The Best Wireless Headphones

Wireless headphones let you listen to music or podcasts on the go, without having to be tied to your device. The most effective headphones utilize Bluetooth or a different wireless protocol to connect to your laptop, phone or record player to play your music.

The active noise cancellation system reduces the low rumble of buses and chatty colleagues. They are extremely comfortable to wear for long periods.

1. Sony WH-1000XM5

The WH1000XM5s is Sony's flagship headphones. The WH-1000XM5s represent a major upgrade over the XM4s. They feature superior noise cancellation and smart features. The headphones are a bit more expensive, but they have an elegant design and feel. These headphones are an excellent choice for commuters or frequent travellers.

The new headphones are made from recycled plastic and feature an elegant, minimalist design. They're lighter than the earlier models, and also more comfortable. They're comfortable to wear for long durations, and the headband is now covered with soft padding, which makes it less rigid than before. The Earcups are also smaller and fit closer to the ear to prevent sound leakage.

They come with an automatic adaptive ANC system that is capable of altering the volume it blasts out based on the surrounding. The ANC doesn't block as much low-frequency noise as Bose QuietComfort 45 Wireless or QC45 however it can be effective in reducing high and mid frequency noises, such as plane engine roars or office chatter.

Other features that are smart include Wearing Detection that detects when you remove the headphones and instantly pauses the music - and it starts playing once you put them on. There's also Speak-to-Chat, which enables you to talk to people without taking your headphones off. It's quite effective, although it's not the perfect solution and may switch back to audio playback once you've finished talking.

The DSEE-HX Extreme Audio Processing Engine from Sony is also included. This feature boosts compressed audio to give it more clarity and more detail. This is not a feature that you'll come across every day, but it makes huge difference when listening high-quality music.

These headphones are compatible with bluetooth headfones 5.0 which provides streaming with higher bitrate than other headsets. This will improve their performance when listening to music using your laptop, mobile phone or tablet. They also support multipoint connectivity so you can pair with two devices at once. 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 aren't the most distinctive of the crowd however it doesn't mean they're not a great pair of headphones. These over-ear headphones offer outstanding noise cancellation and a staggering 60 hours of battery. This is easily twice as long as most competitors. The Sony WH1000XM5 or Bowers & Wilkins Px8 wireless offer 30 to 40 hours of battery life. The MOMENTUM's remarkable battery life is a result of several power-saving functions including sleep and on-head detector.

Sennheiser headphones are among the best Bluetooth headsets on the market. They feature a symbiotic mix between strong bass and warm mids that don't overpower each other. The high-end is clear, but not piercing. Its clarity makes it able to take on the most explosive action movie soundtracks. The Control app lets you modify the sound profile and add an EQ. This allows you to customize the headphones to fit your preferences.

Compared to the wired version, the MOMENTUM 4 Wireless are slightly less durable, yet feel solid and well-constructed. The comfortable earpads 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 an airplane. They aren't as good for working out however, because they can slide off the ears if you move your head quickly.

As with their predecessors, the MOMENTUM 4's ANC performance is outstanding but not as class-leading as the Sony WH-1000XM5. They eliminate low rumble from bus and plane engines, but don't do a great job of blocking out chatter from passengers or other ambient noise. They also have the benefit of aptX support which provides greater bitrates than AAC and SBC.

The ear cups of the Sennheisers can pivot to lay flat, but they don't fold like some other models. The headphones are small enough to fit in their carrying case that is hard, making them perfect for travel and commute.

3. Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2

Bowers & Wilkins second-generation wireless headphones are among the top noise-cancelling headphones you can purchase. They are in close competition with top contenders such as Bose's WH-1000XM5 from Sony and the QuietComfort 65, while offering premium build quality, impressive comfort, and audiophile performance. They don't have extravagant features or control using touch gestures like a lot of high-end bluetooth head phones headphones. Instead, they're made to provide a sound experience that is enjoyable and immersive.

The Px7 S2's ANC is extremely effective in reducing ambient noise, and has a high level of isolation from low-frequency rumbles like plane engines and bus engines, mid-range sounds like office chatter, and the high-pitched whirls of laptop fans. The ANC on the Px7 S2 is less effectively from higher frequency sounds, like conversations and traffic however it does a better job. Bowers & Wilkins' app allows you to adjust your ANC to your hearing.

They have a premium design, with an elegant headband and ear cups that feature leatherette memory foam padding. The headphones weigh slightly more than other top-of-the-line headphones however, their robust build and thoughtful design make them worth the investment. They stay comfortable while you listen to music for prolonged periods and are suitable for use at home at work, on the go or for long flights.

Bowers & Wilkins Px7S2's dynamic drivers that have 40mm of diameter deliver powerful bass, crisp treble, bluetoothheadphones and detailed imaging. They have a rich and dynamic sound with an airy space between the sound elements, making them an excellent option for listening to music or podcasts. They are compatible with aptX Adaptive Codec which lets you stream high-quality audio with minimal latency.

The controls on the Px7 S2 are simple to use. They include the volume up/down button as well as a play/pause switch, as well as the earcup button. The buttons are tactile and textured which enhances the headphones' luxurious feel. They're sturdy and will not fall off your head and fold into a small carrying case for easy transport.

4. V-Moda S-80

The V-Moda S-80 headphones are an exception to the rule that you receive what you pay for. They are among the top-quality wireless headphones and feature an elegant and durable design. Unfortunately, they cost almost as much as the Sony WH1000XM5 or Bowers & Wilkins px7 S2 - a lot for a pair of headphones that sit on your ear.

The V-Moda S-80 is the first wireless headphone made by the brand. They can be placed on your head or wrapped around your neck as a personal speaker (earcups facing upwards). They're tuned to enhance modern electronic music with a vibrant sound and support the latest audio codes, such as Qualcomm's HD aptX. They come with interchangeable magnet shields and customizable colors, so you can make your headphones unique in appearance to match your outfit.

The S-80 is a nice departure from the M-Series but they have some flaws that make them unsuitable for all. Their weight of 12.5 pounds makes them feel heavy on the head, particularly when worn over-ear. This puts pressure on the ears, which can cause earache after around an hour of usage. 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 volume levels there is significant background noise. The lack of ANC isn't an issue however, you'll need to limit the amount of time you listen for about 20 hours.

Finally, bluetoothheadphones the S-80's lack of a 3.5mm port restricts connectivity and might prevent them from being used during intense physical activity. They don't fold and don't come with a case which limits portability and stowability. However, the S-80's rugged construction and excellent audio quality can help overcome the limitations. They also have a two-year warranty and the Immortal Life Program guarantee that will replace your pair for half of their retail value if they break, get scratched or lose value.