When it comes to the best wireless headphones, you need to note that it features three major categories – the budget wireless headphones, true wireless buds and full-sized, wireless noise cancelling headphones. The budget wireless headphones dominate Amazon.com best seller list; the true wireless earbuds feature the premium items like AirPods Pro while the full-sized, wireless, noise canceling headphones feature brands like Sony and Bose.
What are the best wireless headphones?
With so many brands, features and designs to choose from, choosing the best wireless headphones available in the market can be quite overwhelming. Hence, we’ve curated this article to help guide you in narrowing down your choices. In this article, we’ve considered several important factors such as sound quality, comfort, Amazon ratings, active noise cancellation, battery life, to name a few.
Table of Contents
- Best Wireless Headphones: Sony WH-1000XM4
- Best Wireless Headphones: Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 2
- Best Wireless Headphones: Apple AirPods Pro
- Best Wireless Headphones: Samsung Galaxy Buds Live
- Best Wireless Headphones: Jabra Elite 75t
- Best Wireless Headphones: Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700
- Best Wireless Headphones: Mpow X3
- Best Wireless Headphones: Google Pixel Buds 2
- Best Wireless Headphones: Sony WH-1000XM3
- Best Wireless Headphones: Anker Soundcore Life Q20
- Best Wireless Headphones: Jaybird Vista
- Best Wireless Headphones: Sony WH-1000XM4
- Best Wireless Headphones: Beats Powerbeats
- Best Wireless Headphones: Jabra Elite 45h
- Best Wireless Headphones: How Much Should You Spend on Wireless Headphones?
Best Wireless Headphones: Sony WH-1000XM4
What We Like:
- Manual adjustment of noise cancellation
- Multipoint Bluetooth sharing
What We Don’t Like:
- Does not support Qualcomm AptX codec
- Not as good as Bose Noise Cancelling 700 model
If there’s a brand that needs no bigshot introduction, it would be Sony. In the field of best wireless headphones, the Sony WH-1000XM4 is the product to pick. It has upgraded features compared to the popular WH1000XM3 model and also has a multipoint Bluetooth pairing that can connect to two devices at the same time. This means that if you are using the headphones and a call comes in, the audio will automatically switch from music to answering calls.
This new pair from Sony is considered to be one of the best wireless headphones because of its subtle upgrades that not only improved the sound quality and performance but also the fit and comfort. The earpads are bigger and slightly more oval and the padding of the device is also softer. Speaking of padding, it has been shaved off the top on the part of the headband; if you’re a really detail-oriented person, you will notice the difference in the design immediately.
In terms of sound quality, the newer model provides a better listening experience with a flatter frequency response. The clarity in bass instruments are retained without distorting or masking the presence of mid to high frequency sounds. Active noise cancellation is also enhanced with the WH-1000XM4. Inside the left ear cup, there’s a sensor that automatically detects if the headphones are in the ears or taken off. Once it detects that the headphones are not being used, the audio is automatically paused, which can save battery life. Speaking of battery life, this pair of best wireless headphones from Sony offer 30 hours of usage with noise canceling and wireless usage. If you forgot to charge the headphones overnight, you can still get up to 5 hours of battery life with a quick 10-minute charge.
Best Wireless Headphones: Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 2
What We Like:
- IPX4 rating
- Splashproof design
- 7 hours battery life
What We Don’t Like:
- Pricey
- Heavy
This pair of best wireless headphones from Sennheiser is a worthy competitor of the Apple Inc. AirPods Pro. It has an improved battery life at 7 hours and also offer better noise reduction during calls. Sennheiser has already shrank the design of Momentum True Wireless 2 by 2mm but it still falls on the bigger side, which means that it may not be a great match for some individuals with small ears.
It’s a known fact that a tight seal is very critical in ensuring that there is an optimized sound quality and noise cancellation. Take for example the AirPods Pro – it’s not referred to as one of the best wireless headphones for nothing – it has an adaptive noise cancelling. Meanwhile, while the Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 2 noise cancellation does not seem to be adaptive, it is downright effective. Take note that if you use the ANC feature or play your music at high volumes, don’t expect to get 7 hours of juice.
