The Best Wireless Headphones

Wireless headphones allow you to listen to podcasts or music while on the move, without being connected to your audio device. The most effective headphones use Bluetooth or another wireless protocol to connect to your laptop, phone or record player to play your music.

They also have an active noise cancellation system that cuts down the low sound of bus engines or chatty coworkers. They are also extremely comfortable to wear over long periods of time.

1. Sony WH-1000XM5

The WH-1000XM5s are Sony's next generation of flagship headphones. The WH-1000XM5s are an important upgrade over the XM4s. They provide better noise cancellation and smart features. They're also a bit more expensive, but they provide a premium look and feel. These headphones have a lot going for them and are a great option for commuters and frequent travellers.

The new headphones sport a sleek minimalist design, constructed from recycled plastic. The headphones are also lighter than the earlier models. The headband has been cushioned with soft material to ensure it's more comfortable. The earcups are also made smaller to allow them to be worn closer to the ear, resulting in less sound leakage.

They have an auto-adaptive ANC system that is capable of changing how loud it is based on your environment. The ANC doesn't isolate as much low-frequency noise as Bose's QuietComfort 45 or QC45 Wireless however, it does a great job of dealing with high-frequency and mid-frequency noise, such as office chatter and plane engine roar.

Other smart features include Wearing Detection, which senses when you take off the headphones and instantly pauses the music. It then begins playing again as soon as you put them back on. There's also Speak-to Chat, which lets you converse with people without taking the headphones off. It's a good idea but it's not perfect. Sometimes, the audio may change back after you've finished talking.

Sony's DSEE HX Extreme audio processing engine is also present. It upscales compressed music to provide it with more clarity and depth. This isn't a feature you'll notice every day, but it does make a a big difference when listening high-quality music.

These headphones are compatible Bluetooth 5.0 which allows for greater bitrate streaming than other headsets. This should enhance their performance when listening to music on your laptop, mobile phone or tablet. They also support multipoint connections so you can pair with two devices at once. This is especially useful for those who listen to music on one device while using them for hands-free calls.

2. Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4 Wireless

Sennheiser MOMENTUM Wireless headphones aren't the most distinctive however that doesn't mean they're not a good pair. These headphones have exceptional noise cancellation and 60 hours of battery life. This is nearly twice as long as most competitors. The Sony WH1000XM5 and Bowers & Wilkins PX8 wireless provide 30 to 40 hours of battery life. The MOMENTUM 4's impressive endurance is due in part to a range of power-saving features, such as sleep and on-head recognition.

In terms of sound quality In terms of sound quality, the Sennheisers are among the best Bluetooth headphones on the market, offering a an enviable mix of strong bass and warm mids that never overpower each other. The high-end is clear, but not piercing. The clarity of the headphones allows it to take on the most explosive action movie soundtracks. The Control app allows you to alter the sound profile and add an EQ. This allows you to customize the headphones to fit your preferences.

The MOMENTUM Wireless is slightly less robust than the wired version, yet still feels sturdy and well-built. The ear pads of the MOMENTUM 4 Wireless are soft and comfortable and rest comfortably on the head. I wore them all day long, whether working at home or on a plane. They're not ideal for working out however, because they can slide off the ears when you move your head swiftly.

The MOMENTUM 4 has excellent ANC performance, but isn't as good as the Sony WH-1000XM5. They eliminate low rumble from bus and plane engines, but don't do a great job of filtering out passenger chit-chat or other noises in the surrounding. They also have the benefit of supporting aptX which provides higher bitrates than AAC and SBC.

The earcups on the Sennheisers can pivot to lay flat, but don't fold like some other models. However, the headphones are compact enough to fit in their hard carrying case when not in use, making them ideal for commutes and travel.

3. Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2

Bowers & Wilkins second-generation wireless headphones are among the top noise-cancelling headphones you can purchase. They are in direct competition with Sony's WH1000XM5 and Bose QuietComfort 65. They offer top-quality build quality, outstanding audio performance and comfort. They don't feature extravagant features or control using touch gestures like many premium Bluetooth headphones. Instead, they're made to provide a sound experience that is enjoyable and immersive.

The Px7 S2's ANC is very effective in making ambient noise less noticeable, with a good level of isolation against low-frequency rumbles, such as plane and bus engines, mid-range sounds such as office chatter, as well as the high-pitched whirl of laptop fans. The Px7 S2's ANC isolates less effectively against higher-frequency sounds, like traffic and conversation, but does a better job at removing them. Bowers & Wilkins' app lets you alter your ANC to your hearing.

The headphones sport a classy design, featuring the headband and ear cup. The headphones are heavier than other top noise-canceling headphones, but they feel worth the investment because of their sturdy design and a thoughtful build. They stay comfortable while you listen to music for long time periods and are suitable for use at home at work, in the office, or Bluetooth headphones on long flights.

In terms of sound quality, the Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2's 40mm dynamic drivers provide powerful bass, crisp highs, and expansive, detailed images. They deliver a dynamic and full sound with a distinct air between the sound elements. This makes them an ideal choice for music and podcasts. They have aptX Adaptive codec support, which allows you to stream high-quality audio with a low latency.

The Px7 S2's controls are easy to operate, featuring the play/pause button as well as the volume buttons on the right earcup. The buttons are tactile and texturized tiny details that adds to the headphones' premium experience. The headphones are stable on the ear and won't fall from your head. They fold up into a compact carrying case to make transporting simple.

4. V-Moda S-80

The V-Moda S-80 headphones are an exception to the rule that you get the value you pay for. They are among the most attractive wireless headphones and feature an elegant, durable design. Unfortunately, they cost almost as much as the Sony WH-1000XM5 or Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2 -- a lot of money for a pair of 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 an individual speaker system (with the earcups facing upwards when they're hung around your neck). They're designed to enhance modern electronic music with a vibrant sound and support the latest audio codes like Qualcomm's HD aptX. They also come with magnetic shields that can be interchanged and have customizable color options so you can give them a unique look to match your outfit or promote your business.

The S-80 is a nice change from the M-Series but they have a few flaws that make them unsuitable for everyone. The 12.5 pounds of weight makes them feel heavy, particularly when worn on the ears. This puts pressure on your ears, which can cause earache after approximately an hour of use. The headband can also be quite stiff and may be uncomfortable when wearing the headphones around your neck.

Another problem is the S-80's poor noise cancellation. Even at moderate volumes, you can hear background noise. It's not a deal-breaker however the absence of ANC means that you'll likely want to limit the amount of time you listen to music to around 20 hours per charge.

The S-80 lacks a 3.5mm connector, which limits connectivity and may hinder its use for intense physical exercise. They don't fold and don't come with a case, which limits portability and stowability. The S-80's rugged design and outstanding sound quality counterbalance the limitations. The Immortal Life Program guarantees a new pair of headphones for 50% off of the retail price in case they break, suffer a scratch, or lose their value.