The Best Wireless Headphones

Wireless headphones let you listen to music or podcasts on the go without being tied to your device. The best wireless headphones connect to your phone, laptop, or record player using Bluetooth or another protocol.

The active noise cancellation system minimizes the low rumble that comes from bus engines and chatty colleagues. They are extremely comfortable to wear over long periods of time.

1. Sony WH-1000XM5

The WH1000XM5s headphones are Sony's flagship. They're a major improvement over the XM4s, offering better noise cancelling and smart features. They're also slightly more expensive, but they offer a premium look and feel. These headphones have a lot to offer and are a great option for commuters and frequent travellers.

The new headphones are made from recycled plastic and sport a sleek minimalist design. They're lighter than the previous models, as well. The headband is padded with soft material to ensure it's more comfortable. The earcups are also made smaller so that they can be placed closer to the ear for wire less head phones sound leakage.

They come with an automatic adaptive ANC system that's capable of changing how loud it blasts out based on the surrounding. The ANC isn't as effective at removing low-frequency noise as Bose's QuietComfort 45 or QC45 Wireless however, it is effective in combating high-frequency and mid-frequency sounds like office chatter and plane engine roar.

Other features that are smart include Wearing Detection, which senses when you take off your headphones and automatically pauses your music - and it starts playing once you put them on. Speak-to-Chat allows you to communicate with a person without taking off your headphones. It's surprisingly effective however it's not a perfect solution and will sometimes switch back to audio playback when you've finished talking.

The DSEE-HX Extreme audio processing Engine from Sony is also included. This feature can boost compressed audio to give it greater clarity and more detail. It's not a feature that is evident in normal use, but it could make a difference when listening to high-quality tracks.

These headphones are compatible with Bluetooth 5.0 that allows for higher bitrate streaming than other headsets. That should improve their performance when listening to music on your laptop, mobile phone or tablet. They also support multi-point connectivity which means you can connect them with two devices at the same at the same time. This is particularly useful if you would like to listen to music while making hands-free phone 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 headphones have exceptional noise cancellation and 60 hours of battery life. This is more than double the time of many competitors, with the Sony WH-1000XM5 and the Bowers & Wilkins PX8 Wireless delivering 30 to 40 hours of runtime on a charge. The MOMENTUM's long-lasting battery is a result of a number of power-saving features such as sleep and an on-head detection.

In terms of audio quality, the Sennheisers are among the best Bluetooth headphones available, with a balanced blend of a rich bass and warm mids that don't overwhelm each other. The high end is clear and not being blazing or bright and the headphones' outstanding clarity means it can effortlessly handle action movie soundtracks that have plenty of brash. The Control app lets you change the sound profile and also add an EQ, making it easy to tailor the headphones to suit your personal preferences.

As compared to the wired version the MOMENTUM 4 Wireless are slightly less durable, but they feel sturdy and well-constructed. The comfortable earpads are also soft and supple, and they rest securely on the head. In fact I had no issue wearing them for an entire day at home or during a flight. However, they're not ideal for exercising, as they can fall off your ears if you move quickly.

The MOMENTUM 4 delivers excellent ANC performance, wireless headphones but not quite as good as Sony WH-1000XM5. They eliminate low rumble from plane and bus engines, but don't do well at eliminating chattering between passengers or other noises in the surrounding. They also have the benefit of supporting aptX, which offers more bitrates than AAC and SBC.

The earcups on the Sennheisers can pivot to lay flat, but they don't fold like other models. The headphones are small enough to fit into their hard carrying case, making them perfect for travel and commute.

3. Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2

The second generation of Bowers & Wilkins' flagship wireless headphones are among the best over-ear noise-canceling headsets available. They compete with top rivals like Bose's WH-1000XM5 from Sony and the QuietComfort 65, while offering high-end build quality, incredible comfort, and acousticphile performance. In contrast to many premium bluetooth headpones headsets, they do not have a variety of fancy features or touch-based gesture controls 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 extremely effective in attenuating ambient noise, with a good level of isolation against low-frequency rumble like plane engines and bus engines, mid-range noises like office chatter, and high-pitched whirl of laptop fans. They don't isolate quite as well from higher-frequency noise like traffic or conversation, but do a better job than their predecessors. The Bowers & Wilkins app also lets you fine-tune your ANC to suit your hearing.

The headphones sport a classy look, with an headband and ear cup. The headphones weigh a little more than other top over-ear noise-canceling headphones however their robust construction and thoughtful design make them feel worth the money. They stay comfortable while you listen to music for prolonged durations and are ideal for use at home, at work, or on long flights.

Bowers & Wilkins Px7S2's dynamic drivers with 40mm provide powerful bass, clear treble and clear imaging. They deliver a dynamic and a full sound with a distinct air between sound elements. This makes them a great choice for podcasts and music. They have aptX Adaptive codec support, which allows you to stream high-quality audio with minimal latency.

The controls on the Px7 S2 are easy to use. They include a volume up/down button as well as a play/pause switch, as well as the earcup button. The buttons are tactile and have a texturing effect tiny details that enhances the headphones' premium experience. They're stable over-ears that will not fall off your head, and they fold up into a compact case that makes it easy to transport.

4. V-Moda S-80

Generally, you get what you spend when it comes to headphones however, the V-Moda S-80 are an exception. They are among the best-looking wireless headphones, and feature an elegant sturdy design. Unfortunately, they also cost about the same as the Sony WH-1000XM5 and Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2 -- a lot of money for on-ear headphones.

The V-Moda S-80 is the first wireless-only headphone from the company. They can be placed on your head or wrapped around your neck as a personal speaker (earcups facing upwards). They're designed to enhance modern electronic music with a vibrant sound and are compatible with advanced audio codes, such as Qualcomm's HD aptX. They feature interchangeable magnet shields and customizable colors, allowing you to make your headphones distinctive in style that matches your outfit.

The S-80 is a refreshing departure from the M-Series however, Wireless headphones they do have a few flaws that make them less than ideal for everyone. The 12.5 pounds of weight makes them feel heavy, especially when placed on the ears. This puts pressure on your ears, causing ear pain after about an hour of use. The headband can also be somewhat stiff and can be uncomfortable while wearing the headphones around your neck.

The S-80 has poor noise cancellation. Even at moderate volumes, you can still hear significant background noise. The absence of ANC isn't a deal breaker however, you'll need to limit the amount of time you listen for about 20 hours.

The S-80 lacks the 3.5mm connector, which restricts connectivity and can hinder its use for intense physical activity. They aren't able to fold and do not come with a case, which limits portability and stowability. That said, the S-80's rugged construction and excellent audio quality can help overcome the limitations. 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.