However, the charging case saves the day with three extra charges so you can bring along 21 hours of battery life while on the go. If you are aware of the issue about Sennheiser’s draining battery case, the issue has been fixed and it now goes into deep sleep mode. When it’s time to pick the best wireless headphones in the market, you need to consider the Bluetooth features. With the Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 2, you get seamless Bluetooth 5.1 connection that supports aptX audio codes and AAC. There’s also minimal to no issues in syncing audio using a mobile app or a smartphone to watch videos such as Netflix, Vudu or YouTube.
When it comes to sound, this is one of the best wireless headphones in the market that offers excellent sound quality with a rich and detailed sound combined with natural sounding mids, a well-defined bass and a charming sparkle in the treble. The True Wireless 2 offer a really high-end sound, so if you’re looking for a product that could satiate your audiophile cravings, this is a good choice.
Best Wireless Headphones: Apple AirPods Pro
What We Like:
- Water resistant
- Effective noise cancelling
What We Don’t Like:
- Expensive
- Not waterproof
The Apple AirPods Pro are considered to be one of the best wireless headphones in the market, and they should be – at its relatively steep price tag of $249. It has noise cancelation features and has an award winning design, an improved bass performance and a comfortable fit.
If you are looking for a versatile pair of best wireless headphones that can effectively switch between listening to music or making calls, the Apple AirPods Pro is an excellent pick. AirPods Pro are monumental primarily because it is the brand’s first pair of best wireless headphones that support active noise cancelation. It effectively counteracts exterior noises such as the hum of an air conditioner, an electric fan or a jet engine. Users of IPhones pick the Apple AirPods Pro to be their best wireless headphones of choice because of the product’s easy connectivity with Apple devices. Users can also easily switch between listening to music and making or taking voice calls.
Individuals who are inclined to fitness may also find the Apple AirPods Pro to be a great partner in their physical endeavors. Listening to music with the AirPods Pro is a pleasure most especially since these buds sound better than standard AirPods. It’s worth noting that this pair of best wireless headphones is not waterproof so you might want to be wary of exposing these buds to heavy moisture especially since the prices of Apple products are a bit steep.
Best Wireless Headphones: Samsung Galaxy Buds Live
What We Like:
- Gives a more comfortable and secure fit than Apple AirPods
- Ergonomic fit
What We Don’t Like:
- IPX2 rating only
- Design not visually pleasing to all
Also referred to as the Beans because of its literal bean shaped design, the Samsung Galaxy Buds Live may just be the most innovative model in the best wireless headphones line. It has a similar open design with the Apple AirPods, making it a strong competitor in the best wireless headphones range.
The Samsung Galaxy Buds Live also does a great job in making or taking calls, providing decent background noise reduction. It is worth noting that while the Samsung Galaxy Buds Live feature active noise canceling, it performs quite mildly compared to earbuds that are designed to be noise canceling. If you are in the process of looking for the best wireless headphones that have strong noise canceling features, the Samsung Galaxy Buds Live may not be the best choice. However, if you appreciate design more than function, this pair of best wireless headphones can be a great candidate.
Samsung Galaxy Buds Live comes with 12mm drivers and a huge bass port. If you are looking for a pair of buds that can offer a plump and punchy bass, this pair of best wireless headphones from Samsung can make the cut. The highs and mids also have a nice detail and gives off an overall lively and dynamic sound quality.
Best Wireless Headphones: Jabra Elite 75t
What We Like:
- IP55 water resistant
- Sounds better than Airpods Pro
- Longer battery life than AirPods Pro and Jabra 65t
What We Don’t Like:
- No active noise cancellation
The Jabra Elite 75t has Bluetooth 5.0 which boosts not only the battery life but the wireless connectivity as well. The earbuds are smaller than the CNET awardee Jabra Elite 65t, but it actually offers longer battery life at 7.5 hours. The charging case also provides an additional 20.5 hours of juice, perfect for on the go use. This pair of best wireless headphones from Jabra has an IP55 water resistance rating making it slash proof and dust resistant.
The design of this pair of best wireless headphones can be used at the gym or for light physical activities. Just like the 65t, the 75t has a HearThrough transparency mode that allows ambient sound in. You can EQ the HearThrough mode through the Sound app for both iOS and Android. Speaking of EQ, the app also allows users to adjust the sound based on their music preferences and it also allows users to choose between the device’s built in voice assistant or Alexa. It is worth noting that with the Jabra Elite 75t, a user needs to press a physical button to access the voice assistant unlike that of the AirPods Pro that can be activated hands-free by simply saying “Hey Siri.” If you are looking for a versatile pair of best wireless headphones that won’t break the bank, the Jabra Elite 75t is an ideal choice.
