The Best Wireless Headphones

Wireless headphones allow you to listen to podcasts or music on the go without being tied to your device. The most effective headphones make use of Bluetooth or a different wireless protocol to connect to your phone, laptop or record player, and play your music.

They also have a powerful active noise cancellation system that effortlessly cuts down the low sound of bus engines or chatty coworkers. They're also incredibly comfortable to wear for long periods of time.

1. Sony WH-1000XM5

The WH1000XM5s headphones are Sony's flagship. The WH-1000XM5s are an important upgrade over the XM4s. They provide superior noise cancellation and smart features. They're also a little more expensive, but they come with an exquisite design and feel. These headphones have a lot going for them and are a good option for frequent travelers.

The new headphones have an elegant, minimalist design that's constructed from recycled plastic. The headphones are also lighter than predecessors. The headband is padded with soft material to ensure it's more comfortable. The earcups are also made smaller so that they can be worn closer to the ear for less sound leakage.

The headphones come with an automatic adaptive ANC that can change the volume based on the environment you're in. The ANC does not block as much low-frequency noise as Bose's QuietComfort 45 or QC45 Wireless however, it is effective in tackling mid and high-frequency noise, such as office chatter and plane engine roar.

Other smart features include Wearing Detection, which senses when you remove the headphones and automatically pauses your music - and it starts playing once you put them on. There's also Speak-to Chat, headphones Wireless Bluetooth which enables you to talk to people without taking your headphones off. It's surprisingly effective even though it's not a perfect solution and may change back to audio playback after you're done talking.

The DSEE-HX Extreme Audio Processing Engine from Sony is also included. This upscales compressed music to give it greater clarity and depth. This isn't a feature that you'll come across every day, but it does make a huge difference when listening high-quality music.

These headphones are compatible with Bluetooth 5.0 which allows for greater bitrate streaming than other headsets. This will enhance their performance when you stream music from your mobile phone, laptop, or tablet. They also support multipoint connection so you can pair with two devices simultaneously. This is especially useful if you listen to music on one device and also using them for hands-free 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 great pair of headphones. These headphones are incredibly comfortable and offer noise cancellation and a staggering 60 hours of battery. This is nearly double the length of most rivals. The Sony WH1000XM5 or the Bowers and Wilkins Px8 wireless offer 30 to 40 hours of battery life. The MOMENTUM's long-lasting battery is the result of numerous power-saving features like sleep and an on-head detector.

In terms of audio quality, the Sennheisers are among the best Bluetooth headphones available, with an enviable blend of a rich bass and warm mids that don't overwhelm each other. The high end is clear, but not piercing. The clarity of the headphones allows it to handle the most explosive action film soundtracks. The Control app lets you adjust the sound profile as well as add an EQ. This makes it easy to tailor the headphones to your personal preferences.

The MOMENTUM Wireless is slightly less robust than the wired version but still feels sturdy and well-built. Their comfortable ear pads are also soft and comfortable and are firmly on the head. I wore them all day long when I was working at home or on a plane. They aren't as good for exercise, however, since they may fall off your ears when you move your head swiftly.

The MOMENTUM 4 has excellent ANC performance, but it's not as effective as Sony WH-1000XM5. They do a good job of blocking out background noise and low rumbles that come from plane and bus engines, but they aren't as well at removing chatter from passengers. They also have the benefit of aptX support which provides higher bitrates than AAC and SBC.

The Sennheisers' ear cups can be swiveled so that they lay flat, but they don't fold like other models. Nonetheless, the headphones are small enough to fit inside their carrying case that is hard when not in use, making them ideal for commutes and travel.

3. Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2

Bowers & Wilkins second-generation wireless headphones wireless bluetooth are some of the best noise-canceling headphones you can buy. They compete with top rivals like Sony's WH-1000XM5 and Bose's QuietComfort 65, while offering high-end build quality, incredible comfort, and audiophile sound performance. They don't come with extravagant features or control using touch gestures like a lot of high-end Bluetooth headphones. Instead, they're designed to deliver the best sound experience, which is awe-inspiring and enjoyable.

The Px7's S2's ANC is effective in reducing background noise. It is able to block out low-frequency sounds, such as bus engines and plane engines, mid-range sounds such as office chatter and high-pitched laptop fans. The ANC on the Px7 S2 is less effectively from higher-frequency sounds, such as traffic and conversations however, it does a superior job at removing them. Bowers & Wilkins' app allows you to modify your ANC to your hearing.

They have a premium design, featuring a sleek headband and earcups with leatherette memory foam padding. The headphones are a bit heavier than other top noise-canceling headphones, but they feel worth the investment because of their sturdy design and a thoughtful build. The headphones are comfortable to wear for long periods of time, whether at work, home or on a long flight.

When it comes to sound quality, the Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2's 40mm dynamic drivers deliver strong bass, crisp highs, and a spacious, detailed image. They provide a rich and dynamic sound, with a noticeable amount of air between the sound elements, making them an excellent choice for listening to music or podcasts. They support aptX Adaptive Codec, which allows you to stream hi-res audio at minimal latency.

The Px7 S2's controls are simple to use, with an pause/play button and the volume up and down buttons on the right earcup. The buttons are tactile and texturized, a small detail that enhances the headphones' luxurious feeling. They're stable over-ears that won't fall off your head, and they fold up into a compact case to make it easy to transport.

4. V-Moda S-80

The V-Moda S-80 headphones are an exception to the rule that you get what you pay for. They're among the best looking wireless headphones available and boast a slick and durable design. Unfortunately, they cost about the same as the Sony WH-1000XM5 and Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2 which is a lot of money for a pair of on-ear headphones.

The V-Moda S-80 is the first wireless-only blue tooth headphone by the company. They can be worn on your head, or tied around your neck to create a personal speaker (earcups facing upwards). They're tuned for a vivid sound that enhances contemporary electronic music and support advanced audio codecs, such as Qualcomm's aptX HD. They also come with magnetic shields that are interchangeable and customizable color options so that you can create a unique look to match your attire or promote your business.

The S-80 is a nice departure from the M-Series but they have a few quirks which make them unsuitable for everyone. Their weight of 12.5 ounces makes them feel heavy on the head, particularly when worn over the ear. This can cause pressure on the ear, which can cause headaches within an hour. The headband is also uncomfortable and stiff when worn around your neck.

The S-80 has poor noise cancellation. Even at moderate levels there is significant background noise. It's not an issue however, the absence of ANC means you'll probably want to limit your listening time to 20 hours per charge.

Finally, the S-80's lack of a 3.5mm port limits connectivity and could hinder their use for intense physical activity. They don't fold and don't come with a case which reduces portability and stowability. The S-80's rugged design and excellent sound quality offset these limitations. The Immortal Life Program guarantees a new pair of headphones for 50% off the retail price in case they break, suffer a scratch, or lose their value.