowers & Wilkins' app allows you to adjust your ANC to your hearing.
The headphones sport a classy look, with a leatherette memory foam ear cup and headband. The headphones weigh slightly more than the other top headphones, but their sturdy build and well-thought-out design make them feel well worth the investment. The headphones are comfortable to wear for long periods of time, whether at work, at home or traveling for a long time.
Bowers & Wilkins Px7S2's dynamic drivers with 40mm deliver powerful bass, clear treble and detailed imaging. They offer a full and dynamic sound that has an impressive amount of air between the elements of sound making them a great option for listening to music and podcasts. They are compatible with aptX Adaptive Codec, which allows you to stream hi-res audio at minimal latency.
The Px7 S2's controls are easy to use, with an pause/play button and the volume buttons on the right earcup. The buttons are tactile and the texture makes for a premium feel of these headphones. They're stable over-ears that will not fall off your head and fold into a small 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, but the V-Moda S-80 are an exception. They are among the top-quality wireless headphones, and feature an elegant, durable design. They cost nearly the same amount as Sony WH1000XM5 or Bowers & Wilkins px7 S2 - a lot for a pair on-ear headphones.
The V-Moda S-80 is the first wireless-only headphone by the company. It can be placed on your head or tied around your neck to create a personal speaker (earcups facing upwards). They're tuned to provide a clear sound that enhances modern electronic music, and also support advanced audio codecs, such as Qualcomm's aptX HD. They come with interchangeable magnet shields and customizable colors so you can make your headphones unique in appearance to match your outfit.
The S-80 is a refreshing departure from the M-Series however, they do have some flaws that make them less than ideal for everyone. The 12.5 ounces of weight makes them feel heavy, especially when worn on the ears. This puts pressure on the ears, which can cause earache after about an hour of use. The headband can also be stiff and uncomfortable when worn around your neck.
Another issue is the S80's poor noise cancellation. Even at moderate volumes you will hear background noise. The lack of ANC is not an issue, but you will want to limit the amount of time you listen to about 20 hours.
Additionally, the absence of a 3.5mm port hinders connectivity and may prevent them from being used in intense physical activities. They aren't able to fold and do not come with a case, which limits portability and stowability. The S-80's robust design and high-quality sound quality overcome these drawbacks. The Immortal Life Program guarantees a new pair of headphones for 50% off the retail price in case they break, get a scratch or otherwise lose their value.