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 effective headphones make use of Bluetooth or a different wireless technology to connect to your laptop, phone or record player to play your music.

They also have an active noise cancellation system that reduces the low rumble of bus engines, or chatty coworkers. They're also incredibly comfortable to wear for long periods.

1. Sony WH-1000XM5

The WH-1000XM5s by Sony are Sony's next generation of premium headphones. They're an improvement over the XM4s with improved noise cancellation and smart features. They're also slightly more expensive, but they provide an exquisite design and feel. They have a lot going for them and are a good option for commuters and frequent travelers.

The new headphones sport an elegant minimalist design made from recycled plastic. The headphones are also lighter than the predecessors. The headband has been cushioned with soft material to provide a more comfortable. The earcups have been reduced in size so that they can be placed closer to the ear, resulting in less sound leakage.

They have an auto-adaptive ANC system that's capable of altering the volume it pumps out depending on your environment. 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 high and mid frequency noises, such as airplane engine roars or office chatter.

Wearing Detection is another smart feature that detects when you remove your headphones, and automatically stops the music. It will then resume playing when you put on the headphones again. Speak-to-Chat allows you to converse with someone without taking the headphones off. It works well, but it's not perfect. Sometimes, wirless headphones the audio may be switched off after you've finished talking.

Sony's DSEE-HX Extreme audio processing engine is also present. This process upscales compressed audio to give it greater clarity and detail. This isn't a feature you'll see in your daily use, but it can make a difference when listening to high-quality tracks.

These headphones are compatible with Bluetooth 5.0 which allows for streaming with higher bitrate than other headsets. This will enhance their performance if you listen to music on your laptop, mobile phone or tablet. They also support multi-point connections, so you can pair them with two devices at the time. This is especially useful if you listen to music on one device and using them for hands-free calls.

2. Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4 Wireless

Sennheiser MOMENTUM Wireless headphones aren't the most distinctive, but that doesn’t mean they're not a great pair. These over-ear headphones offer outstanding noise cancellation, and boast an impressive 60 hours of battery. That's easily double the duration of many competitors and the Sony WH-1000XM5 and the Bowers & Wilkins PX8 Wireless providing 30 to 40 hours of runtime on a charge. The MOMENTUM's impressive battery life is a result of numerous power-saving features including sleep and 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 even blend of a rich bass and warm mids that do not overpower each other. The high end is clear but not harsh. Its clarity allows it to handle the most explosive action film soundtracks. The Control app allows you to modify the sound profile and even add an EQ. This allows you to adjust the headphones to suit your preferences.

The MOMENTUM wireless and bluetooth headphones is a little less durable than the wired version, yet still feels sturdy and well-built. The ear pads of the MOMENTUM 4 Wireless are soft and supple and rest comfortably on the head. I used them all day when I was working at home or on the plane. However, they're not the best to exercise in, since they can fall off your ears if you move quickly.

The MOMENTUM 4 delivers excellent ANC performance, but not as effective as the Sony WH-1000XM5. They do a good job of filtering out ambient noise and low rumbles that come from bus and plane engines, but they aren't as well at removing chatter from passengers. They have the additional benefit of supporting aptX, which offers more bitrates than AAC and SBC.

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

3. Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2

Bowers & Wilkins second-generation wireless wirless headphones are among the best noise-canceling headphones that you can buy. They are in close competition with top rivals like Bose's QuietComfort 65, while offering top-quality build quality, amazing comfort, and acousticphile performance. They don't have fancy features or touch-based control gestures like many premium Bluetooth headphones. Instead, they're designed to provide the best sound experience, which is immersive and enjoyable.

The S2's ANC is effective at attenuating background noise. It is able to block out low-frequency sounds such as bus and plane engines and mid-range sounds, such as high-pitched laptop fans. They aren't as well from higher-frequency noise like traffic or conversation, but are more effective than their predecessors. Bowers & Wilkins' app allows you to modify your ANC to your hearing.

They sport a stylish design, featuring a sleek headband and earcups with leatherette memory foam padding. The headphones weigh slightly more than the other top headphones however, their robust build and well-thought-out design make them worth the investment. The headphones are comfortable to wear for long periods of time, whether at home, work or on a long flight.

Bowers & Wilkins Px7S2's dynamic drivers with 40mm deliver powerful bass, clear treble and detailed imaging. They have a rich and dynamic sound, with an airy space between the sound elements which makes them a great choice for listening to music or podcasts. They offer an aptX Adaptive codec support, which means you can stream high-res audio with low latency.

The Px7 S2's controls are simple to use, including a play/pause button and the volume up and down buttons on the right earcup. The buttons are tactile and the textured design makes for a premium feel of these headphones. They're a sturdy set of over-ears that won't fall off your head and fold into a compact carrying case for easy transportation.

4. V-Moda S-80

Generally speaking, you get what you pay for in the world of headphones but the V-Moda S-80 are an exception. They are among the top-quality wireless headphones and feature a sleek and durable design. However, they cost almost as much as the Sony WH-1000XM5 or Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2 -- which is a significant amount of money for on-ear headphones.

The V-Moda S-80 are the brand's first wireless headphones, and they're designed to be worn on your head or as an individual speaker system (with the earcups facing forward when you wrap them around your neck). They're tuned for a vibrant sound that enhances contemporary electronic music and support advanced audio codecs such as Qualcomm's aptX HD. They also come with magnetic shields that can be interchanged and have custom 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 not ideal for everyone. The 12.5 pounds of weight makes them feel heavy, particularly when worn on the ear. This causes pressure on the ear, which could cause headaches within an hour. The headband is also uncomfortable and stiff when it is worn around your neck.

Another issue is the S80's poor noise cancellation. Even at moderate volumes you will hear background noise. It's not a deal-breaker however, the absence of ANC means that you'll likely want to limit your listening time to 20 hours per charge.

The S-80 isn't equipped with a 3.5mm connector, which hinders connectivity and can make it unsuitable for intense physical activities. They're not foldable and don't come with a case, which makes it difficult to transport and store. The S-80's rugged construction and excellent sound quality helps offset the limitations. They also come with a two-year warranty and the Immortal Life Program guarantee that will replace your pair for 50% of their retail price if they fail to function, suffer scratched, or lose value.