Best Wireless Headphones: Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700
What We Like:
- 20 hours battery life
- Hands-free Alexa
- Bose AR
What We Don’t Like:
- expensive
- Sony WH1000XM3 is more affordable
The Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700 have new drivers that come with not only one, but eight microphones to support the evolved noise canceling functionality. The headband of the Bose 700 is made of stainless steel that gives an overall sturdier feel to the model. This pair of best wireless headphones from Bose comes with a carrying case that can also store the USB-C charging cable. There’s also a short wire or cable that can be used for wired listening.
The microphones of the Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700 are equipped to pick up voice better and effectively reduce background noise so that the user can be heard more clearly even in loud environments. This is applicable for voice assistants, too – the headphones support Amazon’s Alexa, Google Assistant and Siri, making sure that users can be understood clearly even in noisy environments. If you are looking for a pair of best wireless headphones that can do a decent job in filtering out external noise, the Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700 is a good pick. Basically, the computer chip of these headphones perform a fair amount of sound processing to ensure a clear and seamless listening experience.
Another
Best Wireless Headphones: Mpow X3
What We Like:
- Budget friendly
- IPX7 rating
- Fully waterproof
What We Don’t Like:
- Reported lags when YouTube videos are streamed
Want to get your hands on a pair of best wireless headphones that’s not so hard on the budget? The Mpow X3 may just be the right product for you. With a price tag of $60, this pair of best wireless headphones offer a powerful bass and awesome clarity. You’d be pleasantly surprised to know that this budget friendly best wireless headphones also have active noise cancellation features. Cool, right?
When it comes to fit, the Mpow X3 offers a tight and secure fit without compromising comfort. Another awesome feature of the Mpow X3 that makes it a deserving product to be included in the best wireless headphones is the fact that it is fully waterproof. It also offers 7 hours of battery life with USB-C charging.
Best Wireless Headphones: Google Pixel Buds 2
What We Like:
- Wireless charging case with 20 hours battery
- Bluetooth 5.0
What We Don’t Like:
- 5 hours battery life
- No aptX support
Google Pixel Buds 2 is designed and marketed for die-hard Android users. This pair of earbuds are considered to be one of the premium contenders in the best wireless headphones category. It offers a hands-free Google Assistant for Android users and provides a great listening experience with decent sound quality and a secure and comfortable fit. It has touch controls and is highly functional in making calls. The battery life is only 5 hours, clearly not as long as the other models in the market, but if you have ever used AirPods Pro, you would know that it only has 5 hours battery life as well.
This pair of best wireless headphones has a well-designed charging case that provides 19 hours of extra juice along with a quick charge feature. The Google Pixel Buds 2 is available in four colors – orange, white, black and mint). This is a true wireless earbud that runs on Bluetooth 5.0 with AAC codec support.
Best Wireless Headphones: Sony WH-1000XM3
What We Like:
- Comfortable
- Lighter than its predecessors
What We Don’t Like:
- Earcups may get too warm
The Sony WH-1000XM3 is Sony’s third generation noise canceling headphones and is considered to be one of the top tier best wireless headphones in the market. There are newer models that have been released since then but it still remains to be one of the best, and the good thing is, it is now a few bucks lower than before.
Another big change that is very noticeable is that it has moved from Micro-USB to USB-C charging. There’s also a quick charge feature that gives users 5 hours of playback with just a 10 minute charge. The unit can also run for 30 hours at moderate volume levels. This pair of best wireless headphones from Sony has a natural definition with a punchy bass and a well-defined clarity. Overall, this pair of best wireless headphones from Sony actually sounds nice and open, quite impressive for a Bluetooth headphone with a closed back design.
Best Wireless Headphones: Anker Soundcore Life Q20
What We Like:
- Budget friendly
- 40 hour battery life
What We Don’t Like:
- Voices can infiltrate noise cancellation mode
When it comes to the best wireless headphones, some are hesitant to purchase a very affordable pair because it might entail that the product is sub par or can’t really perform with regular or standard models and brands. However, Anker Soundcore Life Q20 begs to disagree – for a regular price of $60, these cans are actually pretty decent and can give a pleasant listening experience.
