The Best Wireless Headphones
Wireless headphones allow you to listen to podcasts or music on the go, without having to be tied to your audio device. The best headphones make use of Bluetooth or a different wireless protocol to connect to your phone, laptop or record player, and play your music.
The active noise cancellation system minimizes the low rumble from bus engines and chatty colleagues. They're also extremely comfortable to wear for long periods.
1. Sony WH-1000XM5
The WH1000XM5s headphones are Sony's flagship. They're an improvement over the XM4s, with better noise cancellation and intelligent features. The headphones are a bit more expensive, but they have a premium feel and look. These headphones have a lot to offer and are a great choice for commuters and frequent travellers.
The new headphones sport a sleek, minimalist design that's made from recycled plastic. They're much lighter than earlier models, and also more comfortable. They're comfortable to wear for longer time periods, and the earband is now covered in soft padding, which makes it less stiff than it was. The earcups are also smaller which means they sit closer to the ear to prevent sound leakage.
The headphones come with an automatic adaptive ANC that can change the volume based on your surroundings. The ANC does not block as much low-frequency noise as Bose's QuietComfort 45 or QC45 Wireless however it is effective in dealing with high-frequency and mid-frequency noise like airplane engine roar.
Other features that are smart include Wearing Detection, which senses when you take off the headphones and instantly pauses the music - and it starts playing again as soon as you put them on. Speak-to-Chat lets you communicate with a person without having to remove your headphones. 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 present. This feature can boost compressed audio to provide it with greater clarity and clarity. It's not a feature that you'll notice in everyday use, but it can be noticeable when listening to high-resolution tracks.
These headphones are compatible Bluetooth 5.0 that allows for higher bitrate streaming than other headsets. This will enhance their performance when you play music on your mobile phone, laptop or tablet. They also support multi-point connections so you can pair them with two devices at the time. This is particularly useful when you want to listen to music on one device and using them for hands-free calls.
2. Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4 Wireless
The Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4 Wireless don't stand out from the crowd however it doesn't mean they're not a great pair of headphones. These headphones are incredibly comfortable and offer noise cancellation, and boast an impressive 60 hours of battery. This is easily double the length of most rivals. The Sony WH1000XM5 or the Bowers and Wilkins PX8 wireless provide 30 to 40 hours of battery life. The MOMENTUM's long-lasting battery is the result of several power-saving functions like sleep and an on-head detector.
In terms of audio quality In terms of sound quality, the Sennheisers are among the best Bluetooth headphones available. They have a an enviable blend of a rich bass and warm mids that don't overwhelm each the other. The high-end is clear but not harsh. Its clarity allows it to take on the most explosive action film soundtracks. The Control app lets you alter the sound profile and also add an EQ, making it simple to adjust the headphones to your personal preferences.
The MOMENTUM Wireless is a little less durable than the wired version, but still feels sturdy and well-built. Their comfortable ear pads are also soft and comfortable, and they rest securely on the head. I used them all day regardless of whether I was at home or on the plane. They're not as ideal for working out however, because they can fall off your ears if you move your head swiftly.
Like their predecessors, the MOMENTUM 4's ANC performance is outstanding but not as class-leading as the Sony WH-1000XM5. They are capable of blocking out background noise and low rumbles that come from bus and plane engines, but they aren't as well at filtering out chatter from passengers. They do have the added benefit of supporting aptX Audio which offers higher maximum bitrates than the AAC and SBC used by the Sonys.
The Sennheisers' ear cups can be rotated to lay flat, but they don't fold, like some other models. However, the headphones are small enough to fit in their carrying case, which is hard and they are not in use, making them ideal for commutes and travel.
3. Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2
Bowers & Wilkins second-generation wireless headphones are some of the best noise-canceling headphones you can purchase. They compete closely with top rivals like Bose's WH-1000XM5 from Sony and the QuietComfort 65, while offering high-end build quality, incredible comfort, and audiophile performance. In contrast to many premium Bluetooth headsets, they do not come with a range of extravagant features or a touch-based control they are instead designed to provide an audio experience that is as immersive and as enjoyable as it can be.
The Px7 S2's ANC is very effective at attenuating ambient noise, with a good degree of isolation from low-frequency rumble like bus and plane engines, mid-range sounds such as office chatter, and high-pitched whirls of laptop fans. They aren't able to isolate as effectively from higher-frequency sounds like conversations or traffic, but perform better than their predecessors. The Bowers & Wilkins app also allows you to fine-tune your ANC to suit your hearing.
The headphones sport a luxurious look, with an ear cup and headband. The headphones weigh a little more than other top over-ear noise-canceling headsets however, their robust build and well-thought-out design make them feel well worth the investment. They stay comfortable while you listen to music for extended durations and are ideal for use at home, at work or even on long flights.
Bowers & Wilkins Px7S2's dynamic drivers with 40mm deliver powerful bass, crisp treble and detailed images. They produce a dynamic and full sound with a distinct air between the sound elements. This makes them a great choice for 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 simple to use, including a play/pause button and volume up and down buttons on the right earcup. The buttons are tactile and textured tiny details that enhances the headphones' luxurious feeling. They're a sturdy set of over-ears that will not fall off your head, and they fold up into a small carrying case for easy transportation.
4. V-Moda S-80
Generally, you get what you spend when it comes to headphones, but the V-Moda S-80 are an exception. They're among the best looking wireless headphones and feature a slick sturdy design. Unfortunately, they also cost nearly as much as the Sony WH-1000XM5 and Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2 -- a lot of money for on-ear headphones.
The V-Moda S-80 are the brand's first wireless headphones, and they're made to be worn on your head or as a personal speaker system (with earcups facing up when you wrap them around your neck). They are designed to enhance contemporary electronic music with a dazzling sound and support advanced audio codes, such as Qualcomm's HD aptX. They feature interchangeable magnet shields and customizable colors, so you can make your headphones unique in appearance to match your outfit.
While the S-80 are a refreshing departure from the company's M-Series models, they still have some quirks that make them less than ideal for anyone. over-ear wireless headphones of weight makes them feel heavy, especially when worn on the ears. This puts pressure on your ears, causing earache after around an hour of usage. The headband can also be uncomfortable and stiff when worn around your neck.
Another issue is the S-80's poor noise cancellation. Even at moderate volume, you can hear background noise. It's not an issue however the absence of ANC will mean you'll need to limit your listening time to 20 hours per charge.
Finally, the S-80's lack of a 3.5mm port hinders connectivity and might hinder their use during intense physical activity. The S-80 is not foldable and does not include an enclosure. This affects their portability and stowability. That said, the S-80's rugged construction and excellent sound quality help to offset these drawbacks. The Immortal Life Program guarantees a new pair of headphones at 50% off of the retail price in the event that they break, suffer a scratch, or lose their value.