The Best Wireless Headphones
Wireless headphones allow you to listen to podcasts or music on the go without being tied to your audio device. The most effective headphones use Bluetooth or a different wireless protocol to connect to your phone, laptop or record player to play your music.
The active noise cancellation system cuts down the low rumble that comes from buses and chatty colleagues. They are extremely comfortable to wear over long periods of time.
1. Sony WH-1000XM5
The WH1000XM5s are Sony's top-of-the-line headphones. The WH-1000XM5s represent a major upgrade over the XM4s. They offer better noise cancellation and smart features. The headphones are a bit more expensive, but they have an elegant look and feel. These headphones have a lot to offer and are a good option for commuters and frequent travellers.
The new headphones are made of recycled plastic and sport an elegant, minimalist design. The headphones are also lighter than earlier models. They're comfortable to wear for longer durations, and the headband is now covered in soft padding, which makes it less rigid than it was before. The Earcups are also smaller which means they sit closer to the ears to ensure that there is less leakage of sound.
The headphones have an automatic adaptive ANC that can change the volume based on the environment you're in. The ANC does not isolate the same amount of low-frequency noise as Bose QuietComfort 45 Wireless or QC45 however, it can be effective in reducing mid and high frequency noises, such as plane engine roars and office chatter.
Wearing Detection is another useful feature that detects when you remove your headphones and automatically pauses the music. It then resumes playing as soon as you put them on again. Speak-to-Chat lets you communicate with a person without having to remove your headphones. on ear wireless headphones 's surprisingly effective even though it's not a ideal solution and can change back to audio playback when you're done speaking.
Sony's DSEE HX Extreme audio processing engine is also present. This feature upscales compressed audio to give it more clarity and more detail. It's not something 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 allows for more high-bitrate streaming than many other headsets. This will enhance their performance if you play music on your laptop, mobile phone, 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 beneficial if you listen to music on one device while also using them for hands-free calls.
2. Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4 Wireless
The Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4 Wireless don't stand out from the crowd, but this doesn't mean that they're not a great pair of headphones. These over-ear headphones offer outstanding noise cancellation and an incredible 60 hours of battery. This is more than double the length of most other competitors. The Sony WH1000XM5 and Bowers & Wilkins PX8 wireless provide 30 to 40 hours of battery life. The MOMENTUM 4's impressive endurance is due in part to a variety of energy-saving features, such as sleep and on-head recognition.
In terms of audio quality in terms of sound quality, the Sennheisers are among the best Bluetooth headphones available, with an enviable blend of a strong 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 allows it to effortlessly handle action-movie soundtracks with plenty of bombast. The Control app allows you to modify the sound profile and also add an EQ. This makes it easy to personalize the headphones to meet your preferences.
The MOMENTUM Wireless is a bit less durable than the wired version, yet it is still solid and well-built. The ear pads of the MOMENTUM 4 Wireless are soft and comfortable and are comfortable on the head. I wore them all day long, whether working at home or on an airplane. They aren't as good for working out however, as they can fall off your ears if you move your head swiftly.
The MOMENTUM 4 has excellent ANC performance, but it's not as effective as the Sony WH-1000XM5. They block low noise from plane and bus engines, but don't really do a an excellent job of blocking out chatter from passengers or other ambient noise. They do have the added benefit of supporting aptX Audio, which provides greater maximum bitrates than AAC and SBC used by the Sonys.
The Sennheisers ear cups can be swiveled so that they lay flat, but they do not fold like other models. The headphones are small enough to fit into their carry case making them ideal for commutes and travel.
3. Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2
Bowers & Wilkins second-generation wireless headphones are some of the top noise-cancelling headphones you can buy. They are in close competition with top competitors like Sony's WH-1000XM5 and Bose's QuietComfort 65, while offering high-end build quality, incredible comfort, and audiophile performance. They don't have fancy features or touch-based control gestures, like the majority of premium Bluetooth headphones. Instead, they are designed to deliver the best sound experience, which is awe-inspiring and enjoyable.
The Px7's S2's ANC is effective at attenuating background noise. It is able to block out low-frequency sounds, such as bus and plane engines, mid-range sounds such as conversations in the office and high-pitched laptop fans. They aren't able to isolate as well from higher-frequency noise, such as traffic or conversation, but are more effective than their predecessors. The Bowers & Wilkins app also allows you to fine-tune your ANC to suit your hearing.
They have a premium design, with an elegant headband and earcups with leatherette memory foam padding. The headphones are a bit heavier than other top noise cancelling over-ear headsets however, they are worth the cost due to their sturdy design and thoughtful construction. The headphones are comfortable to wear for long periods of time, whether you're at work, home or on a long flight.
In terms of sound, the Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2's 40mm dynamic drivers provide strong bass, crisp highs and expansive, detailed images. They create a lively and a full sound, with a distinct air between sound elements. This makes them an ideal choice for podcasts and music. They have aptX Adaptive codec, which means you can stream hi-res audio with low latency.
The controls on the Px7 S2 are simple to use. They have the volume up/down button along with a play/pause button and the earcup buttons. The buttons are tactile, and the texture adds to the premium feel of these headphones. They're a sturdy set of over-ears that won't fall off your head and fold into a small carrying case that makes it easy to transport.
4. V-Moda S-80
The V-Moda S-80 headphones are an exception to the rule that you only get what you paid for. They're among the best looking wireless headphones around and boast a slick and durable design. However, they cost almost as much as the Sony WH-1000XM5 or Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2 which is a lot of money for on-ear headphones.
The V-Moda S-80 are the brand's first wireless-only 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 tuned for a vibrant sound that enhances contemporary electronic music and support advanced audio codecs like Qualcomm's aptX HD. They also come with 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 change from the company's M-Series models, they still have some flaws that make them less than ideal for everyone. The 12.5 ounces of weight makes them feel heavy, particularly when placed on the ears. This causes pressure on the ear, which could cause headaches within an hour. The headband is quite stiff and may be uncomfortable when wearing the headphones around your neck.
Another issue is the S-80's poor noise cancellation. Even at moderate volumes it is possible to hear background noise. It's not a deal-breaker however, the absence of ANC means you'll probably want to limit the amount of time you listen to music to around 20 hours per month.
Additionally, the absence of a 3.5mm port hinders connectivity and might prevent them from being used during intense physical activity. They don't fold and don't come with a case which makes it difficult to transport and store. The S-80's rugged design and outstanding sound quality counterbalance these limitations. They also have a two-year warranty and the Immortal Life Program guarantee that gives you a new pair for half of their retail price in the event that they break down, get a scratch, or otherwise lose value.