Okay, let’s be clear here – the Anker Soundcore Life Q20 can’t really put up with other high end brands in our list of best wireless headphones, but it sounds pretty good for its price tag. It has a balanced sound quality and a plump bass that doesn’t sound muddy or bloated. If you are a listener who craves for a deep, powerful bass, this pair of best wireless headphones actually has a BassUp mode.
This pair of best wireless headphones from Anker is also comfortable to wear and the noise cancelling feature is effective. Overall, it’s a solid choice for listening to music, making calls or listening to podcasts at an impressively reasonable price. Another perk of this pair of best wireless headphones is its 40 hour battery life.
Best Wireless Headphones: Jaybird Vista
What We Like:
- Fully waterproof and sweat proof
- Ideal for gym and workouts
What We Don’t Like:
- Six hours battery life
The Jaybird Vista has a tight and secure fit that makes it comfortable to wear, even during physical activities. There are three different sizes of ear tips and sports fins to help users get a secure fit. Since they have a tight fit, this pair of best wireless headphones sound really good, although not as good as Sennheiser, Sony WF-1000XM3 and Klipsch T5 True Wireless. It also has a relatively well-defined bass to suit the bass lovers.
In terms of battery life, the unit alone has six hours to give. However, thanks to the charging case, users can get an additional 10 hours of playback time. Speaking of charging cases, it runs on USB-C cord and a 5 minute charge can provide up to an hour of playback time. This pair of best wireless headphones from Jaybird is using a wireless chipset with Bluetooth 5.0 for smooth and seamless connectivity.
Best Wireless Headphones: Sony WH-1000XM4
What We Like:
- 30 hours battery life
- ergonomic design
What We Don’t Like:
- pricey
Another top pick for the best wireless headphones category is the Sony WH-1000XM4. Aside from offering 30 hours of battery life, the sound quality and ergonomic design is a winner and has been getting high ratings and reviews from most users.
In terms of noise canceling, this pair of best wireless headphones from Sony is pretty superior compared to its competitors. In fact, it can smartly sense when a user talks and automatically pauses the music or whatever it is that’s playing on the headphones. The previous version of Sony best wireless headphones has been getting issues with call quality. Thankfully, Sony was all ears and listened to the feedback of the users. They now produced the Sony WH-1000XM4 with new microphones that can make Zoom meetings and phone calls sound impressively clear.
Best Wireless Headphones: Beats Powerbeats
What We Like:
- longer battery life than Powerbeats Pro
- same features with Powerbeats Pro but more affordable
What We Don’t Like:
- bulky charging case
While AirPods are a fave of iPhone users because of their compatibility, the battery life is not that great and the design does not really support a sweatproof performance. If you are looking for a pair of best wireless headphones that has the same features of the AirPods but has a sweatproof perk, you might want to pick the Beats Powerbeats. The Beats Powerbeats is a favorite pair for workout, but take note that it’s not completely waterproof so don’t get carried away and bring it swimming.
This pair of best wireless headphones is an ear clip version that effectively stay securely attached during workouts. Aside from the stylish ear clip, there is also a wire behind the head that allows a user to hang them around the neck when not in use.
If you’re looking for a more heavy-duty Beats wireless headphones, we recommend you take a look at Beats Studio 3 Wireless.
Best Wireless Headphones: Jabra Elite 45h
What We Like:
- impressive battery life
What We Don’t Like:
- leaky sound
If you are looking for the best wireless headphones that has Bluetooth 5 connectivity, physical push-button controls and 40mm full range dynamic drivers, the Jabra Elite 45h is a great pick. The quality of this pair of best wireless headphones is remarkable for its price tag – with memory foam, faux leather and durable plastic.
There’s also voice control support for Siri, Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa. Users who are keen about EQ properties will be delighted with Jabra Sound control app. Quite frankly, the Jabra Elite 45h has all the lovely features of best wireless headphones at a price that won’t break the bank.
Best Wireless Headphones: How Much Should You Spend on Wireless Headphones?
Technically, you don’t really need to spend much to enjoy the best wireless headphones. Of course, the models with a higher price tag are expected to have some features that are not available to some cost friendly wireless headphones.
Check out our curated list for the best wireless headphones under $200 here.
The products we have featured here, whether high end or not, are more or less guaranteed to deliver what they were meant to do – and that is to provide a good and high quality wireless listening experience.
